Am I weak for my size?

J. Allen · 11-Oct-04, 08:30 AM

Hello, I have just started power lifting. I have never worked out seriously in my life. I just did curls with light weight. I have always been strong (Lifting bags and such)

My question is: are my lifts low for someone my size? I am 25yo, 6'3" with long arms and legs, 280lbs (29% BF) Yes I'm fat but I was alot fatter this time last year. I am on the South Beech/Atkins diet. (Lost 60lbs so far)

Max bench: 190

Max Deadlift: 352 1/2

Max squat: 340

I would really like to improve my lifts (and I will) but I am woried that I am not as strong as I thought I was.

Am I weak for someone who has never lifted?

Iain · 11-Oct-04, 12:44 PM

No.

A 300 squat is pretty impressive if you are squatting to at least parallel. The bench is a good starting point. You need to address your deadlift, but you need to get basic conditioning and form work done first. Read about powerlifting, start to learn about periodisation and all that kind of stuff, squat form etc. www.elitefts.com is a great resource. You've got to lift to be a powerlifter, but you've also got to understand training to be a good powerlifter.

BigPete · 11-Oct-04, 03:45 PM

You are weak yes, I am half your bodyweight and i can deadlift more than you

Lift2Live · 11-Oct-04, 03:50 PM

Nice tact Pete.

Ain't nothing wrong with a 220 DL. Maybe he can curl more than you pete? Never know, everyone has strong and not so strong points.

Klinger · 11-Oct-04, 04:10 PM

You have a decent base for strength. Just lift, eat well, get rest and monitor your progress. Poke around the site for different programs and tips.

And NEVER worry about what the other guy is doing. Your concern is you and you only. If you can put the ego aside (which is tough in the weight room, for sure), you'll find you're meeting your goals before you know it.

Good luck.

:

Lift2Live · 11-Oct-04, 04:12 PM

Checking the ego at the door is probably the hardest part of lifting for me. It has to be done though or you'll never make it. There's always someone who can do more. Take Klinger's advice, just do what you can do and don't listen to any naysayers.

J. Allen · 11-Oct-04, 08:54 PM

I curl around 170 with good form and up to 200 if I try to throw it up.

J. Allen · 11-Oct-04, 08:56 PM

I find the limiting factor in my deadlift is my grip, I'm working on it.

J. Allen · 11-Oct-04, 09:28 PM

This may sound stupid, but after receiving a message about using wraps, I made some makeshift ones (Duct tape :P) and deadlifted 300lbs (All the weights I have)

I know that's nothing to brag about, but to me it's awesome!

Thanks for the help.

Cort · 12-Oct-04, 11:40 AM

You curl what you bench?

and you can use the edit button to avoid the triple posts

Lift2Live · 12-Oct-04, 03:16 PM

The Lord knows how much I wish I could curl what I bench!

LoL He must have misunderstood me?

DaRkAnGel · 12-Oct-04, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lift2Live

Nice tact Pete.

He was being honest.

Yes you are weak, but there is no reason you can't improve. If you want soemthing badly you'll get it.

Lift2Live · 12-Oct-04, 10:05 PM

Being weak or strong is relative to the person. If we all gauged our lifts by what others did, most of us would be sissies compared to say, an elite powerlifter. That means you are weak, i'm weak and everyone else on this site is weak cause we can't lift what thet can.

DaRkAnGel · 12-Oct-04, 10:16 PM

True... however his bench is about half of his weight and his deadlift is around his weight. For never lifting it is a decent start but i know people who have never deadlifted in their lives and maxed 300 + first attempt at a much lower weight.

Only13 · 12-Oct-04, 10:32 PM

If your trying to bulk (sounds like you are) why are you on atkins Isnt that a bad thing. Im not sure myself? :confused:

Am I weak for my size? (Updated)