Do I really need to add 20lbs or so

[Jay Cohen]

Mark;

I was on SS for about 9 months, went from 155 to 170ish, strength definitely improved. I've been on the Texas program since Feb, really enjoy it's programing as it works well for recovery mid week and heavy PR Friday really gets it on.

My current 1 RM are:

Deads 350
Squat 250
Bench 205
Press 145

My long term goal(6-12 months) is:

1 x BW Press
1.5 x BW Bench
2 x BW Squat
2.5 BW Dead

I know there are light weight guys out there, sub 175 that can crush these numbers. I'm at 173ish and understand real well that I have to gain weight to increase these lift numbers, but I'm also 56.

Question is, if I work my ass off, follow the program, by adding 15/20lbs of muscle/fat, be realistic, or should I work harder and try to hit these numbers without going into the 190's. I have no problem getting bigger, but when I bump into a strong as hell 160lb'r who is beating those numbers, I'll think that I'm a fat lazy slob that is just using the "lift more weight to eat more food" excuse.

Any wise input will be appreciated, does not even have to be wise.

Thanks very much.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I see absolutely no reason that you should not explore the effects of adding some bodyweight. If you don't like it, you know how to get it off, and it might allow your levers to develop to the point that your lifting improves beyond what you thought it could. I mean really, why not?

[Jay Cohen]

Thanks Mark.
I'll post progress in a few months.

[jacob cloud]

Jay, just imagine the extra amount of meat that this will allow you to now eat.

Also, to make you feel better, you will most certainly be creeping up on the magical 200/300/400/500 numbers well before me, and I'm heavier, younger, and stoopider. Hit those numbers under 200 BW, in your mid 50's, and you are officially a badass, the type of badass relatively strong, young 165'ers will envy. And you cook better 'que than them.

[Jay Cohen]

Jay, just imagine the extra amount of meat that this will allow you to now eat.

Also, to make you feel better, you will most certainly be creeping up on the magical 200/300/400/500 numbers well before me, and I'm heavier, younger, and stoopider. Hit those numbers under 200 BW, in your mid 50's, and you are officially a badass, the type of badass relatively strong, young 165'ers will envy. And you cook better 'que than them.

Thanks Jacob, got a smile going as I type.

Ya, going to up calories about 500 per day, look to go from 173ish to 185 over then next two months, see how I'm feeling under the bar.

Watching the vid of the 50ish guy banging 400 plus(squat/DL) gave me a hard one. Now I just have to cope with buying some bigger jeans at some point.

[rtzptut]

I vote for weight gain too Jay, you are too skinny. Then your "lucky" jeans will not have such a gunnysack like appearance . Gotta love a beefy lifter and I don't mean what comes out of your smoker. Leave the skin on your chicken, more ribs, yummy crusty barbequed fat and all - should be easy for you. Good luck.