(NB: Introductory format plagiarized (no, plagiarized) shamelessly from readytheharpoon's stellar Starting Strength training log.)
Me. A 44-year old desk worker who avoided gyms largely due to the circular logic of having skinny arms.
My physical starting stats.
- 5'9" tall
- 177# starting weight
Why do I train.
- Hate being weak.
- Want to be physically capable for as long as possible.
- Strength always appealed to me more than cardio.
My training history.
- LOL
- Did about 6 weeks of Starting Strength in 2016 before a few months of work/personal travel nuked my habit. I just never went back.
The pandemic.
Commence my Novice Linear Progression.
Yes, those press numbers are atrocious. A part of that is due to a deformed elbow (congenital dislocation of the radial head) which is missing about 30 degrees of extension (i.e., cannot straighten out by about 30 degrees). Grew up with a fear of hurting it with weights, but eventually decided it's worth the risk if I'm careful and keep a close watch on it. I can always titrate the progression if it becomes a fear, particularly for the deadlift. So far it hasn't.