Upgrading my equipment standard -> olympic.

The equipment that I have is beginning to show that it is not suitable for me.  The next set of plates that I buy will likely put the bar over the stress limit and leave a permanent bend. 

My current equipment is a 7" "Standard" bar.  I don't know if this is a good or a bad length, only that it is needed to span the width of my rack.  For new players, a "standard" sounds like what you should start with, however if you're interested in continuing in lifting weights in the intermediate or above range, its likely you should consider the "Olympic" style bars and plates.

What is the difference you ask ?  Read on below:

How I'm programming my 531

Prior to 531 i was using a a clipboard, paper and pen to record my previous lifting data.  The simple cyclic A-B style workout in starting strength,   Which made perfect sense at the time.  I used a set of symbols that highlighted my previous max or showed when i struggled with weights

[ Image removed due to complaints that it turned people blind ]

Legend:

• ~N    = The last N were not good form
• [ N]  =  This was my max weight for 5 reps for exercise
• __    = Too easy

I use strstd.com to plan out my 531 cycle for the next 4 weeks.   I print it out and stuck it at eye-level  to the wall adjacent to the squat rack.  This removed the decision making process from my tired neanderthal mind in mid-set.

The beauty of strstd is that it free's me from paralysis by analysis.  I make a judgement call based on how my last cycle was and then plan out the next cycle when the current comes to an end.  I use the same symbols that I had adopted when recording my starting strength.

No symbols on this yet, due to none being applicable.

There is something about the ability to "tick" off the sets that makes me feel more inspired to do follow through and really work hard to get the sets done.

The above is the printable view from the website. which offers a range of accessory routines, the above is body weight only.

If something like http://www.strstd.com/ goes away, I imagine i'll need to write some software to do this math for myself.   I have seen the android app Wendler531 (Wendler531 Pro) and FiveThreeOne  Most of which have good reviews however I'm pretty happy with the paper setup right now.

Do you have a good "workflow" for your workouts ? If you do, leave a comment in the boxes below, I'm willing to learn new things and maybe find something that can make it easier/better for me.