Looking Forward to Learning

[AbsoluteTom]

I started strength training a year ago. I used a routine from a Title Boxing DVD, and built a gym in my basement. While the Title Boxing DVD was good, I had questions about proper technique and found StrongLifts. Mehdi's blog posts were the most helpful things I could find. The more I read, the more interested I became in StrongLifts 5x5. I switched over two months ago and am very happy with my progress.

Besides lifting, I enjoy racing and am training for the ToughGuy Race (http://www.toughguy.co.uk) in England. This event requires strength and endurance. I hope to meet others on the forum with similar interests and experience. I am still a beginner and have much to learn.

[treunlneiss]

I agree this is a fantastic website. Mehdi explains everything you could possibly want to know if you spend enough time looking in the forums or on the best of pages. I also agree with you in the being a beginner category because I just restarted lifting and relearning how to do the lifts the correct way is such a pain in the glutes. Especially with squats. The hardest lifts for me form wise are OH press and Pendlay rows. Strength wise I'm probably weakest at pull ups and chins and then dips then bench. You will definitely meet guys ( and even a few women) who have very similar goals, interests and experiences here on the forums. Thats why they are here. If you didn't start a training log yet start one they are very useful tools for getting you motivated.

[Rob_M.]

The ToughGuy looks bloody brilliant!! Not sure I'd be fit enough to enter the next one in Jan, but I'd definitely be up for doing that at some time in the future with a few mates. Good job on switching to the SL5x5, keep up the good work!

[AbsoluteTom]

I agree this is a fantastic website. Mehdi explains everything you could possibly want to know if you spend enough time looking in the forums or on the best of pages. I also agree with you in the being a beginner category because I just restarted lifting and relearning how to do the lifts the correct way is such a pain in the glutes. Especially with squats. The hardest lifts for me form wise are OH press and Pendlay rows. Strength wise I'm probably weakest at pull ups and chins and then dips then bench. You will definitely meet guys ( and even a few women) who have very similar goals, interests and experiences here on the forums. Thats why they are here. If you didn't start a training log yet start one they are very useful tools for getting you motivated.

Hey treunlneiss,
I will be starting a training log this week. The input people get using the logs here at SL looks really great. I have been using a composition book for the past year and it has played a huge role in my progress. I wish I could post it all here, but there is too much.

I was surprised at how much stronger (or perhaps easier) my lifts became when I started learning correct technique. Rippetoe's 'Starting Strength' was very helpful.

[AbsoluteTom]

The ToughGuy looks bloody brilliant!! Not sure I'd be fit enough to enter the next one in Jan, but I'd definitely be up for doing that at some time in the future with a few mates. Good job on switching to the SL5x5, keep up the good work!

Hey Rob,
I stumbled across ToughGuy online last February. I was out of shape, had never raced before, and have to cross an ocean to get there. But I was hell for leather at first sight.

Now I am closing in on squating 1.5 x my BW and am competing in a half-marathon in a few weeks. It has been inspiring.