coffee is fine. Use just a small bit of cream and artifical sweetner so it's not a calorie source
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Fitness |OT4| Squat Booty, Summer Cuts, and Super Swoletrophy
- Thread starter Mr.City
- Start date
- Status
coffee is fine. Use just a small bit of cream and artifical sweetner so it's not a calorie source
These were recommended a few pages back for someone with knee issues:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018IMOOI/?tag=neogaf0e-20
The product description talks mostly about squats and lifting related issues, but I was curious if anyone has used these for more cardio-centered exercises? I've used some cheap knee braces for a while, and while they help I feel like something with better support would be, uh, better.
Any feedback on these are appreciated.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018IMOOI/?tag=neogaf0e-20
The product description talks mostly about squats and lifting related issues, but I was curious if anyone has used these for more cardio-centered exercises? I've used some cheap knee braces for a while, and while they help I feel like something with better support would be, uh, better.
Any feedback on these are appreciated.
FallingEdge
Member
Power cleans...
So hard but SO GOOD.
I don't see how I'm suppose to do these before deadlifts/squats. They wear me down something fierce.
So hard but SO GOOD.
I don't see how I'm suppose to do these before deadlifts/squats. They wear me down something fierce.
TheDarkStark
Member
This. Nobody is accusing him/her of anything. We're just giving possible reasonable explanations to her weight gain in comparison to his (literally) impossible conclusion.
If it's only 5lbs, and not 12 like he originally stated, that could easily be water weight. I fluctuate like 5lbs a day because of water weight.
lastflowers
Banned
I like coffee like i like my rappers and presidents: black.
The only thing I can think of is that when she gained 5 pounds that those 5 pounds may be due to measuring weight at different times of day.. Also could be due to if she's overweight, then she's probably building some muscle she didn't have before. So while she may have burned 5 pounds of fat, she put on 10 pounds of muscle. Obviously not those exact numbers, but a few pounds of that can be attributed to time of day and water weight. The rest can be just working out more. I wouldn't freak out yet. Does she feel and look better in the mirror?
seattle6418
Member
Why are squats so big with people in this thread? I never knew it was so popular. I do it on a machine, and as far as i know, it´s mostly legs being worked.
I´ve always thought upper body exercises would be more popular.
I´ve always thought upper body exercises would be more popular.
FallingEdge
Member
Big legs = lots of muscle = promotes muscle growth throughout the body
Not to mention it is one of the best core exercises you can do.
TheDarkStark
Member
Squats are always extremely popular. Anyone who does athletics from high school on is going to do squats because they're a great core lift and they will make you much more explosive.
There are a ton of people who completely ignore legs (and thus squats) but most of those types of people don't post on fitness message boards.
Mio is excellent. Helped me kick my 1-2 liter/day soda habit. Also, it helped me learn to drink A LOT more water during the day. It's pretty much all I drink now.
I only use the energy Mio's twice a day. Once in the morning and once before my workout. The rest of the day I drink the non-energy flavors. Wal-mart and Krogers (or whatever grocery store is near you) sell knock-offs that work pretty well, too. They are usually about a dollar cheaper.
I do them after squats. On power clean day, deadlifts are not present in the routine, I think.
FallingEdge
Member
http://www.jimwendler.com/2011/09/power-cleans-and-531/
That's where I read that he suggested doing them before squats/deadlifts. However, I would love to hear your routine as I don't know if I can handle them right now. I would like to have a dedicated day to Power Cleans but don't know if it is a good idea.
I'm an expert
Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
I don't understand what that mio stuff is.. it's just to flavor water? Is that right? Why would you do that..?
The Mana Legend
Banned
I am losing weight and gaining muscle right now, and it was the last thing I expected.
It's hard to tell because, in fact, I look fatter right now because my muscle is pushing my fat out (and most of the fat I've lost so far has been in my legs), but I've lost a significant amount of fat in the last 4 and a half weeks.
Granted, I'm not doing really tough resistance training. Just a few different things with 20 lb weights on each arm, lots of pushups, lots of leg exercises (mostly lots of hiking and running at this point, no weight stuff yet), and ab workouts every other day.
And I'm starting to see abs form. So nice. At first I was worried that I wasn't completely focusing on losing weight, but combining cardio and resistance has worked beautifully for me so far. <3
It's hard to tell because, in fact, I look fatter right now because my muscle is pushing my fat out (and most of the fat I've lost so far has been in my legs), but I've lost a significant amount of fat in the last 4 and a half weeks.
Granted, I'm not doing really tough resistance training. Just a few different things with 20 lb weights on each arm, lots of pushups, lots of leg exercises (mostly lots of hiking and running at this point, no weight stuff yet), and ab workouts every other day.
And I'm starting to see abs form. So nice. At first I was worried that I wasn't completely focusing on losing weight, but combining cardio and resistance has worked beautifully for me so far. <3
TheDarkStark
Member
It's possible to gain a pretty significant amount muscle while losing fat, but after about 6 weeks you see diminishing returns and your time becomes much better spent on bulking and cutting cycles.
MrOogieBoogie
BioShock Infinite is like playing some homeless guy's vivid imagination
Holy shit at how strong this guy is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj48SlxgU1Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player
So impressive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj48SlxgU1Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player
So impressive.
TheDarkStark
Member
Alright ladies and gents my package has arrived so I'll be giving you a few brief reviews today please excuse the stock photos, I can't find my camera at the moment.
First up: Muscle Pharm: Combat Powder (Cookies & Cream Flavor)
This is one of the higher rated Protein powders out there and top 2-3 in terms of poupalrity so I had big expectations.
Mixability: 10/10 I used a blender ball mixing cup 4 oz water, 2 oz milk, shook a few times and it mixed extremely well, no chunks.
Aroma: 9/10 Spells pretty much exactly as you'd expect, which is very good.
Texture: 9/10 Wasn't too thick, wasn't too thin, no chalkiness, nearly perfect
Taste: 7.5/10 It tastes very good, but I had heard such great things I was a bit letdown. It's kind of boring, tastes like Vanilla with like a hint of chocolate. It also seems a tad bit sweet, I may tend to get a bit sick of it near the end? Right now I think Banana Cream is clearly superior to it.
Next up:
Muscle Pharm: Combat Powder (Orange Creamsicle)
Mixability: 10/10 Same thing, no chunks, smooth.
Texture: 10/10 Light and bit fluffy, perfect.
Aroma: 10/10 Smells amazing. A nice light citrussy aroma
Flavor: 10/10 Wow. This is my new all-time favorite. It's Vanilla with just enough Orange to give it a nice fruity little kick It tastes like somebody took the ice cream and threw it in a blender. It's also not too sweet, I don't see myself getting tired of it from being too sweet at times like with the Banana Cream. Only time will tell
I honestly can't recommend the Orange Creamsicle enough. If you like Orange Creamsicles I don't see how you could possibly not like it. I could drink it all day everyday. It sounded gross to me at first but it's honestly amazing. Unfortunately the only place you can get Orange Creamsicle right now is bodybuilding.com Also note that Muscle Pharm has done away with the STUPID laundy detergent shaped scooper, and gone with a more traditional round scoop in all their new stuff.
Buy Orange Creamsicle!
First up: Muscle Pharm: Combat Powder (Cookies & Cream Flavor)
This is one of the higher rated Protein powders out there and top 2-3 in terms of poupalrity so I had big expectations.
Mixability: 10/10 I used a blender ball mixing cup 4 oz water, 2 oz milk, shook a few times and it mixed extremely well, no chunks.
Aroma: 9/10 Spells pretty much exactly as you'd expect, which is very good.
Texture: 9/10 Wasn't too thick, wasn't too thin, no chalkiness, nearly perfect
Taste: 7.5/10 It tastes very good, but I had heard such great things I was a bit letdown. It's kind of boring, tastes like Vanilla with like a hint of chocolate. It also seems a tad bit sweet, I may tend to get a bit sick of it near the end? Right now I think Banana Cream is clearly superior to it.
Next up:
Muscle Pharm: Combat Powder (Orange Creamsicle)
Mixability: 10/10 Same thing, no chunks, smooth.
Texture: 10/10 Light and bit fluffy, perfect.
Aroma: 10/10 Smells amazing. A nice light citrussy aroma
Flavor: 10/10 Wow. This is my new all-time favorite. It's Vanilla with just enough Orange to give it a nice fruity little kick It tastes like somebody took the ice cream and threw it in a blender. It's also not too sweet, I don't see myself getting tired of it from being too sweet at times like with the Banana Cream. Only time will tell
I honestly can't recommend the Orange Creamsicle enough. If you like Orange Creamsicles I don't see how you could possibly not like it. I could drink it all day everyday. It sounded gross to me at first but it's honestly amazing. Unfortunately the only place you can get Orange Creamsicle right now is bodybuilding.com Also note that Muscle Pharm has done away with the STUPID laundy detergent shaped scooper, and gone with a more traditional round scoop in all their new stuff.
Buy Orange Creamsicle!
My squats are so lacking compared to my upper body. Can bench 1x205 but only squat 10x105 with decent form. That what I get for only doing bench press during PE in high school. I'm sorry fitness gaf.
this is outright horrible, but you already know that. so what are you waiting for? GO IN THE FUCKING GYM AND SQUAT!
I use free weights for everything, but for some reason I was still clinging to the Smith machine for squats. Dat skinniness. Decided to end that charade this week. It's funny going from 235 on the machine to 135* without. Felt great though!
*caveat: my legs were still sore from deadlifts two days prior, so more than likely I can presently do around 155 with clean form.
I still can't seem to gain much weight, even adding about 800 cals / day (True Mass shake with milk) to my regular 3 meals. If only I had a personal chef...
*caveat: my legs were still sore from deadlifts two days prior, so more than likely I can presently do around 155 with clean form.
I still can't seem to gain much weight, even adding about 800 cals / day (True Mass shake with milk) to my regular 3 meals. If only I had a personal chef...
Haha I just barely met this girl. Maybe if I'm able to take things further =P
Also goddamn, this thread moved fast today.
Just wanted to be held accountable. Starting Monday is my first week on Starting Strength so I can get my other lifts up to par. Got a co-worker who also wants to start lifting so we should be able to keep ourselves honest.
I'm an expert
Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
My squats are so lacking compared to my upper body. Can bench 1x205 but only squat 10x105 with decent form. That what I get for only doing bench press during PE in high school. I'm sorry fitness gaf.
You and SeanR should exchange advice. =)
Since so many people ask for meal suggestions, here's one I'd recommend whether you're on a bulk (add rice) or cut (just the way it is). All turkey patty, steamed string beans, pan fried zucchini. All ingredients are organic, and there's no seasoning (salt, pepper, etc) on anything. The patty and zucchini are cooked in a bit of organic olive oil. Don't ask for any numbers though cause I'm not a numbers guy haha.
Oh fuck me smith squats are terrible.. same with smith bench or ohp. I guess what you did was learn form and then graduate? That's good though, shows you won't jump into anything without proper knowledge. (I actually like smith upright rows a lot for some reason)
My advice would be to get shorter.
I'm just glad we both found a way to break our plateaus, even if we did it in completely different ways.
My advice would be to get shorter.
I'm just glad we both found a way to break our plateaus, even if we did it in completely different ways.
When my bench starts failing I feel it in my forearms first. From what I've read online that doesn't even make sense
I was focusing on form, but I also received some poor advice that the lower back problems I had at the time would be less prone to aggravation from the Smith machine. Needless to say I didn't find that to be true; having full range of motion encouraged other muscles to work, which took stress off of my back.
Is there such thing as a low fat, high calorie food? I find to get the calories I think I need, I eat fatty foods, which could be why despite being underweight, playing basketball once or twice a week and doing core exercises once a week I don't have abs.
Maybe I should say fuck it and pig out, continue to lift heavy and hope I can gain any weight, good or bad, then go from there.
I've only tried using the smith machine for squats once, and I didn't feel like I could lift more than with free weight. The constricted motion felt so awkward and unnatural, it just made it harder for me with all honesty. I asked GAF for advice before I started doing squats, and never touched the smith machine again.
yankeeforever2
Member
So how many days off do you guys take a week, I have went 12 straight days that can't be good for my body, Usually like to have one day off a week.
I'm an expert
Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
yankeeforever2
Member
I mean total gym day off, I usually have 5 days of lifting and 5 days of cardio, 4 split days usually weekends since I have more time, Just had some extra time lately so I just keep going on my day off for the past two weeks <_<
When my bench starts failing I feel it in my forearms first. From what I've read online that doesn't even make sense
Doesn't sound too weird to me. Your forearms definitely play a role in bench press. If they're doing a disproportionate amount of the press, due to lagging muscles, they may fail first.
The Mana Legend
Banned
Once a week, definitely.
One of my friends works out a few hours every day and he hasn't had a rest day in years. I keep telling him that "no amount of joint supplements or the rest of that crap is going to keep your body from breaking down and becoming useless by the time you're 40." But he won't listen.
He's in incredible shape, but people who don't take rest days are just asking for trouble.
Well at least I'm not crazy. I've always read strengthen your back, strengthen your tris, etc.
In all my before and after of starting strong lifts, one thing I noticed hasn't changed are my forearms. That's why I posted a couple pages back I'm doing my work to them. Those zottman curls are great.
In all my before and after of starting strong lifts, one thing I noticed hasn't changed are my forearms. That's why I posted a couple pages back I'm doing my work to them. Those zottman curls are great.
You should take at least one day off.. Tomorrow.
Did some dips the other day in place of a triceps cable pulldown type exercise. I liked it a lot more and felt like it targeted my tris better. Tomorrow finishes week 3 of my lifting. I've started adding some HIIT sprints on my inbetween days this week. Feels good to be on a routine and getting stronger everytime I workout.
TheDarkStark
Member
I going to sleep like 14 hours tonight, and it will be glorious.
SerArthurDayne
Member
Hello all. I've just started the beginner workout a bit ago. Absolutely terrible at the pullups and ab work. Weak to start with, and drained by the end of the workout combine to make me look like a gigantic pussy at that point.
Anyways, haven't gone to the gym in three years, so my numbers seem pretty low, but I'm okay with that for the moment, especially since it means I will hopefully improve more rapidly.
Anyways,
Monday
Squat - 3 sets of 5 at 115
Bench Press - 3 sets of 5 at 115
Deadlifts - 1 set of 5 at 185
Pull-Ups - 3 sets of 8-15. Ugh. As many as I can (almost none at this point in my workout and fitness level), then the wimpy version with a counterweight, and then anything else I can find until exhaustion.
Wednesday
Overhead Press - 3 sets of 5 at 75
Power Cleans - 5 sets of 3 at 95
Abdominal work- Okay first set of leg raises (knee to the chest), later sets are ugly, then crunches and planks to exhaustion
Friday
Bent Over Rows - 3 set of 5- This will be my first time doing this tomorrow. What kind of range should I be looking at proportional to my other numbers?
Arm work, if desired- nothing special, just do a bit of work to exhaustion.
So, my intent is not to brag (lol, obviously). I'm just trying to see if any of these numbers look off for a beginner such that my form or something else may be improper. Pretty much everything is done at the squat rack, so no Smith machine to throw things off. And still experimenting with weight on each exercise.
Even when I did go to the gym my squats were always terrible, so I'm really trying to work on my form and go up slowly in weight. On my bench it is incredible how much strength I have lost. I maxed out at 3 reps of 205 a few years ago, with 135 as a warm up/cool down. When I first tried to do 3 of 5 at that weight (135), did one rep and was like no way, I was actually kind of shocked. Good motivation to get back there I guess.
Anyways, haven't gone to the gym in three years, so my numbers seem pretty low, but I'm okay with that for the moment, especially since it means I will hopefully improve more rapidly.
Anyways,
Monday
Squat - 3 sets of 5 at 115
Bench Press - 3 sets of 5 at 115
Deadlifts - 1 set of 5 at 185
Pull-Ups - 3 sets of 8-15. Ugh. As many as I can (almost none at this point in my workout and fitness level), then the wimpy version with a counterweight, and then anything else I can find until exhaustion.
Wednesday
Overhead Press - 3 sets of 5 at 75
Power Cleans - 5 sets of 3 at 95
Abdominal work- Okay first set of leg raises (knee to the chest), later sets are ugly, then crunches and planks to exhaustion
Friday
Bent Over Rows - 3 set of 5- This will be my first time doing this tomorrow. What kind of range should I be looking at proportional to my other numbers?
Arm work, if desired- nothing special, just do a bit of work to exhaustion.
So, my intent is not to brag (lol, obviously). I'm just trying to see if any of these numbers look off for a beginner such that my form or something else may be improper. Pretty much everything is done at the squat rack, so no Smith machine to throw things off. And still experimenting with weight on each exercise.
Even when I did go to the gym my squats were always terrible, so I'm really trying to work on my form and go up slowly in weight. On my bench it is incredible how much strength I have lost. I maxed out at 3 reps of 205 a few years ago, with 135 as a warm up/cool down. When I first tried to do 3 of 5 at that weight (135), did one rep and was like no way, I was actually kind of shocked. Good motivation to get back there I guess.
The Mana Legend
Banned
It's always a good thing! I didn't post my "before" picture (I don't have a decent camera, so the picture I took of it was really hard to judge my body on), but a lot of people who post their before and after pictures usually succeed a lot more than those who don't. Pictures means a lot more support from this thread!
And since you posted your picture, you'll probably feel a greater need to prove yourself here.
Etrian Oddity
Member
I feel runner's knee coming in. Then again, as of late I haven't been stretching before my jogs, so...
Anyway, is it normal to peter out if you jog 3 days in a row? I notice that on the first day I do great, but by the third my endurance sucks. Work and school preparation have sort of gotten in the way of my ideal split, but I may have to start sucking it up and just going every other day.
Anyway, is it normal to peter out if you jog 3 days in a row? I notice that on the first day I do great, but by the third my endurance sucks. Work and school preparation have sort of gotten in the way of my ideal split, but I may have to start sucking it up and just going every other day.
Silphonica
Banned
How much do you weigh?
The Mana Legend
Banned
I'd suggest doing it every other day. Rest days in between runs does wonders for my knees. And then I do other exercises during my off jog days.
My before and after pics don't really look very different, even though I've put on around 15 lbs since I've started lifting. That's why I'm hesitating to post a pic until there's a somewhat dramatic difference..
SerArthurDayne
Member
Around 170. I can do an okay number, but not a ton fresh, but I've usually got nothing in the tank at that point
- Status