Introduction & week 3.

[74Heidi]

Hi, just wanted to introduce myself as I'm new to these forums. I've done some lurking and seen some great advice on the exercises, form and nutrition. Thanks for all the tips!

Now to the program. I just began week 3, following the 3 workouts per week schedule. I was really sore the first 1.5 weeks, particularly in my glutes. I wasn't used to doing so many lower-body exercises (lunges, squats, etc) every workout. I found a couple of the exercises to be brand new and very difficult, specifically the deadlifts and the prone jacknives.

Form on the deadlifts was very confusing - was I supposed to be feeling it in my back? Apparently yes! Anyway, here I am on week 3 and feeling much more confident about my form and getting a better workout as a result.

The first four workouts (A, B, A, B) were pretty tough - doing 15 reps per set was intense. I'm enjoying being down at 12 reps, even though I'm lifting heavier and definitely pushing.

I do feel like 60-seconds isn't half enough time to recover from each set. Anyone else struggle with that?

I sometimes feel like passing out while doing squats and deadlifts. I always stop to catch my breath when that happens. But it's intense. Anyone else experience any lightheadedness during those exercises?

That's all I've got for now. Really enjoying the program and looking forward to each new workout.

Cheers!

-Heidi

[Melly]

Welcome!

Form on the deadlifts was very confusing - was I supposed to be feeling it in my back? Apparently yes!

Maybe some at first. No real pain, but maybe some muscle soreness. Make sure you are keeping the natural curve in your back and not letting it flatten out. Your back should be playing supporting role, it isn't moving the weight, but it is keeping things together while your legs, hips, and glutes lift the weight.

I do feel like 60-seconds isn't half enough time to recover from each set. Anyone else struggle with that?

It is pretty short. You'll get more time later on.

I sometimes feel like passing out while doing squats and deadlifts. I always stop to catch my breath when that happens. But it's intense. Anyone else experience any lightheadedness during those exercises?

I did, particularly during the squats. I would take a little extra time at the top to recover between reps if I needed to.

[LancelotsLover]

Hi! Yes, the rests were way too short in stage 1. I was always panting and dying before the end of the sets. But you get used to it, and the rests get longer.

I highly recommend getting Rippetoe's book, Starting Strength, for form on deads and squats. Nothing better for correcting your form before you get into bad habits.

Keep on and have fun; it's worth it!