Samuel32

Hello what would be the best course of action for me to get in conditioning shape for college football?

I have been doing starting strength for a few years. I weigh 295 pounds and am 6ft 1. My squat is at 465 for 1x5 and bench at 295 for 1x5. I am strong but my breathing and conditioning is very poor. What do you suggest I do?

Mark Rippetoe

How did you get on a college football team without being conditioned?

Samuel32

I am being recruited and joining in the spring for team activities. Strength is there.. trying to get in cardiovascular shape before I show up

Jdcuth

I think the usual advice for sports conditioning is to play the sport. But with contact sports getting at least a bit conditioned first is probably a good idea. If you are playing badminton and blowing out of your ass nothing can really go wrong. But if you’re a gasping sloppy mess on the football field you’re more likely to put yourself in a position where someone annihilates you. Find a sensible progressive conditioning program for 3-4 weeks using sprints to get a bit in shape pre season.

Mark Rippetoe

The Prowler is the best conditioning device I know of.

David Masini

I've been following you for a lot of years and recently I really appreciate your videos on the SS channel.

I am interested in how you train the coo..re.. (maybe others O were needed?). Just kiddin'.

Seriously, I'd like to know how did you change your training along with the years. I'm just curious but I guess that would serve as an example for all of us who, like me, are trying to find the right dose of training in our busy lives. Strength training has been a fundamental part of my life for years and I hope I'll be able to train in the future but lately I'm struggling to find the right amount of training to get stronger. I've bought the BB Prescription by the way.

Mark Rippetoe

Training for "People of Age" depends on your injury history as much as anything. If you're healthy, you titrate your load up to tolerance just like anybody else. If you've got lots of joint issues, chronic pain will limit your volume tolerance at least as much as your age will. In general, do the least amount you can to get the training effect you want. IOW, if you get cocky one day and think, "That felt pretty good, I think I'll do another set," don't do the extra set. Save it for the next workout, where it might come in handy.