Time to deload?

[Stan B]

Hi there,

I started SS 5 weeks ago with excellent results (squat up from 55 kg to 79 kgs yesterday, for example).
Each session feels like I am lifting the max I can -- always tough but doable (and done).

BUT --

For the past 2 or 3 sessions, I think I started developing bad form for the last 1-2 reps of the last 2 sets. For example, my back goes a bit too horizontal during the squat hip drive. The bar does not stay exactly horizontal during the press or bench press.

Should I de-load a bit and re-start a LP from a lower weight, while focusing on "perfect" form?
OR stay at constant weight for 1 or 2 weeks and work on form?

I have already decided to reduce the weight increment between wrokouts -- from 2.5 kgs to 1kg.

Thanks --

[chrisd]

The First Three Questions | Mark Rippetoe

[Stan B]

I know. It does not answer the question.
I already mentioned that I am reducing the incremental weight. I do rest enough. I do eat enough. I do sleep enough.

[manveer]

Age, height, weight?

Video of the lifts you're concerned about?

[Adam Franklin]

This is a coaching issue vice a programming issue, IMO. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. It will always feel "heavy," and if your form was perfect, it wasn't heavy enough, especially on a novice LP! Seek coaching, either in person, SSOC, or online form check for cues to focus on to counter your specific form faults.

[autumnal]

I know very little, but a deload or reset at five weeks of novice sounds a bit premature?

[Stan B]

This is a coaching issue vice a programming issue, IMO. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. It will always feel "heavy," and if your form was perfect, it wasn't heavy enough, especially on a novice LP! Seek coaching, either in person, SSOC, or online form check for cues to focus on to counter your specific form faults.

Thanks --
I'll trust that form is not that bad that I need to de-load. I might go as far as trusting the coaches at my local gym for a form check (one of whom tried to "spot" me from behind, and one whom I've seen teaching a high-bar, narrow-stance squat to a newbie...).

[Stan B]

I know very little, but a deload or reset at five weeks of novice sounds a bit premature?

Yes ;o)
Without de-loading, I could just stop the increase for 2 -4 sessions and just work on form / technique.
As mentioned in another post, I will actually keep increasing the weight (though not as much as before) and make sure the form does not degenerate further.

[marcf]

Thanks --
I'll trust that form is not that bad that I need to de-load.

Maybe you should trust more experienced eyes and post videos in the SS coaches or technique forums.

[Leah Lutz]

Maybe you should trust more experienced eyes and post videos in the SS coaches or technique forums.

Yep, I think this is a good idea. This is early on in your LP and I would no suggest holding steady or stalling your progress unless you find out what's up with your technique.