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STUDY: Should you watch porn and action movies before going to the gym?

Previous studies have shown that visual images can produce rapid changes in testosterone concentrations. We explored the acute effects of video clips on salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations and subsequent voluntary squat performance in highly trained male athletes (n = 12). Saliva samples were collected on 6 occasions immediately before and 15 minutes after watching a brief video clip (approximately 4 minutes in duration) on a computer screen. The watching of a sad, erotic, aggressive, training motivational, humorous or a neutral control clip was randomised. Subjects then performed a squat workout aimed at producing a 3 repetition maximum (3RM) lift. Significant (P < 0.001) relative (%) increases in testosterone concentrations were noted with watching the erotic, humorous, aggressive and training videos (versus control and sad), with testosterone decreasing significantly (versus control) after the sad clip. The aggressive video also produced an elevated cortisol response (% change) and more so than the control and humorous videos (P < 0.001). A significant (P < 0.003) improvement in 3RM performance was noted after the erotic, aggressive and training clips (versus control). A strong within-individual correlation (mean r = 0.85) was also noted between the relative changes in testosterone and the 3RM squats across all video sessions (P < 0.001). In conclusion, different video clips were associated with different changes in salivary free hormone concentrations and the relative changes in testosterone closely mapped 3RM squat performance in a group of highly trained males. Thus, speculatively, using short video presentations in the pre-workout environment offers an opportunity for understanding the outcomes of hormonal change, athlete behaviour and subsequent voluntary performance.

Source: "Changes in salivary testosterone concentrations and subsequent voluntary squat performance following the presentation of short video clips" from Hormones and Behavior

Cliff Notes: Yes.

 

[rando14]

Yeah, but do they want "real results?"

I'd agree, for those who are overweight, it is probably better to make significant diet changes to lose weight. Then, once you are around a more normal weight, incorporate fat-burning exercises like intense cardio.

So, I'm doing my press today, and I see some tall skinny kid go over to the smith machine and load up 6 plates and bring a fully raised bench over to it.

I'm sitting here doing the math in my head 6 plates, 10 lb bar, that's 280 lbs.

My immediate thought was, this kid has lost his god damned mind, but then I think, hey, he might be able to do it, I can't be an asshole and think just because he looks small that he can't lift big. Even if I'm the size I am and am only doing 185 5x5 (standing, freeweight).

I just keep my eye on him anyway.

This kid doesn't even unhook the weight. He sits under it, pushes it up then lets it back down. Literally only pushing it up about 1cm. I'm thinking he's doing some kind of shrug or whatever, but it's becoming clear he may not know wtf he's doing in the gym.

He does that about 5 times and only for one "set" if you want to call it that.

Then he walks over to the dumb bells, picks up the 120lbs weights, backs up, looks in the mirror, then puts them back and leaves the gym.

The fuck?

Seems like he had no idea what to do. Probably intimidated.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

I'd agree, for those who are overweight, it is probably better to make significant diet changes to lose weight. Then, once you are around a more normal weight, incorporate fat-burning exercises like intense cardio.



Seems like he had no idea what to do. Probably intimidated.

To the first response, my "real results" comment was a joke which has become kind of a meme in here from a conversation I had a few months back with some random guy.

And yeah, you're probably right. I think next time I see a guy like that put 6 plates up for a press I'll say something.

Would have been pretty bad if that shit slammed down on him.

STUDY: Should you watch porn and action movies before going to the gym?



Cliff Notes: Yes.

Mission accepted.

 

[ezrarh]

lol shogun, as long as he put the weights away. He was probably intimidated by you and had to leave.

In other news: staying up to 4:30am then waking up at 10:30am because I wake up early after a night of drinking - really helps with lifting. Managed to do 320 1x5 for squat and 190 1x4 for bench for the first time today. This lifting after a night of drinking and waking up early thing has been worked out well for me since forever, even though it's not really intentional.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

lol shogun, as long as he put the weights away. He was probably intimidated by you and had to leave.

In other news: staying up to 4:30am then waking up at 10:30am because I wake up early after a night of drinking - really helps with lifting. Managed to do 320 1x5 for squat and 190 1x4 for bench for the first time today. This lifting after a night of drinking and waking up early thing has been worked out well for me since forever, even though it's not really intentional.

I would hope he wasn't, I don't walk around like an asshole there, and I help people out all the time with equipment and lifts.

That's crazy for you though, lifting after a night of jamesons never goes well for me, haha.

 

[rando14]

To the first response, my "real results" comment was a joke which has become kind of a meme in here from a conversation I had a few months back with some random guy.

And yeah, you're probably right. I think next time I see a guy like that put 6 plates up for a press I'll say something.

Would have been pretty bad if that shit slammed down on him.

Ah, sorry.

I'm conflicted when it comes to correcting peoples' posture at times. I don't really like to treat the gym as a social place, and as such usually keep to myself. But, to be honest, it is usually possible to tell who can do what weights with proper form.

I'm at a college gym, and anytime I see anyone squatting/deadlifting/pressing with more than 2 plates on each side I get a bit skeptical. Most people I've seen here to try more than 225 have really poor form (lame half-squats, rounded-back deadlifts, and heavily-assisted bench presses). It is, of course, all for the ego.

 

[ezrarh]

I would hope he wasn't, I don't walk around like an asshole there, and I help people out all the time with equipment and lifts.

That's crazy for you though, lifting after a night of jamesons never goes well for me, haha.

Haha yea, I was just obviously kidding about you intimidating him. But it's kinda weird for somebody new to go straight to the smith machine and load up that many plates.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Haha yea, I was just obviously kidding about you intimidating him. But it's kinda weird for somebody new to go straight to the smith machine and load up that many plates.

Yeah, shit was weird as hell, but it kind of made sense when he went over, grabbed the 120lb dbs held them, then left.

I should have realized it right off the bat, but again, I didn't wanna be a presumptuous dick.

Ah, sorry.

I'm conflicted when it comes to correcting peoples' posture at times. I don't really like to treat the gym as a social place, and as such usually keep to myself. But, to be honest, it is usually possible to tell who can do what weights with proper form.

I'm at a college gym, and anytime I see anyone squatting/deadlifting/pressing with more than 2 plates on each side I get a bit skeptical. Most people I've seen here to try more than 225 have really poor form (lame half-squats, rounded-back deadlifts, and heavily-assisted bench presses). It is, of course, all for the ego.

I see bad form all the time, but I never say anything. Most people don't like that guy.

the only time I help people is when they ask for a spotter, or I see a woman/guy who can't get the damn pins out of the squat rack/bench.

If the scenario I just said happens again though, I'll sure as shit sound off next time. That kid would have been squeezed to death like a tube of tooth paste.

 

[rando14]

You lifted immediately after waking up after a night of drinking?

Surely you'd be dehydrated and your lifts would suffer. Even as low as 3% dehydration can impair your muscular strength.

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

You lifted immediately after waking up after a night of drinking?

Surely you'd be dehydrated and your lifts would suffer. Even as low as 3% dehydration can impair your muscular strength.

Eh doesn't really hurt that much. I've gone hungover just to stay on schedule and I have plans later so wouldn't be able to recover
Its obviously not ideal but it works.

 

[Veezy]

Haha yea, I was just obviously kidding about you intimidating him. But it's kinda weird for somebody new to go straight to the smith machine and load up that many plates.

It's actually completely understandable, when you realize what people know works.

By know, I mean they've read something in a magazine or had a bro tell them that. So, they load up a bunch, push it a little bit, and think "I moved the weight. Therefore, I did work."

Unfortunately, most people tend to do their own shit despite fact based programs being easily available. Mostly, because of something they heard somewhere. How many people have posted "hey, here's my program, i'm not making progress, tell me what I'm doing wrong" and when pointed to the OP the response is normally "i don't wanna do that."

Quick update, my body is finally getting back in gear. 10 back squats for 255 after two sets of five, 11 presses for 135 after two sets of five, as of last work out. Which pushed my one rep calculated max up for both lifts. Aiming to hit 19 reps at 175 on my bench after two sets of five and 18 deadlifts at 275 tonight to move my one rep max for those up.

Also, my condition is finally starting to come around. I'm aiming to be able to do 100 burpies in five minutes before the end of next month and I'm sitting at 45 in less than five minutes right now. Good times.

EDIT: Personally, I've gone to the gym hungover from the night before plenty of times. Shit, I've gone to the gym after having a few beers at dinner. Nothing better than you sweat smelling like Buffalo Head from the night before.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

EDIT: Personally, I've gone to the gym hungover from the night before plenty of times. Shit, I've gone to the gym after having a few beers at dinner. Nothing better than you sweat smelling like Buffalo Head from the night before.

Jamesons sweat is abhorrent, I feel sorry for anyone near me when I go to the gym after a bender, lol.

 

[demon]

So after a year of for the most part never exercising and not being able to fit into all my work pants anymore, I decided to join a gym today. One thing I want to try is the rowing machine. It looks like it's a great overall workout. Any tips on the rowing machine for a beginner? Also if you put it on high intensity can it help build muscle?

 

[SeigO]

Has anyone ever lost weight while trying to bulk up?

I'm pretty new to this I've never tried to gain weight/muscle before. Im 6'3 185 and I've been eating about 3-3.2k calories a day and 150-200g of protein. I've lost a pound since I started last week.
I feel like this is a stupid question, but should I be counting the calories from my protein powder/shake or not?

Some BMR calculator suggested that my maintenance is 2800 calories a day. I thought that sounded way too high before factoring in calories burnt at the gym, but maybe not?

 

[snoopen]

Has anyone ever lost weight while trying to bulk up?

I'm pretty new to this I've never tried to gain weight/muscle before. Im 6'3 185 and I've been eating about 3-3.2k calories a day and 150-200g of protein. I've lost a pound since I started last week.
I feel like this is a stupid question, but should I be counting the calories from my protein powder/shake or not?

Some BMR calculator suggested that my maintenance is 2800 calories a day. I thought that sounded way too high before factoring in calories burnt at the gym, but maybe not?

could be losing fat, i've been 'bulking' for the last few months and it's a slow process when you do it right, my muscles are getting bigger/harder but in kgs i'm only creeping up. i've lost a lot of bf% eating cleanly (chicken/steak + brown rice a lot of nights a week) and i feel amazing..

the more important question (over what the scales say) is do you feel bigger? and 1 week / 1 pound is nothing at all.. seriously.. take some photos now and then not think too much about weight for a few weeks, then take new photos and compare.

 

[Munin]

One day rest seems enough for me. I often tend to add another day anyway.

I also have the strange issue where all of my lifts (though I did make some fair progress so imagine where I came from...) seem awfully low in comparison to other beginners / intermediate beginners. I'm about 5'10'', as I mentioned about 71kg/155 lbs (?). My current bench press is for example hovering around 80-90lbs. Standing overhead press, 50-60lbs. Deadlifts usually 90lbs. Barbell bicep curls 50-60lbs. I don't know if those numbers are below average for my size - when I go to the gym, I don't get that feeling (though this is Asia..), though when I read in this thread, I do. I think my chest in particular is weak because of a surgery 3 years ago. Before I started lifting, I did zero sports since elementary school, so that may all factor into that.

I am also having issues taking squats seriously, because the sensation of leg muscle exhaustion feels so terrible and unbearable to me that I have trouble putting myself under good stress there (don't know if anyone knows what I mean, it just feels -worse- in your legs than in any other body part).

Anyway, I hit those numbers roughly in June, then had to take a break for 3 weeks due to traveling, when I got back it felt as if I had instantly lost significant progress and I had to regain those numbers over a course of 2-3 weeks again. I don't know if it is normal, again it just seems my muscles instantly suffer from immediate strength/size loss. So now I have been in the same place for a couple months. I admittedly was on good track in July I think when I ate like a madman, but then scaled back on that as I didn't wanna get too fat, beach body and all....and currently I can't really afford to go 4000+ calories or whatever (which Rippletoe apparently seems to require for Starting Strength, I recall some quote that went like "either you eat that much or you are not doing it right").

I would be happy to change my routine, but I am not sure what would suit me. In all honesty feeling already so paranoid about losing any gains I would fear that changing my current routine would lead to another degradation, but I think it's all getting to me too much (which happens when you are skinny as fuck your whole life with severe body image issues).

Appreciate any help, suggestions and so on.

Here's a quick webcam shot if that helps or whatever:

http://i.imgur.com/59p2x.jpg

Can also post my exact routine if it helps.

Reposting from last page..would appreciate some suggestions.

 

[kehs]

Whatever shogun, I was doing my static reps, I saw your jealousy and decided to walk out until you left.

 

[Deleted member 12837]

My grip has started to really hold me back on deadlifts. I've tried switching to a mix grip, and maybe it's because I'm not used to it, but that actually made it harder for me.

1. What are some good exercises for grip strengthening besides continuing to do deadlifts? I've added some hammer grip pull-ups back to my routine, I'm hoping those might help as well.

2. I'm following Stronglifts 5x5. If I can't finish the set without a break for my grip after the 3rd or 4th rep (but I'm able to easily complete the weight once I give my hands a break), should I still count that as a failure and stay at the same weight the next session, or continue to move up anyway?

 

[entremet]

So after a year of for the most part never exercising and not being able to fit into all my work pants anymore, I decided to join a gym today. One thing I want to try is the rowing machine. It looks like it's a great overall workout. Any tips on the rowing machine for a beginner? Also if you put it on high intensity can it help build muscle?

It will, especially if you haven't exercised in ages, but you won't get huge gains.

You'll need heavy weights and lower reps for that. Try one of the programs listed in the OP for serious muscle building workouts.

Has anyone ever lost weight while trying to bulk up?

I'm pretty new to this I've never tried to gain weight/muscle before. Im 6'3 185 and I've been eating about 3-3.2k calories a day and 150-200g of protein. I've lost a pound since I started last week.
I feel like this is a stupid question, but should I be counting the calories from my protein powder/shake or not?

Some BMR calculator suggested that my maintenance is 2800 calories a day. I thought that sounded way too high before factoring in calories burnt at the gym, but maybe not?

Honestly, bro, one pound is not a big change. It could mean that you're still digesting leftover food in your digestive tract. Don'y worry about stuff likek +/- 1 or two pounds, especially only after a week of working out. If you're like me, putting on muscle may be a bitch. Continue your program--diet and work out plan--and check after 3-4 weeks.

And yes all consumed calories should count.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Whatever shogun, I was doing my static reps, I saw your jealousy and decided to walk out until you left.

lol.

My grip has started to really hold me back on deadlifts. I've tried switching to a mix grip, and maybe it's because I'm not used to it, but that actually made it harder for me.

1. What are some good exercises for grip strengthening besides continuing to do deadlifts? I've added some hammer grip pull-ups back to my routine, I'm hoping those might help as well.

2. I'm following Stronglifts 5x5. If I can't finish the set without a break for my grip after the 3rd or 4th rep (but I'm able to easily complete the weight once I give my hands a break), should I still count that as a failure and stay at the same weight the next session, or continue to move up anyway?

I do heavy barbell shrugs (front and back), those help with grip strength since you have to keep the bar in your hands. Immediately after dead lifts I also do farmer carries.

If you're using straps at all stop using straps if you want to get better grip.

 

[Deleted member 12837]

I do heavy barbell shrugs (front and back), those help with grip strength since you have to keep the bar in your hands. Immediately after dead lifts I also do farmer carries.

If you're using straps at all stop using straps if you want to get better grip.

Yeah I'm not using straps or gloves or anything like that. How do people feel about using chalk? I've thought about giving that a try.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Yeah I'm not using straps or gloves or anything like that. How do people feel about using chalk? I've thought about giving that a try.

A lot of gyms don't like people using chalk for obvious reasons. I would check before proceeding.

 

[Deleted member 12837]

A lot of gyms don't like people using chalk for obvious reasons. I would check before proceeding.

I work out at my alma mater's gym, they don't seem to mind. I've seen people with chalk in there before, and there are often chalk marks on the bars that I use.

 

[demon]

It will, especially if you haven't exercised in ages, but you won't get huge gains.

You'll need heavy weights and lower reps for that. Try one of the programs listed in the OP for serious muscle building workouts.

I know I need to do heavy lifting to build real muscle but I've got a weird sternum injury/problem that's never gone away and baffles the doctors, so doing heavy lifting is kind of out of the question.

Are there any tips on using the rowing machine? Any 'wrong ways' to do it?

 

[IceCold]

I always smh when I see guys at the gym with gloves.

 

[kehs]

I always smh when I see guys at the gym with gloves.

Why?

 

[sixteen-bit]

I always smh when I see guys at the gym with gloves.

you syh at me, sir?

 

[_Isaac]

I always smh when I see guys at the gym with gloves.

Why?

 

[X-Frame]

Because calluses are for real men.

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

Gotta take care of your soft little lady hands.

 

[parrotbeak]

Watching porn before going to the gym might help soften those calluses.

 

[X-Frame]

Watching porn before going to the gym might help soften those calluses.

Agreed!

Parrot, is that you in your avatar?

 

[parrotbeak]

No, it's Lyoto Machida and his father

 

[IceCold]

Because calluses are for real men.

Exactly.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

No, it's Lyoto Machida and his father drinking piss

Fixed for accuracy.

 

[Parch]

Of course you'll want to improve your grip, but there's nothing wrong with using gloves or lifting straps. Eventually you'll get strong enough that grip assistance might be needed. There's no point in stopping gains just because your grip is holding you back. Just make sure you're working to improve that grip as well and not ignoring it.

 

[shira]

The question is not whether or not we CAN do it. Anyone could do it with enough training and mobility work. The question becomes SHOULD we do it?

SHOULD we do it? Of course.
Can you do it? I doubt it.

I'd be really interested in what kind of training and mobility work you are talking about.

 

[SeigO]

I've been trying out the beginner routine in the OP and I have a question.

Is it normal to do squats every time you go to the gym/3 days a week? Should I be doing less weights and or reps on day #2? I sort of feel like I never fully recover and I'm sore from my previous session whenever I go to do squats.

My previous routine that I did half assed a few years ago was benching/squat focused on Monday/Friday and deadlifts/power cleans/press on Wednesday.

 

[parrotbeak]

Fixed for accuracy.

Hahaha

I've been trying out the beginner routine in the OP and I have a question.

Is it normal to do squats every time you go to the gym/3 days a week? Should I be doing less weights and or reps on day #2? I sort of feel like I never fully recover and I'm sore from my previous session whenever I go to do squats.

How long have you been doing the program?

It's tough to squat that often but presuming you are using good form and don't have pre-existing injuries/weaknesses, your body should adjust. You might have to do stall on weight sometimes. Also build in a light week once a month or so where you either lift very light (like 50-70%) or do other things like HIIT and calisthenics.

Bottom line, listen to your body. Are you muscle sore only? Is it pretty even, like if one side is sore the other side is equally sore?

Does anyone have any good sources on rest weeks? I've never read much on it, other than to do them.

 

[MjFrancis]

Gotta take care of your soft little lady hands.

Removing Calluses

Reposting this Beast Skills tutorial because it's so dang helpful. I go through this once a week.

 

[industrian]

Any advice here for naturally increasing testosterone? By this I don't mean taking Dat Dere Celltech. I mean types of food/lifestyle changes/etc.

To put it basically I had my testosterone levels checked because I've been exhibiting symptoms of hypogonadism and generally have no desire for anything. The results came back with 428. I believe the average of a man my age is around 600, and the healthy range is about 300-800. The doctor wouldn't give me TRT or anything unless it was under 300.

Maybe I'm ignorant of how this works, but I'll clean up my diet, make some lifestyle changes and get another check next year to see what's up.

 

[J Tourettes]

Any advice here for naturally increasing testosterone? By this I don't mean taking Dat Dere Celltech. I mean types of food/lifestyle changes/etc.

To put it basically I had my testosterone levels checked because I've been exhibiting symptoms of hypogonadism and generally have no desire for anything. The results came back with 428. I believe the average of a man my age is around 600, and the healthy range is about 300-800. The doctor wouldn't give me TRT or anything unless it was under 300.

Maybe I'm ignorant of how this works, but I'll clean up my diet, make some lifestyle changes and get another check next year to see what's up.

Can't help on the non supp front but Tribulus terrestris has made my sex drive go through the roof. Had spots for the first couple of weeks but they soon cleared up.

 

[MjFrancis]

Maybe I'm ignorant of how this works, but I'll clean up my diet, make some lifestyle changes and get another check next year to see what's up.

Sucks about your T-levels but it's good to see you back in this thread. If you are able to makes some positive changes, let us know what worked best for you.

A quick perusal throughout the internet has lead me to believe a good night's sleep and a solid diet are definitely the places to start. It's got me interested in the subject, but I don't feel like it's necessary to link anything without something to back it up. You get things like Vince Gironda suggesting three dozen eggs a day and one hundred liver tablets when you look up ways to boost T-levels naturally. There's usually a grain of truth to be had in suggestions like this, but connecting the dots is the hard part.

I'm woefully ignorant on the subject, too, so any links to studies shall be appreciated. I'm looking in the meantime.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

My T-levels are AWESOME.

Right now I have one of those 5th grade boners where your dick hasn't fully grown yet, and all the blood rushes into it, and it gets super hard. Remember those?

 

[MojoRisin]

I know it has most likely been addressed but i'll reopen it. What are your guys feelings on preworkout supplements and what are your favorites? I've been taking C4 for a while now and i like it (I take one more serving than suggested but i have such a high tolerance towards everything). I used it based on recommendation from some friends who preferred C4 over Jack3d. I know there are multiple brands that offer multiple ingredients and even more benefits and drawbacks. Just what you guys take and why you take it would be more than helpful.

 

[Troblin]

My grip has started to really hold me back on deadlifts. I've tried switching to a mix grip, and maybe it's because I'm not used to it, but that actually made it harder for me.

1. What are some good exercises for grip strengthening besides continuing to do deadlifts? I've added some hammer grip pull-ups back to my routine, I'm hoping those might help as well.

2. I'm following Stronglifts 5x5. If I can't finish the set without a break for my grip after the 3rd or 4th rep (but I'm able to easily complete the weight once I give my hands a break), should I still count that as a failure and stay at the same weight the next session, or continue to move up anyway?

With regards to grip strength, check out fatgripz. They're a rubber extension that you can clip on to barbells and dumbells. Costs ~40$.

I had the same grip issues on deadlifts, and the fatgripz have helped me tremendously.

 

[JB1981]

I know I need to do heavy lifting to build real muscle but I've got a weird sternum injury/problem that's never gone away and baffles the doctors, so doing heavy lifting is kind of out of the question.

Are there any tips on using the rowing machine? Any 'wrong ways' to do it?

Check out these videos, they are very helpful.

http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/excercise.html#Row

 

[balddemon]

I know it has most likely been addressed but i'll reopen it. What are your guys feelings on preworkout supplements and what are your favorites? I've been taking C4 for a while now and i like it (I take one more serving than suggested but i have such a high tolerance towards everything). I used it based on recommendation from some friends who preferred C4 over Jack3d. I know there are multiple brands that offer multiple ingredients and even more benefits and drawbacks. Just what you guys take and why you take it would be more than helpful.

I take C4 as well, cuz it tastes better to me than Jack3d and basically any other preworkout I've tried. It also works a helluva lot better than anything I've used (Jack3d, walmart shit, Buzzerk). I got some Buzzerk for free though, so I"m gonna try that again....and those NX6 pills work as well. I like C4 because of the niacin rush (that tingly feeling) - I can feel it and know I'm ready to go. Plus my workout actually are much better and I have a lot more energy afterwards, so I'm still able to go out or whatever.

EDIT: wooooo I"m a member now! Yeehawwww

 

[ezrarh]

That article by X-frame is true! I watched the season finale of Breaking Bad today and then killed my workout. Managed to do 1x6 weighted dips with 110 lbs on easy.

 

[rando14]

I know it has most likely been addressed but i'll reopen it. What are your guys feelings on preworkout supplements and what are your favorites? I've been taking C4 for a while now and i like it (I take one more serving than suggested but i have such a high tolerance towards everything). I used it based on recommendation from some friends who preferred C4 over Jack3d. I know there are multiple brands that offer multiple ingredients and even more benefits and drawbacks. Just what you guys take and why you take it would be more than helpful.

Waste of money. Coffee should work.