So I've started on the SL 5x5 training program this week, I went to the gym on Monday and Wednesday so far. I've enjoyed both visits, it's like I'm nerding up weight lifting, which is something I enjoy a great deal. For those unfamiliar with the workout, the basic gist of it includes: compound exercises with the barbell (squat, deadlift, etc.), start program with an empty bar or light weight, increasing weight by 5lbs. every workout.
My biggest issue right now are my deadlifts. I feel like my inflexibility in my hamstrings and hips (abductors, flexors, adductors, not really sure at this point) caused a bit of strain in my lifts tonight while attempting to use proper technique. Nothing a bit of stretching won't help out with (never before the workouts, I know).
The barbell rows start with only 10lb. plates on each side, so the bar is very low to the ground, and he recommends dropping the weight on the ground every rep. This makes form difficult when the diam. of the plate is around 6-7", so I've taken to doing the rows inside the power rack with the safety catches about 9" off the ground, to simulate the height of the bar with 45lb. plates. I felt proud of coming up with what I thought was a fairly clever solution to that issue.
My brother and I agreed to start the workout at the same time so that we can stay motivated by being able to talk with each other, so even though our schedules don't always overlap, it's nice to have someone to chat with about my concerns. He seems really unenthusiastic about starting bench pressing at 45 lbs. when his lifetime max for bench was 255lbs when in college. But we're both really thin, and I've managed to convince him that if we do the squats and deadlifts and overhead press, we'll be much stronger to improve our bench press maxes later in the program as the weight gets heavier.
Last but not least, been focusing on my posture like crazy, mostly so I will not arch my back during the exercise movements.