Rygamer's training log

[rygamer]

First off this is an awesome forum. I started lifting in February 2013, but I knew I really didn't have a good game plan, and I was fundamentally weak all over. I first started with stronglifts in Feb 2013 then had a hip injury (piriformis) at the end of March 2013. I then switched over to SS 4/27 after buying the book. I've have not yet put power cleans into my program. Partly because I was worried about reinjury, but will incorporate soon. I also love to play basketball and martial arts, so I am interested how this new acquired strength translates over to these activities. I plan on uploading a couple of vids of my form for critique.

Personal Specs:
Age: 37
Body Weight: 173
Body Fat %: 20 - 25
Height: 5'6

Starting work weights on Feb 11 2013:
Squat: 70
Bench Bench: 70
OH Press: 45
Deadlift: 90
Barbell Row: 65

*updated* Current work weights on July 21 2013:
Squat: 230 x 3 x 5
Bench Press: 175x 3 x 5
OH Press: 125x 3 x 5
Deadlift: 260x 1 x 5
Pullups: BW x 3 x 8 (in replace of Power Clean)

Current Injuries:
I've been dealing with minor piriformis muscle tightness on and off since March. This causes some sciatic type pain around my hip. After my long break of 1.5 months it got much better. Now it acts up slightly, but I am very careful and I am currently doing stretches and rolling of the glutes a lot.

Updated Goals for 2013
Squat: 300
Deadlift: 350
Bench: 200
Press: 145

[rygamer]

A video of me squatting 195.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUQ2...e_gdata_player

Please, I would like to hear your critique. Thanks.

[rygamer]

Today is the first day I attempt 200 squat. yesss. Still in need of a squat form check. Help a brother out.

[rygamer]

Workset:
Squat 200x3x5
Bench press 155x3x5
Deadlift 205x1x5

Everything getting tougher. Grip felt weak on deadlift.

[rygamer]

After yesterday's workout, my slight discomfort in my hip has lessened considerably. Not sure what fixed it. I was really trying to force my knees out hard this time around when squatting, not sure if this had anything to do with it. I haven't felt this good after a tough workout since my first couple of weeks. Hopefully it stays like this, i've been dealing with this hip discomfort for a couple of weeks now.

[rygamer]

Sat Jun 1 2013

Workset:
Squat 205x3x5
Press 105x3x5
Pullups BWx1x10
BWx1x8
BWx1x6
Total workout time: 1hr 20min.

Moved friday's workout to Saturday. It was a good move, I felt more refreshed today. I also took creatine for the first time ever. Pre and Post workout. The weights are definitely getting tougher. I started to mess around with power cleans with just the bar after doing pullups. Movement feels pretty awkward. Might practice movements tomorrow. Got terrible sleep the last couple of days. I am going to try to lift no later than 9p. I really want to stick with M W F routine.

Link of video of 2nd 3rd set of squat: http://startingstrength.com/resource...839#post682839

[rygamer]

It's as if my pain has moved from one spot in my hip to another. I can feel my nerve very slightly behind right leg. Today will b interesting.

[rygamer]

Monday June 3 2013

Workset:

Squat 210x3x5
Bench Press 160x3x5
DeadLift 215x3x5

Total training time: 1hr 30

I had a terrible headache and some soreness in right butt/hip area again. I took 400 mg advil, soreness went away but headache persistented. I got to a late start again, didn't start training until 10p. I also took my pre and post creatine. I angled my feet out just a little bit more, it felt more natural getting my knees out after making this slight adjustment.

Overall I felt very good. All of the lifts are getting more difficult for me. I had to take at least 5-8 minute rest time between worksets during squats and bench. My last set of squats and bench press felt especially difficult. I really need to get better sleep.

45 degrees from rear 210 lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrOF...e_gdata_player

Side view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olEA...e_gdata_player

[rygamer]

Wed Jun 5 2013

Workset:
Squat 215x3x5
Press 110x3x5
Pullups BWx1x7
BWx1x6
BWx1x5

Total workout time: 1hr 20min.

Injuries/Pain: On my last set of squats I felt a slight pain in my hip. Different than my other hip injuries. This morning it wasn't bothering be at all. Hopefully this doesn't effect my next training session.

I believe i'm getting close to stalling for both Squat and Press. The last set for these exercises were very tough. I plan on reviewing chapters again in my SS book. I'm also considering buying a belt soon.

During the squat it felt like the weight was coming up over my toes when driving up. I also was getting a little light headed when i was unracking the weight during my squats. This was also a little scary. I was able to shake it off. I 'll have to research this.

During the press, I didn't feel like I had very good balance. I was teetering on my heels at least twice during my sets. That was a little scary.

By the time I got to my pullups I was pretty wiped out. I also didn't rest alot between sets, which probably contributed to me not doing as many reps as last pullup session.

I was having some headaches a couple of days ago, it might be the creatine so I'm just taking it pre workout.

Still haven't done any power cleans yet. Need to read that chapter soon.

squat side view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHM9...e_gdata_player

squat 45 Deg rear view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5dx...e_gdata_player

[rygamer]

Friday June 7 2013

Workset:

Squat 220x3x5
Bench Press 165x3x5
DeadLift 225x3x5

Total training time: 2 hr

squat : http://youtu.be/FOBuxwpYIAo
deadlift : http://youtu.be/-8OTH9awNq0

Good workout no complaints. Final set for both Squat, Bench and Deadlift were pretty tough. I took extra time in between sets and I think this really helped. This workout felt easier than last. Ate a lot leading up to workout. Not sure if i'm butt winking too much either on my squats. Also, looks like i'm not finishing my deadlift %100 locked out at the hips. My grip seems to be the weak link right now. Considering wrist straps and belt soon. I took creatine pre training and did not experience any headaches. I am not taking creatine on non training days or post training.