Originally Posted by
Adam Gottstein
First off, welcome to the SS forum, and the start of a great path to increased strength. Regarding your 2 explicit questions:
I'm probably just not flexible enough to go as low as maybe is best?
I'm not sure legs feeling tight towards the bottom is a bad thing, and it's hard to tell what exactly is meant. It's doubtful that you are too inflexible to reach depth (the question I think you are asking), and only a video would really give us enough information to help you out. You can also review the common squat problems in the book to see if you need to make any adjustments.
Does this mean I need to back off the weight?
Yes, you started too high, and you should back the weight off. I'd go to at least 65lbs, and maybe even as low as 55lbs. You may be able to lift more, but I'd want to start off getting better on form with less than too heavy weight. As the weight on the bar goes up, you'll get stronger and move past the 85lbs soon enough.
Inferred questions:
1) Yes, you should have something to eat before heading to the gym in the morning. There are posts about early morning workouts with suggestions, and if I recall, some of them just make sure to eat big before bed so they are ready in the morning. Also make sure you are eating enough. Given your stats, you can definitely benefit in this program by getting up to about 200lbs over the next 12-16 weeks. Some will be fat, but you'll get muscle as well so you can get stronger.
2) Reread the book, and jump ahead to the section on Programming (page 291). The SSNLP program is not a 5x5 program, and I'm surprised using the app you would get that impression or be able to add in 5 working sets.
3) You are a bit in your head. Get in there and use the best form that you can. Without a coach, it will not be optimal and it will be something that you correct and adjust over time. You'd do the same with a coach, but with a good coach form issues will get caught and corrected sooner. As for going to a coach for an initial session with the lifts; if you are willing to pay for the coaching, then 2+ hours each way isn't too bad. It's a day trip, but not too bad.
One workout is great, and glad you're in there. Get in there consistently and add weight to the bar.