One year of SL

[bobu]

I'm just past my one year anniversary with Stronglifts 5x5. There have been ups and downs . Mostly ups. I've met or exceeded several of my goals. Weight 185#, blood pressure 117/76 waist 34", Squats 310# 5x5. I missed on bench press 165#, Deadlift 335#, I wanted 185# and 360# but I'm happy with what I accomplished. Not satisfied just happy.

I stayed with 5x5 until just a few weeks ago and now I've dropped down to 3x5. In deference to my age and ability to recover I switched to a schedule of two days rest between sessions some time ago. Although I consider myself still on the beginners program I've tweaked it a little the last few months. When I increase my PR on squats and deadlift by 20# I take a week off and automatically deload by 20%. I'll probably continue that until I can no longer regularly produce new PRs.

My only disappointment is that my spare tire hasn't gone away, but that is solely a result of my diet. One of my reasons to start SL was to find a way to keep a healthy weight without giving up the foods I like. I'm continuing to tweak my diet but at this time I'm still not ready to give up my "junk" foods.

All in all this has been a great experience and I'm not planning on giving it up any time soon.

New goals 375# squat, 400# deadlift,185#bench ,130# op, 32" waist within the next 12 months.

Thanks Mehdi for a great program and site.

[markg]

Congrats bobu. You must be very proud of yourself for sticking with it for this long. It is quite addictive though isn't it?

Keep it up fella.

[muddy]

That's excellent -- well done! The "6 months/1 year/... later" posts are very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[Barry06GT]

Happy Anniversary Bobu!

Bobu is proof that the StrongLifts program works.

There has to be some set backs, otherwise you add 60 pounds per month to your squats, which is 720 pounds per year. without *any* setbacks, some poor 120 pound man or woman would be squatting 10 times their bodyweight...

Best of luck and the program Bobu, keep up the journal to inspire the rest of us!

[guru]

Great work Bobu. You're an inspiration to all of us, Sir. 310 squat at 185 is certainly not a mean feat.

You are a living testimony that age means nothing. Good luck on the new goals.

[nicklus]

nice. especially for your age!