I’ve been doing Mark Rippetoe’s Starting Strength program nearly a month now and have made what I consider very good gains, at least for a beginner. However, my last few workouts haven’t gone so well.
Start Date: 8/17/09
- Squat: 110lbs
- Bench: 100lbs
- Deadlift: 135lbs
- Press: 85lbs
Today: 9/16/09
- Squat: 180lbs, Stalled today. I completed one set of five and two sets of two.
- Bench: 155lbs, Stalled two workouts ago. I usually get 5 reps, then 4, then 3.
- Deadlift: 215lbs, This actually hasn’t stalled at all, I’m sure I’ll get 225 this Friday.
- Press: 110lbs, Stalled today, same reps as my squat. 5, 2, 2.
My question is whether I should lower the weight and do higher reps, stay the course and progress as best I can, even if it’s just one extra rep per workout, or change my routine entirely? I really like this template and have noticed my strength is really starting to develop. I also do weighted pull-ups and dips and really want to learn the power clean so I can do the actual program. What are everyone’s thoughts?