Jay Martin's Log

[james.martin7]

I'm here to document my SS progress and to learn from the SS community. Thank you for sharing your hard earned experience with me, someone new to the weight room.

Age: 41
Body Weight: 135
Body Fat: Appx. 7%

Chest: 38"
Upper thigh: 21"
Lower thigh: 17"
calves: 14"
forearm: 10"
waist: 33"
biceps: 12"
Height Total: 69" (5' 9")
Height from floor to waist: 40"
Height from waist to top of head: 29"

I've watched the Starting Strength DVD multiple times, and am now diving into the book. I also have Practical Programming and have read the Novice section of it.

My goal with Starting Strength is to learn the basic barbell lifts thoroughly in order to get as strong as possible, as safely as possible, and to build a foundation of knowledge and experience that will benefit many future years in the weight room. The over-arching goal that Starting Strength fits into in my life is C-O-N-S-I-S-T-E-N-C-Y. Slow and steady will win the race for me. I prefer steady gains over injuries, pain and frustration.

I'm seeking advice from experienced members regarding my form and technique. If I can finish my first few months of SS by being complimented on great form, then I will consider this venture a success. Thanks everyone for helping me along this path! I'm confident I'm in the right place an will achieve my goal, with your help.

My progress will follow.

Happy Lifting!

[james.martin7]

10/3/2011
Body Weight: 135
Workout A

Squat:
45x5x2
65x5
85x5
105x5
125x5
120x5

Press:
45x5
55x5x2
65x5x3

Deadlift:
95x5
115x5
155x5

Good first day. Felt great knowing what I was supposed to do.

[james.martin7]

10/5/2011
Body Weight 135
Workout B

Squat
45x5x2
50x5
75x3
100x2
125x5x3 (Only went up 5 lbs. to reinforce good form of Day 1)

Bench Press
45x5x2
65x5
95x5
115x5x1
110x5x2

Deadlift
60x5x2
95x3
135x2
165x5x1 (Only went up 10 to reinforce good form of Day 1)

Overall, felt good. I was suprised that I wasn't sore from Day 1, but attribute that to 3 weeks of performing Get Ready routine from Huge in a Hurry. Also, I got lots of sleep and food in between.

[james.martin7]

10/7/2011
Body Weight 135.6
Workout A

Squat:
45x5x2
60x5
80x3
105x2
135x5x3 (+10)

Press:
Light Bar x5x3 (To practice timing of breath)
45x3
60x5
70x5x3 (+5)

Deadlift:
70x5x2
105x3
150x2
180x5x1 (+15)

Today is the first day I starting increasing the weight by the recommended increments (Squat: 10, Press: 5, Deadlift: 15). I must have the weight close to ideal as the last rep of the last set requires 100% effort. The form on the last reps is showing signs of inefficiencies, but not back flexion or anything scary bad. I will take some video next week to seek advice. Reading book for more detailed information as well. I'm sleeping like a baby, and more alert in the morning than I have been in years. My nervous system is waking up from dormancy. Already, I feel STRONG.

[james.martin7]

10/10/2011
Body Weight: 137
Workout B

Squat:
45x5x2
55x5
85x3
115x2
145x5x3 (+10)

Bench Press:
45x5x2
60x5
80x3
95x2
115x5x3 (+5)

Deadlift:
95x5x2
115x3
165x2
195x5x1 (+15)

I'm hooked! The feeling of lifting heavy weights is awesome. The last rep of my Squat took everything I had. I moved forward a bit on the way up. On last rep of my Deadlift, my right leg was shaking some, but I was committed the motion and got it done. Thanks for reading my log!

[Nrhanson]

How come you are Deadlifting every workout? Haven't seen that scheme and honestly that's going to be super draining on your CNS. No cleans? Or maybe Pullups?

[james.martin7]

How come you are Deadlifting every workout? Haven't seen that scheme and honestly that's going to be super draining on your CNS. No cleans? Or maybe Pullups?

In Practical Programming, the chapter on novice programming suggests that newbies take advantage of quick gains in Deadlift strength by doing Deadlifts every workout for the first couple weeks. On page 105, "For a rank novice, the simplest of workouts is in order. this short program can be followed for the first few workouts:

A B
Squat Squat
Press Bench Press
Deadlift Deadlift

The two workouts alternate across the Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule for the first couple weeks, until the freshness of the deadlift has worn off a little and after the quick initial gains establish the deadlift well ahead of the squat. At this point the power clean is introduced..."

That is not to say that I don't appreciate your suggestion because, for me now, the freshness of the deadlift has worn off and I am feeling the effect of that on my general energy level, which is usually very high but has tapered these last couple days. I will be adding in the power clean and perhaps increasing my deadlift by only 10 pounds per deadlift workout. As my next post will show, my last deadlift rep was not a pretty picture, but I did get it done at 210 pounds.

Shortly thereafter, I will most likely add the suggested chinup/pullups and back extensions.

Thanks for your comments Nrhanson!

[devilbones]

Nice log Jay. Looks like you are well on your way. Good luck.

[Nrhanson]

I totally missed that. Sounds like a great plan. Keep up the good work.

BTW if you don't have experience with cleans I highly recommend them. They are by far my favorite. Chins and Pullups are great as well.

Nick

[james.martin7]

Nice log Jay. Looks like you are well on your way. Good luck.

Thanks for the encouragement!