Support NeoGAF

[parrotbeak]

Protein might be an issue but I would definitely move cardio to after weights. That's the first thing I'd do. Doesn't hurt to drink some protein powder though. Make sure you get enough on your rest days too, not just after workout.

 

[excelforward]

So, maybe I'm opening up a bit too much on here, but do any of you really link your body image with your workouts? A few years ago I was at 185 (at 5'8"), and was pretty chubby. I've since dropped 60lbs and gained about 15lbs in muscle, putting me around 140lbs and fairly lean. Even though logically I know I look nothing like I did then, any time I miss a workout (or even days when I have to rest because of physical exhaustion) I start feeling like I look the same as I did. Any one else have this? Any one else beat this? Any advice?

 

[reilo]

So, maybe I'm opening up a bit too much on here, but do any of you really link your body image with your workouts? A few years ago I was at 185 (at 5'8"), and was pretty chubby. I've since dropped 60lbs and gained about 15lbs in muscle, putting me around 140lbs and fairly lean. Even though logically I know I look nothing like I did then, any time I miss a workout (or even days when I have to rest because of physical exhaustion) I start feeling like I look the same as I did. Any one else have this? Any one else beat this? Any advice?

Jason's Ultimatum welcomes your shirtless pictures. Just give him a PM.

 

[excelforward]

Jason's Ultimatum welcomes your shirtless pictures. Just give him a PM.

I believe I must be missing something, as I don't get it.

 

[~Kinggi~]

Protein might be an issue but I would definitely move cardio to after weights. That's the first thing I'd do. Doesn't hurt to drink some protein powder though. Make sure you get enough on your rest days too, not just after workout.

This was another question i had.

I've read comments that the chocolate milk must be ingested a half-hour after a workout to be effective. Is that because of other effects or is protein intake only really effective in proximity to workout?

Is high protein intake important on the days i dont workout?

Also is it suggested i workout every other day or just take a day or two in the middle of the week off?

Im only asking these questions now after doing this hardcore for about 6 months (which i started after i lost 50 ibs over a year ago) because ive slowed growth significantly and am trying to change that.

 

[reilo]

I believe I must be missing something, as I don't get it.

I misread your post when you said image. Neeevermind. I was playing it off of a joke Jason wrote the other day:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=29604695&postcount=2569

 

[parrotbeak]

This was another question i had.

I've read comments that the chocolate milk must be ingested a half-hour after a workout to be effective. Is that because of other effects or is protein intake only really effective in proximity to workout?

Is high protein intake important on the days i dont workout?

Also is it suggested i workout every other day or just take a day or two in the middle of the week off?

Im only asking these questions now after doing this hardcore for about 6 months (which i started after i lost 50 ibs over a year ago) because ive slowed growth significantly and am trying to change that.

Your muscles are growing when you're at rest, so you need protein on rest days. Some people drink protein right before bed. Sleep is super important. Get 8 hours, especially after workouts. Beginners are generally told not to lift two days in a row, even different body parts.

The chocolate milk thing is about the ratio of protein and carbs, afaik.

What's your program look like?

 

[Murkas]

ahh I hate failing on my sets, failed on bench press today and shoulder presses the other day

 

[reilo]

ahh I hate failing on my sets, failed on bench press today and shoulder presses the other day

Why is that bad? It's good to know your limit, that way you can actively work on surpassing it.

 

[X-Frame]

ahh I hate failing on my sets, failed on bench press today and shoulder presses the other day

Try to hit the weight next time. Make sure you get plenty of nutrition and sleep when you try again. If you still can't, that usually is a good time to reload those exercises, or all your workouts for a week or so then ramp back up.

 

[parrotbeak]

I couldn't stand not doing anything all week so I went to the gym last night. Just benched, did chins, elliptical and planks. My sciatica pretty much disappeared while I was working out, although my lower back hurt while holding the arch during bench and planks (not a serious sharp pain, just an ache).

But while I was just stretching my pecs against the wall after, I got shivers down my legs. I wasn't even twisting my back. Had throbbing pain in back last night while trying to sleep but it was back to normal levels of aching and discomfort and occasional sciatica in the morning.

 

[Murkas]

Why is that bad? It's good to know your limit, that way you can actively work on surpassing it.

Because I've deloaded and still failed

Try to hit the weight next time. Make sure you get plenty of nutrition and sleep when you try again. If you still can't, that usually is a good time to reload those exercises, or all your workouts for a week or so then ramp back up.

Yea making sure I do that and get more sleep, probably just an off day.

*Says that while surfing the internet at 12:40AM*

 

[X-Frame]

I couldn't stand not doing anything all week so I went to the gym last night. Just benched, did chins, elliptical and planks. My sciatica pretty much disappeared while I was working out, although my lower back hurt while holding the arch during bench and planks (not a serious sharp pain, just an ache).

But while I was just stretching my pecs against the wall after, I got shivers down my legs. I wasn't even twisting my back. Had throbbing pain in back last night while trying to sleep but it was back to normal levels of aching and discomfort and occasional sciatica in the morning.

You've tried McKenzie stretches with no result?

For example, sometimes when I just lie face down on my bed my lower back will slowly get tight and sore and then after a minute it'll start to go away. According to the McKenzie book "Treat Your Own Back" that is one of the signs that his techniques would help me.

Then I'll usually sit up on my elbows for a couple minutes (usually stay like that for a couple minutes or up to like half an hour if I'm watching something on my iPad) and I'll go up completely so my arms are straight and it's like a Cobra pose for about 10 seconds.

I don't know if it helps, but it makes sense than if I have a disc bulge that doing that will push the disc fluid back in, so I try and do something on my stomach a couple times a day.

Though I've never had bad sciatica, done McKenzie, and notice it go away. It's mostly just me being proactive like doing it before I know I'll be sitting for a long movie or something.

 

[Veezy]

So, maybe I'm opening up a bit too much on here, but do any of you really link your body image with your workouts? A few years ago I was at 185 (at 5'8"), and was pretty chubby. I've since dropped 60lbs and gained about 15lbs in muscle, putting me around 140lbs and fairly lean. Even though logically I know I look nothing like I did then, any time I miss a workout (or even days when I have to rest because of physical exhaustion) I start feeling like I look the same as I did. Any one else have this? Any one else beat this? Any advice?

I have the same problem, only exaggerated by about million.

You just have to understand that sometimes you have to skip. Either time, illness, fatigue, etc. will get in the way. Just adjust your program and remember missing one day, hell even a week at the gym, isn't going to turn you back into what you used to look like. Stick to your diet, and get back in there the next day. Sometimes, the day off might be better for you than if you forced yourself to work out.

It’s all mental. You’ve made progress, you’re not gonna lose it over night.

 

[parrotbeak]

You've tried McKenzie stretches with no result?

Ya, it's one of the first things I tried and I don't know what else to do, so I've been doing them anyway even though it's not doing much for me. It's sort of making me wonder if it is a disc bulge if that stretch doesn't help. Actually I guess the sciatica is somewhat less likely when I'm doing that, but it's pretty random right now.

Oddly stretching in the squat position seems to help more.

 

[excelforward]

I have the same problem, only exaggerated by about million.

You just have to understand that sometimes you have to skip. Either time, illness, fatigue, etc. will get in the way. Just adjust your program and remember missing one day, hell even a week at the gym, isn't going to turn you back into what you used to look like. Stick to your diet, and get back in there the next day. Sometimes, the day off might be better for you than if you forced yourself to work out.

It’s all mental. You’ve made progress, you’re not gonna lose it over night.

True enough. It gets bit worse than this (not eating, ect) but I understand. It's good to know I'm not alone with my crazy.

 

[Veezy]

True enough. It gets bit worse than this (not eating, ect) but I understand. It's good to know I'm not alone with my crazy.

Right there with ya. I go back and forth between "my BF% is getting to high, need to fast" to "shit, getting to skinny, need to gorge."

You just have to force yourself to do what's good for you and not give into the crazy. Took me years of work to get there, and I still can't work out in a full gym despite a low BF% and weighting 180.

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

Yeah, but that's more of an advanced level thing to do once you've built enough muscle I'd imagine. It sounds like he's just beginning out and plateauing.

Yeah that's why I suggested for him to switch over to a protein shake as well.

I haven't really lost much strength but after this cut my stomach feels tiny. I tried to eat a 12 inch subway sandwich today and I couldn't eat all of it :\

 

[reilo]

Yeah that's why I suggested for him to switch over to a protein shake as well.

I haven't really lost much strength but after this cut my stomach feels tiny. I tried to eat a 12 inch subway sandwich today and I couldn't eat all of it :\

I had a 12" subway sandwich today and ate it all like a baws.

 

[Bluth]

Quick question for you guys..would running right before and after lifting hurt my gains? I don't have a car the rest of the summer, so I have to run about 2 miles to the gym. Would this have an adverse effect at all?

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

I had a 12" subway sandwich today and ate it all like a baws.

I'll make sure to let the nba thread know you can take 12'' no problem.

 

[reilo]

I'll make sure to let the nba thread know you can take 12'' no problem.

I'll make sure to let them know that you can't.

 

[Cudder]

I've been going to the gym for the past month and a half, working out with my dad. Since he used to work out a lot years ago, he's helping me by teaching my the correct forms for exercises, and preventing me from getting into bad habits while lifting. However, he just threw out his back last week, and I've been going to the gym alone ever since (probably will be going alone for a while until he;s better).

He always used to spot me, and for every exercise we did at least 3 sets, and on the last 2-3 reps of the last set, I'd struggle with the weight so much that I'd NEED a spot to get the reps/set done.

HOWEVER, since I've been going alone (no spotting partner), I really haven't been pushing myself as hard as when he was there with me. So to "make up" for those last "struggling" reps, I've been doing 4-5 sets of each exercise, and I always make sure that I can COMPLETE the set I'm doing. I might still struggle to do the last few reps, but I always keep the weight in check so that I can complete the sets myself.

Basically what I'm asking is, is this okay to be doing? I'll admit I work "harder" when my dad was with me, but do you think increasing my sets is a good trade off for not getting those "can't-do-anymore" kind of reps?

 

[ipukespiders]

Got a PR for 1RM squat today. As I unracked and started stepping backwards I thought, oh shit. The whole point of a PR is that it is weight you've never done, but yet all I could think was "this is too heavy". Oh well, I wanted to try it since last leg day, and I had it in my mind to do it. There is no backing down!
I got down deep, started up, got about 1/3 the way up and something went weird in my head. Never had a feeling that that before. I'm thinking it was the feeling you get before you faint (I've never fainted) but I slowly got by that sticking point and it went away.
Scary stuff.

 

[RumblingRosco]

I've been going to the gym for the past month and a half, working out with my dad. Since he used to work out a lot years ago, he's helping me by teaching my the correct forms for exercises, and preventing me from getting into bad habits while lifting. However, he just threw out his back last week, and I've been going to the gym alone ever since (probably will be going alone for a while until he;s better).

He always used to spot me, and for every exercise we did at least 3 sets, and on the last 2-3 reps of the last set, I'd struggle with the weight so much that I'd NEED a spot to get the reps/set done.

HOWEVER, since I've been going alone (no spotting partner), I really haven't been pushing myself as hard as when he was there with me. So to "make up" for those last "struggling" reps, I've been doing 4-5 sets of each exercise, and I always make sure that I can COMPLETE the set I'm doing. I might still struggle to do the last few reps, but I always keep the weight in check so that I can complete the sets myself.

Basically what I'm asking is, is this okay to be doing? I'll admit I work "harder" when my dad was with me, but do you think increasing my sets is a good trade off for not getting those "can't-do-anymore" kind of reps?

Depending on your goals, you want to do 3-5 sets (around 5-10 reps each set) for any given exercise with a modest break between sets so that your very last rep or two of your last set you're "just about" to fail. This is of course a very rough rule and varies from lift-to-lift (and, again, what your goals are)... but, what you're doing seems reasonable to me. As long as you're stressing yourself as much as you can in a safe manner, you can't really expect to do much more than that!

Question for GymGAF: Where should I buy creatine online? I don't mind paying a bit more if it's from a more "reputable" source.

 

[Cudder]

Got a PR for 1RM squat today. As I unracked and started stepping backwards I thought, oh shit. The whole point of a PR is that it is weight you've never done, but yet all I could think was "this is too heavy". Oh well, I wanted to try it since last leg day, and I had it in my mind to do it. There is no backing down!
I got down deep, started up, got about 1/3 the way up and something went weird in my head. Never had a feeling that that before. I'm thinking it was the feeling you get before you faint (I've never fainted) but I slowly got by that sticking point and it went away.
Scary stuff.

Exertion headache? I got one of those a few weeks back. Took a whole week to get rid of completely.

 

[kehs]

Little help, what's PR?

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

Question for GymGAF: Where should I buy creatine online? I don't mind paying a bit more if it's from a more "reputable" source.

Amazon?

Little help, what's PR?

Personal record

 

[Sutton Dagger]

Well it seems like I have been going through an episode of Chronic fatigue and it's really taking its toll on my body. Went from 80kg down to 74kg now in the space of a month, appetite is basically non existent and I'm feeling lethargic...

On the plus side I feel like I have lost a bit of stubborn fat around the mind section, so hopefully when I'm back up to speed I will have a better foundation for muscle gain. Not looking forward to seeing my lifts though.

Anyone gone through this?

 

[ipukespiders]

Exertion headache? I got one of those a few weeks back. Took a whole week to get rid of completely.

No pain from it, and completely fine after maybe 2 seconds, no after effects at all. I've had stand-up-too-fast head rushes before as well, but this also wasn't the feeling.
Weird, whatever it was.

 

[excelforward]

Well it seems like I have been going through an episode of Chronic fatigue and it's really taking its toll on my body. Went from 80kg down to 74kg now in the space of a month, appetite is basically non existent and I'm feeling lethargic...

On the plus side I feel like I have lost a bit of stubborn fat around the mind section, so hopefully when I'm back up to speed I will have a better foundation for muscle gain. Not looking forward to seeing my lifts though.

Anyone gone through this?

I go through it a lot in the winters when I'm super busy and have a lack of sunlight. I usually end up making myself eat even when I'm not hungry though just so I don't lose too fast.

 

[Lamel]

So I'm currently at around 1800 calories after eating dinner, and I need to get to 3000+ before I sleep. This is gonna be rough, I hate having a calorie deficit.

Edit: Whenever I complain that I have to eat too much I think of starving people across the world and feel like an asshole.

 

[The Lamp]

So I'm currently at around 1800 calories after eating dinner, and I need to get to 3000+ before I sleep. This is gonna be rough, I hate having a calorie deficit.

Yeah for me it was a chore to finish my gallon + eat everyday, but somehow I did it.

Peanut butter sandwiches galore! lol

 

[Petrie]

So I'm currently at around 1800 calories after eating dinner, and I need to get to 3000+ before I sleep. This is gonna be rough, I hate having a calorie deficit.

Edit: Whenever I complain that I have to eat too much I think of starving people across the world and feel like an asshole.

Grab some peanuts/almonds/cashews/etc?

 

[Lamel]

Grab some peanuts/almonds/cashews/etc?

Yeah I'm gonna eat every little thing available and slowly build up, gonna go on a walnut binge right now.

Yeah for me it was a chore to finish my gallon + eat everyday, but somehow I did it.

Peanut butter sandwiches galore! lol

Ha yeah, sadly I can't have milk.

 

[bangai-o]

what i previously mentioned before the threadlock was asking if those protein chocolate shake powders in combination with running is good for gaining mass.

 

[ipukespiders]

gomad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxoVPrXEebY

 

[Petrie]

Got my pullup bar today, but was sad when I realized there isn't really a door in my house wide enough for me to do the wide gripped version. Hopefully just the other 2 grips being worked at home in addition to the gym will still net me some decent results.

 

[MjFrancis]

what i previously mentioned before the threadlock was asking if those protein chocolate shake powders in combination with running is good for gaining mass.

So you're asking if you were to drink protein powder in conjunction with running, would it increase your muscle mass? Maybe a little, but generally no. Long distance running for muscle hypertrophy isn't far off from fucking for virginity.

 

[MjFrancis]

Eating too much of anything isn't good. Moderation is the key. Plus, all the chicken, and protein in general you consume is bad for your liver and kidneys. Not to mention DNA mutations.

The only study I read that noted a correlation between renal failure and protein consumption consisted solely of elderly women who made a dramatic diet change for a short period of time. I'm always open to new studies on the subject, but since I'm not a sedentary postmenopausal woman, I haven't stressed about my protein intake.

And by DNA mutations, do you mean cancer?

Seriously, I'm all about the eating clean and lifting hard, but I loves me some citations. Is this some enlightened fitness guru from high atop the Himalayas dropping this knowledge on you or what?

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

The only study I read that noted a correlation between renal failure and protein consumption consisted solely of elderly women who made a dramatic diet change for a short period of time. I'm always open to new studies on the subject, but since I'm not a sedentary postmenopausal woman, I haven't stressed about my protein intake.

And by DNA mutations, do you mean cancer?

Seriously, I'm all about the eating clean and lifting hard, but I loves me some citations. Is this some enlightened fitness guru from high atop the Himalayas dropping this knowledge on you or what?

Don't you watch Fox News?

Spoiler

im kidding jason

 

[BlueScrote]

If you're going to the gym, don't be afraid to ask other people to spot you for sets that you aren't confident in completing. It seems a little weird at first, but I started doing it and my lifts went up because I could stop worrying about pinning myself with the bar.

 

[The Lamp]

Damn my body has a powerfully fast metabolism. I've been off the GOMAD diet for about 5 days now (I had a huge test this week, among other priorities, and doctor appointments, etc.) because I didn't have time to focus/keep up with it or work out this week, and I've dipped down 2.5 lbs. Not that surprising considering how much fat/water weight I have compared to muscle right now, but I didn't think it would be that quick to lose.

Gonna have to extend the diet by a week or two then I guess, because I won't get to work out again until end of next week due to traveling.

Ughhhh.

 

[Deleted member 12837]

I have an...odd question:

Yesterday during my last set of squats I ripped my boxers. It was simultaneously probably one of the more badass and also embarrassing things I've done at the gym (luckily no one noticed...). It's not like they were even tight or anything, they were fairly loose. I'm also by no means a very large or built dude (5'10 185).

Anyway, are there brands of underwear that aren't crazy expensive that are built for weight lifting, or at the very least designed to stretch and hold up well without tearing?

 

[Dosia]

Quick question for you guys..would running right before and after lifting hurt my gains? I don't have a car the rest of the summer, so I have to run about 2 miles to the gym. Would this have an adverse effect at all?

No it shouldnt. Running after a leg workout might be rough, but all
other body parts it shouldnt matter.

 

[parrotbeak]

I have an...odd question:

Yesterday during my last set of squats I ripped my boxers. It was simultaneously probably one of the more badass and also embarrassing things I've done at the gym (luckily no one noticed...). It's not like they were even tight or anything, they were fairly loose. I'm also by no means a very large or built dude (5'10 185).

Anyway, are there brands of underwear that aren't crazy expensive that are built for weight lifting, or at the very least designed to stretch and hold up well without tearing?

I wear Hanes boxer briefs. They are pretty stretchy and even though I wear them fitted (not tight, not loose) they haven't had any problems. Recently I ripped very loose shorts while doing squats and my boxer briefs were fine (luckily). They are like $12 for a pack of 3 or 4, iirc.

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

Damn my body has a powerfully fast metabolism. I've been off the GOMAD diet for about 5 days now (I had a huge test this week, among other priorities, and doctor appointments, etc.) because I didn't have time to focus/keep up with it or work out this week, and I've dipped down 2.5 lbs. Not that surprising considering how much fat/water weight I have compared to muscle right now, but I didn't think it would be that quick to lose.

Gonna have to extend the diet by a week or two then I guess, because I won't get to work out again until end of next week due to traveling.

Ughhhh.

I think you are really confused with your goals...

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Jason's Ultimatum welcomes your shirtless pictures. Just give him a PM.

 

[parrotbeak]

Ok, thanks JU.

Here's a video of Jen Comas deadlifting and then doing core. I really wish I could dl right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeuezP8_Cc8

 

[Bluth]

No it shouldnt. Running after a leg workout might be rough, but all
other body parts it shouldnt matter.

Thanks.