First off this is an awesome forum. I started lifting in February 2013, but I knew I really didn't have a good game plan, and I was fundamentally weak all over. I first started with stronglifts in Feb 2013 then had a hip injury (piriformis) at the end of March 2013. I then switched over to SS 4/27 after buying the book. I've have not yet put power cleans into my program. Partly because I was worried about reinjury, but will incorporate soon. I also love to play basketball and martial arts, so I am interested how this new acquired strength translates over to these activities. I plan on uploading a couple of vids of my form for critique.
Personal Specs:
Age: 37
Body Weight: 173
Body Fat %: 20 - 25
Height: 5'6
Starting work weights on Feb 11 2013:
Squat: 70
Bench Bench: 70
OH Press: 45
Deadlift: 90
Barbell Row: 65
*updated* Current work weights on July 21 2013:
Squat: 230 x 3 x 5
Bench Press: 175x 3 x 5
OH Press: 125x 3 x 5
Deadlift: 260x 1 x 5
Pullups: BW x 3 x 8 (in replace of Power Clean)
Current Injuries:
I've been dealing with minor piriformis muscle tightness on and off since March. This causes some sciatic type pain around my hip. After my long break of 1.5 months it got much better. Now it acts up slightly, but I am very careful and I am currently doing stretches and rolling of the glutes a lot.
Everything getting tougher. Grip felt weak on deadlift.
05-29-2013, 11:15 PM
rygamer
After yesterday's workout, my slight discomfort in my hip has lessened considerably. Not sure what fixed it. I was really trying to force my knees out hard this time around when squatting, not sure if this had anything to do with it. I haven't felt this good after a tough workout since my first couple of weeks. Hopefully it stays like this, i've been dealing with this hip discomfort for a couple of weeks now.
Moved friday's workout to Saturday. It was a good move, I felt more refreshed today. I also took creatine for the first time ever. Pre and Post workout. The weights are definitely getting tougher. I started to mess around with power cleans with just the bar after doing pullups. Movement feels pretty awkward. Might practice movements tomorrow. Got terrible sleep the last couple of days. I am going to try to lift no later than 9p. I really want to stick with M W F routine.
I had a terrible headache and some soreness in right butt/hip area again. I took 400 mg advil, soreness went away but headache persistented. I got to a late start again, didn't start training until 10p. I also took my pre and post creatine. I angled my feet out just a little bit more, it felt more natural getting my knees out after making this slight adjustment.
Overall I felt very good. All of the lifts are getting more difficult for me. I had to take at least 5-8 minute rest time between worksets during squats and bench. My last set of squats and bench press felt especially difficult. I really need to get better sleep.
Injuries/Pain: On my last set of squats I felt a slight pain in my hip. Different than my other hip injuries. This morning it wasn't bothering be at all. Hopefully this doesn't effect my next training session.
I believe i'm getting close to stalling for both Squat and Press. The last set for these exercises were very tough. I plan on reviewing chapters again in my SS book. I'm also considering buying a belt soon.
During the squat it felt like the weight was coming up over my toes when driving up. I also was getting a little light headed when i was unracking the weight during my squats. This was also a little scary. I was able to shake it off. I 'll have to research this.
During the press, I didn't feel like I had very good balance. I was teetering on my heels at least twice during my sets. That was a little scary.
By the time I got to my pullups I was pretty wiped out. I also didn't rest alot between sets, which probably contributed to me not doing as many reps as last pullup session.
I was having some headaches a couple of days ago, it might be the creatine so I'm just taking it pre workout.
Still haven't done any power cleans yet. Need to read that chapter soon.
Good workout no complaints. Final set for both Squat, Bench and Deadlift were pretty tough. I took extra time in between sets and I think this really helped. This workout felt easier than last. Ate a lot leading up to workout. Not sure if i'm butt winking too much either on my squats. Also, looks like i'm not finishing my deadlift %100 locked out at the hips. My grip seems to be the weak link right now. Considering wrist straps and belt soon. I took creatine pre training and did not experience any headaches. I am not taking creatine on non training days or post training.