Question on Bill Star's 5x5 Intemediate program

[gentoo]

Hello all. I'm going to be starting this routine next week. It's this one here.
http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/4497774-post15.html I will be doing Military presses on wednesday and I believe those don't both my shoulders much, but if they do I will use DB standing press which I know don't bother my shoulders.

Basically I want to replace the BB bench with something else.

I know the BB Bench bothers my shoulder. I even bought the starting strength book to get my form down somewhat, but I can't go more than a month without my left shoulder hurting.

So I'm tossing around these two excercises:

DB Bench - but weight progression is more of hassle meaning I have to buy something to take to the gym with me to give me more control of the progression.

Weighted Dips. These don't bother my shoulder so it's an option.

The other option might be incline BB bench, unfortunately I don't know if they cause me shoulder issues or not. I know DB inclines don't cause me issues.

So what option would be more ideal in a replacement?

The other thing I was thinking if using DB's, was that I would increase the reps until 7-8 and then I would move up to the next dumbell.

Thanks.

 

[StuWard]

If Benchs hurt your sholders, I wouldn't start this program yet. Fix up your shoulders first. You may have to do some rows, face pulls, whatever. Once you have your sholders fixed, go at it.

In the meantime, do it with dips but be careful. The program is great for your lower body.

 

[al420]

I agree - lay off pressing for a month, overhead as well. Do some RC and flexability work, then stick w/ BB bench

 

[gentoo]

Thanks for the response.

Well I've had shoulder issues since I can remember and as long as I don't do the BB bench I'm fine. I do rotator cuff work at the end of each workout to help and I plan to go to the doctor one day. But it's kinda hard to go to the doctor without any real pain and just say, hey it doesn't really hurt now, but if I start benching it will hurt. I already know what he's going to say. But it would be nice to be able to bench just because it's a fun exercise. I think I've actually had more growth in chest by doing dips and DB incline bench than before.

I also take fish oils and some joint stuff as well.

 

[StuWard]

Here's a recent post on Dr. Squat: http://drsquat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3752
You should probably pick up this book.

Stu

 

[gentoo]

Sweet, that book is back. I've always wanted to get it, but it was out of print. At least when I've looked in the past. Thanks for that link!!!!



So there are two that are pushing for the bench press. Why is the bench so important in this program? I understand if you are specifically competing or looking for utmost strength, but can't DB bench be a suitable replacement? In my head anyway, it seems like I wouldn't be losing much with DB bench right?

I guess you are probably wondering why, if I'm not looking for ultimate strength, why would I do this prog. Basically after doing the starting strength version, I come to realize, I really like working with lower weights. So much so, that I don't really care about ever doing a body part split or high rep stuff again, except for the occasional break and such. And yes I am looking to get much stronger, but I'm not looking for that last few pounds of strength. If I get most of the results then I'm happy.