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[SeanR1221]

If you can do 3 more reps on the last set of 5x5 then obviously you need to add more weight to the bar, genius.

Anyway, I'm done going back and forth with you. I should have known better than to engage in a strength training discussion with someone who believes no one should need a spot.

You should be following a program with linear progression, genius, so you'd be adding weight to the bar every single week.

Ask mr tough pants who spots him. Maybe it's his cat.

No, a spotter isn't required for any exercise. It's a shitty excuse to not bench.

 

[FallingEdge]

If you can do 3 more reps on the last set of 5x5 then obviously you need to add more weight to the bar, genius.

Anyway, I'm done going back and forth with you. I should have known better than to engage in a strength training discussion with someone who believes no one should need a spot.

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/the_texas_method
http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/The_Texas_Method

You start these with 90% of your 5RM. Should you be doing more reps at the end for your 5x5? Even if the program says that you don't?

http://wkak.net/SmolovFAQ.htm

Depending on what week you are on, you do 60-85% of the prescribed sets/reps. Should you ignore how many you should do and squeeze out another rep regardless?

 

[MemoryHumanity]

This may sound stupid, but go to the most expensive gym you can reasonably afford.

If you're spending a shit load on membership, you'll feel more guilty for not going. Otherwise you might just be like "ah, fuck it; what's $12.50?"

I pay £38, so around $60. Not only does this encourage me to go more often, but for that price you get a genuinely nice gym with lots of equipment for everyone to use, well-kept changing rooms and showers, even a swimming pool/jacuzzi/steam room/sauna. More incentive to go.

 

[The Horror the horror]

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/the_texas_method
http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/The_Texas_Method

You start these with 90% of your 5RM. Should you be doing more reps at the end for your 5x5? Even if the program says that you don't?

http://wkak.net/SmolovFAQ.htm

Depending on what week you are on, you do 60-85% of the prescribed sets/reps. Should you ignore how many you should do and squeeze out another rep regardless?

Forgive me, but where does it specifically say that you don't or that doing so would harm your progress?

 

[Deleted member 47027]

I live in an apartment !!

All I can do are bodyweight squats! But I keep a bucket of ground beef below me so every time I squat down my boner fucks the beef !!!!

 

[Agnt]

No, you can do exercises outside and still get results. Depends on what kind of results you want tho

 

[Timedog]

Depends on the cost, any access to cheap/free gyms (school/work/apt complex), what exercises you want to do, what you're going for, etc.

For most people a home gym will be a cheaper solution, but will cost significantly more up front. I think I spent about a grand, which is like a year and a half of gym membership for me and my GF. But I save time, get the work i need to get done, and can shower in my own shower seconds after I'm done. If you have specialized needs or no up front money, a gym will be better.

EDIT:

I live in an apartment !!

All I can do are bodyweight squats! But I keep a bucket of ground beef below me so every time I squat down my boner fucks the beef !!!!

Thank you very much for this.

 

[GabDX]

Depends what your goals are. If you want big showy muscles and you want to stare at girls working out in yoga pants then yes. If you want an athletic build and muscles that are actually useful then no since you can only get that through body weight exercises.

 

[crimzonflame]

I do standing military presses in the squat rack. I dont feel safe doing it anywhere else.

 

[demon]

If you want to build muscle and are serious about it, and you can't lift real weights at home, it's practically a must. Don't bother with a trainer though. I've seen too many who are horseshit.

Depends what your goals are. If you want big showy muscles and you want to stare at girls working out in yoga pants then yes. If you want an athletic build and muscles that are actually useful then no since you can only get that through body weight exercises.

"Muscles that are actually useful". This is hilarious.

Also you're right, don't go to the gym if you want an athletic build. loooool

 

[Buckethead]

Make sure you wear cut off tees and make loud noises, OP.

 

[Tenacious-V]

i'd worry about getting too big if you start lifting weights.

Jesus, how easy do you think it is to gain muscle??

If you see a huge guy, big, ripped and jacked, he's put in YEARS of lifting. You can rest assured, you will never get too big unless that's your goal, and you dedicate a shit ton of time, effort, and diet in to doing so.

Also, there's this thing called STOPPING when you've hit the size/composition you want. Then it's just maintenance.

 

[Cudder]

Depends what your goals are. If you want big showy muscles and you want to stare at girls working out in yoga pants then yes. If you want an athletic build and muscles that are actually useful then no since you can only get that through body weight exercises.

The stupidity in this post...holy shit

Everything you just said is wrong.

 

[Skeyser]

The stupidity in this post...holy shit

Everything you just said is wrong.

haven't you heard? only way to have an athletic build is to do push-ups brah

at least if he said swimming or something ...

 

[demon]

The stupidity in this post...holy shit

Everything you just said is wrong.

Not quite. The gym really is great for looking at hot chicks in yoga pants.

 

[Resilient]

I love the gym. I feel sorry for people who don't go cause its awesome, fun and you meet new people while become fit. You are all missing out. And the gym bashers can bite me. Shit rules.

 

[ReconPeon]

Completely worth it.

 

[vincent vega]

Hey op, scour some garage sales first and see if you can get any used weight sets.

A long time ago I got a used barbell, bench and about 225 pounds in plates. For squats (usually front squats) I use 2 sturdy saw horses to hold the bar and I start from the bottom like this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVawDwRx3Tw, although he probably shouldn't relax so much at the bottom

You can also buy some dumbells with screw locks if you're lucky enough to find someone selling their plates.

 

[br0ken_shad0w]

The worst part of about joining a gym is the fucking membership fees and contracts. It was a hassle getting away from LA Fitness and now I'm running into similar issues getting away from Fitness Connection (can't cancel it outright, have to send a written certified letter and wait 30 days for "processing").

I go to 24 Hour Fitness and only because Costco offers a 2-year membership for a one-time fee. It's worth the hassle of not dealing with car salesmen disguised as gym trainers.

 

[jaxword]

I've never gone to a gym in my life and I don't regret it! Though I am pretty fat these days.

 

[freenudemacusers]

whatever you do, skip a few leg days

 

[johnsmith]

I lost 76 lbs by going to the gym 4-5 times a week for about a year and a half, so if you are dedicated it can definitely be worth it. I've gained about 10 lbs back, but have kept most of the weight off for about 4 years now, even after I stopped going to the gym regularly.

 

[DR2K]

$15 a month and down the street. Only crowded during peak hours. Get in cardio, lift, stretch, and get out.

 

[MemoryHumanity]

Make sure you wear cut off tees and make loud noises, OP.

Ugh, this is the worst part.

Me on rep 12: hmmmnnnngggg
Some dude on rep 3: HHHHYYYYAAAAAAAARRGGGHHHHHHFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTSSSSHHHHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

 

[moniker]

Totally worth it. Things that have happened since I started going to gym:

• I sleep (a lot) better
• I eat better
• I look better
• I have more self confidence

The above has led me to have more energy to do things I enjoy. I probably wouldn't have pursued my current SO without it. I probably wouldn't make as much money as I do know (which is tied to self confidence).

I was a real turning point for me.

Depends what your goals are. If you want big showy muscles and you want to stare at girls working out in yoga pants then yes. If you want an athletic build and muscles that are actually useful then no since you can only get that through body weight exercises.

This is wrong.

 

[WorldStar]

Depends what your goals are. If you want big showy muscles and you want to stare at girls working out in yoga pants then yes. If you want an athletic build and muscles that are actually useful then no since you can only get that through body weight exercises.

not sure if srs

 

[mr2xxx]

I'd suggest you join. Try out some classes, play some pick up basketball, racquetball, swim, whatever your gym provides. If you find an activity that you enjoy and can't do at home then stay. If not then quit and either get a home gym or find another activity like some form of martial art or some league in the sport of your choice.

 

[Smokey]

Ugh, this is the worst part.

Me on rep 12: hmmmnnnngggg
Some dude on rep 3: HHHHYYYYAAAAAAAARRGGGHHHHHHFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTSSSSHHHHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

lmao

 

[abuC]

Depends what your goals are. If you want big showy muscles and you want to stare at girls working out in yoga pants then yes. If you want an athletic build and muscles that are actually useful then no since you can only get that through body weight exercises.

LOL, all those guys in the NFL that have been lifting heavy ass weights must not have athletic builds or useful muscles.

 

[Mik2121]

Before I moved to where I currently live and with a gym nearby, I just had a pair of dumbbells so I would do all I could with those and also body weight exercises.
Now I go to a gym about 4 or 5 times a week, about 1 to 1 and a half hours each time, and the difference between what I was able to achieve after I joined the gym some 3 months ago is just so much more than what I got before just at home.

And that's not just because of all the equipment, but thanks in part to all the help you get from people at the gym that really know their shit and they just wanna help you (you're not paying them so it's not like they win anything).

Anyway, it's also a good way to stay fit and depending on where you go, you might even be able to make some friends. Worse case scenario, you will still stay fit so hey!

 

[bremon]

I vastly prefer having a setup at home, but I stick to barbell/dumbbell. I quit the gym and decided to spend that membership fee into owning equipment instead of waiting for weights/machines at a gym that's always packed. I'm sure it depends on your gym, but I also have a way easier time motivating myself to workout at home than to leave, go to the gym, workout there, and come back. Home is much simpler for me.

 

[teh_pwn]

If you're an introvert strictly seeking fitness, then no it's detrimental. You can get far more done at home. All that time spent driving and waiting for people to finish sets is time you could have been working out, logging data, getting shit done.

 

[abuC]

If you're an introvert strictly seeking fitness, then no it's detrimental. You can get far more done at home. All that time spent driving and waiting for people to finish sets is time you could have been working out, logging data, getting shit done.

I'm an introvert, it hasn't been detrimental to me at all.

 

[supergiz]

It's worth it for me. I go to Lifetime Fitness. Sometimes I will run on the treadmill, checking out the amazing women there. I also play basketball, use the rock wall, tennis courts, swimming pool and go to a lot of the classes. Also there is an amazing steam room, 2 hot tubs, and a dry sauna. Most of this I couldn't do at home.

Also, when you are single with not many friends (just moved back from 4 years overseas) going home every night can be depressing.

 

[blackflag]

You should be following a program with linear progression, genius, so you'd be adding weight to the bar every single week.

Ask mr tough pants who spots him. Maybe it's his cat.

No, a spotter isn't required for any exercise. It's a shitty excuse to not bench.

Agree with this. I benched 340 on wed No spotter. Have never used a spotter. They are more of a hindrance than anything imo

 

[freenudemacusers]

do you guys even lift

 

[blackflag]

Depends what your goals are. If you want big showy muscles and you want to stare at girls working out in yoga pants then yes. If you want an athletic build and muscles that are actually useful then no since you can only get that through body weight exercises.

ROFL.......SERIOUSLY?

 

[blackflag]

do you guys even lift

I'm not talking to you blasphemer.

 

[Fantastical]

God I am petrified of the gym. I have stared at this personal training brochure at my university so many times, but I'm really afraid to set foot in a gym.

 

[PandaL]

Yes its totally worth it.

1) Stronger bones
2) Stronger nerves
3) More muscles
4) Increased stamina

etc etc.

 

[blackflag]

I have a full home gym,..squat rack, multiple benches, leg ext/curls, cable pull down, dumb bells up to 100 lbs, barbell, 500 lbs Olympic plates, etc..

I just found I prefer going to the gym so I don't use it often anymore.

 

[Truelize]

If it means an increase in workload, I don't see how it would hurt. I'm not saying go for max on the very first set, but on your last set or on the burn-off set, I don't see the problem.

I will jump in with one quick comment to support what others have been saying.

The problem is there is an incredible amount of exercise science to support that lifting to failure on a consistent basis slows progress. In general terms it has to do with the amount of resources needed to repair, the amount of damage done to the muscle tissue and supporting joint tissues and the amount of stress hormones released when under a "fight or flight" last rep response.
The balance is trying to lift the most weight, have the most time under tension without going past the most effective repair threshold.

 

[Minamu]

My stupid trick I used that get myself to gym in the morning for the past 6 months: I don't have any shampoo at home. If I want to to wash my hair, I have to go to the gym.

Not a very bad idea at all actually :lol

 

[Enco]

Why do you want to go?

Look good for girls? Don't bother.

Become stronger/bigger? Go for it.

Home gyms are just as good if you have the equipment. Otherwise, a gym is the way to go.

Worried you're going to get too big? HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA......


HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Spoiler

haha. No.

 

[diamount]

It's not a requirement to getting stronger. Pick up convict conditioning, it's exclusively bodyweight.. you'll only need a pull-up bar of sorts but that can be anything to a tree branch.

 

[agrajag]

Yes. It is worth it.

 

[demon]

I will jump in with one quick comment to support what others have been saying.

The problem is there is an incredible amount of exercise science to support that lifting to failure on a consistent basis slows progress. In general terms it has to do with the amount of resources needed to repair, the amount of damage done to the muscle tissue and supporting joint tissues and the amount of stress hormones released when under a "fight or flight" last rep response.
The balance is trying to lift the most weight, have the most time under tension without going past the most effective repair threshold.

That's interesting, didn't know that. So this morning when I was struggling to get that last rep on my 3x8 bench presses up (barely made it), I would have been better off just skipping that last rep?

 

[muu]

I got a gym membership once. I was too lazy to drive 15 minutes to the gym to do some random workouts, and ended up wasting $200.

 

[Parch]

I had a problem with gym motivation and a dislike of the crowds and jerks, so I started building a home gym. Much, much preferred. The convenience and privacy of a home gym is great. I've had much more success with a home routine.

You can get some really good deals on used gym equipment too. If you've got the space, you can build a setup as serious as you want to go.

 

[x-Lundz-x]

I went from 270lbs, overweight and unhappy to 190lbs, in the best shape of my life at 36, and much happier.

Worth every dollar.