New to the program.

[madhopper]

Hello Rip,

I just wanted to say hello. I started your program this week. I have read PPII, SS, and studied your DVD. I did get myself a pair of the Rouges. 5" weightlifting shoes. I am 51 and 165 pounds and never lifted weights before.

My first try on the lifts were:

Squats 115lbs
Bench 135 lbs
Dead lift 140 lbs
Press 95 lbs

I will introduce the cleans in a couple of weeks.

My biggest surprise was that my squats were lighter than my bench. I thought it was form but I had a trainer on Wednesday check it and he said it was correct.

Once again thanks for the books and the program.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Many people start with a bench stronger than the squat. This corrects itself quickly since the jumps on the squat are bigger.