Yesterday I did my first 5x5 workout ever. I have always been around weights though. As I mentioned in my intro thread, I used to squat over 600lbs, but then I hurt my shoulder really bad and was not able to get into a gym for over 2 years. I basically quit all forms of physical activity. I was still a big SOB though, 350lbs of big.
A year ago I started working in a factory that requires a lot of heavy lifting. It really got me motivated again to try strength training again. In October I bought a gym membership and started lifting. A few weeks ago I was squatting close to 500lbs, but not with the full range of motion. I was also benching 350lbs, but without the full range. People are constantly asking if I am on steroids, if I play football, and how much I can lift. Even at work, everyone always asks me to move the heavy things, or refuses to work with me because I am so strong and fast with everything I do. I was/am strong, but something just didn't feel right.
I decided to do something different. That is when I found StrongLifts.
Like I said, yesterday was my first workout. I am doing barbell rows instead of inverted rows, but everything else is the same. I did 225lbs on bench and squat just to get a feel for it and to give me a starting platform. Bench was nothing for me since I already was doing 225lbs for 20 reps as my warm-up for my old workout. Squat on the other hand was different. I got the weight easily, but I went deeper than I ever have before. I did not go ATG, but I was either at or below parallel for all of the reps. My thighs/glutes are actually sore for the first time in years!
I will see how this program goes, but so far, it seems like this thing is going to be awesome for me. I have 7 months to gain as much strength as possible since in 7 months there is a local strongman competition that I am going to be competing in. I need to beat the current reigning champion. I have a grudge against him.
So realistically, what kind of gains do you think I could get from this program? If I do not stall (which I am sure I will), I could possibly be doing close to 650lbs for 5x5 on squat and over 430lbs on bench press. I have yet to do OHP (but I was doing 225lbs for 3-4 reps last set on my old program) and deadlift.
SitemapIndex
RSS Feed