The Official Hype Fitness Thread 4.0

[TerryMcGinnis]

I've been looking around for programs to take into consideration when I start bulking in a couple of weeks. Came across 5/3/1 as well, but from the sound of it, it's for advanced trainees, where linear progress is no longer realistic or possible. I'm thinking about either doing another bout of Starting Strength, which I liked a lot, or some variation of the 20 rep squat program. Seems like the these two offer the best bang for a buck for folks who can still gain quite a bit.

[mrvlknight21]

Anyone try Whelder's 5/3/1 program? I'm thinking about using it as a base and making a few modifications. Seems like slow and steady progress which makes me like it:up:

5/3/1 is VERY popular. I have friends at officer.com and bodybuilding.com who rave about it. ALL of them set new PRs in almost every lift while using it.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I've been looking around for programs to take into consideration when I start bulking in a couple of weeks. Came across 5/3/1 as well, but from the sound of it, it's for advanced trainees, where linear progress is no longer realistic or possible. I'm thinking about either doing another bout of Starting Strength, which I liked a lot, or some variation of the 20 rep squat program. Seems like the these two offer the best bang for a buck for folks who can still gain quite a bit.

I did the 20 squat program before, but I think it's probably better suited to those who are either extremely skinny and want to put on mass, both fat and muscle, as fast as possible. Or those who are no longer seeing enough progress.

But, from my experience and my friend agreed, the 20 rep program is not going to make you strong. You will get stronger, but imho it's not the best way to actually build strength, or lean mass.

I read somewhere on the leangains website that the diet that is recommended to coincide with the 20 squat rep program isn't one that is needed or recommended for bulking and especially gaining lean mass. It is a very high dairy diet, essentially one gallon of whole milk a day, on top of lots of other foods.

[TerryMcGinnis]

Yeah, but Martin also has a variation on this posted in one of his earlier articles, I think it's called "The Minimalist". 3 sessions in 10 days I believe. The first one is 20 rep squats + knee extensions to failure, second one is 3 sets of barbell bench alternated with pushups to failure followed by 2-3 sets chin ups, the third one is deadlifts followed by pull ups. Short, killer sessions, plenty of rest days and he stated that those days have to be spent sleeping and eating a ton.

I've been doing low rep work for over a year now and I feel like switching it up. The gallon of milk a day thing is being perpetuated by folks who have zero knowledge on sensible dieting, even though extremely skinny trainees may benefit from it somewhat. There's no reason why the same or better effect couldn't be achieved with a slightly more sane approach. GOMAD is there to simplify things for stick figure gym rats with no experience, make sure they get enough calories and protein without bogging them down with a complex diet.

I'd still be intermittent fasting, though for bulking purposes I wouldn't be doing leangains per se, but a constantly hypercaloric high protein, high carb, moderate to low fat diet. Since 20 rep squats are best done for 6 weeks at a time, I'd still be able to follow them up with Starting Strength to solidify the gains and maybe make some more until I stop bulking around New Year's.

[gohei_]

So yesterday I decided to try cottage cheese for the first time, and my last. It was horrible, well not so much the taste but the consistency of it. It was supposed to be raspberry-flavoured bit it was greyish in color and did not look to appetizing. Anyone eat this stuff?

[Colossal Spoons]

I hate the stuff

[TerryMcGinnis]

I eat 1-2 lbs of it a day. You get used to it.

[SuperSoldier985]

Ugh, I can't find a way to make cottage cheese taste good. I can't stand the texture of it. I tried it for a few weeks, and UGH...

Anyway, I need some help.

I'm still on Insanity, but my feet have been taking a huge pummeling and they've been aching for days now. I tried icing them down, but they now it's like they're gettign stiffer in the morning and I can barely walk on them.

Any tips?

[mrvlknight21]

Well I finally got approved by Worker's Comp to get my knee surgery done. FINALLY.

Maybe after the recovery I can get back to the good stuff-burpees, sprints, etc.

[AndThePickles]

So yesterday I decided to try cottage cheese for the first time, and my last. It was horrible, well not so much the taste but the consistency of it. It was supposed to be raspberry-flavoured bit it was greyish in color and did not look to appetizing. Anyone eat this stuff?

I do, although I don't care for it. I either get the kind with fruit on the side or just plain. You can also mix it into your cooking, which works pretty well. For example, it can be added to casseroles or macaroni and cheese. Tastes completely different that way. I tend to just eat it plain for breakfast, however. It's great for you, so I suck it up. At least it is something to alternate with my greek yogurt.

[Spider-Nerd]

I've been looking around for programs to take into consideration when I start bulking in a couple of weeks. Came across 5/3/1 as well, but from the sound of it, it's for advanced trainees, where linear progress is no longer realistic or possible. I'm thinking about either doing another bout of Starting Strength, which I liked a lot, or some variation of the 20 rep squat program. Seems like the these two offer the best bang for a buck for folks who can still gain quite a bit.

Just started 5/3/1 on sunday. The chest is still sore from Sunday's workout. Ouch.:o

[TerryMcGinnis]

Just started 5/3/1 on sunday. The chest is still sore from Sunday's workout. Ouch.:o

Nice to know, valuable input for my decision. I tend to absolutely destroy myself in the gym, I'm of the "balls to the wall" all out mentality, so I doubt I'd be feeling sore on 5/3/1 until well into the second cycle of it. I mean you're supposed to start a lot lighter than what you're used to and the only thing that could introduce me to more intensity at this point would be the 20 rep squats. I work with my 5 rep maxes all the time and I try to push them higher all the time, I even did it while cutting just now. 5/3/1 seems like a very smart thing to do, but it would also be a complete 180 in terms of the programming I'm used to at the moment.

[Spider-Nerd]

That's exactly why I jumped on 5/3/1. I'm always tending to go too hard and too heavy and one just can't do that all the time.

[TerryMcGinnis]

But also, I'm in my early 20's, if there's a time to go hard and heavy, it must be now. I mean, I'll never have an anabolic window like I have now, and pissing it away with fancy periodization schemes seems like not the smartest of things for someone who can still make lots of linear progress.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I hate the stuff

Word. :up:

I've tried it, hate it. I rarely hate food. Cottage Cheese is one of the few things that I can barely force myself to eat, if I have to force myself to eat a food, I don't see the point no matter how healthy it is.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

But also, I'm in my early 20's, if there's a time to go hard and heavy, it must be now. I mean, I'll never have an anabolic window like I have now, and pissing it away with fancy periodization schemes seems like not the smartest of things for someone who can still make lots of linear progress.

Word, use youth to your advantage. :up:

[mrvlknight21]

I said I have knee surgery comng up!!!

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b465/soulfinder_21/where-is-the-love.jpg

[TerryMcGinnis]

I said I have knee surgery comng up!!!

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b465/soulfinder_21/where-is-the-love.jpg


Best of luck man, may the gods be with you! Give us an address so we can send flowers :yay:

[gohei_]

I do, although I don't care for it. I either get the kind with fruit on the side or just plain. You can also mix it into your cooking, which works pretty well. For example, it can be added to casseroles or macaroni and cheese. Tastes completely different that way. I tend to just eat it plain for breakfast, however. It's great for you, so I suck it up. At least it is something to alternate with my greek yogurt.

Well actually I do eat a lot of something called quark (spelling?), it's similar to cottage cheese but the texture is sooo much better. It's super cheap and has a lot of protein.

[Colossal Spoons]

I said I have knee surgery comng up!!!

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b465/soulfinder_21/where-is-the-love.jpg

L'chaim!

[WillardNation]

ACL right? Make sure you get the cadaver surgery and not the hamstring surgery.

[Spider-Nerd]

But also, I'm in my early 20's, if there's a time to go hard and heavy, it must be now. I mean, I'll never have an anabolic window like I have now, and pissing it away with fancy periodization schemes seems like not the smartest of things for someone who can still make lots of linear progress.



I'm 25 Ter. In the last 3 years I've seen my greatest gains in strength and size when I backed off the weights. Give it a shot. Your body will thank you and if your diet's dialed in BIGGAH MUSCLES will too:up:

[Spider-Nerd]

acl right? Make sure you get the cadaver surgery and not the hamstring surgery.

+1.

[Colossal Spoons]

I'm 25 Ter. In the last 3 years I've seen my greatest gains in strength and size when I backed off the weights. Give it a shot. Your body will thank you and if your diet's dialed in BIGGAH MUSCLES will too:up:

I've found lot of diff routines for the 5/3/1, which are you using?

[Spider-Nerd]

I've found lot of diff routines for the 5/3/1, which are you using?

Using Wendler's 5/3/1 based on his e-book. I've tweaked some of the assistance work a bit for my liking and added in my sprints/hiit training.

[Colossal Spoons]

Word, thanks

[mrvlknight21]

Best of luck man, may the gods be with you! Give us an address so we can send flowers :yay:

L'chaim!


Thanks!

ACL right? Make sure you get the cadaver surgery and not the hamstring surgery.
+1.

I researched the hell out of this (and personally spoke to 3 people who had it done) and was told that using my own patellar tendon is best.
I was also told (even by the doc) that the cadaver could be a 60 year old man's ACL and it could stretch over time and then another injury is imminent. They said you are essentially rolling the dice on that one.
My hamstrings suck anyways, so I wouldnt want to weaken them any further, LOL.

[AndThePickles]

Good luck with your surgery, sir!

[Spider-Nerd]

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-september-14-2011/the-plight-of-muscled-americans?xrs=share_copy

[TerryMcGinnis]

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-september-14-2011/the-plight-of-muscled-americans?xrs=share_copy


I don't watch the daily show, was that a sketch or is the planet fitness chick for real?

Also, I don't get the message of the segment, they're supposedly exposing planet fitness as hypocrites, but the tone of the entire thing was still very much patronizing in regards to people who are muscled and lift heavy weights.

[Spider-Nerd]

I don't watch the daily show, was that a sketch or is the planet fitness chick for real?

Also, I don't get the message of the segment, they're supposedly exposing planet fitness as hypocrites, but the tone of the entire thing was still very much patronizing in regards to people who are muscled and lift heavy weights.


The daily show patronizes everyone. Planet fitness is totally for real with their "no judgment zone". No dumbbells over 70lbs and no barbells.

[WillardNation]

I really wanna get a group of people and go bust out Fran at the nearest Planet Fitness. What a joke.

[Golgo-13]

Try the Bulgarian deadlift. You're really missing out on something special, if you don't in corporate them in your leg routine.

[Colossal Spoons]

Try the Bulgarian deadlift. You're really missing out on something special, if you don't in corporate them in your leg routine.

Those looks really interesting. Are your lower back muscles recruited at all or is it mostly hamstrings?

[WildcatNC]

The daily show patronizes everyone. Planet fitness is totally for real with their "no judgment zone". No dumbbells over 70lbs and no barbells.

I really wanna get a group of people and go bust out Fran at the nearest Planet Fitness. What a joke.


Is there seriously a fricking alarm that goes off like that???? Seriously??? :funny:


I don't even know what to say about that place. :dry:

[Colossal Spoons]

An employee sets it off, but yeah

[TerryMcGinnis]

The first time I heard of planet fitness, my male bovine feces detector went off big time. And to hear this chick actually recite their ridiculous policies and stance with a smile on her face, calling a group of people animals like that, in this day and age... makes me want to puke. They're fighting something that doesn't exist, I've never once seen anything similar to this kind of discrimination towards people who aren't in shape.

[co2]

The first time I heard of planet fitness, my male bovine feces detector went off big time. And to hear this chick actually recite their ridiculous policies and stance with a smile on her face, calling a group of people animals like that, in this day and age... makes me want to puke. They're fighting something that doesn't exist, I've never once seen anything similar to this kind of discrimination towards people who aren't in shape.

It's rediculous. People that are serious about working out aren't concerned one bit about what's going on around them in terms of other people at the gym. This is a way for PF to market to people that feel insecure.
They claim "no judgement" but that's exactly what they are doing.

I'll be honest with you, I used to compete in bodybuilding and powerlifting in my 20's, I'm also a friendly, very approachable personality. But I did sense attitudes from strangers sometimes, for nothing I had ever done. I think insecure people tend to react that way.

[Saved]

I once had a friend say that he didn't use the bench press because the "big guys" who use a lot of weight are over there. I was like, "so?". :confused: They're ten years older than you. Why is it a big deal?

[TerryMcGinnis]

Like people don't understand that most big and strong guys you can see aren't born that way, they train their ass off and eat lots, over a course of several years, sometimes even a decade or two they'll reach an impressive level of size and strength. It's not like they're some kind of separate race. The average Joe can do the same yet he chooses not to and then tries to wall himself in from every reminder of what he could've been. I don't get it.

[DeGenerate10]

Anyone ever hear about German Volume Training?

[Spider-Nerd]

I wonder if you're allowed to jump rope or do tuck jumps at planet fitness. :huh:

[Colossal Spoons]

I once had a friend say that he didn't use the bench press because the "big guys" who use a lot of weight are over there. I was like, "so?". :confused: They're ten years older than you. Why is it a big deal?

I'll be forever baffled by this mentality

[TerryMcGinnis]

Anyone ever hear about German Volume Training?

Yep, haven't heard of too many naturals who've done well on it though.


A question for Wildcat and Willard, what do you substitute for bread in a sandwich? Now that I'll start bulking again, I'll bump up my calories on rest days a little bit too, via carbs, to make the meals a little more interesting.

I like to make huge sandwiches with two thin slices of bread and: cottage cheese, some kind of hard cheese I can melt, lettuce, tomatoes, several kinds of meat - throw in an egg or two and you've got a monster with roughly 80 grams of protein, 30 grams of fat and 30 grams of carbs. The macros are pretty decent and it tastes awesome.

[WillardNation]

Meat. lol

For reals though, just take all the stuff you want in your sandwich and wrap meat around it.

[kytrigger]

I wonder if you're allowed to jump rope or do tuck jumps at planet fitness. :huh:

You can jump rope, but it has to be double dutch.

[Colossal Spoons]

Mr Olympia stream(works for cell phones/tablets too): http://streaming.bodybuilding.com/2011-olympia-webcast/

[Spider-Nerd]

I stopped taking fish oil for a week. Holy crap, I was totally able to tell the difference in how I felt. :wow:

[WildcatNC]

I'll be forever baffled by this mentality

As will I.

A question for Wildcat and Willard, what do you substitute for bread in a sandwich? Now that I'll start bulking again, I'll bump up my calories on rest days a little bit too, via carbs, to make the meals a little more interesting.

I like to make huge sandwiches with two thin slices of bread and: cottage cheese, some kind of hard cheese I can melt, lettuce, tomatoes, several kinds of meat - throw in an egg or two and you've got a monster with roughly 80 grams of protein, 30 grams of fat and 30 grams of carbs. The macros are pretty decent and it tastes awesome.


Just make a wrap. I like using large leaf veggies (spinach, lettuce, etc) to wrap it in. Iceberg lettuce is useless so i'd stick to good rich greens. You could also wrap it in slices of meat as well though.

You just have to work one of the ingredients in as a wrapping.

I tend to make huge after-workout shakes rather than eat more normal food. I have trouble eating very much on Paleo. I'll more than likely under eat than anything, I just don't really get that hungry. Twice a day and maybe a snack. I need to watch that when i'm in a heavy lifting phase and try to up my calories.

[WillardNation]

The only time I have trouble under eating is when I'm too broke to buy food. :hehe:

Which is actually really frequently. :csad:

[TerryMcGinnis]

The only time I have trouble under eating is when I'm too broke to buy food. :hehe:

Which is actually really frequently. :csad:


I can definitely relate.

Thanks for the tips guys, though I think I'll stick to bread, even if I have to find lower calorie varieties and sturdier forms which I can cut thinner to preserve the structural integrity of the sandwich :)

It's not a big deal, I'm not into paleo, I just tend to low carb 4-5 days out of the week. The other 2-3 I'll eat stuff that would make you guys nauseous and it definitely isn't paleo, just wanted to keep as much of a distinction between rest and training days as possible, in terms of food choices.

[Golgo-13]

Those looks really interesting. Are your lower back muscles recruited at all or is it mostly hamstrings?

It's mainly legs. You have to keep your core tight throughout the lift to avoid lower back recruitment.

[gohei_]

It's manly legs. You have to keep your core tight throughout the lift to avoid lower back recruitment.

But what if you're a woman? :hehe:

[WillardNation]

Doing Fight Gone Bad today. Should be a fun one.

[ComicChick]

i hear a P90X 2 is coming out, has anyone heard any info on this?

[Golgo-13]

But what if you're a woman? :hehe:

:awesome::awesome:

[WildcatNC]

I've just learned to use the local deli as fast food. Meat, few slices of deli cheese, sometimes large leaf greens from produce. Gotta watch the labels though, store brand meats have all kinds of crap in them.

[DeGenerate10]

For those who have seen Warrior. I found Tom Hardy's training routine for that movie.

Warm up, Shrugs, Cool down

[TerryMcGinnis]

Haha, good one XD

But yeah, it seems Hardy has great genetics in the trap department, his traps have been a prominent feature for a long time now. I don't think he gives them any special attention.

[SuperSoldier985]

On Day 47 of Insanity! Wow, only 13 more days until Day 60---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTEDDmCjd1k

According to my latest fit test, in 47 days, I've increased my overall fitness by 76%...and that's without any kind of huge change in my diet (I just ate pizza, wings, and soda yesterday)--I've just been staying consistent with the Insanity program.

Again, I have no idea how much weight I might've lost, because I really didn't care--I just wanted to see if I could do the program and finish it. At this rate, I think I can keep up with any of these Beachbody programs for an entire year.

I think I might do two more cycles of the 60-day program, then I'll go into a cycle of Hip Hop Abs and then I'll finally make it to two cycles of P90X last.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Okay what have I missed?

Good workouts the past couple times back in the gym.

Almost back to where I left off after my move threw me off. In two weeks hopefully I'm setting new PBs.

Also, why did no one else ever tell me about sweet potatoes before! NOM NOM NOM!!

Devil how, how is your knee?

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Haha, good one XD

But yeah, it seems Hardy has great genetics in the trap department, his traps have been a prominent feature for a long time now. I don't think he gives them any special attention.

Agreed, his traps were pretty impressive even in Bronson when he, as far as I know, first started to really hit the weights.

[Colossal Spoons]

It's mainly legs. You have to keep your core tight throughout the lift to avoid lower back recruitment.

Cool, I'll give 'em a whirl

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Anyone here do weighted pull ups?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150298876164032&set=a.433038889031.230483.6732359031&type=1&theater

http://www.youtube.com/ExtremistPullup

Looks like I've got a long way to go.

Which brings me to my question. Best belts for weight pull ups/dips?

I know this is a dipping belt, but can this also be used for pull/chin ups?
http://ironmind-store.com/De-Rigueur-Dipping-Belt153/productinfo/1310/

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/dipbelt.htm

I remember Jag liking grizzly belts.
http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-Fitness-Nylon-Dipping-Belt/dp/B000FGVX00


http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-Fitness-Nylon-Dipping-Belt/dp/B000FGVX00

[Colossal Spoons]

I use a Grizzly for my pullups and dips

[mrvlknight21]

For those who have seen Warrior. I found Tom Hardy's training routine for that movie.

Warm up, Shrugs, Cool down

LOL! Good one.

On Day 47 of Insanity! Wow, only 13 more days until Day 60---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTEDDmCjd1k

According to my latest fit test, in 47 days, I've increased my overall fitness by 76%...and that's without any kind of huge change in my diet (I just ate pizza, wings, and soda yesterday)--I've just been staying consistent with the Insanity program.

Again, I have no idea how much weight I might've lost, because I really didn't care--I just wanted to see if I could do the program and finish it. At this rate, I think I can keep up with any of these Beachbody programs for an entire year.

I think I might do two more cycles of the 60-day program, then I'll go into a cycle of Hip Hop Abs and then I'll finally make it to two cycles of P90X last.


Good job!



Devil how, how is your knee?


Waiting for surgery, bro.


Anyone here do weighted pull ups?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150298876164032&set=a.433038889031.230483.6732359031&type=1&theater

http://www.youtube.com/ExtremistPullup

Looks like I've got a long way to go.

Which brings me to my question. Best belts for weight pull ups/dips?

I know this is a dipping belt, but can this also be used for pull/chin ups?
http://ironmind-store.com/De-Rigueur-Dipping-Belt153/productinfo/1310/

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/dipbelt.htm

I remember Jag liking grizzly belts.
http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-Fitness-Nylon-Dipping-Belt/dp/B000FGVX00


http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-Fitness-Nylon-Dipping-Belt/dp/B000FGVX00

Absolutely the BEST dip belt is the Ironmind one.
Here is a youtube video I did years ago on it. Once you try it, you wont use anything else. COMFORT and RIDICULOUS STRENGTH. I have used 3-4 different brands/types and NOTHING comes close to this. A search on bodybuilding.com (workout equipment section) will show you that many others agree with me.

HD-gXwdFeAY

And yes, you can use it for pullups. You can use it for a lot of things actually. I am (after my knee gets fixed) going to make a video of how to use it to pull a tire sled.

[TerryMcGinnis]

Thanks man, that video was very informative! I'm gonna need to get me one of those, it's starting to become impractical hanging dumbbells between my legs.

[WillardNation]

Doing "Fight Gone Bad 6" this Saturday. In the middle of box jumps right here.
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6052/dsc6936u.jpg

"Fight Gone Bad"
1 minute each of box jumps, wall balls (20 lbs), row, sumo deadlift high pull (75 lbs) and push press (75 lbs), trying to do as many as you can. All of that 3 times with a minute rest between rounds. I'm assuming this pic was on the 3rd round. My score was 285. (Total # of reps). Which kind of surprised me since our other coach who is a fire breather and usually blows me out of the water in workouts only got 243.

[mrvlknight21]

Thanks man, that video was very informative! I'm gonna need to get me one of those, it's starting to become impractical hanging dumbbells between my legs.

If you dont mind, give the video a thumbs up on youtube.
Be sure to check out my other videos as well-some other informative stuff there. More to come later also.

Doing "Fight Gone Bad 6" this Saturday. In the middle of box jumps right here.

"Fight Gone Bad"
1 minute each of box jumps, wall balls (20 lbs), row, sumo deadlift high pull (75 lbs) and push press (75 lbs), trying to do as many as you can. All of that 3 times with a minute rest between rounds. I'm assuming this pic was on the 3rd round. My score was 285. (Total # of reps). Which kind of surprised me since our other coach who is a fire breather and usually blows me out of the water in workouts only got 243.

Fight gone bad is just ridiculous. I know some Crossfitters who tremble at the name.

[Spider-Nerd]

Thanks man, that video was very informative! I'm gonna need to get me one of those, it's starting to become impractical hanging dumbbells between my legs.

I hear you man. I normally hold dumbbells btw my legs for dips and pull ups but it's starting to get a little absurd because my triceps are so strong. If I'm not wearing pants I'm burning the hell out of my thighs :o

[TerryMcGinnis]

Doing "Fight Gone Bad 6" this Saturday. In the middle of box jumps right here.
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6052/dsc6936u.jpg


Dem dere abdominals! BTW, sounds like hell, good job.

If you dont mind, give the video a thumbs up on youtube.
Be sure to check out my other videos as well-some other informative stuff there. More to come later also.

Will do.

I hear you man. I normally hold dumbbells btw my legs for dips and pull ups but it's starting to get a little absurd because my triceps are so strong. If I'm not wearing pants I'm burning the hell out of my thighs :o

Yeah, and I usually do weighted dips after deadlifts and they're a *****, because I always scrape my shins and make them bleed a little while deadlifting then afterwards the dumbbell hanging between the legs has a habit of pressing against the scraped part.

[mrvlknight21]

Just got the call- Knee surgery is finally scheduled-October 18th.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Good luck. Reason for it? What did you do? Lift a car off of a person?

Just upvoted your vid Devil, thanks. No clue how you found one on ebay, there are a total of 7 ironmind products. lol

[mrvlknight21]

Good luck. Reason for it? What did you do? Lift a car off of a person?

Just upvoted your vid Devil, thanks. No clue how you found one on ebay, there are a total of 7 ironmind products. lol

I wish it was something like that which caused my ACL to tear. I have been very active my whole life-high school football, baseball and basketball, various YMCA and church basketball leagues and flaf football, plus backyard wrestling, martial arts and the usual fight to cuff a suspect....and I only seem to get injured during some freak accident.

This time I was doing simunition training (like paintball, only more realistic) and went to get behind a car for cover. My knee just popped. I was simply going to a kneeling position and couldnt get back up. Weird.


Thanks for the vote on the video! As I stated, I have reviewed several products and done some other informative videos, like the burpee tutorial and tire exercises. If you have time, please view them and if you feel they are worthy, give them a thumbs up. Thanks!
I have plans for several other exercise or exercise equipment videos in the future.

As far as Ironmind products on ebay, its ALWAYS like that (usually just books). However, I log in everyday and look for a few certain things and Ironmind is one of them.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I wish it was something like that which caused my ACL to tear. I have been very active my whole life-high school football, baseball and basketball, various YMCA and church basketball leagues and flaf football, plus backyard wrestling, martial arts and the usual fight to cuff a suspect....and I only seem to get injured during some freak accident.

This time I was doing simunition training (like paintball, only more realistic) and went to get behind a car for cover. My knee just popped. I was simply going to a kneeling position and couldnt get back up. Weird.


Thanks for the vote on the video! As I stated, I have reviewed several products and done some other informative videos, like the burpee tutorial and tire exercises. If you have time, please view them and if you feel they are worthy, give them a thumbs up. Thanks!
I have plans for several other exercise or exercise equipment videos in the future.

As far as Ironmind products on ebay, its ALWAYS like that (usually just books). However, I log in everyday and look for a few certain things and Ironmind is one of them.

Wow, yeah that sucks. I feel for ya man, getting injured is never fun. I hope for a good surgery and speedy recovery. :up:

I've seen the burpee video too, they suck, in a good way. :up:

Any power cage or like reviews?

[mrvlknight21]

Wow, yeah that sucks. I feel for ya man, getting injured is never fun. I hope for a good surgery and speedy recovery. :up:

I've seen the burpee video too, they suck, in a good way. :up:

Any power cage or like reviews?

No power cage reviews, just a quick showing of my custom made power rack.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Cool I'll take a look. What about rack stands? Any reviews for those guys?

[WillardNation]

My old roommate played football in high school, went through fight training, wrestling, kickboxing, etc and tore his acl stepping off a treadmill. ****** how that happens.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Yeah, when I ruptured my achilles, my physician said that a lot of people rupture them just walking off a curb. Tendon that is strong as hell, can take many times your bodyweight's force impacting on it, yet stepping off of a six inch curb snaps it. Go figure.

[mrvlknight21]

Any power cage or like reviews?


Ooops. Somehow, I completely forgot to mention this:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=126624063


Very informative thread with pictures, descriptions, pricing and reviews of various power racks.
Are you looking to purchase one for home use?

[Jalexander]

I've been doing Stronglifts 5x5 for a while now. I've got to the point of the Bench Press where my stronger arm is making up for my weaker arm and doing most of the work. Which causes it to become fatigued, hindering my progress. Is there anything I could do to make sure I'm using both my arms properly?

[TerryMcGinnis]

I've been doing Stronglifts 5x5 for a while now. I've got to the point of the Bench Press where my stronger arm is making up for my weaker arm and doing most of the work. Which causes it to become fatigued, hindering my progress. Is there anything I could do to make sure I'm using both my arms properly?

I don't see how that could happen on a barbell bench press. It's free weight, so there's now way you could be bailing one of your arms with the other, assuming you're holding the bar with your hands correctly distanced from the center of it and the weaker arm isn't severely trailing behind, causing that side to hang when you're lifting. If you were doing a smith bench press, than it could be possible. It would be best if you could put up a video so we could see how your weaker arm is doing. Honestly, I doubt any kind of intervention is necessary unless you're lifting upwards of 250 lbs.

[Jalexander]

I don't see how that could happen on a barbell bench press. It's free weight, so there's now way you could be bailing one of your arms with the other, assuming you're holding the bar with your hands correctly distanced from the center of it and the weaker arm isn't severely trailing behind, causing that side to hang when you're lifting. If you were doing a smith bench press, than it could be possible. It would be best if you could put up a video so we could see how your weaker arm is doing. Honestly, I doubt any kind of intervention is necessary unless you're lifting upwards of 250 lbs.
I am using a barbell, and I am extra careful with keeping my arms evenly spaced. Trust me, it's happening. I'll see what I can do about a video.

[mrvlknight21]

I've been doing Stronglifts 5x5 for a while now. I've got to the point of the Bench Press where my stronger arm is making up for my weaker arm and doing most of the work. Which causes it to become fatigued, hindering my progress. Is there anything I could do to make sure I'm using both my arms properly?

Switch to dumbbell bench press. The problem will correct itself.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

To add to what Terry and Devil said, back off on the weight and concentrate very carefully on your form. My right side is my dominant and the same will happen with me, but not that badly, I can still finish my fifth rep and I slow down a little when my right arm starts to come out ahead of my left.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

So I've finally decided to read through rip's book, starting strength.

Now I am considering starting all over again. Does anyone think this is a good/bad/unnecessary, idea/strategy?

I began back with a modified SS routine back in late April/early May of this year. Three days a week, I started well below a weight I could handle safely with strict form. I worked my way up to about the end of June of this year to a bench of 155lbs, deads 155lbs and squats 145lbs and pull ups just bodyweight approx 180lbs. All for three sets of three reps each.

Moved, which I let throw me off, back on track again, been working my way back into the gym, backed off the weights by about 20 lbs and am almost back to where I was.

But now reading through Rips book, seeing some mistakes I have been making, not giant mistakes, but mistakes none the less. Should I restart all the way from scratcha and just begin with a barbell and work my way up with properly corrected form and technique? I am also thinking of changing from a 3x3 routine to a 5x5 routine.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Ooops. Somehow, I completely forgot to mention this:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=126624063


Very informative thread with pictures, descriptions, pricing and reviews of various power racks.
Are you looking to purchase one for home use?

Purchase...maybe if it doesn't cost me $500. I understand good, quality, will never let me down or kill me racks aren't cheap. But currently, I wouldn't be able to spend more than maybe $200 max.

I've seen some other posts of yours with links to racks/supports that can be made. This is possibly more the route I was thinking.

[Colossal Spoons]

I'm recovering from an illness so obviously I've been out of the gym for a few days. I'll count this is my week off and it gives me a chance to start a new split. I'm going back to 5x a week, giving bis/tris/forearms/calves their own day; haven't done that in about a year.

[WillardNation]

I'd really like to get into the wendler series more and up my power lifts but it's really hard when I have to drop so much weight for bjj tournaments about 4 or 5 times a year. I put on weight really easy so I have to completely cut out power lifts when I have to make weight.

I have made it my goal though to get to the point of loving olympic lifts. Because right now, I do not love them. Snatches are starting to grow on me but I HATE squat cleans.

[Speedball]

So I've come to the conclusion that I'm getting too big. I can't fit into most of my clothes because my arms and legs are too big. I know I need to start toning. The only problem is when I do less weight than what I normally do, it feels like I'm not ding anything at all.
My starting bench-weight is 185, and I did 4 sets of 10 today, and it felt really weird not upping the weight.

Any advice?

[WillardNation]

Buy bigger clothes.

[Speedball]

Buy bigger clothes.

That would work if I had money, which I don't.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I'd really like to get into the wendler series more and up my power lifts but it's really hard when I have to drop so much weight for bjj tournaments about 4 or 5 times a year. I put on weight really easy so I have to completely cut out power lifts when I have to make weight.

I have made it my goal though to get to the point of loving olympic lifts. Because right now, I do not love them. Snatches are starting to grow on me but I HATE squat cleans.

Love Olympic lifts, I really wish I would have continued my original program I started a few years ago. But I am going with SS now and returning to Oly lifts after I get to where I am happy with my numbers and build.

[WillardNation]

Ah, right there with ya sir. So I would say take a break from power lifts.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

So I've come to the conclusion that I'm getting too big. I can't fit into most of my clothes because my arms and legs are too big. I know I need to start toning. The only problem is when I do less weight than what I normally do, it feels like I'm not ding anything at all.
My starting bench-weight is 185, and I did 4 sets of 10 today, and it felt really weird not upping the weight.

Any advice?

Have you looked into pyramid program Martin has on his leangains website?

[Colossal Spoons]

So I've come to the conclusion that I'm getting too big. I can't fit into most of my clothes because my arms and legs are too big. I know I need to start toning. The only problem is when I do less weight than what I normally do, it feels like I'm not ding anything at all.
My starting bench-weight is 185, and I did 4 sets of 10 today, and it felt really weird not upping the weight.

Any advice?

Just cut for a few months. Your strength should only dip a little. Play with your calories before you take some plates off your lifts. I'm down 30lbs, my clothes are baggy as fuh, and my numbers have only decreased a little.

[Spider-Nerd]

So I've come to the conclusion that I'm getting too big. I can't fit into most of my clothes because my arms and legs are too big. I know I need to start toning. The only problem is when I do less weight than what I normally do, it feels like I'm not ding anything at all.
My starting bench-weight is 185, and I did 4 sets of 10 today, and it felt really weird not upping the weight.

Any advice?

10 reps at 185lbs and you think you're too big? As chris carter would say, "COME ON MAN".

If you really want to size yourself down, play with your carb intake.:up:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Looking through some Ripptoe videos online I came across this. To anyone that squats like this Wrists, knees, back, STOP IT RIGHT NOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LhuaAsrO_Q&NR=1

[Speedball]

10 reps at 185lbs and you think you're too big? As chris carter would say, "COME ON MAN".

If you really want to size yourself down, play with your carb intake.:up:

Well... I coulda kept going... but felt like that wouldn't help.
And I can't tell if what you're saying is like "you weakling" or something else.:huh:
And it wasn't just 10 reps... it was 4 sets. I'm really confused...

I usually start with 185, then go higher with the each set till I max out at like 250 with 5 reps.

[TerryMcGinnis]

Well... I coulda kept going... but felt like that wouldn't help.
And I can't tell if what you're saying is like "you weakling" or something else.:huh:
And it wasn't just 10 reps... it was 4 sets. I'm really confused...

I usually start with 185, then go higher with the each set till I max out at like 250 with 5 reps.

You can't be too big unless you're using copious amounts of steroids or carrying a lot of fat around. There is no such thing as toning either, it's a BS marketing term with zero meaning in exercise physiology. Your diet is the place to make changes, not your training, if you want to get leaner and drop excess weight. There is no reason to significantly change your training regardless of whether you want to gain muscle or lose fat. Always try to get stronger, or at least maintain your strength in the 5-10 rep range. I don't know how much you weigh, but 250 for 5 reps is pretty strong, I doubt that losing your strength and muscle by training below your abilities is what you'd want. It would be unwarranted and frankly, quite stupid, since almost every gym rat can lose at least 10-15 lbs of fat before they become really lean.

Looking through some Ripptoe videos online I came across this. To anyone that squats like this Wrists, knees, back, STOP IT RIGHT NOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LhuaAsrO_Q&NR=1

Totally, he's hyperextending his neck to the point it hurts me just watching and he seems to be resting the entire weight of the bar on the tips of his fingers, which is one hell of a forearm workout and a wrist injury waiting to happen. Isn't that the dude who does all of his videos shirtless?

[Speedball]

You can't be too big unless you're using copious amounts of steroids or carrying a lot of fat around. There is no such thing as toning either, it's a BS marketing term with zero meaning in exercise physiology. Your diet is the place to make changes, not your training, if you want to get leaner and drop excess weight.

Yeah, I kinda used the term toning as a term for getting lean or something like that. I thought about the use of that word later, and thought of a word I should have used, but it's not coming to me now...

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

You can't be too big unless you're using copious amounts of steroids or carrying a lot of fat around. There is no such thing as toning either, it's a BS marketing term with zero meaning in exercise physiology. Your diet is the place to make changes, not your training, if you want to get leaner and drop excess weight. There is no reason to significantly change your training regardless of whether you want to gain muscle or lose fat. Always try to get stronger, or at least maintain your strength in the 5-10 rep range. I don't know how much you weigh, but 250 for 5 reps is pretty strong, I doubt that losing your strength and muscle by training below your abilities is what you'd want. It would be unwarranted and frankly, quite stupid, since almost every gym rat can lose at least 10-15 lbs of fat before they become really lean.

Agreed. :up:

[TerryMcGinnis]

Yeah, I kinda used the term toning as a term for getting lean or something like that. I thought about the use of that word later, and thought of a word I should have used, but it's not coming to me now...

However you wanna call it, it has nothing to do with training and everything to do with diet, so that should be a little less of a burden to you now. Keep getting stronger, eat less but keep your protein high, put most of your carbs after your workouts, add some fish oil and a multivitamin - you're good to go.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Hey hey hey....look who I found Devil! I think Spoons might remember this guy too!

dNilld58tks&feature=related

It's Seawolf from BB.com

So this is the guy I was talking about a while ago who apparently has a pretty aweful diet, in terms of what types of foods he eats, but apparently, he has it to finely dialed in that he gets all of the proper nutrition from a macro stand point.

[TerryMcGinnis]

That's how someone who's reached their maximum muscular potential looks like. Assuming he's natural, which isn't beyond the realm of imagination.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

From what I remember, he is. He only weighs about 176lbs but is a f-ing beast.

[Spider-Nerd]

Well... I coulda kept going... but felt like that wouldn't help.
And I can't tell if what you're saying is like "you weakling" or something else.:huh:
And it wasn't just 10 reps... it was 4 sets. I'm really confused...

I usually start with 185, then go higher with the each set till I max out at like 250 with 5 reps.

My bad dude. 250lbs for 5 reps is pretty strong. I was under the impression that 185 was your 10RM.


As everyone else has said, toning is a scam. You gotta get your diet in check if you want to lose some body fat. Def. lower your overall carbohydrate intake and keep what you do take in mostly before and after your workouts. You can add some HIIT training too if you don't think your diet alone is going to remove excess body fat.

And keep it simple. Sprint for 30 yards, walk back to the start. Sprint again. Repeat 8 or 9 times. :up:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Hey hey hey....look who I found Devil! I think Spoons might remember this guy too!

dNilld58tks&feature=related

It's Seawolf from BB.com

So this is the guy I was talking about a while ago who apparently has a pretty aweful diet, in terms of what types of foods he eats, but apparently, he has it to finely dialed in that he gets all of the proper nutrition from a macro stand point.

Ah ha! Found him!

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/timberwolf/

So I know this seems completely random, but for the guys that have been around for a while, Spoons, Jag, ShadowBoxing, among others. I believe Jag originally pointed this guy out.

Just some inspiration for those out there that think they can't eat food that tastes great or even eat junk food and have to live a life of grilled chicken and broccoli in order to get a body like this.

With that said, it takes a tremendous, enormous, amount of dedication to be able to eat just about anything you want and look like this guy. I am not advocating to anyone that they should just crunch all of the numbers and eat anything they like, just saying that you can still enjoy good food or desert, pizza, fast food, junk food and the like, as long as it is well balanced and look amazing. :up:

[co2]

Anyone here do weighted pull ups?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150298876164032&set=a.433038889031.230483.6732359031&type=1&theater

http://www.youtube.com/ExtremistPullup

Looks like I've got a long way to go.

Which brings me to my question. Best belts for weight pull ups/dips?

I know this is a dipping belt, but can this also be used for pull/chin ups?
http://ironmind-store.com/De-Rigueur-Dipping-Belt153/productinfo/1310/

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/dipbelt.htm

I remember Jag liking grizzly belts.
http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-Fitness-Nylon-Dipping-Belt/dp/B000FGVX00


http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-Fitness-Nylon-Dipping-Belt/dp/B000FGVX00

I simply went to Home Depot, picked up a carabiner and had them cut a 3' length of relatively sturdy chain. I just loop the chain through a 25 or 35 plate (on a good day) and connect it to my weight belt with the carabiner. Effective and much cheaper than a dedicated belt. I keep it in my gym bag with my belt and wrist wraps and it has served me well for chins and dips over the last 10 years.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Don't have a weight belt, don't need one yet. Plus I've read two schools of thought on them. Some that say if you use heavy weight, use them, others say to never.

[Colossal Spoons]

I don't like them. But then again, I'm not lifting anywhere near the weight that one might benefit from them.

[Golgo-13]

I think weight belts are over rated. I've hurt my lower back with and without one on, so now i don't even bother using them. I also think they give the lifter a false sense of security. Focus on good form, and you shouldn't run into too much lower back problems.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Yeah it seems like they are limiting and restricting your ROM.

[co2]

I think weight belts are over rated. I've hurt my lower back with and without one on, so now i don't even bother using them. I also think they give the lifter a false sense of security. Focus on good form, and you shouldn't run into too much lower back problems.

Well, there comes a point when you gain enough strength that poundages you use necessitate that kind of gear. It's a weakness in exercises like squats that it is considered a leg exercise, but your leg muscles are so much larger and stronger than your lower back. That's reason you can use so much more weight on a leg press, which removes the weak link of the lower back. If you want to continue to gain strength in your legs with squats, you have to fortify your lower back. That's why powerlifters use a belt.
The same holds true with my wrist straps. My forearms and grip are the weak link in that exercise. No way in hell can my grip maintain a 120lb Dumbbell for my rows like I did today. If I didn't use them, my back would never get any bigger from that exercise.

[Golgo-13]

Well, there comes a point when you gain enough strength that poundages you use necessitate that kind of gear. It's a weakness in exercises like squats that it is considered a leg exercise, but your leg musceles are so much larger and stronger than your lower back. If you want to continue to gain strength in your legs, you have to fortify your lower back. That's why powerlifters use a belt.
The same holds true with my wrist straps. No way in hell can my grip maintain a 120lb Dumbbell for my rows like I did today. If I didn't use them, my back would never get any bigger from that exercise.

As silly as this may sound, i never thought about using straps until you just mentioned them. I go as heavy as i can on squats and deadlifts. My grip on deadlifts fatigues way before my hamstrings do, so i don't get to fatigue them like i do my quads during squats.

[co2]

You can't be too big unless you're using copious amounts of steroids or carrying a lot of fat around. There is no such thing as toning either, it's a BS marketing term with zero meaning in exercise physiology. Your diet is the place to make changes, not your training, if you want to get leaner and drop excess weight. There is no reason to significantly change your training regardless of whether you want to gain muscle or lose fat. Always try to get stronger, or at least maintain your strength in the 5-10 rep range. I don't know how much you weigh, but 250 for 5 reps is pretty strong, I doubt that losing your strength and muscle by training below your abilities is what you'd want. It would be unwarranted and frankly, quite stupid, since almost every gym rat can lose at least 10-15 lbs of fat before they become really lean.

Well, "too big" is a relative term. It depends on what he considers "too big". Will you be Mr. Olympia without anabolics...No. Can you get pretty damn big if you work smart and hard enough..tons of people have.
But I agree with everything else you say. I have had plenty of people ask my advice and a lot of them, especially women, say something along the lines of, "I don't want to gain muscle, I just want to get tone". I then ask them, "What does tone mean?" They then realize that what they are saying is gain muscle and lose fat, no matter how you cut it. Then, it's a matter of getting them to understand that you should always train for strength. I record the weight and reps after every set so I have something to refer to next time. That's the only way to insure I'm trying to progress. I see so many people in the gym doing the same weight on the same exercises week in and out, and then question why they are making no progress.

[co2]

As silly as this may sound, i never thought about using straps until you just mentioned them. I go as heavy as i can on squats and deadlifts. My grip on deadlifts fatigues way before my hamstrings do, so i don't get to fatigue them like i do my quads during squats.

Yeah, I always use my straps on deadlifts too. You can use an inverted grip, like powerlifters do (one palm up, one down), but for more bodybuilding geared training, that kind of grip makes me feel unbalanced. Straps make it easier to concentrate on the muscle I'm targeting instead of worrying about my grip.

[co2]

I'm going to contribute some really good resources. Bodybuilding.com sponsored 2 very good video series.

The first is by former Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates. Dorian is the man in my opinion and this is a very efficient program geared toward getting you big. Dorian is about as up front as you can get and one of the few that admits he was on Anabolics during his competitive years. But he has always preached low volume, high intensity, which if you are drug free, that is the only way to go. That's the philosopy I have successfully used for the last 15 years. Plus, 45 minutes, 3-4 days a week is not a lot of time committment in the gym. If you want to have a normal life and still make great progress, there is no other way. You just have to be willing to push yourself.

http://videos.bodybuilding.com/show/dorian-yates-blood-and-guts

The second series is by probably one of the brightest bodybuilders ever, Lee Labrada. It is more friendly to the usual person starting out and has a video for EVERY day of the 12 week program. EVERYTHING is layed out. It's as dummy proof as possible, and if you can't make progress following this, it might be hopeless. Lee turned 50 recently and still looks amazing.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/lee-labrada-12-week-lean-body-trainer.html

I think those series hold a lot of great information for those that are interested. Good luck!

[SuperSoldier985]

Day 53 of 60 of Insanity finished!!

I don't know for sure if I could say that I'm in the best shape of my life per se, but I'm 100% sure that I'm in better shape than I was around 3 years ago when I spent several weeks during the summer in judo/bjj/karate training. I definitely feel more agile, flexible, and have much more body control than I did back then. I intend on doing one more 60-day cycle of Insanity and then I'll be kicking back up in my martial arts training.

[Spider-Nerd]

tendonitis in my left knee. Such a pain in the ass. Looks like a full day of ice, advil, and some serious foam rolling. Looks like I'm off the sprints for a bit.

[gohei_]

So I just finished today's workout, and since I was lazy yesterday I had to do yesterdays workout today and my planned workout as well. Suffice to say I was ready to give up near the end, but now afterwards I'm glad I didn't. Expecting some nice soreness to come the next days :woot:


tendonitis in my left knee. Such a pain in the ass. Looks like a full day of ice, advil, and some serious foam rolling. Looks like I'm off the sprints for a bit.

That sucks man.

[Spider-Nerd]

No worries. I'll find a way to work around it. Upper body lifts, then instead of sprinting I'll hit a heavy bag for a while. Excuses are for people who lose.

[gohei_]

:up:

[TerryMcGinnis]

So I just finished today's workout, and since I was lazy yesterday I had to do yesterdays workout today and my planned workout as well. Suffice to say I was ready to give up near the end, but now afterwards I'm glad I didn't. Expecting some nice soreness to come the next days :woot:

What do your workouts look like?

[WildcatNC]

Glad I discovered shoulder dislocations. My shoulders have always had poor range of motion, making squats difficult. I'm not there yet but i'm doing them everyday and I can tell the difference.

Been doing Martial Arts training pretty seriously lately. Lot of medium contact bull in the ring lately and sparring. About to kick in with some Silat training after Alchemy this week.

Finally broke though my weight plateau. I have been stuck at 180-185 for about a month. Picked up my IF and increased my protein and restructured my sets. Finally got to 179 and heading south. I'm 5'9 so i'm probably looking at 165-170 as an ideal weight, muscle and all (MAYBE as much as 180 but that would take ahwile). All I really have left is a spare tire, about 10 lbs worth so that seems about right. My shape is changing favorably as well now that i'm close to my target. About to hit the gym now on the tail end of IM actually.

[gohei_]

What do your workouts look like?


Well, it's pretty much only bodyweight stuff. A warm-up consisting of mobility and static work, followed by gymnastics skill work (handstand and bridge work at the moment). After that I usually do the WOD's from gymnasticbodies.com, but right now I'm doing my own routine instead to try and catch up on some weak spots that are holding me back. So my main workout is pretty much 2 upperbody days and 2 lowerbody a week, with maybe 3-5 exercises each day, using 3 sets x 5 reps.

[co2]

I used to have chronic joint pain for the longest but I added a new regime to my workouts that have virtually eliminated them.

1. The first is kind of a no-brainer, but I always perform 5-10 minutes moderate, low impact cardio first thing when I hit the gym. I like the elliptical because it uses your whole body and therefore kicks your heart rate up the quickest, but I like the recumbant bike too. Then I head to my stetches.
2. I have always performed stretches even between sets, but I heard some stuff that static stretching, where you just stretch and hold, causes muscular strains and tears and actually makes you weaker. I have now been doing dynamic stretches, which are stretches with movement. So basically instead of holding, I ease into a stretch and ease out. So, after my body is warmed from the cardio, I head to the floor and perform 5 minutes of dynamic stretches of all sorts for legs, back, ect. After that, I head to the weights.
3. I have always warmed up with a couple of light sets on the first exercise of what ever body part I'm training. But now I perform 1 or 2 warm-up sets for EVERY exercise. Those 1-2 sets are typically with a light and then moderate weight for 10-15 reps, then I'm ready to move onto my heavy set to failure. Some people call this a pyramid, but I only count that final one as a real set, because it is the only one taken to failure. To me that is the only one that matters, and everything else is just build up to that moment.

I've been doing the above procedure for a couple of months now, and my joint issues are all but gone. Of course I try to have deliberate form. To me, a lot of that has to do with speed. I don't think it's ever the amount of weight that hurts you, it's your ability to control it. Almost all of the injury's I've ever seen were the result of speed, because the weight wasn't properly controlled. If you are travelling in a deliberate, controlled manner..not blasting through a rep at high velocity..there is no way you can get hurt. I have a friend at the gym that is a golfer and is complaining about his lower back. He doesn't do any stretches or warm-ups before playing and it's no wonder he is hurt to me. In an instant he transfers as much speed and torque to his low back as possible with that golf swing. Without prepping for that, you are asking to get hurt.

[TerryMcGinnis]

Well, it's pretty much only bodyweight stuff. A warm-up consisting of mobility and static work, followed by gymnastics skill work (handstand and bridge work at the moment). After that I usually do the WOD's from gymnasticbodies.com, but right now I'm doing my own routine instead to try and catch up on some weak spots that are holding me back. So my main workout is pretty much 2 upperbody days and 2 lowerbody a week, with maybe 3-5 exercises each day, using 3 sets x 5 reps.

Sounds cool, you should check these guys out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQSGRPA3SsQ

The Bar-Barians, they've got a forum with lots of info, the stuff they do is absolutely insane.

[gohei_]

As far as I understand you should only perform dynamic stretching before workout because pro-longed static stretching tires out the muscles, causing them to not give 100% during your workouts. So you are doing it the right way :cwink:

[gohei_]

Sounds cool, you should check these guys out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQSGRPA3SsQ

The Bar-Barians, they've got a forum with lots of info, the stuff they do is absolutely insane.


Yeah I've seen a few of their videos. Some of them are crazy strong :wow:

[TerryMcGinnis]

Yeah, there's this guy Hannibal doing this stuff on youtube, I'm not sure if he's one of their crew, but damn, the guy looks like a natural bodybuilder and claims to never lift weights, just use bars. To be fair though, his legs are pretty underdeveloped, but it's nigh impossible to build them up if you're not using weights.

[gohei_]

Yeah I know who he is, his abs are the most crazy thing I've ever seen, and I agree about the legs. At some point you have to use weight in order to make more progress.

[Colossal Spoons]

Yeah, there's this guy Hannibal doing this stuff on youtube, I'm not sure if he's one of their crew, but damn, the guy looks like a natural bodybuilder and claims to never lift weights, just use bars. To be fair though, his legs are pretty underdeveloped, but it's nigh impossible to build them up if you're not using weights.

Hannibal the playground king lol

[TerryMcGinnis]

Definitely a positive influence on all the kids there, wish there was someone like that on my playground back in the day lol

[Colossal Spoons]

After Kai Greene, he's the biggest "hood" celebrity

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

As far as I understand you should only perform dynamic stretching before workout because pro-longed static stretching tires out the muscles, causing them to not give 100% during your workouts. So you are doing it the right way :cwink:

Yes, this is what I have come across as well. I've also read other articles that state static stretching before exercise may increase the chances of injury as well. :up:

[ComicChick]

how do you all find motivation? sometimes i just can't get motivated to workout cuz i'm so tired from working or just feel rundown.

i need a switch up, stat.

[TerryMcGinnis]

For me it's a matter of pride, I'm generally a pretty well organized and diligent person, if I don't do what I'm supposed to do I'll feel a lot more like crap than I would if I just suck it up and do it.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Well personally motivating yourself can be tough for some people, also some times it just takes...well time.

Studies have shown that it can take a person five weeks before they adjust to their new routine or settle into it, so it's possible that you may have to really will and force yourself for a month before it feels like second nature just hitting the gym.

Also trying to take care of yourself. Sleep and rest is more important than working out. If you're burning yourself out, try to rest a little more. Not a lot, but if you've had a really hard week everything has been crappy, way behind on sleep, instead of forcing yourself into the gym. Head home, call it an early night and get sleep. It's much better than wearing yourself out.

Also changing your diet may make a huge difference in the way you feel. To add to that, and this may seem a bit...corny, but mentally preparing yourself for your workout and how your day is going to go. Have a positive attitude about it being a good workout and it being a good day. You may be surprised how much it can influence how you feel.

I work with people who are bent out of shape all the time. I let it get to me for a while, so I constantly had a negative attitude about work. I was in a bad mood, the people I helped were in a bad mood and I hate my job. I finally had my boss talk to me about it and pointed out some things he noticed. I made a change in my approach and surprisingly, the people I deal with now, don't really seem to bother me and a lot of them aren't that difficult to deal with anymore.

I strong believe that the way you choose to look at your situation can greatly affect your reality.

[gohei_]

Well sometimes I can be extremely lazy and not feel like all to work out, so I don't. But then I have to work harder in order to catch up with my workouts for the week. I believe it is mostly due to my bad sleeping habits.

[TerryMcGinnis]

I believe it is mostly due to my bad sleeping habits.

You and me both, lately my sleep has been pretty bad and it shows big time in the gym.

[gohei_]

Yeah my progress in strength is going really slow right now as well. On week days I'm probably sleeping 4-5 hours a night. Then I usually end up sleeping through most of the weekends instead. I just feel like I'm missing out on so much by going to sleep too early so I just stay awake instead.

[Colossal Spoons]

how do you all find motivation? sometimes i just can't get motivated to workout cuz i'm so tired from working or just feel rundown.

i need a switch up, stat.

Muscle dysmorphia = constant motivation

:up::down:

[TerryMcGinnis]

Yeah my progress in strength is going really slow right now as well. On week days I'm probably sleeping 4-5 hours a night. Then I usually end up sleeping through most of the weekends instead. I just feel like I'm missing out on so much by going to sleep too early so I just stay awake instead.

Exactly the same here. But I'm really trying to fix it now, I realize that by sleeping in to catch up on my long nights is actually a huge waste of time as well.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Muscle dysmorphia = constant motivation

:up::down:

Lift a house yet?

[gohei_]

Exactly the same here. But I'm really trying to fix it now, I realize that by sleeping in to catch up on my long nights is actually a huge waste of time as well.

Tell me about it, I feel so bad knowing that i just slept for 10-12 hours and that pretty much the whole day is ruined. And I also feel tired pretty much all day when I sleep that long to. It's a vicious cycle :cmad:

[Colossal Spoons]

Lift a house yet?

No, losing weight at the moment. I dropped 5lbs due to the flu last weekend so I'm a whopping 205 today :D

[ComicChick]

No, losing weight at the moment. I dropped 5lbs due to the flu last weekend so I'm a whopping 205 today :D

gimme your flu haha

i think a lot of the way i feel lately may have to do with the fact that i was prescribed sleeping pills about a month ago. i've had insomnia since i was 12 or so and this is the first time i've been treated for it or anything.

i'm only taking half a pill but it seems like my body isnt completely used to them yet. for instance i'm completely exhausted right now and could probably go to sleep now if i really wanted

[mrvlknight21]

Im trying to come up with a routine that I can do while recovering from surgery and unable to do anything with my legs.
Probably going to focus on grip and forearm work first (while stuck in bed) and when able to get around a little bit, pushups and pullups. I have that burnmachine speedbag....so I can still do SOME version of HIIT cardio while stuck in bed.
Isometrics might also be doable and beneficial.

[co2]

For me it's a matter of pride, I'm generally a pretty well organized and diligent person, if I don't do what I'm supposed to do I'll feel a lot more like crap than I would if I just suck it up and do it.

Exact same here. It took some years of my youth but I finally realized the things that really make me happy, and those revolve around taking pride in the way I live my life. It's hard from your teens through your 20's because of peer pressure and friends want you join them and stay out till early hours and live an unhealthy lifestyle, however extreme that may be. After enough nights of that, it really hit me how much more I enjoyed having a good workout the next morning, rather than staying out all night.
I can speak to my personal experience. I remember the turning point and really regreting some of those nights. After sleeping it off the next day I would think "Not only did I waste last night, but I wasted all day the next day from trying to recover! That's almost two days that I not only wasted, but probably set myself back!"
Sure, some of those old unhealthy relationships faded away, but after a while, the RIGHT people start recognizing things admirable in the way you live your life, and you get new friends. The kind that support you instead of discouraging you. That's what real friends are.
Then those same thoughts of progress start shaping other aspects of your life. "I could order a pizza, but I really am looking forward to achieving another rep on my squats, so I'll have this chicken breast and get good protein."
Now believe me, I still have fun, and I love a delicious junk meal once a week, but that's why it's called an indulgence, not the norm.


As for sleep, for those whose schedule allows, I would highly recommend making your workout part of your morning regime, like brushing your teeth. You have so much more control of your day if you knock it out early. You don't have an impending workout hanging over your head all day only to be cancelled because something came up or you eat something that doesn't agree with you..or you just want to blow it off. of course, that means you have to plan accordingly and go to bed at a decent hour. If you are a late night person, that change is really hard to get used to and takes a little while to get in the groove, but it is well worth it. And your body will adjust if you keep at it.

I used to have insomnia every now and then, and that's rough. Although, a lot of people that have told me they have insomnia, are really just unwilling to go to bed at a decent hour. Clinical insomnia is where even when you go to bed at a decent hour and fully want to sleep but just can't fade off because your mind is racing (it sucks, believe me!). Staying up late and watching TV, on the computer, or just refusing to go to bed is not insomnia. That's just not being able to let it go and pack it in for a fresh start on the next day. My girlfriend's cousin is like that. She sleeps all day and complains about having insomnia, and the more she talks about it, the more you find she was up playing her new HALO game and just refused to go to bed. She has simply created an unnatural sleeping pattern. But it can be corrected.

[WillardNation]

Holy walls of text.
how do you all find motivation? sometimes i just can't get motivated to workout cuz i'm so tired from working or just feel rundown.

i need a switch up, stat.
I just have a conversation with myself about what kind of results I want. After I decide where I want my fitness/athletic level to be at I go, well, here's what I need to do to get there. Regardless of how I feel about doing it. It helps that I used to be fat and depressed and know that I never ever want to go back to that.

It also helps to be a part of a community that will help you hold yourself accountable. If I don't see one of our members for a week or two, I'm calling them and asking why they aren't coming to class. I know that all the people that usually do class with them are also calling them, telling them to get their asses back.

Have you checked out that gym I linked to you yet?

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

So after reading up on SS by Rippetoe and here are the major points I've come away with so far in proper squatting technique, according to Ripptoe.

Bar just below neck - not on spine
Squeeze shoulders together - forms groups of muscle for bar to rest
Do not bend wrists
Thumbs and fingers all on same side - thumb over grip
Knees outward & over, or slightly past toes
Push through hips/buttocks - don't worry about feet
Always an empty bar first
Always have bar lower than higher on rack
Always step back out of the rack- ALWAYS
Toes 30 degrees
Don't stop at bottom - small bounce, this means you are engaging the hamstrings properly
Look down about 6 feet in front
Back curved, bar over mid-foot, head down
Thumbs behind bar, shoulders/hands in creates a "jamming" effect on bar

[Colossal Spoons]

Damn good squat form tips right there. Thumb over grip makes a world of difference

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I don't think I covered all of his points, but I think I got most of them and the really important ones. :up:

[ComicChick]

Have you checked out that gym I linked to you yet?

not yet, i haven't had time to get over to that side of town at all. going to try and get to the gym on base tomorrow after work

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Anyone know any great/good olympic lifting coaches on the east coast? New Jersey area specifically?

[co2]

I don't think I covered all of his points, but I think I got most of them and the really important ones. :up:


By "curved back" did he mean arched back? You shouldn't ever curve your back on..well any exercise, but especially squats.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

By "curved back" did he mean arched back? You shouldn't ever curve your back on..well any exercise, but especially squats.

Hmm...well I think we're on the same page, but Mark Rippetoe means is your back should be in the natural form. Lower back slightly curved/arched. He states that you do not want to achieve a perfectly vertical spine or back.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Just found this awesome link!

http://www.youtube.com/user/johnnymnemonic2

[WillardNation]

By "curved back" did he mean arched back? You shouldn't ever curve your back on..well any exercise, but especially squats.
Yeah, he meant arched. You don't ever want to eound your back. Curved isn't the best cue as it could really mean either one I'd say.

[mrvlknight21]

My new favorite morning drink is Water with Emergen-C (Cranberry-pomegranate flavor) and Nature's Greens. It looks like swamp water, but tastes great.

In other news, I am going to do a strict Paleo diet leading up to my knee surgery (3 weeks). I will use this as a testing ground to see what kind of results I get.

[mrvlknight21]

Just found this awesome link!

http://www.youtube.com/user/johnnymnemonic2

Yeah those squat Rx videos are well known and respected.

[TerryMcGinnis]

So today I officially got back to Starting Strength. I forgot how much I love the damn routine. I probably should've started with a slightly lower weight for my standing press though, but I guess I didn't because I haven't been doing the exercise for a while now, substituting it with the seated dumbbell variation, where I obviously can lift a bit more.

I wanted to give DC a shot, because the philosophy seems like it fits me perfect, but I decided I'm not advanced enough to do that, I'll give it another year and one more gain/cut cycle before I delve into it.

[co2]

So today I officially got back to Starting Strength. I forgot how much I love the damn routine. I probably should've started with a slightly lower weight for my standing press though, but I guess I didn't because I haven't been doing the exercise for a while now, substituting it with the seated dumbbell variation, where I obviously can lift a bit more.

I wanted to give DC a shot, because the philosophy seems like it fits me perfect, but I decided I'm not advanced enough to do that, I'll give it another year and one more gain/cut cycle before I delve into it.

I've read a little about the DC routine. Still not quite sure what it is about. There are a lot of different philosophies out there, but I have a hard time with people that are promoting some new system or method. I have always had good results just trying to push myself, tracking my progress, keeping my workouts short but effective. My training has always been a more practical application of HIT (high intensity training) because that just makes a lot of sense to me.
I used to be a big fan of Mike Mentzer and his version of HIT he called Heavy Duty, but I think he went a little too far in his later years. He became a little much like his mentor, Arthur Jones (who invented Nautulis). By the way, if you get a chance to read Mentzer's Heavy Duty books, there're great. I give him so much credit for getting weight trainers to think logically, use reason and question what and why they are doing what they are doing rather than just do the 2 hour, six day a week workouts because someone said so. There was a whole generation of people working out on those marathon sessions through the 80's just because "that's what Arnold did!" So he was fighting an uphill battle for a long time. A lot of people thought Mentzer was a nut job, and maybe he was, but damn if his stuff didn't make sense.
I think Dorian Yates was the one that really refined and made practical those HIT principles that he got from Mentzer, by way of Jones. When I first started lifting in high school I was already gravitating toward Mentzer's philosophy from what I read in magazines. His were the only articles in the mags (or supplement sales catalogs as he would point out) that seemed logical, like they were trying to tell you something different. That was right about time Dorian burst on the scene and it suddenly gave Mentzer some validation after all that time and convinced me to try HIT. Like I said, I modified it a bit to fit my goals, but I have never looked back.

[TerryMcGinnis]

I have always had good results just trying to push myself, tracking my progress, keeping my workouts short but effective. My training has always been a more practical application of HIT (high intensity training) because that just makes a lot of sense to me.

That's pretty much what DC is anyway + rest pause and extreme stretching. It's 3x a week, short and brutal workouts dominated by compound movements and a very simple periodization scheme where you go all out for 6-8 weeks and then rest for 1-2 weeks. It comes with a disclaimer that you should have at least 2-3 years of serious heavy training before you consider it. Pretty much everything is laid out here http://dc-training.blogspot.com/

I like what I read about it, then I watched two training DVDs, one by Jason Wojo, the other by Justin Harris and it seems like something I'll enjoy. It's just that I want to heed the warning and advice to build a strong foundation and get my form rock solid before I do it. And yeah, I've read Mentzer's stuff and even watched some of his lectures, he was ahead of his time in many aspects of training phylosophy.

[co2]

Thanks for sharing that link! I'll definitely check it out after what you said.

[Golgo-13]

So after reading up on SS by Rippetoe and here are the major points I've come away with so far in proper squatting technique, according to Ripptoe.

Bar just below neck - not on spine
Squeeze shoulders together - forms groups of muscle for bar to rest
Do not bend wrists
Thumbs and fingers all on same side - thumb over grip
Knees outward & over, or slightly past toes
Push through hips/buttocks - don't worry about feet
Always an empty bar first
Always have bar lower than higher on rack
Always step back out of the rack- ALWAYS
Toes 30 degrees
Don't stop at bottom - small bounce, this means you are engaging the hamstrings properly
Look down about 6 feet in front
Back curved, bar over mid-foot, head down
Thumbs behind bar, shoulders/hands in creates a "jamming" effect on bar

I tend to pick a spot on the wall, and look straight ahead, as opposed to looking down; i find this helps keep my back curved correctly.

I also push through the heels of my feet.

[co2]

I tend to pick a spot on the wall, and look straight ahead, as opposed to looking down; i find this helps keep my back curved correctly.

I also push through the heels of my feet.

Same here. Your body tends to follow your head and your head tends to follow your eyes. So I think looking straight ahead is a better way to keep your back rigid. And definitely pushing through with your heels applies to squats, leg presses, hack squats...pretty much any pressing leg movement.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I tend to pick a spot on the wall, and look straight ahead, as opposed to looking down; i find this helps keep my back curved correctly.

I also push through the heels of my feet.

I also push through the heels of my feet, but only to make sure I am driving with my hips and buttocks. After picking up SS by Rippetoe, I am taking a small break to finish the book first then giving the low-bar squat a shot and seeing how I like it.

But it makes sense to concentrate on your hips being the driving factor in the movement. Rippetoe breaks down a lot about our body mechanics and it makes sense. People calling him out because he hasn't trained anyone of notable significance doesn't mean he isn't right, or at least brings up many points worth thinking about.

[TerryMcGinnis]

I think the "look down 6 feet in front of you" is just there so people wouldn't do stupid **** like hyperextending their neck to look at the ceiling or something along those lines, which is advice far too often perpetuated by ill informed personal trainers. I don't look straight ahead, but diagonally down about twice as far as Rip recommends, but that's just what I've found to be a natural neck position for me. He mentions many times in his videos and in the books that he's aware of the sometimes radical differences in biomechanics people exhibit, so some of the guidelines need to be tweaked from person to person. Not everything will work for everyone the same way.

As a side note, I wholeheartedly recommend the extreme stretches to all you lifters on here. Even though I'm not doing DC, I'm incorporating the stretches into my SS. It's the only variable I changed and my soreness, which was often quite severe, has now been almost completely eliminated. And if there's something to that hyperplasia rumor, that's just an added bonus.

[gohei_]

Personally I don't find stretching to be minimizing the soreness at all, but it sure feels good to do it, and it doesn't hurt to be a little more flexible. Which I sure need.

[TerryMcGinnis]

I went into it thinking "what a load of bull". But hey, it works awesomely for me. And these aren't your regular, feelgood stretches, they're extreme, weighted and prolonged to the point you feel like crawling into the corner in a fetal position and crying.

They also give me a fantastic pump - not that it really matters in the grands scheme of things.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I think the "look down 6 feet in front of you" is just there so people wouldn't do stupid **** like hyperextending their neck to look at the ceiling or something along those lines, which is advice far too often perpetuated by ill informed personal trainers. I don't look straight ahead, but diagonally down about twice as far as Rip recommends, but that's just what I've found to be a natural neck position for me. He mentions many times in his videos and in the books that he's aware of the sometimes radical differences in biomechanics people exhibit, so some of the guidelines need to be tweaked from person to person. Not everything will work for everyone the same way.

As a side note, I wholeheartedly recommend the extreme stretches to all you lifters on here. Even though I'm not doing DC, I'm incorporating the stretches into my SS. It's the only variable I changed and my soreness, which was often quite severe, has now been almost completely eliminated. And if there's something to that hyperplasia rumor, that's just an added bonus.

I think that's the biggest think about healthy and fitness. Everyone is different, find what works best for you.

[gohei_]

I went into it thinking "what a load of bull". But hey, it works awesomely for me. And these aren't your regular, feelgood stretches, they're extreme, weighted and prolonged to the point you feel like crawling into the corner in a fetal position and crying.

They also give me a fantastic pump - not that it really matters in the grands scheme of things.


That actually sounds like fun :woot:

[WillardNation]

I was talking to my coach about IF the other day. Apparently he did it and it worked well for him. I wanna try it so I can lean out but I really hate the idea of fasting. I know what I feel like if I go a day without eating and it's not good. I guess it's just about the same as going paleo though, once you get over the wheat/sugar withdrawals it's great. I might give it a go.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I was talking to my coach about IF the other day. Apparently he did it and it worked well for him. I wanna try it so I can lean out but I really hate the idea of fasting. I know what I feel like if I go a day without eating and it's not good. I guess it's just about the same as going paleo though, once you get over the wheat/sugar withdrawals it's great. I might give it a go.

You don't have to go a full day, you can certainly try 16 hours first and see how that goes. I hate, hate, when I am really hungry, I get grumpy and rude as ****. I almost revert back into being a little kid.

But, when I understood that you're not actually hungry, your body is just conditioned to want food at those time frames because you've been conditioned to eat all day, every 2-3 hours, and it's just your body wanting food, not needing it. :up:

[TerryMcGinnis]

That actually sounds like fun :woot:
I'm telling you man, I was stretching my biceps yesterday after chin ups, and never in my life have 90 seconds felt so long. You start off thinking "Hey I can do this!", after the 20 second mark it's "This might not have been the brightest idea...", 45 "What the hell have I gotten myself into?!". 60 and onward it's so excruciating you don't have the mental focus to cobble a thought together.

I was talking to my coach about IF the other day. Apparently he did it and it worked well for him. I wanna try it so I can lean out but I really hate the idea of fasting. I know what I feel like if I go a day without eating and it's not good. I guess it's just about the same as going paleo though, once you get over the wheat/sugar withdrawals it's great. I might give it a go.

You mentioned that you used to be fat, and you probably have a big appetite, right? Then you should feel right at home with leangains or some other IF scheme that doesn't include fasting an entire day. Most of Martin's clients, including himself, fit your profile to a T. The meals are large, filling and very satisfying. As BAH said, once you get over the fixation on meal frequency, it's a breeze and very liberating.

[gohei_]

I don't think I've ever experienced that with stretching before. Perhaps I'm just not doing it hard enough.


And on the matter of IF. As others have said, once you get used to it after a few days/a week it feels great to not have to worry about food all day. And me personally if I eat during my fasting hours it can screw up my gut for the rest of the day. And it's just great when you can go crazy on meals that are 2000kcal + :up:

[WillardNation]

Yeah, I have a huge appetite. Thanks for the help, guys. I'm still debating whether to go for it or not.

[gohei_]

You can always ease in to it. Start with just a few hours of fasting and add one hour every other day. It's definitely worth trying out.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

If you do try it, put your mind to it that you're going to give it at least three full days before calling it off. I adjusted within a day or two. I still do it most of the time but not 100%. :up:

[WillardNation]

It shouldn't be too hard to do since I'm so broke right now anyway lol.

[Golgo-13]

The only reason i stretch is to stay flexible for Jiu Jitsu. I never stretch when i work out at home...

[TerryMcGinnis]

I'd actually recommend easing into it, because it's mostly a hormonal thing. Ghrelin, the main hormone regulating when and how hungry you get is entrained by consistently eating at the same time of day (or close to it). Set something up based on your schedule and training, then give it your best to stick to it for a week at least. You just have to recognize any hunger pangs for what they are - your body behaving like a spoiled brat because it didn't get food when it expects it. Within a week of more or less stable meal patterns your body will get the message and leave you in peace.

[co2]

I think that's the biggest think about healthy and fitness. Everyone is different, find what works best for you.

I think that applies in some aspect, but a lot of people take that sentiment way too far.
I think like was said earlier, bio-mechanics are different. Some people have longer limbs or different body shapes so the movement of one lift may not be ideal for that of another person. But the basic concept of adaption is relatively the same for everyone. The tried and true methodology of just pushing your limitation, then allowing enough time (rest between workouts) for recovery and then compensation to take place on top of that is at the root of any progress. Not pushing close enough to that limit, or even too much too often interupts that whole process.
If biology didn't react in relatively the same manner, then all medical science would have to be thrown out the window.

[gohei_]

So is anyone doing any endurance training? Stuff like bodyweight squats and push-ups for reps? I used to do a lot of that stuff a few years ago and was thinking about adding a workout a week with just easy exercises that I can push to the limit, just for the fun of it. It just feels great when you get all the lactic acid going and you feel like you are about to die :woot:

[TerryMcGinnis]

So is anyone doing any endurance training? Stuff like bodyweight squats and push-ups for reps? I used to do a lot of that stuff a few years ago and was thinking about adding a workout a week with just easy exercises that I can push to the limit, just for the fun of it. It just feels great when you get all the lactic acid going and you feel like you are about to die :woot:

I also used to do that a long while back. It was something like 70 squats, 50 push ups, 100 sit ups within half an hour. It was a killer, but I never got much out of it in terms of strength, or size for that matter. In retrospect, my advice would be to make the reps slow, more controlled, with as much momentum eliminated out of them as possible, regardless of goals. I was chasing numbers and taking quantity over quality back then, however you look at it.

[gohei_]

Yeah you should never choose quantity over quality. As soon as your form gets sloppy you better stop and rest. And I'm not really hoping to gain anything from it, if I should start doing it, other than just a good time and the feeling of being completely wasted.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I think that applies in some aspect, but a lot of people take that sentiment way too far.
I think like was said earlier, bio-mechanics are different. Some people have longer limbs or different body shapes so the movement of one lift may not be ideal for that of another person. But the basic concept of adaption is relatively the same for everyone. The tried and true methodology of just pushing your limitation, then allowing enough time (rest between workouts) for recovery and then compensation to take place on top of that is at the root of any progress. Not pushing close enough to that limit, or even too much too often interupts that whole process.
If biology didn't react in relatively the same manner, then all medical science would have to be thrown out the window.

I don't see how, what works best for an individual doesn't apply in all aspects. I am not discounting what works for everyone, or what works period. Instead, if person A doesn't have the same drive, motivation, self control, et cetera, as person B, it doesn't mean they can't put together a healthy lifestyle that they enjoy and get very good results.

Take TimbahWolf from bb.com for example, I am not sure what his diet is like now, but I've heard from others that have had conversations with him that his diet at one point was **** in terms of the types of foods he ate, but with his work out routine and the knowledge of his macro break down, he has one of the most impressive bodies from a sculpted stand point.

[WillardNation]

I don't see how, what works best for an individual doesn't apply in all aspects. I am not discounting what works for everyone, or what works period. Instead, if person A doesn't have the same drive, motivation, self control, et cetera, as person B, it doesn't mean they can't put together a healthy lifestyle that they enjoy and get very good results.

Take TimbahWolf from bb.com for example, I am not sure what his diet is like now, but I've heard from others that have had conversations with him that his diet at one point was **** in terms of the types of foods he ate, but with his work out routine and the knowledge of his macro break down, he has one of the most impressive bodies from a sculpted stand point.
If you're going for just an aesthetic value, sure, but if we're measuring functionality and health, I'm gonna have to agree with co2. Just because a guy is shredded, doesn't mean he's healthy or strong. That guy can look better than most of us but he can still drop dead of a heart attack in his 40's from his ****** diet. Or, he may be way more cut than us but we may be able to lift more weight than him. Ya know? Don't get me wrong, I want to look totally shredded but I also want functionality and health.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

If you're going for just an aesthetic value, sure, but if we're measuring functionality and health, I'm gonna have to agree with co2. Just because a guy is shredded, doesn't mean he's healthy or strong. That guy can look better than most of us but he can still drop dead of a heart attack in his 40's from his ****** diet. Or, he may be way more cut than us but we may be able to lift more weight than him. Ya know? Don't get me wrong, I want to look totally shredded but I also want functionality and health.


I still disagree...to an extent. The specific person I am speaking of is pretty ****ing strong, especially taking into consideration he is natural [as far as I know] and for his size/build.

All I am saying is, finding what works for you/what you actually enjoy is by far going to yield better results than something that is superior in diet or regimen, because people tend to continue to do something they enjoy. So their success will be much greater.

I know the difference between strength, size, and looking 'ripped' or 'shredded' and being healthy whether you look like you are or not.

But, imho, genetics is a greater determining factor than anything else.

[TerryMcGinnis]

If you're going for just an aesthetic value, sure, but if we're measuring functionality and health, I'm gonna have to agree with co2. Just because a guy is shredded, doesn't mean he's healthy or strong. That guy can look better than most of us but he can still drop dead of a heart attack in his 40's from his ****** diet. Or, he may be way more cut than us but we may be able to lift more weight than him. Ya know? Don't get me wrong, I want to look totally shredded but I also want functionality and health.

But see, you CAN have your cake and eat it too. People are caught up in the notion that you MUST do this or that to get big and strong, or even healthy for that matter. This may be true for a tiny minority of factors, like progressive overload, micronutrient, protein and total calorie goals, but pretty much everything else IS fair game and comes down to what a particular person can stick with in the long term.

I'm willing to bet my kidney that someone who has the bulk of their diet made up of twinkies (70% calories), but gets their micros, protein and essential fats through supplementation (30% calories) can be as healthy or healthier than you, me, or any diehard fitness nut out there if he trains smart and can stick with what he's doing longer than us.

[co2]

I'm willing to bet my kidney that someone who has the bulk of their diet made up of twinkies (70% calories), but gets their micros, protein and essential fats through supplementation (30% calories) can be as healthy or healthier than you, me, or any diehard fitness nut out there if he trains smart and can stick with what he's doing longer than us.

Yeah, but the point is, couldn't he be that much better if he ate properly on top of that, because there are defined principles upon which the body functions. There are minor genetic differences, but human biology pretty much functions the same regardless.
But you do have a point about the psychology being a big X-factor. Not everyone is psychologically built for the same activity. I've known some people that excel at great sports like basketball, but would never make it as a power lifter because they need something more fast pace, and vise versa. That doesn't mean the bodies wouldn't respond to the same basic training principles in the same way, just two different types of mental drive.
So in the psychological aspect, yes people are very different. And you won't stick with an activity unless you are passionate about it, so yes, in that regard it is important to find what you enjoy, or in other words "what works for you".

[WillardNation]

Ok, so I decided I'm gonna go ahead with this fast. Figured I would start out with just this work week so my last meal will be today and I'll eat again on Saturday. Does that sound about right to those of you experienced with IF?

I'll post updates throughout the week. Maybe take some before and after pics....

Edit: So I talked to my sister's CrossFit coach and he said you're not supposed to go more than 12-24 hours. Esoecially your first time. So basically, I'm just not going to eat tomorrow.

[LOBO3315a]

Yeah, try for 1 day at first. I tried a 3 day stint earlier this year, and man was it rough. Keep your fluids going, and stay strong!

[TerryMcGinnis]

The science on this stuff says that the point of diminishing returns is somewhere between 14 and 18 hours. There's generally no reason to go longer than the upper limit of this, unless you find an entire day to just be more convenient.

[ComicChick]

looks like the main exercise i will be getting today will be via cleaning. throwing in 10 pushups every time i go up and down the stairs in between and hopefully getting in a decent workout for real tonight

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Ok, so I decided I'm gonna go ahead with this fast. Figured I would start out with just this work week so my last meal will be today and I'll eat again on Saturday. Does that sound about right to those of you experienced with IF?

I'll post updates throughout the week. Maybe take some before and after pics....

Edit: So I talked to my sister's CrossFit coach and he said you're not supposed to go more than 12-24 hours. Esoecially your first time. So basically, I'm just not going to eat tomorrow.

It all depends to be honest. My first time trying it, I went for 16 hours and it wasn't too bad, the hunger cravings sucked but since I knew I wasn't actually needing the food, it wasn't that bad.

[Saved]

Anyone have any advice on putting punching bags in their home/garage? Like how to hang it up and all.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Find a support beam, otherwise bad things will happen. Better off if you can hang it from some type of support rack instead.

Such as a power cage, or specifically designed punching bag supports.

[teh Puffy]

no need for a day of fasting. What I do is this.
day 1, wake up eat breakfest. Snack durring the work day eat a good healthy dinner. Sleep for 8-10 hours. day 2. Wake up go to work, come home eat dinner. By time I eat close to 18 hours have gone by, I have burned lots of fat from work, I have stayed hydrated. Repeat that process over again once more, then get the final three days i go back to my normal 4 times a day eating.

[TerryMcGinnis]

looks like the main exercise i will be getting today will be via cleaning. throwing in 10 pushups every time i go up and down the stairs in between and hopefully getting in a decent workout for real tonight

That's a good idea, kinda like the one where you put a chin up/pull up bar into a door frame and do a couple of reps every time you walk under it.

[mrvlknight21]

That's a good idea, kinda like the one where you put a chin up/pull up bar into a door frame and do a couple of reps every time you walk under it.

Greasing the Groove!


Speaking of Pavel, I have been looking at his book "Beyond Bodybuilding." Its pretty informative. Gives his opinion on best exercises (and worst) for each bodypart, among other things.

All of Pavel's stuff is at least interesting and trying some of the things that he suggests (like grease the groove and relax into stretch) WORKED for me 100%. So, although I dont agree with everything he says, he certainly offers some very very helpful tips and "tricks" for training.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j282/TD0995/518ZSGQDTBL.jpg

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Greasing the Groove!


Speaking of Pavel, I have been looking at his book "Beyond Bodybuilding." Its pretty informative. Gives his opinion on best exercises (and worst) for each bodypart, among other things.

All of Pavel's stuff is at least interesting and trying some of the things that he suggests (like grease the groove and relax into stretch) WORKED for me 100%. So, although I dont agree with everything he says, he certainly offers some very very helpful tips and "tricks" for training.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j282/TD0995/518ZSGQDTBL.jpg

What about Beyond Brawn? Has anyone read this?

[TerryMcGinnis]

I have, it's full of win. I'm in the process of procuring some lighter weight plates, or "little gems" how Stuart McRobert calls them. They should allow for steadier progression. The lightest my gym has are 2.5 kg plates, which is slightly more than 5lbs. On some movements, like the standing press, there's no ****ing way I can make steady progress every session with that kind of increment.

[mrvlknight21]

What about Beyond Brawn? Has anyone read this?

Thats not a Pavel book, but no, I havent read it.

Pavel's exercises good/bad (a few):

GOOD / BAD

Abs: Janda Situp / Crunches

Quads: Squat / Any machine

Hamstrings: Good mornings / Leg curl

Lats: Pullups on rings / Behind the neck pulldown

Shoulders: Arnold press / Seated military barbell press

Triceps: Close grip barbell bench / Tricep extensions


Again, those are just a few and there is a LOT more to this book than just that.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I have, it's full of win. I'm in the process of procuring some lighter weight plates, or "little gems" how Stuart McRobert calls them. They should allow for steadier progression. The lightest my gym has are 2.5 kg plates, which is slightly more than 5lbs. On some movements, like the standing press, there's no ****ing way I can make steady progress every session with that kind of increment.

Approximately 5.5lbs right? Luckily my gym has 2.5lbs plates or 1.13kg.

[Colossal Spoons]

I have, it's full of win. I'm in the process of procuring some lighter weight plates, or "little gems" how Stuart McRobert calls them. They should allow for steadier progression. The lightest my gym has are 2.5 kg plates, which is slightly more than 5lbs. On some movements, like the standing press, there's no ****ing way I can make steady progress every session with that kind of increment.

Yeah, that's the one lift where I throw on 2.5lbs on each side every week, if I even move up.

[TerryMcGinnis]

Yeah, and now it's a chore finding ones with the correct hole diameter without having to spend a fortune on shipping. I might buy a pair of 2.5 kg ones and have them altered in a machine shop.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Why not just buy some disk, washer, plate like items from a hardware store and have a machine shop mill them down for you? That's what I've been thinking about for 1lb and 1 1/2 lb weights.

[SuperSoldier985]

I finished the Insanity Program!!

Between Days 57, 58, 59, and 60 of Insanity, I intentionally took a day break between each so that I could fully recover and go 100%, and it really helped. I felt so much better on Days 59 and 60.

According to my last fit test, in 60 days, my fitness level has increased by 117%! I look back at my numbers from day 1 and it's pretty pathetic how bad my cardio and strength was.

I can't wait to do another 60 days! I'll probably start it back up on Sunday..

Again, I have no idea how much weight I lost and it wasn't really about that--I was just curious to see if I could do it.

[Colossal Spoons]

Congrats!

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I finished the Insanity Program!!

Between Days 57, 58, 59, and 60 of Insanity, I intentionally took a day break between each so that I could fully recover and go 100%, and it really helped. I felt so much better on Days 59 and 60.

According to my last fit test, in 60 days, my fitness level has increased by 117%! I look back at my numbers from day 1 and it's pretty pathetic how bad my cardio and strength was.

I can't wait to do another 60 days! I'll probably start it back up on Sunday..

Again, I have no idea how much weight I lost and it wasn't really about that--I was just curious to see if I could do it.


Good for you son!

[Colossal Spoons]

PT at my gym won "PT of the month" from bb.com here (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/personal-trainer-of-the-month-leigh-anne-emerich.html).

She's way into this TRX business, which may or may not work but it takes up too much damn space in the gym.

[ComicChick]

I finished the Insanity Program!!

Between Days 57, 58, 59, and 60 of Insanity, I intentionally took a day break between each so that I could fully recover and go 100%, and it really helped. I felt so much better on Days 59 and 60.

According to my last fit test, in 60 days, my fitness level has increased by 117%! I look back at my numbers from day 1 and it's pretty pathetic how bad my cardio and strength was.

I can't wait to do another 60 days! I'll probably start it back up on Sunday..

Again, I have no idea how much weight I lost and it wasn't really about that--I was just curious to see if I could do it.

have you thought about tracking your weight this time around? or maybe your bmi or body fat percentage?

[DoomsdayApex]

I have a predicament, hopefully someone out there can help me with stamina issues.

I'm entering a 20-man Kumite (1:30 round for each opponent which means I'll be fighting for 30 minutes nonstop). Unfortunately since my surgery, I have not been able to resurrect my stamina levels of old. I even went as far as dropping 15 lbs of muscle mass.

Any suggestions or tips when coming to increasing endurance attributes?

[mrvlknight21]

PT at my gym won "PT of the month" from bb.com here (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/personal-trainer-of-the-month-leigh-anne-emerich.html).

She's way into this TRX business, which may or may not work but it takes up too much damn space in the gym.


Thats cool.
On a related note, I have/like the TRX and one of my friends who is a trainer is "certified" as a TRX trainer. He has some really cool and interesting exercises and took me through a few workouts as a guinea pig and it was killer.

My opinion, the TRX is great for developing some strength (core strength comes into play on almost all the moves), but for actual true bodybuilders (aesthetic goals only), it isnt as useful.

I have a predicament, hopefully someone out there can help me with stamina issues.

I'm entering a 20-man Kumite (1:30 round for each opponent which means I'll be fighting for 30 minutes nonstop). Unfortunately since my surgery, I have not been able to resurrect my stamina levels of old. I even went as far as dropping 15 lbs of muscle mass.

Any suggestions or tips when coming to increasing endurance attributes?

Wow. Best of luck with that.

What I would suggest is NOT long, endurance type training. Your training needs to be specific towards your goal. Two things that you should do (in my opinion) #1 Get a bunch of friends who also train and spar with them (wrestle, box, kick, etc etc etc) and let them sub out so that they get rest but you dont. Work your way up to 30 minutes.
#2 Do hard, intense intervals (such as sprinting) so that the types of energy systems and muscle fibers that you will use during the fight will be ready.

I definitely would avoid (or at least really limit) things like long, slow-medium speed endurance runs. This will not transfer over to what your goals are as well as sport specfic training (grappling with your friends) and intense intervals (sprinting, rowing or other intense work that can be done at a blistering pace, particularly one that involves whole body movements).

[Colossal Spoons]

Yeah, most of the people I see doing TRX are trying to lose weight or add some definition. All of us lunks have no interest.

[gohei_]

Well I don't see why there would be any difference, seeing as it all comes down to the calories how big/small you get.

[Colossal Spoons]

TRX is mostly bodyweight exercises. Nobody ever won a bodybuilding competition without flinging some weights around.

[gohei_]

You can still gain some size without using weights, it's all about resistance. But I would assume it's a lot simpler when you are using weights.

[TerryMcGinnis]

Well I don't see why there would be any difference, seeing as it all comes down to the calories how big/small you get.

It comes down to more resistance. Your muscle doesn't grow larger beyond a point if you don't introduce resistance it's not used to - something which becomes exceedingly impractical with body weight training.

It's like climbing Mt. Everest without ropes. You'll only get so far and it will be more difficult.

[gohei_]

I'm not saying you will become huge like Arnold with bodyweight movements, of course at some point you just can't increase resistance anymore. But I do believe you have a lot to gain before reaching that point.

[TerryMcGinnis]

And I'm not saying that that body weight training is useless. Just, if your primary goal in training is to get big and muscular, lifting weights is the most efficient way to do so. Also it's the one way that ensures enough resistance to effectively train the legs.

[gohei_]

I can agree with that.

[DoomsdayApex]

Wow. Best of luck with that.

What I would suggest is NOT long, endurance type training. Your training needs to be specific towards your goal. Two things that you should do (in my opinion) #1 Get a bunch of friends who also train and spar with them (wrestle, box, kick, etc etc etc) and let them sub out so that they get rest but you dont. Work your way up to 30 minutes.
#2 Do hard, intense intervals (such as sprinting) so that the types of energy systems and muscle fibers that you will use during the fight will be ready.

I definitely would avoid (or at least really limit) things like long, slow-medium speed endurance runs. This will not transfer over to what your goals are as well as sport specfic training (grappling with your friends) and intense intervals (sprinting, rowing or other intense work that can be done at a blistering pace, particularly one that involves whole body movements).

Thanks, all I've been doing is slow-medium type of runs and swimming, and it has worked for me in the past. Perhaps my genes played a significant role.

That'll be difficult to pull off, I don't have sparring partners. I usually shadow box. These types of Kyokushin events are unique. Even if I got sparring partners, most do not possess the level of training and experience of 25 Kyokushin black belts. These guys are tough as nails and hit like brickhouses (regardless of their size and build). I've been training with a Muay Thai practitioner but his skills are not fully developed.

This is actually the first phase. I hope to reach a 100 by my mid-30s.

[ComicChick]

the gym i joined opened up finally. i plan on starting to go tomorrow.

my introductory goal is to go twice a week for now. setting something small and easily attainable and going to work my way up

[TerryMcGinnis]

Twice a week is plenty for starters, some weeks I'll go twice as well.

[gohei_]

Yeah as long as you get your entire body worked, twice a week is fine.

[childeroland]

Is there a particular book anyone would recommend showing how to work the entire body weekly, with or without weights?

[gohei_]

I'm not sure about any specific books that include full routines but you can easily find routines on the web. Stronglift 5x5 is one example. Google it.

[mrvlknight21]

Yeah, most of the people I see doing TRX are trying to lose weight or add some definition. All of us lunks have no interest.

Sound the lunk alarm!!

LOL. Yeah man, I think the TRX is GREAT as a supplement to weights or for the more fashionable "general fitness" group.
I dont see Jay Cutler bothering with it.

Thanks, all I've been doing is slow-medium type of runs and swimming, and it has worked for me in the past. Perhaps my genes played a significant role.

That'll be difficult to pull off, I don't have sparring partners. I usually shadow box. These types of Kyokushin events are unique. Even if I got sparring partners, most do not possess the level of training and experience of 25 Kyokushin black belts. These guys are tough as nails and hit like brickhouses (regardless of their size and build). I've been training with a Muay Thai practitioner but his skills are not fully developed.

This is actually the first phase. I hope to reach a 100 by my mid-30s.


Hmmm. Thats tough then. Shadowboxing is great, but it has some limitations. I guess that if you do it with an INTENSE pace, it would be pretty beneficial.
Even without the proper training, just subbing in one person after another to fight so that they are fresh and you are not, it should help.

the gym i joined opened up finally. i plan on starting to go tomorrow.

my introductory goal is to go twice a week for now. setting something small and easily attainable and going to work my way up

Do work young lady!

[childeroland]

I'm not sure about any specific books that include full routines but you can easily find routines on the web. Stronglift 5x5 is one example. Google it.

Cool. Thank you.

[WillardNation]

We have one of CrossFitters write a blog on our website once a week cuz she is awesome. Here's this week's.

http://crossfitsantafe.com/2011/10/who-do-you-listen-to/

Just thought it was really cool and you guys might be interested in it.

[ComicChick]

that was a very cool read willard, thanks for posting

[ComicChick]

really thinking about buying this:
http://www.amazon.com/Stamina-35-1205-1205-Precision-Rower/dp/B000AMRN44/ref=sr_1_8?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1318216195&sr=1-8

it's one of my favorite workout machines and the price is pretty darn nice.

[mrvlknight21]

really thinking about buying this:
http://www.amazon.com/Stamina-35-1205-1205-Precision-Rower/dp/B000AMRN44/ref=sr_1_8?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1318216195&sr=1-8

it's one of my favorite workout machines and the price is pretty darn nice.

I had this same one in high school. That said, I would recommend that you NOT buy it, especailly at that price. You can probably find a used one at Goodwill, yard sales, craigslist or your newspaper's classified ads for about $25-50.

These rowers are very inferior to Concept 2 rowers and waterrowers. That said, C2s and Waterrowers are MUCH more expensive NEW. However, I bought my C2 for $75 and have seen them (especially model Bs) as low as $50 on craigslist and such.

Shop around and get the best value for your dollar.

[ComicChick]

I had this same one in high school. That said, I would recommend that you NOT buy it, especailly at that price. You can probably find a used one at Goodwill, yard sales, craigslist or your newspaper's classified ads for about $25-50.

These rowers are very inferior to Concept 2 rowers and waterrowers. That said, C2s and Waterrowers are MUCH more expensive NEW. However, I bought my C2 for $75 and have seen them (especially model Bs) as low as $50 on craigslist and such.

Shop around and get the best value for your dollar.

thanks for the review, i'll look around. guess that huge price drop makes more sense now.

if i do buy any equipment for home, i plan on it either being a rower or a bike as i don't really have any space for anything else

[mrvlknight21]

thanks for the review, i'll look around. guess that huge price drop makes more sense now.

if i do buy any equipment for home, i plan on it either being a rower or a bike as i don't really have any space for anything else

Sounds like plenty of room for dumbbells. :cwink:

[ComicChick]

Sounds like plenty of room for dumbbells. :cwink:

haha i have a few smaller weights but i'm not big on dumbbells

i'm lifting over a ton at work every day so i'm getting my lifting in that way. i need to do more cardio stuff

[gohei_]

So yesterday I got my very own account of FitDay, and so far it has been a relief. Now I don't have to write down and check up on all the nutritional values and all that stuff anymore. Anyone else use any calorie-counter or similar?

[Colossal Spoons]

So yesterday I got my very own account of FitDay, and so far it has been a relief. Now I don't have to write down and check up on all the nutritional values and all that stuff anymore. Anyone else use any calorie-counter or similar?

I'm a big fitday supporter :up:

[gohei_]

:up: Do you use the online or pc version? I'm using the online because for some reason the pc version did not allow decimals in the nutritional values of your custom foods :huh:

[Colossal Spoons]

The online version as well

[gohei_]

Cool.

So tomorrow I'm going to be training with the grandmaster of the Kung Fu system in which I practice, and I'm so excited! It's gonna be awesome!

[NickSox]

Tomorrow I will be running in a little thing known as the Spartan Race, have been doing well in my training but tweaked something in my back yesterday at work. Been icing and heating, any other suggestions for a quick fix? It's starting to feel a bit better. Here's the race website, gonna be fun!
http://www.spartanrace.com/

[gohei_]

The Spartan Race looks like a really fun challenge :up:

Good luck man!

[Colossal Spoons]

Oh, it's more than a mud run it seems

[Marx]

I've officially started working out again with walking/running and lifting some weights.

[TerryMcGinnis]

I went to the gym today, did some deads. There was this guy, the typical curl+bench type, in his late 30's, totally disproportionate. He obviously has pretty good genetics, but it's a damn shame to see them squandered on arms alone, he wasn't doing anything worthwhile. Sticks for legs, upper arms more than twice the size of his calves, weak quads, weak hams (he went leg pressing for 2 sets, ended with 1 plate each side).

After deads I started rest pausing chins with +35 lbs, and while I was taking 15 deep breaths before then next couple of reps he came over and said "Hey, you should take it easy..." I gave him a curteous laugh and told him that I'm not hyperventilating, I'm just rest pausing as part of my workout plan. He answered "Yeah, I saw your little book" and followed it up with condescending grin. He was referring to my training log, I always bring it with me, write down my progress + any hints and comments I may have for the session. I just smiled and continued my workout.

I honestly felt sorry for him. He finds logbooks funny, thinks exertion is not necessary, probably couldn't squat his body weight to save his life, moulded himself into a hilarious sight by just doing arms and chest - despite that, given the weights he moved, I can probably outlift him on every upper body exercise.