Scrawny male 45yo Newbie

[crgruver]

I've been 135lbs since 9th grade. I am now 44 years old, about turn 45. I've always been healthy despite living a musician's lifestyle, and have never been in a gym. Not once. I've never bench pressed, squatted, and until reading SSBBT had no clue what a deadlift or power clean was.

I made a resolution this New Years to get healthier and stronger and put on some pounds. I came across the SS book while reading a blog about how to gain weight - and have not looked back since.

I increased my daily caloric intake to 3500 cal, cut out fast food and most crappy food, and joined a gym. It's not an SS gym - there are none of those in New Orleans - but they were cool with me following the SS program and are teaching me how to do the fundamental barbell lifts.

My weight goal was to gain 35 pounds in a year, but the trainer at the gym told me I should be able to do that in the first six months, so this is my SS log...

Day 1: First bench presses and squats. ever.
bench press 45/10 65/10 85/10x2
squats 45/10x2

[Charlie Davies]

Welcome aboard! You are about where I was 4 years ago. My log is on this site "cwd's log" if you want to compare your progress to mine (i hope you do better).

[carson]

10? Do you mean 5 X 2. I know of no sets in SS that are 10. Pretty good starting point for the Bench. You may wish to record your lifts. If you can get to a coach in Texas or consult with a coach on the forum I'm certain they could help you a great deal. Welcome.

[crgruver]

Thank you. It was actually 10reps - the trainer thought it would be good for me to get used to the movements doing 10. After my next session learning deadlifts and presses I'll start the actually SS programming. I'll definitely consult a coach on here once I get more accustomed to what I'm doing - thanks so much for your feedback!

[crgruver]

!

[crgruver]

Thank you. I'll definitely take a look...

[crgruver]

3/18 workout
Squat 45x5x2 55x5x2 65x5x3
Bench 45x5x2 55x5x2 65x5x2 75x5x3

The trainer missed my session due to his car breaking down so I still haven't learned the deadlift or press.

[crgruver]

Fri 3/20/15 Day 3
Bench 45x5x2 55x5x2 65x5x2 80x5x3

Gym was so crowded I couldn't even get close to the rack for squatting, trainer was not there again to teach me deadlifts and presses.

[crgruver]

Mon 3/23/15 Day 4
Bench 45x5x2 55x5x2 70x5x2 85x5x3
Squat 45x5x2 55x5x2 65x5x2 75x5x3

Again, trainer was not available to teach me deadlifts and presses, will try for Wednesday.

[carson]

What is your height? Do you have the book? Have you reviewed the teaching videos on this website? You might be able to learn the lifts by reading and watching. I gather you do not pay the trainer which would explain why he doesn't show up. I hope you can find some help from a certified SS coach.