What are /r/swoletariat's favorite Products & Services?

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1. If you're doing SL 5X5, you will start warm up sets by your second week iirc. If you're using the SL app (highly recommend it, you basically go into the gym and follow the instructions) it will tell you exactly what to warm up with and how many reps.
2. Don't worry about the time, I did SL 5X5 too, and for the first week or two, I was finishing my routine in 30-45 mins. Once you get to heavier weights though, you'll definitely be making full use of rest time between sets, which means you're looking at 1 - 1.25 hours at the gym. I never supplemented my routine with cardio, but I don't see why you can't do it on your off days.
3. Define small town, is this in Europe or America? I live in the latter and it'll be difficult if you don't have delivery. I'd go to Target/Walmart and check out their selections. The advantage of lifting is that you don't really need specialized equipment: shoes ( I use the running kind, and they work fine), gym shorts (tbh any cheap pair will do), and an old, comfy tshirt. That's pretty much it. When you get to really heavy weights, you can think about investing in some gloves or chalk to prevent blisters and to get a firmer grip on the bar.

Most importantly: don't stress about the time you spend, how you look to other people, etc. No one cares, and if you need help, just ask. The vast majority of people are kind and will go out of their way to help you out (if you need a spotter, or want someone to see if you're squatting correctly). Get in, follow your routine, get out. That's all there is to it :) Hope this helped, and best of luck!

I've hit the point where I'm in the gym 5-6 days in the week and it's so nice to be back!

That incredible feeling when it feels like your muscles are waking up from a deep slumber

Still got the body fat but most important I can FEEL my muscles coming back and it's honestly so nice

Super recommend the reddit linear programming based ppl for anyone coming back to lifting after a break. It's super engaging and fairly quick to do!

reddit.com/r/Fitness/comments/37ylk5/a_linear_progression_based_ppl_program_for/

And if you're not using jefit you should, here's a link to the program on there: http://www.jefit.com/routines/workout-routine-database.php?id=24448

if you are going to start training to balance on your hands frequently, I recommend buying gymnastics wrist supports https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07RHKLH5D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_y2AZFbSY38V4D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 something like those ones. Though avoid Amazon if you can. It was just the most convenient link I could find. These make a world of difference if you are putting that kind of pressure on your wrists frequently.

I feel ya on being broke. It's really not too bad - vital wheat gluten in bulk especially (50 lb is ~$130 and lasts me and my husband about 4 months, with near daily consumption) buuut you have to be able to afford buying things in bulk. :\

You can also get smaller portions on Amazon for much less. I'd particularly suggest something like that for just starting out so you don't have to commit if you don't like it.

Another option to use up vital wheat gluten is if you bake any muffins, use 1/2 regular flour and 1/2 VWG to boost the protein content.

I second this. If you are looking to just track your calories, you could use this site and keep track by hand. If you have an Android device, you can use this all. I use Progression for my workouts, and I don't believe it makes you create a login. I understand that ~~the invisible hand of capitalism rots everything it touches~~ you may distrust apps with logins, but I do recommend MyFitnessPal for calorie tracking. Good luck on your journey, Comrade!

bf% estimations by image suck, if you're interested in tracking it you should get a pair of spring-tensioned skin fold calipers. (here's one, they all come from the same factory). You might still be off by a constant couple percent, but you'll be able to track changes well if you measure at a consistent time of day and hydration.

I have heard that doing unilateral exercises can be helpful for imbalances, e.g. dumbbell bench press instead of barbell bench press. You'll be able to see if one pec is stronger than the other and it will work harder if you are doing the same weight on both sides. If you just have asymmetrical insertions there's nothing you can do about it, but it's no big deal once you're jacked.

I don’t know if it’s available worldwide but the 100% army fit app really helped me with my strength and endurance.

Link for those that are interested (iOS) (Android)

Well, it's about to be Sober October. Try a month.

I would consider Mishka Shubaly a comrade. He's got an audio book (Unfortunately Audible only) called "Cold Turkey" that's a great base for a month long challenge.

For me it's taken years of such sober challenges mixed with reading and listening to information that changed my perspective on alcohol, mostly from This Naked Mind books and podcast. Happy to be a year and half alcohol free. Set the goal and focus on it no matter what bumps you hit in the road.

https://www.amazon.com/Sporzon-Multifunctional-Adjustable-Extension-800-Pound/dp/B088BDWHXV/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1C0VZA00PVDCK&dchild=1&keywords=bench+and+squat+rack&qid=1600486280&sprefix=bench+and+s%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-3

this one looks like it has the rack and the bench separate, which could be useful. you seem to be in the uk tho and im not sure if this one would ship there

Oh and the bench was about 100. Got it from Amazon.

Squat rack is a Pro SR600 and the weight/barbell is the basic Olympic Barbell set 300lbs - both from Dicks

adidas Performance Flat Training Bench https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GIT0NEO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZZz4EbZPRF1QQ