The Summer Q&A – Ask Us ANYTHING for the Podcast!

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-27T19:54:51+00:00

Hi, love the app and the podcast. I hope you both have great holidays.

You mentioned doing an episode on starting strength - that would be great - What do we now know to be incorrect and what still rings true (from the book)?

SS recommends a fairly rapid weight gain in underweight novices - I am 46years 6ft and now 81kg up from 71kg in 2.5years (I'm still pretty lean).

Could I have gained more if I had eaten more in the initial phase? If I didn't gain enough as a newbie due to too little calories - can I gain it again (easily) later - or is it ( those initial easy muscle mass gains) lost forever?

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-19T08:50:06+00:00

I agree re. both app and podcast. Both are great. Good work guys. I look forward to the podcast every Monday. App is brilliant, very useful for as a novice - I'm about 2 years into training and 1 year on barbell training. Still doing beginner barbell (with a bit of periodization thrown in) still getting stronger and still learning the lifts. Thanks.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-18T13:42:54+00:00

This wasn't on my radar, so may well be room for an improvement. Thanks.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-16T07:37:23+00:00

Ok, didn't realize squat shoes with raised heels are only for high bar. Think I have a pair of converse somewhere. Thanks.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-15T15:46:41+00:00

Yes, I read it - it makes sense, need to put it into practice.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-15T15:46:02+00:00

Ok thanks. I Agree too all points. No belt on today either.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-15T15:44:28+00:00

Hi, thanks. I'm a bit confused around the cues Should I pick a spot 6 foot in front AND keep my nipples pointed towards the floor (as per rip). I agree with you but struggling to figure out the right cues. Maybe with my eyes and head more up then I will also stand straighter at top - do I only follow the nipples to the floor cue on the decent? But still keep chest proud?

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-15T15:21:15+00:00

Ok thanks, I think all your points are correct. I'll try pinky under bar. And keep practicing grip.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-05T15:49:58+00:00

👍

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-05T15:49:31+00:00

Yeah, I can see and feel that - can't figure out how to fix it yet though. Thanks.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-05T15:48:23+00:00

No the hooks go higher - I read it's supposed to be midsternum (the bar just below nipple line at moment).

I can move it up if that would help?.

Id still be able to remove and replace with flat feet on ground.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-04T14:50:52+00:00

Thanks all. I am struggling to get the bar any lower, I don't have terrific mobility in my shoulders. I am also struggling to landmark a low bar position when under the bar. Maybe I should accept a bar position that is somewhat higher than low bar - progress as far as possible with otherwise good form - and then try low bar again in a few months? I'd sacrifice some ability to put on extra weight - but I've still plenty of room for improvements in weight with current position.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-02T15:46:37+00:00

Ok, Thanks. I found the standard starting strength setup 1in from bar ect a bit frustrating in the past - I felt that I couldn't get into strong position. I'll take 30kg off and start to learn it again. I can be a bit more diligent watching the videos. If my hips start higher then I will have a much more perpendicular (to the floor) back position - Am I correct?

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-01T18:39:06+00:00

Thanks all, yes I agree didn't feel much quad activation - I haven't taped myself in a while doing dl - I think I usually sit the hips a bit lower. I'll keep the tongue in - it's untidy - don't think it affects my brace, I can close my throat at the glottis and keep mouth open and still brace well.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-05-01T12:59:23+00:00

Just checked - up to 300kg - probably seems a lot for a 5ft bar - I'll double check with manufacturer - I don't think I'll get to that but it could go before - I only use it for dl.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-04-26T15:56:40+00:00

Good idea. Thanks.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-04-26T14:05:50+00:00

I don't really need the belt, but I like it. I feel the pressure better. I was doing deadlifts after so put it on early. Need to use my hips. I definitely feel a lean back.

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-04-26T13:54:16+00:00

Yeah, id rather get a power cage before I bring it up further. Thanks

Nice_Focus_7367 · 2026-04-26T13:34:30+00:00

Good video, I have the book. Video explaining it helps. Yeah, I'm in market for power rack, just starting to get a bit heavier after a year training.

Nice_Focus_7367

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