rmcgee's Training Log

[rmcgee]

So I take the plunge and put it out there for the world to see.

Have been following SL5x5 for 5 weeks now and thought I would tell you what my progress has been:

Start Date: 18/10/2009
Male (36yr), 1,77m tall, 81kgs, 19% body fat

I had done some previous gym work, mostly around cardio and core strength which did include the use of some free weights. I decided to start SL5x5 for the following reasons:
1. I like the idea of training every second day (yes, that is how i do it) because I have got 2 sons and they keep me busy.
2. I like the way the program is laid out for me and how simple it is to follow.
3. I want to get STRONG - I want to be able to squat 1x5 BW, bench 1.25 x BW and most importantly, I want to be able to do pulls/chins with ease at above my BW.
4. I want to build muscle and burn fat - my aim here is to "expose" my abs and have a 6 pack to show for it!

So 5 weeks into the program and here is where i am at:

Weight: 77kgs
Body Fat: 14,5%
Squat: 65kgs 5x5
Bench: 50kgs 5x5
Dead Lift: 70kgs 3x5 (I know i am only meant to do 1x5, but I love the workout this gives me!)
OHP: 40kgs 5x5 (man this was hard, but i did it and maintained near perfect form!)
Pulls/Chins: at the start, i could not do 1, now i am hitting 5/6 on my first set and feel like I am getting better and stronger at this - what a feeling!

What I have noticed is that my body is getting harder, firmer and more pronounced, even though my weight has gone down (which I want)! My wife commented on how good it feels (no jokes guys) and my friends have noticed the changes already. I feel great about myself and i look forward to each gym session.
This morning (I train at 04h30), I was squatting 65kgs hips down really low when this "big" guy walks in to the squat rack next to me. I see him give me a look and load 70kgs onto the bar. I though i would watch his form to see if there is anything i could learn, afterall, he looks like a bodybuilder. Well I was amazed to see him only go down a third of what i am doing and taking strain in the process. This made me realise how good this program is and how valuable it has been to learn form before going too heavy.

I am keeping an accurate workout log and I will commit myself to post updates here every 2 weeks.

Any comments on this will be most appreciated......

Have fun training !!!!!!!