Squat Eat Sleep Repeat - Revisiting SS

[bigben4]

Age: 25
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 200-205

Best 1RMs
Squat - 350
Bench - 225
Deadlift - 405

This would be my 3rd time on Starting Strength, first time was cut short with a hip flexor injury, second time ended my squats at 295 as my elbow tendinitis didn't allow me to bench at all. I have my grip fixed to what works for me, and I'm about to pass most of my previous PRs. I actually had a log here back in 2012 but I couldn't find it.

Recovery has usually been my problem, always over-analyzing weight-gain and probably not eating enough for this program. This time around I'm not counting macros and just making sure to eat and sleep enough. Weigh-ins will be weekly instead of daily. Only my progress will tell me if I'm doing things right.

Last two workouts:
10/31/14

Squat
2x5x45
5x135
3x185
2x235
3x5x285

Squats felt heavy but good.

Bench
2x5x45
5x95
3x135
2x165
4x200
4x200
5x200

Didn't have a spotter for the first two sets, found one for the third set. Will hit 3x5 next week.

Pendlay Rows
5x45
5x95
5x155
5x155
8x155

Felt good, have been doing AMRAP on last set.

11/3/14

Squats
2x5x45
5x135
3x185
2x235
3x5x290

This was a PR for me as the last time I hit 3x5 for 290 I used a belt on the second and third set. Have not used the belt yet on this run.

Press
2x5x45
5x65
3x85
2x95
5x117.5
5x117.5
9x117.5

I have been micro loading and doing AMRAP on last set as I usually get stuck right around 135. Could be mental but I am trying this out to see if it has better results.

Chins
3x6

Ab Wheel
3x5

Good day in the gym, had a ton of energy. This momentum will keep me going into Wednesday's training.

[bigben4]

Wednesday - 11/5/14

Squats
2x5x45
5x135
3x185
2x235
3x5x295 PR

This felt heavy. Last reps of sets were grindy. Last rep of final set I came up on my toes a bit as the bar path went up too far forward.

Bench
2x5x45
5x95
3x135
2x165
5x200
5x200
4x200

So close on last set. Got a flu shot yesterday, shoulder was a little sore but not accepting that as an excuse. One more attempt left for Monday.

Deadlift
2x5x135
5x185
3x225
2x245
5x315

I was trying to hold out on using a belt until I hit sets of 315. Unsure if I will use it on Friday.

[bigben4]

Had to push Friday's session to today for a work event.

Saturday - 11/8/14

Squats
2x5x45
5x135
3x185
2x235
5x300 - no belt
2x5x300 - w/belt
http://youtu.be/c7VYDBjIz58

Press
2x5x45
5x65
3x85
2x95
2x5x120
8x120

Power Cleans
A lot of warm-ups
5x3x95

First time doing PC's, had fun. Will stay at this weight next time to nail the form. Harder than I thought to get the technique down.

[bigben4]

Monday - 11/10/14

Squats
2x5x45
5x135
3x185
2x235
4x305
2x5x305
1x305 - wanted to hit all 15

First working set was beltless, 4th rep was a big time grind and knew the 5th wouldn't go well. Had to throw on the belt for the next two sets. Will be using the belt on all working sets from now on.

Bench
2x5x45
5x95
3x135
2x165
3x5x200

So happy on this, long time goal on this one. 2 plates coming up.

Chins
3x6xBW

Back Extensions
3x10x10#

[bigben4]

Wednesday - 11/12/14

Squat
2x5x45
5x135
3x185
2x225
1x265
3x5x310

Press
2x5x45
5x65
3x85
2x105
3x5x125

Deadlift
5x135
5x185
3x225
2x275
5x325

[carson]

Welcome. Since this is your third attempt you have probably thought through many of the questions we might have but here goes anyway. DL: Why are you holding off using a belt? Do you do inverted grip? For Bench, do you have safety bars on the equipment so that even without a spotter you could do the BP with some degree of safety?

[bigben4]

Hi Carson,

I'm holding off on using the belt with my deadlifts since Ive hit 355 for 5 beltless before, so I'm just waiting until I think it will be useful. I usually use hook grip or double overhand on all my warm ups and as many as I can on my work set, usually 2 or 3 reps, then switch to mixed grip.

On bench, my gym doesn't have any power racks so no, no safety equipment on the bench. Rarely can I not find a spotter but it has happened before since I go late at night. There's always the roll of shame though.

[carson]

Ah, the advantages of youth. But seriously, the only lift that is really dangerous is the Bench press. Some have died because they lacked safety equipment. A spotter can rarely save a person because if a quick fail occurs a spotter cannot move fast enough and depending upon the weight cannot hold it. I know of at least three people who have died from having the bar fall on their throats. I know of several who have been injured. I do mean to scare you and with justification.

I admire your DL effort. At my age I don't expect to catch up to your efforts.

Stay alive.

[bigben4]

Sorry to hear about the people you knew getting hurt. Getting strong is high on my priorities, but I think living edges it out slightly. Thanks for the words of encouragement.

[bigben4]

Friday - 11/14/14

Squats
3x5x45
5x135
3x185
2x225
1x275
3x5x315 - three wheels!

Bench Press
2x5x45
5x95
3x135
2x175
4x202.5
5x202.5
5x202.5 - missed the 5th rep in the first set, think it was from a bad setup. Progress as usual.

Chins
3x6

Back Ext
3x10x10#