Lift so you can sit.

::: spoiler summerizer

• Purpose: counter desk-driven pain and fragility by building whole-body strength.

• Core idea: ergonomics reduces triggers; barbell strength raises tolerance and recovery capacity.

• Safety and scope:

  • Over 18; medical clearance when needed.
  • Start light; technique first; add load only when reps stay controlled.

• Why barbell powerlifting for desk workers:

  • High benefit per minute; simple movements; measurable progression.
  • Trains posture under load: bracing, spinal alignment, hip hinge, scapular control.

• Novice progression model:

  • Linear loading: add ~2.5 kg (~5 lb) each session early on.
  • Early phase: fast gains from motor learning and coordination, plus some muscle.
  • Typical arc: months to ~1 year of rapid progress; large fraction of eventual strength reached.

• Lifts and the desk-body problems they target:

  • Squat: legs + trunk stiffness; neutral neck; shoulders set; core brace; hip-knee tracking.
  • Press / bench variants: upper back and shoulders; counter rounding and weak scapular support.
  • Deadlift: posterior chain; safe picking-up mechanics; back strength through braced hinging.

• Minimal novice template:

  • Frequency: ~3 sessions/week with rest days between.
  • Main work: squat + press/bench + deadlift as the base lifts.
  • Sets/reps: 3×5 per lift (or similar simple work sets).
  • Time: short sessions; most time spent resting between heavy sets.

• Recovery rules:

  • Rest days are part of training; heavy loading needs recovery.
  • Sleep and food support progress; add load next session when recovery and form allow.

• Long-run frame:

  • Consistency beats complexity; basic barbell work compounds.
  • Add variation later after the novice progression stalls.

References

• [00:01] I Didn’t Start Weight Lifting Because I Wanted to Be Strong — https://www.thecut.com/2022/02/casey-johnston-didnt-start-weight-lifting-to-be-strong.html
• [00:01] Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd edition — https://aasgaardco.com/store/books-posters-dvd/books/starting-strength-basic-barbell-training/
• [00:15] A Physical Education — https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/casey-johnston/a-physical-education/9781538773253/
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