Appropriate starting weights?

[mjmachado]

Hey Coach,

I have recently read through SS Edition 3. It informed me of much form that I was unaware of. I did have one question about which weights to start at.

I have been lifting moderately for a few months, and my lifts are a little heavier than a complete novice as described in the book. I'm at a bodyweight of 165. I was curious as to whether I should bring the weight down and follow the program from the beginning, or start from where my lifts currently are? They are as follows for 3x5:

DL: 205#
Squat: 175#
Clean: 115#
Press: 95#
DB Bench: 45# each hand.

Should I begin at my current lifts, or scale them back to go through the SS program?

Help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

[Mark Rippetoe]

If you are doing these weights with the precise technique described in the book, and you are willing to eat as the book describes, start with these weights.