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Reply With QuoteForm first, then weight. Volume with really low weight is just practicing the motion. Do more than listed if you need to practice. Drop the weight down a bit so you can really get the motion down before you add weight.
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(Btw, I'm 22, 5'9, 140 lbs)
Went to the gym for the first ever on Sunday and did some heavy lifting. Following the StrongLifts program, I did the bench press and deadlifts. I'm pretty sore all over today, but in particular my lower back is pretty stiff. I think I might have done a few deadlifts with poor form. I was planning on lifting about 3 times a week but if I feel this sore I don't know if I can. Should I cut it down to 2 times per week since I am a beginner?
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Form first, then weight. Volume with really low weight is just practicing the motion. Do more than listed if you need to practice. Drop the weight down a bit so you can really get the motion down before you add weight.
Senior Member
First time ever at the gym and you went heavy? Uh oh, the soreness has only started. You'll probably be worse tomorrow.
Be patient, give your body some time to get used to a new activity. I'd do 3x/week with less weight. You'll know when your body is ready to increase resistance.
Senior Member
LOL, yup it will definitely be worse tomorrow. It will pass and you won't be as sore with repeated efforts. Just go easy and rest up and eat. If you are super sore, don't train. Go for a walk / do some dynamic stretching.Originally Posted by Jerseyjim
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Junior Member
the weight down a bit so you can really get the motion down before you add weight.
Senior Member
Decrease the weight and focus on proper form.That will give you the most gains in the long-term and help avoid preventable injuries from incorrect form. Since you are just getting started at the gym you might want to work with one of the staff to make certain your form is correct - right now this is more important than the weight.
Senior Member
Doesn't Mehdi stress starting with, literally, only the bar and adding 5 lbs each session? For a "first time ever" lifter, I think that advice couldn't be any more appropriate..I'd get on youtube or check the stronglifts website and MAKE DAMN SURE you've got form down, especially with the deadlifts. You're not in the gym to impress people, better to look a little dumb lifting an empty bar once or twice before you work up to some weight than to tear something and take an involuntary month off...
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The Myth of Over-training
Push through the soreness.
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I video every set and then review it while I am resting before the next one. That way I can see if my form is OK and make any adjustments as required.
Junior Member
You might want to consider giving the weights a break and just focus on the PEMs. Once you've mastered them, then moving up to weights will be easier.
If you think the weights made you sore, try a full PEM workout...
all the pain but in the right places!
