Hi guys. Weightlifting newb here.

Been doing Stronglifts 5x5 for 6 months now. Only gotten Squats to 190 lbs, Deadlifts 110 kgs, Bench 130 lbs and OHP 90 lbs (I train in a home gym for everything but Deads due to not having enough weight).

I've been using a tapered leather belt for my deadlifts which I borrow from the gym owner every time but I've read that non-tapered leather belts are better. So I asked the gym owner (who also has connections to a supplier) if he sold those but he said he's never heard of them. Only heard of tapered leather belts and non-tapered non-leather belts.

So my question is, are non-tapered leather belts the best weightlifting belts for heavy weights, where can I get one and price?

Also I've been stalling so much on Squats I've actually deloaded to less than half of 190 lbs.
Would a belt help when I start stalling again and when should I start switching to 3x5 considering how much I've stalled (I tried for a couple months 3x5 but of course it did no help whatsoever so I deloaded, as stated above, and went back to 5x5).

I'm 17 this year btw. Only supplements I go near to are whey. Still experimenting, and have used Horley's Ice Whey and Crossfire. Currently trying MyoFusion's Elite Athlete Protein.

Sorry for the lengthy post and hope you guys can answer my questions / give me advice on this whole deal.

This post has been edited by silasya77: Apr 20 2013, 11:27 PM

Yeah I know most people can deadlift and squat more than me. That's what bothers me, is how much I've been stalling. Couldn't even reach my PR for Squats at 200 lbs. Trying my best to stick to beltless for Deads atm.

Will check out this westside routine, thanks!

Heh. I actually did this for 3 months last year. 4 times a day. Loved it, but not really much results. This was actually an add on to Hardy's actual in-gym workout, which consisted of other bodyweight circuits and heavy ass weights. I saw a video of him squatting heavy in prep for that movie, and also loads of jump rope. His trainer actually made him do this routine as an extra to his in-gym training throughout the day, wherever they went. The bridges I've seen Hardy do in-gym are also much more extensive.

This post has been edited by silasya77: Apr 28 2013, 03:04 PM

Yeah it gave me ZERO mass gains on anywhere other than my neck. Also my body was sore all the time due to no rest. Don't think I'd recommend the the routine to anyone who's not on a deadline to get big fast. And even then it would only be an accessory to your main workout.

I switched to 5x5 after that workout and never looked back. Got strength gains and added some mass.

I'm still beginner, considered. I'm on my 6th month right now, and the gains on my back and legs are huge. But I've been stalling loads due to inconsistency for a month or so and also bad form, so remember to really practice and learn, consistently.

Just go to the stronglifts.com website for information, also you can subscribe to their email newsletter and get a free e-book with hundreds of success stories + workout format & exerciese program 100% free. And check out their archives, they have tips on warming up, form on all their exercises and everything. I love it. You'll get the most gains during the first 3 months tho. But my advice is to be extremely consistent, especially after the first 3 months when you're dealing with heavy weights.

This post has been edited by silasya77: Apr 30 2013, 04:57 PM

I used to have pains during and after my deadlifts but then I corrected my form and had no problems since. You should get a pump at maximum, but nothing more. Your 3rd time doing it? Should start off lighter.

Yeah need this too.

Haha yeah. What I've been doing is wrap two hand towels around the bar, one for each hand. It's been working quite well, but the weights are creeping up fast.

Legs aren't bending enough. Push yer arse out.

Just wanted you guys opinions on the 'Tom Hardy's Bane Workout Program'. I know he probably didn't use this but either way it seems like a solid program to me. What do you think?

3 days per week:

Day 1:
Squats
Incline Bench
Bent Over Row
Standing Shoulder Press
Dumbbell snatch
Romanian Deads

Day 2:
Front Squat
Deadlift
Bench Press
Hang Clean
Chin Up
Sitting Dumbbell Shoulder Press

Day 3:
Clean and Press
Renegade Row
Chest Flies
Pull up
Walking Lunge
Step Up

Now all these are done 5x5. Just asking for your opinions on this routine, if it looks good, bad, the like. Sorry for this noobish question, but I wanted to use this program together with Progressive Loading.

Judging from your level I'd say start with an empty bar and don't question it. Just keep progressing and soon enough the weight will become hard.

Any big compound movement works the core, which is your so called 'back and abdomen' muscles. To specifically target them more you could do weighted crunches and cable crunches for abs and hyperextensions for your lower back.

Doesn't matter. Just keep consistency.

Btw question for all the sifus here: What're the best ways to recover from lower back injury from deadlifts? I'm not sure what I did wrong but I'm thinking touch and go deadlifts were my downfall, aside from lack of sleep and proper nutrition and stress of course. I really just want to go back into lifting but life just feels empty without heavy squats and deads.

Could be. Depends really. When was the last time you went? Recovery depends on various factors. Sleep, improper programming, not enough rest, not enough practice with the movement, too much practice with the movement, Could also be stress as that weakens the CNS too. Loads of stuff. I wouldn't worry about it unless it happens again and again. Then you can start reconsidering those options.

Haha you don't really have to rest for too long. Just lower the weights, reps or sets, or all of those and progress upwards like with most plateaus.

This post has been edited by silasya77: Mar 20 2014, 05:06 PM