Echoes of Pink
Member
Since I work out at home, I work out barefoot with no socks. It feels pretty solid being right on the floor.
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Fitness |OT3| BroScience, Protein Dysentery, XXL Calf Implants, and Squat Rack Hogs
- Thread starter Anton Sugar
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Since I work out at home, I work out barefoot with no socks. It feels pretty solid being right on the floor.
I do it, mainly because I'm too lazy to bring along my vibrams during the winter.
parrotbeak
Member
I do if I forget my Vibrams, which isn't very often. My friend does regularly.
Brolic Gaoler
formerly Alienshogun
Socks/barefoot/vibrams etc is basically the same shit.
Psychotext
Member
Would like to get some vibrams at some point. Seems extravagant though.
Brolic Gaoler
formerly Alienshogun
How so? They aren't that expensive if you get the regular ones.
parrotbeak
Member
My Vibrams and last pair of running shoes were both around $80-90. They are only used for specific purposes so should hold up longer than the $20-30 shoes that I wear all the time. That's how I justify it anyway.
J Tourettes
Banned
I think the cheapest they are over here (UK) is about £60 so no more extravagant than normal running shoes really, although almost twice as expensive as a pair of Chucks.
Brolic Gaoler
formerly Alienshogun
Yeah, they might last longer than chucks though. And I would run in vibrams I wouldn't run in chucks, that's just me.
Even Chuck's are getting expensive from what I've seen. When I was a teenager they were already up to $30. Now the MSRP seems to be $50 only a decade later. They've become a pop culture symbol or something, don't know when that happened. They used to be the shoe you bought because you were poor.
I bought my Vibram fivefingers when the MSRP was $80. Most I have ever spent on a shoe, but they still hold up and they aren't falling apart so I can't complain.
I bought my Vibram fivefingers when the MSRP was $80. Most I have ever spent on a shoe, but they still hold up and they aren't falling apart so I can't complain.
Would the adidas sambas be good to weighlift?
I've always used and been a big believer in totally flat bottomed shoes for weight lifting. I workout in a pair of plain sketchers - they're ugly as sin but who cares at the gym.
Eh, if you want them in colors and shit maybe, but most discount stores have them for $20-30 for the ordinary ones.
Psychotext
Member
To be fair I wasn't looking at the regular ones. I quite liked the idea of the Komodosport ones as I figured I could get a bit more general use out of them.
The classic range would certainly do for gym use though.
Generally I wouldn't pay more than £40 for decent trainers (that's why I only ever buy last years models at sales time).
Edit - @J Tourettes: Where have you seen them for £60? Was just looking at the bog standard black classics and I can't seem to find them for less than £70.
jts
...hate me...
Hi guys.
"So I've started working out this month" (2012 edition®). I'd like to make an introduction and share some thoughts.
I'm not a complete noob to gyms, but I've always took the "casual" approach to them, if you may call it that. I'd take a membership, then some dude would make go through a physical test and give me a routine based on that. Mostly machines and running. And I'd go 2 times a week for a month or 2 and then give up. Blech.
But this time I really wish to stick to it and see some actual results. Gain some strength and some size. I'm a damn weakling! I've read this thread (and their predecessors) and I plan to follow Starting Strength. I say plan although I've already started working out, because I'm kinda using this couple of weeks just to get my muscles going, on exercices I already know how to do. I've been doing a machine routine (plus some dumbbells) but at the same time, one no-one's around, I've been sneaking to the barbells trying to learn some of the exercices recommended by Mark Rippletoe. So I could start doing a real routine by the next week, which would be my 3rd.
However, I'm completely devastated by the fact that my current gym doesn't sport a squat rack, only a fucking smith machine. Damn it to hell. I got this 3 month membership for really cheap on a groupon promo, and also the gym is right next to my school, so it's damn convenient. But seriously, this sucks
I realize that Starting Strength's whole foundation is based on barbell squats, so what do you recommend me guys? Am I fucked?
"So I've started working out this month" (2012 edition®). I'd like to make an introduction and share some thoughts.
I'm not a complete noob to gyms, but I've always took the "casual" approach to them, if you may call it that. I'd take a membership, then some dude would make go through a physical test and give me a routine based on that. Mostly machines and running. And I'd go 2 times a week for a month or 2 and then give up. Blech.
But this time I really wish to stick to it and see some actual results. Gain some strength and some size. I'm a damn weakling! I've read this thread (and their predecessors) and I plan to follow Starting Strength. I say plan although I've already started working out, because I'm kinda using this couple of weeks just to get my muscles going, on exercices I already know how to do. I've been doing a machine routine (plus some dumbbells) but at the same time, one no-one's around, I've been sneaking to the barbells trying to learn some of the exercices recommended by Mark Rippletoe. So I could start doing a real routine by the next week, which would be my 3rd.
However, I'm completely devastated by the fact that my current gym doesn't sport a squat rack, only a fucking smith machine. Damn it to hell. I got this 3 month membership for really cheap on a groupon promo, and also the gym is right next to my school, so it's damn convenient. But seriously, this sucks
I realize that Starting Strength's whole foundation is based on barbell squats, so what do you recommend me guys? Am I fucked?
J Tourettes
Banned
This website: http://www.trekkinn.com/?paraula=vibram&idioma=eng&action=listado_productos_subfamilia&cadena= Not as many places as I thought, google search was misleading
cuevas. PhD.
Member
parrotbeak
Member
No rack or cage or anything? I would find a new gym. Do them a favor and let the management know why you're quitting.However, I'm completely devastated by the fact that my current gym doesn't sport a squat rack, only a fucking smith machine. Damn it to hell. I got this 3 month membership for really cheap on a groupon promo, and also the gym is right next to my school, so it's damn convenient. But seriously, this sucks
I realize that Starting Strength's whole foundation is based on barbell squats, so what do you recommend me guys? Am I fucked?
HarryHengst
Member
Yeah, its a shitty gym. Look at switching to another. See the spent money as a costly lesson never to be repeated.Hi guys.
"So I've started working out this month" (2012 edition®). I'd like to make an introduction and share some thoughts.
I'm not a complete noob to gyms, but I've always took the "casual" approach to them, if you may call it that. I'd take a membership, then some dude would make go through a physical test and give me a routine based on that. Mostly machines and running. And I'd go 2 times a week for a month or 2 and then give up. Blech.
But this time I really wish to stick to it and see some actual results. Gain some strength and some size. I'm a damn weakling! I've read this thread (and their predecessors) and I plan to follow Starting Strength. I say plan although I've already started working out, because I'm kinda using this couple of weeks just to get my muscles going, on exercices I already know how to do. I've been doing a machine routine (plus some dumbbells) but at the same time, one no-one's around, I've been sneaking to the barbells trying to learn some of the exercices recommended by Mark Rippletoe. So I could start doing a real routine by the next week, which would be my 3rd.
However, I'm completely devastated by the fact that my current gym doesn't sport a squat rack, only a fucking smith machine. Damn it to hell. I got this 3 month membership for really cheap on a groupon promo, and also the gym is right next to my school, so it's damn convenient. But seriously, this sucks
I realize that Starting Strength's whole foundation is based on barbell squats, so what do you recommend me guys? Am I fucked?
jts
...hate me...
Thanks guys.
@parrotbeak, nope not even that. It's a really small gym.
Unfortunately quitting it's really not an option because by the time I bought into that groupon promo I also convinced 2 friends of mine to do so, saying that it would be great for us to go together and shit (and it has been nice). They would be incredibly pissed off at me if I quit after just 2 weeks... and probably not even understand the reason.
But I'll do these 3 months and that's it, I'm out. I know the results won't be the same, probably not even close, but I hope to see something, anything at all. And then in May, on a proper gym with a proper rack, I'll resume the barbell squat dream.
Given this particular condition of not quitting, should I still stick to Mark Rippletoe's and modify it? By doing regular squats+leg press (or smith machine squats)+ ab routine + whatever instead of barbell squats?
What about powercleans to front squats? Do you guys find that feasible? I doubt I can perform a powerclean with a relevant weight though. But still...
@parrotbeak, nope not even that. It's a really small gym.
Unfortunately quitting it's really not an option because by the time I bought into that groupon promo I also convinced 2 friends of mine to do so, saying that it would be great for us to go together and shit (and it has been nice). They would be incredibly pissed off at me if I quit after just 2 weeks... and probably not even understand the reason.
But I'll do these 3 months and that's it, I'm out. I know the results won't be the same, probably not even close, but I hope to see something, anything at all. And then in May, on a proper gym with a proper rack, I'll resume the barbell squat dream.
Given this particular condition of not quitting, should I still stick to Mark Rippletoe's and modify it? By doing regular squats+leg press (or smith machine squats)+ ab routine + whatever instead of barbell squats?
What about powercleans to front squats? Do you guys find that feasible? I doubt I can perform a powerclean with a relevant weight though. But still...
Think I'm gonna start doing a lot of cardio. Did intervals on the stairmaster yesterday for fifteen minutes and it was easier than I expected.
Will probably program some variation of the following 4xweek. (not all in one day obviously)
Stairmaster
Bike (Hiit)
C2 Row (Hiit)
Swim
- core work; planks, side planks, bird dogs, stir the pots, palof press etc.
- pushups
- pullups (unweighted and weighted)
- chins (unweighted and weighted)
- dips
- and I might do some cable work for chest.
- staying away from loaded bars or dumbbells for a while just as an experiment to see how my low back feels.
Will probably program some variation of the following 4xweek. (not all in one day obviously)
Stairmaster
Bike (Hiit)
C2 Row (Hiit)
Swim
- core work; planks, side planks, bird dogs, stir the pots, palof press etc.
- pushups
- pullups (unweighted and weighted)
- chins (unweighted and weighted)
- dips
- and I might do some cable work for chest.
- staying away from loaded bars or dumbbells for a while just as an experiment to see how my low back feels.
parrotbeak
Member
Oh ya, I meant quit after your time is up. Sure, I would clean and do front squats until then. You can still do a lot with just a barbell, especially just starting out. You can do lunges, goblet squats, one leg squats w dumbbells.
Hi guys.
"So I've started working out this month" (2012 edition®). I'd like to make an introduction and share some thoughts.
I'm not a complete noob to gyms, but I've always took the "casual" approach to them, if you may call it that. I'd take a membership, then some dude would make go through a physical test and give me a routine based on that. Mostly machines and running. And I'd go 2 times a week for a month or 2 and then give up. Blech.
But this time I really wish to stick to it and see some actual results. Gain some strength and some size. I'm a damn weakling! I've read this thread (and their predecessors) and I plan to follow Starting Strength. I say plan although I've already started working out, because I'm kinda using this couple of weeks just to get my muscles going, on exercices I already know how to do. I've been doing a machine routine (plus some dumbbells) but at the same time, one no-one's around, I've been sneaking to the barbells trying to learn some of the exercices recommended by Mark Rippletoe. So I could start doing a real routine by the next week, which would be my 3rd.
However, I'm completely devastated by the fact that my current gym doesn't sport a squat rack, only a fucking smith machine. Damn it to hell. I got this 3 month membership for really cheap on a groupon promo, and also the gym is right next to my school, so it's damn convenient. But seriously, this sucks
I realize that Starting Strength's whole foundation is based on barbell squats, so what do you recommend me guys? Am I fucked?
I'm kinda curious about the bolded part. What's going on there? Also, the latest edition of Starting Strength is on kindle for $10.
You could always clean and front squat the weight, or if you're feeling adventurous, you could always try steinborning the weight on to your shoulders (google it) I would try asking why the gym doesn't have a rack, although you might told that the smith machine is safer and more effective, i.e, they have anyone there who can coach the squat so squats are now dangerous.
parrotbeak
Member
Oh I read that as "speaking to the barbells." Ya, what is going on there? Are you not supposed to use them without anyone around?
Anton Sugar
Member
Definitely do what you can until you can switch to a different gym. As long as you're not under the delusion that you're doing Starting Strength, yes, 3x5 is a solid template for newbs doing front squats. For leg presses, most find better results with higher reps (8-10...good mass builders).
Hope those three months fly by!
cuevas. PhD.
Member
If you're doing hiit for 30 minutes, you're not doing it right.
I get the feeling he is too embarrassed to use them when people are around. If so, he should get over it.
jts
...hate me...
lol no, it's just that I don't want to make an ass out of myself when I try to do exercices I've never done in my life (even if I seen videos and read about them).
On top of that someone will probably approach to help me and ask if that is on the plan the coach made for me (because they'll be confused of why am I doing an exercice I haven't been taught), and I want to avoid the eyebrow raising that will follow when I explain that it's just something I want to do because I've read about it on a book/internet. Especially because I'm an unfit guy who can barely do 5kg on the dumbbell curl.
Once I know how to perform them, what my weights are, etc, I'll have no problem going there.
Thanks again guys!
edit ^you're right petrie
On top of that someone will probably approach to help me and ask if that is on the plan the coach made for me (because they'll be confused of why am I doing an exercice I haven't been taught), and I want to avoid the eyebrow raising that will follow when I explain that it's just something I want to do because I've read about it on a book/internet. Especially because I'm an unfit guy who can barely do 5kg on the dumbbell curl.
Once I know how to perform them, what my weights are, etc, I'll have no problem going there.
Thanks again guys!
edit ^you're right petrie
Brolic Gaoler
formerly Alienshogun
Sweet, I can do hanging leg raises touching my toes to the top door frame now without bending my knees at a 90 degree angle.
Good to finally be able to do them proper.
Good to finally be able to do them proper.
entremet
Member
Is 20 minutes fine? That's what I usually do.
2nd attempt at Tucked Front Levers were a success! The KEY to this, it seems, is the pronated straight bar grip. I was using a neutral grip but as soon as I switched to a pronated (palms down) grip I instantly was able to get into the tucked front lever position and hold it. I stopped at 5 seconds because I always like to take baby steps.
I wonder why the choice in grips is such a difference. Possibly because the overhand grip is more bio-mechanically advantageous.
Double success!
I wonder why the choice in grips is such a difference. Possibly because the overhand grip is more bio-mechanically advantageous.
Double success!
parrotbeak
Member
I've been lazy and have dropped down to 4-5 sets of 30 second on, 30 off. Including warm up and cool down, it's like 15 minutes tops. It really depends on the lengths you are using, which have a lot to do with your cardio level. In the past I have done 1 minute on, 1 off, or 40 seconds on, 20 seconds off. I try to increase the time on and/or decrease the time off over time. But this shit is hard, or should be if done correctly, and it's not my main priority, so I've been at 30/30 for a while.
The argument against 20 or 30 minutes of HIIT is that 10+ sprints can be squeezed into that period, and doing 10+ sprints at the appropriate level of intensity would probably result in death, so the sprints probably aren't intense enough.
But that's in general. Maybe you're just a fucking baws with horse endurance. But there's a good chance you're not, in which case think about increasing the intensity of the sprints. Turn up the resistance on the bike, increase the MPH on the treadmill, add another 5 lbs to the barbell complex, get your 500m row down another 5 seconds, etc.
Oh gosh what the fuck!
I took Assault today after two and a half cups of coffee. I've never been this jittery and dehydrated in my life. I couldn't get past 4 rotations of HIT training because everything was cramping up.
Duely noted, drink lots of water when drinking Assault and coffee.
I took Assault today after two and a half cups of coffee. I've never been this jittery and dehydrated in my life. I couldn't get past 4 rotations of HIT training because everything was cramping up.
Duely noted, drink lots of water when drinking Assault and coffee.
cuevas. PhD.
Member
What's your heart rate getting up to and how long does it take you to recover?
I've seen you guys mention that having a flat surface is a necessity for a squat. I've always thought my Nike Free 2.0's would be kosher because it is basically a flat surface. However, one of you just mentioned that running shoes are a no-no.
I'm assuming that I should change my squat routine to a barefoot one and take off the sneakers until I'm done squatting.
I'm assuming that I should change my squat routine to a barefoot one and take off the sneakers until I'm done squatting.
No spot?
Good for him, but not having any sort of support all the way down is kind of dangerous.
Brolic Gaoler
formerly Alienshogun
He's reppng with it, it's probably not a big deal to him.
I guess. I know I'll probably never get close to that weight.
Any suggestions on squatting with those sneakers I posted above?
Brolic Gaoler
formerly Alienshogun
I wouldn't. You want the least amount of "squishyness" between the bottom of your foot and the floor.
Sounds good. Tomorrow's legs and shoulders so I'll squat sans shoes and socks.
hawkshockey11
Banned
I assume power cleans are a bad thing to just start doing without any practice or guidance judging by youtube videos.
That's why you start out doing them with just the bar. Practice the motion until you feel comfortable.
hawkshockey11
Banned
and the close proximity and large amount of people is making me hesitant. I already got drilled by someone doing something with the free weights once.
I have a 25 pound bar at home that I have been practicing on though.
cuevas. PhD.
Member
Fuck them, they see doing cleans or whatever : stay the fuck away.
Exactly. What dipshit is going to get in your way when they see you powerlifting?
Don't let other people stop you from doing the workout you want. Cleans are awesome and you should do them.
hawkshockey11
Banned
Is this a good form for them? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fJBwC3Qa6w&feature=related
I don't think I have ever seen anyone do cleans when I am there so I can't ask for help.
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