From Hammock to Barbell

[hammock23]

Hey guys, figured this would be a great place to transfer my training log to. Also an opportunity to see how a vegetarian progresses in Starting Strength. I started SS mid-december of 2012, but ended up missing two full weeks since then due to Xmas and a sickness. This has put me a little behind, but I'm beginning to catch up.


25 years old, 5'8", began at 172lbs. I'd been working out and practicing the lifts for a few weeks before this, so not all of my noob gains are reflected in these numbers.


M 12/19 Squat: 155, Bench 125, DL 195

W 12/21 Squat 165, Press 85, PC 85

F 12/23 Squat 175 Bench 130, DL 210


12/24-12/28 Out of town for Xmas, no gym access


Week 3

M 12/31 Squat: 175, Bench 130, DL 210 (completed last successful session)

W 1/2 Squat 185, Press 95, PC 95

F 1/4 Squat 195, Bench, 135 DL 225



Week Four

M 1/7 Squat 205, Press 100, PC 105

W 1/9 Squat: 215 (Fail on 4th rep of second set), Bench 140 (failed on 5th rep of 3rd set) DL 235


F 1/11 Backpacking trip in Linville Gorge through Sunday


Week 5:

M 1/14 Sick from backpacking trip

W 1/16 Sick

F 1/18 Sick

Week 6:

M 1/21 Squat 205, Press 100, PC 105 (completed last successful session)

W 1/23 Squat 215(fail), Bench, 140, DL 235

F 1/25 Squat 215 (fail), Press 105 (failed on 5th rep of last set), PC 115

Week 7:

M 1/28Squat 210, Bench 145, DL 255,

W 1/30 Squat 215, Press 105, PC 120

F 2/1 Squat 220, Bench 150, DL 270

Current weight 176 (4+)

Noticed a decrease in body fat since beginning the workout.

[hammock23]

My grip was becoming a huge problem on Deadlifts. I could tell the rest of my muscles were ready for more weight, while my grip was not. My gym doesn't allow chalk, so I tried this product called "Liquid Grip" that was a HUGE help. Between that and switching to the mixed-grip on my last couple of reps, I easily added 15 lbs to the next workout. I'm going to add another 15 lbs next week, and I'm confident I should be able to complete it.


I was having some trouble on my bench press, but easily completed my reps with 150 after correcting these issues.

[hammock23]

M 2/4 Squat 225, Press 110(3) 105(5) 105(3), PC 135 (missed 3rd rep on 5th set)

First time utilizing Rip's updated technique on the Press, and had trouble even with 105: the weight I completed 3x5 with last time.

Corrected my form on the Squat, putting the bar significantly lower on my back. This, combined with the knock-off Chuck Taylors I bought from Walmart made a helluva difference. Squats were still difficult, but I felt much more stable, and felt like I had more power.

I made a 15lb jump on PCs so I could get utilize the correct starting position from the Deadlift. This helped a lot, even though I was using heavier weights. I finished my first 4 sets no problem, the last one was a struggle. I got the first two reps, but just couldn't get the last one high enough. Last exercise of the day, and I was wiped out.

[hammock23]

W 2/6 Squat 230, Bench 155 (5, 5, 4), DL 285

Switching from the high-bar squat to the low-bar squat makes lifting these heavy weights a lot easier. I feel like my form's improved a whole lot. The low-bar squat has been giving me a lot of pain in my left elbow, making it tough to do the bench press. Hopefully this pain will go away over time. This was the first set where I really struggled on the Deadlift. Looks like my days of adding 15 lbs are over. I could barely finish my 5th rep. I'm probably just going to add 5 lbs to my next workout just to be in the safe side.

[hammock23]

F 2/8 Squat 235

Been dealing with terrible elbow pain after squatting. This was the worst it's been, and made it impossible for me to even consider attempting the press (driving home was enough of a challenge). This is terribly frustrating. I'm hoping that I can solve this problem with some shoulder dislocations. Otherwise I may have to switch back to the high-bar squat.

[51M0n]

Shoulder dislocations probably aren't the answer. The likely culprit is a bad grip on the bar with the wrists cocked instead of being straight. Their is a video of Rip showing the correct grip that you shoud watch.

[51M0n]

http://startingstrength.com/index.ph...t_bar_position

[hammock23]

Thanks. I'd watched the video previously, but I needed to see that again.

[hammock23]

M 2/11 DL: 290, Bench: 155

Elbow had been feeling a lot better after a weekend's rest. Figured I was ready for bench press: wrong. Barely finished my reps, and ended with the terrible throbbing pain returning to my left elbow. Not as bad as last Friday, but still pretty shitty.

Looks like I'm going to have to take a full week or so from lifting to allow my elbow to fully heal. I might try to go on a cut, and start a week of intense cardio. Whatever I do, I need to take this elbow injury more seriously, and give it a real break.

[hammock23]

W 2/13 Press: 105, Rows: 115, Deadlift 300, Chins 7,5,4


Per Rip's advice, I worked through the pain, but still didn't attempt the low-bar squat. Decided to Deadlift again to make sure I got a lot out of my workout. Felt great pulling 300 3x5. This was actually an easier set than the last two.

Hadn't completed a press workout in 9 days, so I pressed the last weight that I successfully completed.

Until I can effectively get into the rack position, I'm going to substitute Pendlay rows for Power Cleans