Stronglifts 5x5

So this week I started training with the Stronglifts 5X5 program. We recently got a YMCA membership, and I've really been looking to get stronger. I don't care too much about getting "ripped," but I want to get some solid functional strength that will translate to a physical everyday life and more frequent sporting activities. Right now, I'm just weak. And I'm carrying about 15 lbs of fat around I would like to get rid of. I'm 5'11" and 185 lbs. Most of my weight is in my trunk, but I've got spindly arms and legs, no ass, a pencil neck, and burgeoning man boobs. As a side note, I have an exceptionally long trunk and arms, but short legs. Wow, that really makes me sound like a total freak to behold.

Anyway, the idea of Stronglifts is to do compound exercises like squats with high sets (5) x low reps (5), adding weight each workout until you stall out on squats. There's a lot more to it than that, but it is a simple program. Reading reviews made it sound like just what I am looking for. As instructed, I'm starting with the empty bar for most of the exercises to concentrate on technique (proper form), to reduce injuries, not stall out to soon, etc.

Today I just finished my second workout, the first Day B workout, which included either pullups or chinups. I grabbed the bar for pullups and immediately realized that I'm not capable of one. Damn they're hard. I switched to chinups and got off 2 of those, but they were ugly and I only sort of got 1 on each of the next 2 sets. Damn, they're hard too.

So far, the hardest thing is putting away my rather modest ego. Putting 2.5 lb plates on a barbell for benching looks ridiculous, as does failing so miserably on pullups/chinups. At least the weights start adding up soon, but the body weight exercises are shameful. Oh well, screw everybody else.

I'll post more when I get further along.

Bombadil

Great band. Look them up. Do it right now. They're worth it.