Some questions

[number9]

Hi Coach,

This is my 3rd week on SS, and I have a some questions I am hoping you would answer. I hope I'm not trying your patience, but there is no one else who seems like they actually know what they are talking about.

I rolled my ankle pretty bad yesterday, but I can walk on it if I ignore the pain. Should I take it easy for the next few workouts or keep adding weight? The x-rays indicated no broken bones, but it mainly hurts when I try to dorsiflex, like I need to crack my ankle like I would my knuckles. so I'm worried about my squats.

And two unrelated injuries: a burning/ripping sensation in my abs trying to get set for a deadlift, and knees that feel like they need some wd-40. should I be concerned about these?

Finally, in general what you suggest doing when attempting the work sets and getting 4/5 or 3/5 on the first set? Or when all 3 sets feel very easy, would you suggest another set of 5 or adding more weight for another rep or two?

Thanks.

p.s. How can I find a personal trainer who knows the proper form for basic barbell exercises? I live in upstate SC, there are no crossfit gyms and people at my gym don't look like they have a clue.

[Mark Rippetoe]

There are about 9 questions here. If you can squat with the ankle and safely get in and out of the rack, you should squat. The ripping of the abs is not normal, and I hope you have overstated this. The knees thing is age, I'm sure. It will get better. If you miss work set reps in your novice phase you have selected your weights poorly. I don't know of a trainer in SC. Perhaps there will be a volunteer.