I never want to do a MetCon again!

Kidding. Kidding. But this strength stuff is getting fun! Like really, really fun!
So many changes...
1.) Glenn actually used my squat as a good example the other day! Yay for positive reinforcement!
2.) The press movements are actually getting better, in that I can keep my elbows in and do the movement correctly.
3.) I can actually do a few pretty decent strict TTB's. I couldn't do this a few weeks ago.
4.) Overhand pullups? No problem.

So where to from here?
More weight of course.
A few things I have learned in my edumacation about this stuff...
 --Stress causes adaptation, which is why you have to continue to increase the stress (aka add weight)
 --The squat is the most important exercise one will ever learn. To do it correctly is essential!
 --Sets of 5 work both the anaerobic and aerobic pathways.
 --It is preferable to take small jumps and sustain the progress rather than to take bigger jumps and get stuck early.
 --It is easier to not get stuck than to get unstuck
 --Stronger does not necessarily mean more weight on the bar

Ok, that's enough for today. It's getting heavy folks, I'm loving it!

STRONG, STRONG, STRONG

Rudy actually said our squats are looking "so much better!" So excited to actually see the motor pattern improving. Next week is the true test where the weight is going to get on the heavy side...I thought it would be a lot harder to stay interested in doing the same workout over and over and over. It really hasn't been so bad. It's kind of like doing the same operation over and over, it's different every time. You learn something new every time. New things come up every time. I haven't yet gotten bored (partly thanks to Gina P). And I'm seeing improvement which is quite motivating.

Still want to work on my press movements. Amazing how sore my back muscles get during the bench and press movements. I need to remember to keep my elbows in on both movements. My triceps were actually sore yesterday, so that was a good sign. My legs are usually smoked by the time I get to the DL, so one set is plenty.

Gotta get back to reading the text for a while, now that my brain has recovered from all the studying from the boards. I might get the dvd too...we'll see.

Am loving all the chatter about strength and performance on the blog. It makes me even more sure that this was the right decision for me. 

Operation Strong Like Bull, Day 1, Take 2

That's right. You heard me. We started over. 3 important lessons learned here.

1. Read the book before starting
2. Don't read the internet instead of the book.
3. And don't move weight just to move weight.

So, we started over. At 70% of our 1 RM on ALL movements. We will add 2.5% either each session or each week, both of which are acceptable in the Starting Strength Bible.
Back Squat: 3x5 at 103 (33x5, 33x5, 83x3, work sets)
Bench Press: 3x5 at 63 (33x5, 33x5, 43x5, work sets)
Ring Rows: 3x5 at BW
3x5 TTB, or in my case legs as high as I can get them, slowly, deliberately, with no kip.
3x8 Back extensions


It sucked to start over. But I'd rather fix the issues now, and train the right muscles.
This is a bull



We have a long way to go.....