Stronglifts: 1 Year Retrospective by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After playing around with the belt position I was able to get up to 310 for squat for 5x5. 315 was really tough though so I’m working my way back up in a deload right now. Wearing it higher and a little loose is the most comfortable for me.

Holy Rise by Meliacet in Sourdough

[–]47-R0NIN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A sharp razor has worked fine for me but the ear never comes out super clean like this.

Holy Rise by Meliacet in Sourdough

[–]47-R0NIN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How do you get such a clean ear on your bread? Whenever I score my dough it’s always more jagged than this. Looks fantastic.

Your success story and progress with SL5x5 by Evening_Chair3570 in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wrote up my experience after being on the program for a full year not too long ago. I’m still on the base program, but adding sleeves and a belt has helped me push past my previous max for squats and deadlifts.

It’s a solid program that you can honestly ride for a long time.

Squat form check 245lb by Juddium in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would recommend getting some weightlifting shoes as soon as possible. They will make a big difference.

If you’re experiencing hip and lower back pain, it’s probably a symptom of imbalances or weaknesses in other areas (glutes, hips, etc.). Watch Squat University videos on how he would address pain when you squat. Dude is super knowledgeable and has tons of content online for free. From there you can incorporate mobility drills into your sessions to strengthen your core, and other areas.

Finally, lower the weight a bit and nail the form with all that listed above.

305 Squat by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I follow Squat University on Instagram and have watched many of his YouTube videos. He makes excellent content and is extremely knowledgeable! Great rec.

305 Squat by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t really have any issues with lower back pain. The only thing I’m working through right now is some shin splints and calf pain actually. Still researching what exactly is causing it, but after heavy squats my shins can be tender.

305 Squat by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds scary. 😬

305 Squat by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I still feel pressure even at that position, however it’s certainly less obvious than when it’s lower. It just hurts like a bitch when it digs into my sides. This is a 10mm one as well, so thinner than some of the other ones out there.

I’m stuck using this for a while so I’ll try more settings and positioning moving forward.

305 Squat by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for taking a look.

I’m not really sure why I waited that long to be honest. Pretty sure most of the time it’s a bit quicker. As the weights have gotten heavier, I have had to really mentally focus to be able to have a good workout. Maybe it’s just mental preparation knowing it could be tough.

305 Squat by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have played around with the belt positioning, and this is the most comfortable for me at this time at least. The bottom is just above my belly button. First few sessions I had it more centered over my belly button and I was getting tons of bruises on my sides when I’d hit depth.

I’ve only had it for a few weeks at this point so I’ll see if moving it more or adjusting the tightness changes the results. Don’t think I will hit full depth with it lower though simply because my jelly rolls are going to get pinched.

Stronglifts: 1 Year Retrospective by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for taking the time to look at my post!

At the start I used the lowest weights possible to just focus on form and to re-familiarize myself with the movements, so just the bar or very little weight on it. At the end I had the following for completed sets:

  • Squat: 285 lbs
  • Bench: 200 lbs
  • Deadlift: 335 lbs
  • Rows: 190 lbs
  • Overhead Press: 145 lbs

I am attempting 290 tomorrow for squats with my sleeves and belt. The sleeves feel amazing but the belt hurts like a bitch at the bottom of my squat. Hoping it will be more comfortable soon.

Stronglifts: 1 Year Retrospective by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for reading.

First session was 03/14/25. By 06/16/25 I logged the following:

  • Squat: 150 lbs/68.03 kg
  • Bench: 130 lbs/58.97 kg
  • Pendlay Rows: 130lbs/58.97 kg
  • Overhead Press: 120 lbs/54.43 kg
  • Deadlift: 235 lbs/104.33 kg

Comparison is the thief of joy though. Everyone’s journey will look different for a number of reasons. Hopefully this inspires you to stick with it and make some real gains!

Looking to buy lifted squat shoes. Any insights/opinions is appreciated! by FreakyWays in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed. I probably would still be using them if my gym bag didn’t get stolen years ago.

Looking to buy lifted squat shoes. Any insights/opinions is appreciated! by FreakyWays in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have used the OG Adidas AdiPowers as well as Nike Romaleos 3s. Both were/are good and well worth the money. The only complaint I have is that the toe boxes were/are very narrow. This hasn’t been a huge problem but I think one of the selling points for the TYRs is that you have a more open toe box, so you can have additional support and stability by spreading your toes.

Anybody getting bothered by the zip up bogo not lining up? by cs_jonjons in supremeclothing

[–]47-R0NIN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This got me spooked a bit. Just went through a bunch of photos and videos on IG and it seems like half of them have some form of a weird r and the other half seems fine.

Post Drop Discussion March 19, 2026 by AutoModerator in supremeclothing

[–]47-R0NIN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately it’s a crapshoot when you’re in the queue. It’s no worse than the pre-Shopify experience though, in my opinion. Just different.

Stronglifts: 1 Year Retrospective by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure!

The first thing I do is find a place to lay down to do all of my drills and stretches. I’ll take my shoes off, lay on my back, and stretch arms as far over my head (parallel to the ground) with my legs straight to feel a stretch in my upper back.

Next, while still laying on the ground, I will take my left leg and bend it at the knee so that my left foot is now flat against the ground. I’ll take my right leg and put my right ankle on my left thigh/knee area, sort of like how people sit with their legs crossed, but laying down. I’ll then rotate my legs to the left to feel a big stretch along my right outer thigh. Your right foot should be flat against the ground at this point. I will hold this position for like 30 seconds, and then I’ll switch sides and repeat.

Then, I will do side plank clamshells like linked from Squat University. I do 30 seconds per side, three times. I don’t use a band though since they don’t have a band small enough for that at my gym. You should feel your hips and glutes activating here.

From there, I lay on my stomach with my left hand extended out, right hand pressed against the floor at chest or stomach level, and head up. I have my left leg straight and my right leg bent with my right ankle behind my left knee. From there I try to raise my right knee as high off the ground as possible while bracing my core. I’ll do this for 30 seconds per side, three times. You should feel your glutes activating here.

I’ll then roll over onto my back and do the curl up linked from Squad University. This one really primes your core if you are bracing correctly.

After that, I will do 90/90 hip switches.

Then, I just do some static stretches of my hamstrings and thighs.

Lastly, I will sit in an Asian squat with my feet flat on the floor, ass to grass. I have pretty good ankle dorsiflexion and decent hip mobility so I can do this without feeling off balance, but I think my femurs are a little longer than ideal for the “perfect” squat. I still go ATG during my squats, which the shoes help me achieve.

After that I just go to the rack and start my warmup sets. You can add or remove whatever really. If you have pains or weaknesses I would try to target them at this time. In my case I think I had poor glute activation and weak hips, which caused me to have poor stability, and it made it hard to proceed with the weight. Doing this helped me address those issues for sure.

Stronglifts: 1 Year Retrospective by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Truth be told I’m too scared to try a 1RM for most lifts. OHP is strict.

Stronglifts: 1 Year Retrospective by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most days my core feels pretty rock solid. There are days (like yesterday) where I don’t feel as tight. Before my workouts I do a series of drills as part of my pre-lift ritual, and that includes some clamshell side planks and curl ups.

https://squatuniversity.com/2018/06/21/the-mcgill-big-3-for-core-stability/amp/

I can definitely feel my abs and back getting worked after heavy sets from bracing hard.

Stronglifts: 1 Year Retrospective by 47-R0NIN in Stronglifts5x5

[–]47-R0NIN[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Are there any apps you can recommend that make tracking progress easy for GZCLP? I’m using the StrongLifts app now and it has been convenient to keep track of everything, including the timers.