Newb getting ready for day 1 on SS

[MikeDub]

Hey Mark,

I posted a thread a while back that was never approved. Since I'm new I'm not sure if you've got a ton to read through and are catching up from being out of town, or maybe you didn't feel my thread was appropriate here, so I'm sorry if this is doubling up.

Anyways, I'm almost ready to start day 1; found a nearby gym with a power rack, bought shoes, bought chalk, etc. Now I just need to finish reading I asked the person running the gym if they were familiar with SS when I was calling to ask about their equipment, but unfortunately they weren't. I haven't stepped foot in a gym for a few years now, but I have stayed active through tennis, baseball/softball, basketball, etc. I've always been a big guy proportionately, but always felt my upper body strength was lacking at the same time, which led me here. I'm 6'3", ~250 lbs, and have a bit of a weak shoulder after a couple decades of the above sports without the proper strength level. My right ankle also has 5 screws and a plate, and I could feel it's affect (made it hard to keep my foot flat) as I was practicing the squat form in my living room.

Long story short, I'd feel a lot more comfortable going through my initial workouts with some help from a coach/trainer who knows your program and can see my weaknesses. I'm in San Antonio, and if you could recommend someone, or recommend a way to look for someone (some googling led me to crossfit, but I don't think that's what I want right now, or is it?) I'd really appreciate it.

[Mark Rippetoe]

When do you intend to be all-the-way ready to start?

[justinbass]

Just got in there and do it.

No more excuses.

[MikeDub]

Within the next two weeks, probably closer to next week depending on how much reading I can get done. I've read through the injury wiki and saw the video on the shoulder rehab excercises, so I was just going to go ahead and start doing those until I finished the book if I hadn't heard from you.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Well, okay.

[TerriblyUsefulBlockOfWood]

Dude, you are only 384 miles from Wichita Falls Athletic Club. I don't know what that is in Texas miles? A hop and a skip? Bring herring.

[Dave M]

Another resource is the Crossfit forums. They have a Digital Coaching section where people will be happy to critique your form, allowing you to stop bugging Rip. Their word will not be gospel when it comes to lifting, the way His advice is, but there are definitely some competent people hanging out. So, start the program, start light, post videos of your lifts as they progress, and nail the form down in the first week or two.

[trip]

Quit reading and start lifting. This is not a process where you learn everything then do, you will always be learning - but only if you get started. You are going to start with light weights anyway, so get going. Do some lifting and read some more, post some videos for critique and then lift some more.

[MikeDub]

Ahh, I see the game here. Thanks for the help.