[quote]halcj wrote:
[quote]Fullback33 wrote:
[quote]halcj wrote:
Certainly no need to get to 20% bf, but if you train hard and eat as much as you can of classic “strength/muscle building” type foods (eggs, meat, vegetables, rice, sweet potato, pasta etc.) and don’t let any one food group get out of proportion (i.e. don’t just gorge on bread) you should stay quite lean and progress well for now.
If this doesn’t work, start tracking your diet (either full macronutrients or just total calories and protein). Adjust to fit goals.
No need to worry about changing program yet, SS is fine for now - give it another 6 months at least.
Finally, not really based on anything other than opinion, but as you asked I would say that 180+ lbs would be a decent weight for your height. Not that it matters as much as much as strength and muscle gains.[/quote]
This isn’t right. He has already stalled a couple times and should be looking to switch to Texas method if it weren’t for being quite underweight. Reset your weights to 90% of what they are now and start gaining weight right now. Gaining weight should get your linear gains going again for a bit. If you have gained about 10-15 lbs by the time you stall again that would be ideal.
Halcj, have you read Starting Strength or Practical Programming?
[/quote]
Yes I have read Practical Programming and Starting Strength, and one of the points Rippetoe stresses is that it is best to get as much as possible from the simple linear progression of SS before changing to a more advanced form of programming. At OP’s weight and strength (which is reasonable for his bodyweight but still leaves plenty of room to progress) more can be made from simple progression.
I remember Ed Coan stating in an interview that he got to a 500lb squat by maxing once or twice a week for a year or so. While I wouldn’t necessarily advocate this, it does show the power of simple programming.
I will add that I agree that resetting to 90% is an option, though probably not a necessity if diet is amended for weight gain.
Simplicity and hard work are key for a relative beginner.[/quote]
LOL implying Rippetoe’s advice holds for anyone past the first 4 months of their training. I’ve seen Elite level lifters progress faster on Westside or Bulgarian Method than most novices on SS/SL/TM/MC, etc.
And I’d say what Ed Coan did is more effective than SS. SS simply is not enough volume nor intensity past the most beginning stages.
The kid could go to a competition right now and place well with a squat well over 2x bodyweight. I don’t know how many of you Rippetoe nuthugging tough guys or even Rip himself could do that.
Programming can still be very simple, but there’s no need to follow a strict template. Just make sure your form is as perfect as possible, do multiple sets of 1-5 reps multiple times a week, throw in whatever assistance you need, and you will progress even well past the Elite level.