Barbell Loading

[TC Bivins]

Hello,

I've just finished reading Rip's books on starting and programming strength. Great read, wish I would've had it when I was 16! Ive decided I want to give his novice program a shot and work thru the levels, here's my question. How do I start with loading? Ive been lifting off and on for years, but Im not afraid to start from scratch and focus on technique and form. I've always gone off of testing for 1RM's in the core lifts then using percentages from there, but that doesnt seem to be the approach in his book. My concern is starting too light won't help me with the stress/recovery/adaptation method, but too heavy would screw me up right off the bat. Any inputs would be great, thanks.

TC

29 y/o
5'10
245

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Day 1 you work up to weights that are of a moderate difficulty for 3x5. Err on the side of too light than too heavy. Form should not break down at all. You have to be able to come back in 48-72 hours and do it again. Starting off too heavy will short-circuit long term progress. You probably don't need the bar, but starting with 135 is fine.