I keep a training log on another site, but I'm going to start one here because I like the site. I really get a sense that it is a little community. I have a problem ever really feeling or getting personally involved in any sort of group, so I'll probably never actually be involved in it. I always feel like I'm standing outside of the circle, or that people think I'm standing outside of the circle for some reason. Oh well. My other log never gets any responses. I think it's because it's so incredibly dry. This one will be the same way - very very dry.
I've been training for close to three years recreationally, but I don't really feel like I knew what I was doing or where I was going until I read Practical Programming about six months ago. I had done good routines like Westside, and used good exercises, but I never really understood when I was supposed to add weight, or how much, or for how long. I just kind of crossed my fingers and hoped for improvement. I'm a big fan of Rippetoe because he explains why. After reading his stuff I feel like I know things not just becauae that's what some authority figure has said, but because I have an understanding.
I've made my best progress using the Madcow Starr's 5x5 and Rippetoe's Starting Strength. A few months ago I was trying to find my 5 rep max for squats, and I put 245 on the bar, went down and could not get back up. Although I had previously done 315, at that time, I really couldn't do 245. It's been like 2 months since then and I just squatted 380 on Friday. It was all Starting Strength.
I also recently competed in my first powerlifting competition. My lifts aren't competitive, but I just did it for fun, as a learning experience, and because I knew other people doing it. It was a deadlift and bench only meet. I did a 415 deadlift and benched 240. I was in the 181 raw division.
I'm finished with Starting Strength, and I'm about to start the 5x5 again. According to the spread sheet, I'm going to be strong as fuck in about 18 weeks.
My girlfriend also lifts. She also competed in the meet, at 114 raw. She pulled 285 and benched 125.
I've been training for close to three years recreationally, but I don't really feel like I knew what I was doing or where I was going until I read Practical Programming about six months ago. I had done good routines like Westside, and used good exercises, but I never really understood when I was supposed to add weight, or how much, or for how long. I just kind of crossed my fingers and hoped for improvement. I'm a big fan of Rippetoe because he explains why. After reading his stuff I feel like I know things not just becauae that's what some authority figure has said, but because I have an understanding.
I've made my best progress using the Madcow Starr's 5x5 and Rippetoe's Starting Strength. A few months ago I was trying to find my 5 rep max for squats, and I put 245 on the bar, went down and could not get back up. Although I had previously done 315, at that time, I really couldn't do 245. It's been like 2 months since then and I just squatted 380 on Friday. It was all Starting Strength.
I also recently competed in my first powerlifting competition. My lifts aren't competitive, but I just did it for fun, as a learning experience, and because I knew other people doing it. It was a deadlift and bench only meet. I did a 415 deadlift and benched 240. I was in the 181 raw division.
I'm finished with Starting Strength, and I'm about to start the 5x5 again. According to the spread sheet, I'm going to be strong as fuck in about 18 weeks.
My girlfriend also lifts. She also competed in the meet, at 114 raw. She pulled 285 and benched 125.