My thoughts on the 5x5 after 4 weeks

[blut wump]

I have mixed feelings on the belt. Some suggest that if your back is weak then it needs support. Some say that if your back is weak then your squats should wait for it to catch up rather than give it artificial support.

I see a lifting belt as something in a dfferent category to lifting straps. Losing your grip has a very different effect to having your back let go. The last thing you can afford is a back injury. If you really feel that it's a problem for you then give serious consideration to visiting a chiropractor or an osteopath.

Are you doing sufficient abs work? Sometimes, the back can be brought overly into play to compensate for weak abdominals.

 

[gettnlarge01]

Squatting below paralell lets the hips take the stress and not the knees. Its been 4wks since my last knee operation and I"m squatting 135lbs for 20reps just to help with rehab.Don"t laugh at my girly weight I have 3 more months of rehab to go.

 

[blut wump]

You're doing well. I sprained my knee a while back and I started again with just the bar. I'm adding 2.5Kg each session for a 5x5 and then adding 30Kg for a finishing set. So far I'm up to 50Kg (110 lbs) for my 5x5 and should be hitting 60Kg (132) by the weekend.

Better to take it slowly and steadily than take another month of no squatting.

 

[gettnlarge01]

You're doing well. I sprained my knee a while back and I started again with just the bar. I'm adding 2.5Kg each session for a 5x5 and then adding 30Kg for a finishing set. So far I'm up to 50Kg (110 lbs) for my 5x5 and should be hitting 60Kg (132) by the weekend.

Better to take it slowly and steadily than take another month of no squatting.

Slow and easy for me. This is my 2nd knee operation in the last 12months.I haven't been able to train legs hard for about 18months due to my left knee is basicly falling apart. I hope your recovery goes well.

 

[blut wump]

Thanks. You too.

 

[SDHW]

I have mixed feelings on the belt. Some suggest that if your back is weak then it needs support. Some say that if your back is weak then your squats should wait for it to catch up rather than give it artificial support.

I see a lifting belt as something in a dfferent category to lifting straps. Losing your grip has a very different effect to having your back let go. The last thing you can afford is a back injury. If you really feel that it's a problem for you then give serious consideration to visiting a chiropractor or an osteopath.

Are you doing sufficient abs work? Sometimes, the back can be brought overly into play to compensate for weak abdominals.

see this is how I think, This is why I stopped using knee wraps and belts. I didnt want it to cover up a week point, or make one. I think im gonna try the belf for the last two sets. and im going to do more ab work, maybe I will throw in those wheel roll outs, they will also work the erectors as well. and as the back gets better, and more used to the heavy weight, I will drop the belt.

 

[gettnlarge01]

I don"t use a belt at all but had to start using knee wraps due to a crappy knee. I"m a firm believer in good form and knowing what your body is doing and always felt a belt or wraps could lead to lose form.

 

[perp69]

That is weird about the knees and oly squats. I feel box squats in my knees more although not to the point of pain. You sound like a seasoned lifter but just have to inquire do you think it could be a form issue since you seem new to oly squats? My back does the same especially when I go heavier and when I am putting on weight for some reason. Its feels more like a pump? I have done the same sometimes with the laying on the bench thing LOL. I would advise against the straps if possible and use the double overhand and then alternate grips if you can. Maybe do some grip work a couple times a week to get it up to speed. I found that just simply by doing something like heavy farmers holds help mine the most. I do plate pinches and COC grippers also.

Perp

 

[SDHW]

That is weird about the knees and oly squats. I feel box squats in my knees more although not to the point of pain. You sound like a seasoned lifter but just have to inquire do you think it could be a form issue since you seem new to oly squats? My back does the same especially when I go heavier and when I am putting on weight for some reason. Its feels more like a pump? I have done the same sometimes with the laying on the bench thing LOL. I would advise against the straps if possible and use the double overhand and then alternate grips if you can. Maybe do some grip work a couple times a week to get it up to speed. I found that just simply by doing something like heavy farmers holds help mine the most. I do plate pinches and COC grippers also.

Perp

I think my knee issues come from the high volume of squatting with the 5x5, I think that’s the problem with my low back as well. My last program I was working out 6days a week, hitting everything twice, well I was supposed to be hitting legs twice, but that was the day I would skip if I got busy at work, it got so bad at one point, I think I didnt even squat for a month. so it was legs here and there, then all of a sudden I hit them 3 times a week, hard... they are just like WTF are you doing..lol. Growth and strength is coming quick...love it.

 

[SDHW]

On a side, note, I Love this program, Its got me excited about lifting again, Things were getting stale on my last one, I was skipping the gym, not motivated to work out. Now I get all jacked up to go lift, cant wait, haven’t missed a day... I love when people stop their workout to watch me put up a big squat or bench ..love movin the heavy weight again...that jacks me up...