So I’m currently doing Starting Strength: no upper pulls, and different set/rep counts than what you say is optimal. Do you think it’s worth transitioning to what you recommend here, and if so, any suggestions on how to do that transition?
Starting Strength includes power cleans, and they can count as an upper pull. Chin-ups are great to add too. If you’re not comfortable doing power cleans, rows are a great alternative.
As for the rep scheme, I wouldn’t worry about it. 4x4 isn’t really much different from 3x5. It probably wouldn’t hurt anything to do Starting Strength with 4x4 instead though, if you want to try it.
My primary objections to SS are the injury potential of low bar squats and deadlifts. Rippetoe can repeat “just do them properly and you won’t get injured” until he is blue in the face, it doesn’t mean people will be able to actually do that. SS is a popular enough program that I get to see lots of newbies doing it at the gym, and most do not do low bar squats correctly. Lumbar spine injuries can be serious. For someone interested in health and not maximal performance it is not worth the risk.
no upper pulls
Doesn’t the 3rd edition of SS make chin-ups non optional?
So I’m currently doing Starting Strength: no upper pulls, and different set/rep counts than what you say is optimal. Do you think it’s worth transitioning to what you recommend here, and if so, any suggestions on how to do that transition?
Starting Strength includes power cleans, and they can count as an upper pull. Chin-ups are great to add too. If you’re not comfortable doing power cleans, rows are a great alternative.
As for the rep scheme, I wouldn’t worry about it. 4x4 isn’t really much different from 3x5. It probably wouldn’t hurt anything to do Starting Strength with 4x4 instead though, if you want to try it.
My primary objections to SS are the injury potential of low bar squats and deadlifts. Rippetoe can repeat “just do them properly and you won’t get injured” until he is blue in the face, it doesn’t mean people will be able to actually do that. SS is a popular enough program that I get to see lots of newbies doing it at the gym, and most do not do low bar squats correctly. Lumbar spine injuries can be serious. For someone interested in health and not maximal performance it is not worth the risk.
Doesn’t the 3rd edition of SS make chin-ups non optional?