I am just starting Rippetoes Starting Strength. I have about a years training experience, but my squat is pretty weak, and I am trying to put on some size. I am after strength and size. Is this a good program, for someone with some training experience.
Personally, I gained quite a bit of upper body strength using that “program”. However, I found there to be too much lower body training at relatively high percentages of max, it was just too much. I am not a fan of these type of routines mainly because when you get stronger the recovery time becomes insufficient. I also think the program could benefit greatly from a 1 arm row or some type of pullup since you have only the isometric contraction of the pulling muscles during the deadlift to work the lats, rhomboids, traps etc…
However the book is an indispensible tool just for the discussion alone and the intricacies it covers regarding each lift.
and with some edits it could be a program you will come back to for ever.
Joe
Fantastic program if you put the effort into it. Of course that could be said for any program. I did this at the beginning of the year with good results. I was tired of being big, but not strong.
The results are at the end of my log:
Thanks for the comments
Ya people always recomend high reps for starting out ex. 12-15, but 5 reps per set is a great way to start because fatigue does not ruin your form as much.
Its a great program for beginners or those that just need to be set on the right path. Follow it for a few months, and see which areas could handle more work, and which areas need more work, and then modify to fit your needs.
I’ve been doing Rippetoe for a couple of months now (after reading TheDude’s blog). I had been doing a full body 3x10 sets routine three times a week for the previous 12 months, but had found myself plateauing and getting bored with it.
But I’ve got to say, I’m really enjoying Rippetoe’s!
In my previous routine I was using leg presses instead of squats (I told myself I had the wrong body proportions to squat… yah, I know!) so my squat is still pretty low compared to my other lifts, but it’s improving pretty quickly, as are the others.
And, after a few solid weeks on Rippetoe, you can add dips and pull-ups/chin-ups to your routine. Then, a bit later, you can add biceps curls and triceps extensions for one day a week.
I plan on sticking with it as long as my lifts keep going up.
I don’t know if you’ve read the bodybuilding.com post about it, but it’s worth checking out: forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=998224
Just don’t fuck with the program!
I think its a good basic program and the exercises are something that should be in any solid program.
However, with a years experience, i wonder if you should be doing something a little more than the “starting strengh” program if you want to continue making gains. Even rippetoe mentions this program is good for at least the first six months or year; but that changes may need to be made if you want to continue making gains. You have a years experience; but i really dont know what type of program you were following before this and it could be that just something different like rippetoe will cause you to grow; however, if your training for the past year did not include the core movements outlined in rippetoe starting strengh, then your experience is really none imo.
I know some are saying dont fuck with the program, but even rippetoe says you do have to fuck with the program after you are past a certain point in time - which is 6 months to a year…(this is reason rippetoe calls it "starting strengh)… I guess i really dont know what your experience other than you saying you a “year of experience” as you did not list your workout, so i am sort of shooting in the dark here…
I’ve been on the program for the last month, and I am a beginner when it comes to lifting. This program has made me love the Iron, and the gains I have made in just this first month have really boosted my self-esteem and confidence. It’s simple, straight-forward, and it works.
Great thread. 
I am already having to bump the weight pretty good in all the lifts.
Its an excellent program but imho not a good long-term program for people who tend towards a big ass and hips and small upper body (A-frames).
It is a superb program for someone who is a little top-heavy and needs to balance out while still gainign some upper body width and thickness.
If your squat is relatively weak, don;t even think about not doing this program…start it.
Also excellent for someone who is interested in becoming a strength athlete.
Ideal for almost any beginner regardless of initial frame type to establish a base of size and strength.
All just my opinions.
[quote]ds77 wrote:
I think its a good basic program and the exercises are something that should be in any solid program.
However, with a years experience, i wonder if you should be doing something a little more than the “starting strengh” program if you want to continue making gains. Even rippetoe mentions this program is good for at least the first six months or year; but that changes may need to be made if you want to continue making gains. You have a years experience; but i really dont know what type of program you were following before this and it could be that just something different like rippetoe will cause you to grow; however, if your training for the past year did not include the core movements outlined in rippetoe starting strengh, then your experience is really none imo.
I know some are saying dont fuck with the program, but even rippetoe says you do have to fuck with the program after you are past a certain point in time - which is 6 months to a year…(this is reason rippetoe calls it "starting strengh)… I guess i really dont know what your experience other than you saying you a “year of experience” as you did not list your workout, so i am sort of shooting in the dark here…
[/quote]
Read practical programming. The whole book is about discussing what you do once you can no longer make progress on the SS routine. The SS routine is for people who are novices to heavy compound lifts.