Hell man, I wouldn't do so hot either after starting with a 20 rep warmup set!!! I actually had a discussion with ex-forum member Ikan_Twin about too many warm-up reps in Ian King's routines. After I cut those in half, my lifts went up.
I think you're on the right track with getting stronger first. Size is cool (I'd be a hypocrite to say that you shouldn't worry about it at all) but strength is key to every-day activity, and also can be used as a basis for hypertrophy later on. Don't forget, real growth comes from lifting heavy weights. You can't do that without good strength first. Those glistening bodybuilders might not be able to lift as much as the power-lifters, but they can sure as hell lift a lot more than most gym rats!
And let me tell you a secret(and I can say it in here without getting too much shit from people, [img]tongue.gif[/img] ) : One of these days, when you're CONFIDENCE has grown with your strength, you're gonna put on of those mutherfuckers from your gym (or someone like them) in their place.
Not to toot my own horn too much, but at 5'10", 165 lbs. (and less not that long ago) I've kicked the shit out of a good number of bigger guys. Attitude, me brudda! The last thing a big guy is expecting is for someone smaller to walk up and clock him in the nose with an elbow! Ok, enough on the violence... but you see what I mean? I seriously don't want you to go hit one of these guys... you'll just get in a shitload of trouble and I'd feel like an asshole... but get that fight into your daily routine!!!
Look at that bar and just give it a big "FUCK YOU!" when it won't move anymore. Picture yourself dropping some 80-pound DB's on those guys throats. Get pissed, at the weights, at them... get it out!!! Don't bottle it up, blame yourself, and then let your rage out without direction. Aim it at 300 pounds and fight until you get there!!!
Ok, hopefully I won't get too much shit from the other guys for saying this. I know the expression of anger can be a touchy subject. For anyone who reads this and disagrees with me, I understand where you're coming from and respect it. This is just my approach and I feel good about it.
Werd, gangsta!
