Grant Broggi breaks down what it means to actually become an Intermediate lifter and how to know if you are one or not.
On one of the walls in our Costa Mesa Gym, we have an illustration that shows the three phases of the Starting Strength Novice Linear Progression.
I remember putting it up when I opened the gym back in 2017. I wanted to show people how simple a good strength program is.
Every time a new trainee walks into the gym for our Intro to Barbells Class, we begin by explaining why we use the big barbell lifts.
We then coach the new lifter on how to perform the barbell lifts and as the session ends, we explain to them that they just finished "Workout A".
Even though we explain the Stress Recovery Adaptation process, what it means to be a novice, and why they should want to remain one as long as possible... the question is ALWAYS the same from the new lifter:
"When do I go on to Phase 2?" which is then followed by:
"When do I go on to Phase 3?"
and lastly: "When do I become an Intermediate?"
We then coach the new lifter on how to perform the barbell lifts and as the session ends, we explain to them that they just finished "Workout A".
Even though we explain the Stress Recovery Adaptation process, what it means to be a novice, and why they should want to remain one as long as possible... the question is ALWAYS the same from the new lifter:
"When do I go on to Phase 2?" which is then followed by:
"When do I go on to Phase 3?"
and lastly: "When do I become an Intermediate?"
Every now and then it is frustrating. As a coach, you are excited for the journey the new lifter is about to undertake. You know the ride and progress they will make if they keep it simple, show up, and simply add 5lbs.
At the same time though, I understand complexity is appealing to people. Doing 4-5 lifts and adding weight each time seems almost too easy for a beginner.
The new lifter wants to advance from being a novice (or so they think), they want to go on to something else.
Well, that day does eventually come (assuming you keep at it), and we discuss what the criteria is for being an Intermediate in this week’s YouTube video.
Hope you find it helpful and ride out your Novice Phase as long as possible!
At the same time though, I understand complexity is appealing to people. Doing 4-5 lifts and adding weight each time seems almost too easy for a beginner.
The new lifter wants to advance from being a novice (or so they think), they want to go on to something else.
Well, that day does eventually come (assuming you keep at it), and we discuss what the criteria is for being an Intermediate in this week’s YouTube video.
Hope you find it helpful and ride out your Novice Phase as long as possible!