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Fitness |OT4| Squat Booty, Summer Cuts, and Super Swoletrophy

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Christopher

Member
image_zpsefd11f7f.jpg


Been really busting my ass push ups push ios and free weights
 

Petrie

Banned
Considering getting my PT cert. I know a few Gaffers have them, did you consider it worthwhile? I'd be interested in doing independent work, not getting a job at a gym.
 

Brolic Gaoler

formerly Alienshogun
With the whole getting ready for work and the end of college I haven't really gotten a good week of working out in 3 weeks. Now I saw my masseuse (the other day) and she said I work out too much and she had me in pain for almost the entire hour (I felt sick as shit about an hour after I got home too). Most of the shit she did was on my back, but she nailed almost everything else too. So I'm letting myself heal the rest of the week before I get back into it.

This is the longest I've gone without really lifting in about 3 years. Gonna have to throttle way back when I get back into it. She probably saved me from an injury I was about to get.
 
I usually do my roller at home at night before bed, but since I'm off work and could take my time at the gym when it was empty during the day, I did it on the gym mats after lifting and my cardio cool down. It felt good at first but by the time I was done I felt nauseous. Not to the point of vomiting, but was uncomfortable until I ate. Once I got food in my stomach I felt good again. That has never happened before.
 

grumble

Member
How long does the usual gym session last with SS? It doesn't look like it would last that long. Just an in and out deal.

I still haven't found time to start lifting. Too busy with swimming.

Starts off quick, 45 minutes. By the end of it, an hour and a half wouldn't be out of the question. Those weights get really heavy.
 

Brolic Gaoler

formerly Alienshogun
I usually do my roller at home at night before bed, but since I'm off work and could take my time at the gym when it was empty during the day, I did it on the gym mats after lifting and my cardio cool down. It felt good at first but by the time I was done I felt nauseous. Not to the point of vomiting, but was uncomfortable until I ate. Once I got food in my stomach I felt good again. That has never happened before.

This was entirely different. It was like I had the flu without the nauseous feeling, just everything else. It lasted about two hours then went away as I pounded water.

If foam rolling did that to you, you might wanna get a DT massage too.
 
Ya, I'm planning on getting one today. I had a massage a couple days ago but it was light. She did find all my bad spots though and I left very satisfied, but it wasn't deep at all. I am always impressed when they hit me in all the right spots without me telling them.
 

Brolic Gaoler

formerly Alienshogun
Ya, I'm planning on getting one today. I had a massage a couple days ago but it was light. She did find all my bad spots though and I left very satisfied, but it wasn't deep at all. I am always impressed when they hit me in all the right spots without me telling them.

Yeah, I didn't tell her shit and she annihilated me. I didn't even know those spots were bad until she was destroying my back/shoulders/arms and my hamstrings.

Shit, she was pushing so hard on me my face sometimes hit the metal pole that runs on the face rest, lol.
 

MjFrancis

Member
I never did this at 24 Hour Fitness, but at my current gym I've been asked to rerack the weights after I'm done lifting. Since I train at home this means my wife is determined to start lifting again, so I'm more than happy to oblige. :p

She doesn't want a plan for now, she just wants to get in there and lift some shit for twenty or so minutes a day when the little one is napping. We watched the Crossfit Games reruns last week and that's fired her up. She's alternating between the press and the squat with related accessory work. She went shopping and didn't buy a lick of junk (including her Achilles Heel, cereal). I'm offering to help when she asks, but other than that I'm letting her do as she sees fit.

She's crafted a diet plan of mostly meat and vegetables and lifts relatively heavy stuff all week. Unless she falls off her own wagon or until she stalls all I can do is cheer her on.
 
Just had a bowl of beef liver cooked with tomatoes and onions, probably the best post workout meal ever, so satisfying.

Used to dread liver as a child now I eat it like cereals lol.
 

Noema

Member
I tried ATGT squats today, man...
I have no one I trust to critique my form and my knees just keep caving inwards.

I know it has something to do with the cartilage in my inner knees being worn down due to constant pivoting at work. I had to attend rehab for it the pain would get so bad.

I don't know what I can do to fix that part of my knees, I hoped it would go away as I learned to push through the outsides of my feet but nope, constant knee quivering and inward pushing.

Should I just give up on the squat? I'm only doing about 175 ATG and it's embarassing.
The real hard part is I've been stuck here for months, I've plateaued...

The reason your knees are caving inwards is because you lack adductor strength. Ideally and specially for a novice, you want your toes pointing out, maybe 30 degrees, with your feet separated from one another at shoulder width. And you have to shove our knees out so that your knees track your toes. This is something most people have to really focus on at the beginning(because most people have really weak adductors, and most people have an image of the squat with feet close together and toes pointing forward), but it works, trust me.

This could also be symptomatic of bad technique which is making the movement as a whole more difficult. You mention that you are trying to push with the outsides of your feet and that tells me that your squat form is likely pretty bad. Which is good because with some simple corrections you'll break through your plateau really easily.

I'd suggest recording yourself squatting so that we can see what's going on. I'd also suggest getting Starting Strength and reading it diligently. Then reset back to a weight you feel comfortable with (say, 135lb) and take it from there.

Do not give up on Squats. They are the most important thing you could ever do at a gym. Don't feel discouraged; work to improve your weak points. And remember that you have to eat, eat, eat and rest, rest, rest.

Just had a bowl of beef liver cooked with tomatoes and onions, probably the best post workout meal ever, so satisfying.

Used to dread liver as a child now I eat it like cereals lol.

Liver is one of the most nutritious things you could ever eat. It's awesome. Protein, saturated fat and tons of cholesterol. It really helps with recovery.
 
Fitness gaf. I wanted to share with you guys a picture of my nephew. He's lost a shit load of weight and became a giant gym junkie.


He's 6'2" at his highest weight he was 400 pounds. He just hit 240 today after two years and three months.
 

Ultimatum

Banned
Quick question, I'm just curious why most people here seem to really emphasise the importance of pulling exercises and doing them in equal/higher quantity than pushing exercises. I don't really incorporate too many pulling exercises into my workouts and was wondering what consequences this has. Also, are squats classed as a pushing or pulling exercise?
 

Brolic Gaoler

formerly Alienshogun
Quick question, I'm just curious why most people here seem to really emphasise the importance of pulling exercises and doing them in equal/higher quantity than pushing exercises. I don't really incorporate too many pulling exercises into my workouts and was wondering what consequences this has. Also, are squats classed as a pushing or pulling exercise?

Because if you don't you run the high risk of injury since most work you do will be pushing (bench, military press etc). Pulling exercises work your back and other oft neglected muscles, often these are neglected as it seems in your case. If you do this, you're gonna be injured.

It's all about balance. You need to be sure for every motion you train you equally train the opposite motion.

This could also be symptomatic of bad technique which is making the movement as a whole more difficult. You mention that you are trying to push with the outsides of your feet and that tells me that your squat form is likely pretty bad. Which is good because with some simple corrections you'll break through your plateau really easily.


No, he's probably doing a powerlifting wide stance type of squat.
 

cryptic

Member
The reason your knees are caving inwards is because you lack adductor strength. Ideally and specially for a novice, you want your toes pointing out, maybe 30 degrees, with your feet separated from one another at shoulder width. And you have to shove our knees out so that your knees track your toes. This is something most people have to really focus on at the beginning(because most people have really weak adductors, and most people have an image of the squat with feet close together and toes pointing forward), but it works, trust me.

This could also be symptomatic of bad technique which is making the movement as a whole more difficult. You mention that you are trying to push with the outsides of your feet and that tells me that your squat form is likely pretty bad. Which is good because with some simple corrections you'll break through your plateau really easily.

I'd suggest recording yourself squatting so that we can see what's going on. I'd also suggest getting Starting Strength and reading it diligently. Then reset back to a weight you feel comfortable with (say, 135lb) and take it from there.

Do not give up on Squats. They are the most important thing you could ever do at a gym. Don't feel discouraged; work to improve your weak points. And remember that you have to eat, eat, eat and rest, rest, rest.

Thanks. What could I do to work the abductors? Just planks? I don't know if the yes/no machine works that area as I considered that area as a potential weakness but I can almost do a full stack for quite a number of reps.

I followed this video series for advice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ME8gEN54Ao, but it doesn't seem to demonstrate assistant exercises for strengthening the lower body.
Any recommendations?

Yeah, I'll probably get starting strength for Christmas or something, I'll run it through when I get the time. I always eat a lot and I'll try to get a video somehow.
 

MrOogieBoogie

BioShock Infinite is like playing some homeless guy's vivid imagination
First day at new gym, really enjoyed it.

Was squatting, when I noticed the guy next to me doing deadlifts. He had some of the worst form I've ever seen. He was standing like 6 inches from the bar and pulling entirely with his back. His back was literally rounding as far as possible, and when he completed his set he immediately began massaging his lower back to relieve the pain.

I'm as opposite a shy person as one can possibly be, so I'm watching him absolutely dumbfounded that not a single person in the vicinity has said anything. I'm like, "What the fuck?"

I walk over to him and go, "Hey man, I really don't mean to be rude or anything. I just wanted to encourage you to use your legs more when you deadlift."

He responds, quite humbly, "I know, I just can't get the form down."

"Would you like me to show you? My form isn't perfect by any means, but it's helped me out a lot."

I showed him the proper set-up, and he tried lifting the same weight--this time with his legs mostly--and couldn't budge the weight. Go figure. He seemed genuinely appreciative.

The selfish attitude of most gym-goers is honestly baffling to me. I'll gladly advise someone on his/her form and just as eagerly ask them to form-check me. It's almost like a taboo in most gyms.
 

Petrie

Banned
The selfish attitude of most gym-goers is honestly baffling to me. I'll gladly advise someone on his/her form and just as eagerly ask them to form-check me. It's almost like a taboo in most gyms.

I've had too many *more experienced* guys just get pissed if I say something. Not worth it anymore.
 

MrOogieBoogie

BioShock Infinite is like playing some homeless guy's vivid imagination
I've had too many *more experienced* guys just get pissed if I say something. Not worth it anymore.

I asked one guy who turned out to be a personal trainer to form-check me on squats, then came back to him a little later and asked him to do the same for my deadlift. Really sweet guy, and his response made me chuckle. He goes:

"Have you worked with a personal trainer before or something?"

I go, "No, why?"

"Because I've never met anyone who cares so much about his form. I've literally never had anyone ask me to form-check them while I've been here. Fucking good shit man, keep it up."

I basically told him that form is the absolute most important thing to me, as it should be for EVERYONE.
 
Fitness gaf. I wanted to share with you guys a picture of my nephew. He's lost a shit load of weight and became a giant gym junkie.

He's 6'2" at his highest weight he was 400 pounds. He just hit 240 today after two years and three months.
That's great man. I bet he's got massive calves. What kind of program is he doing?
 
I asked one guy who turned out to be a personal trainer to form-check me on squats, then came back to him a little later and asked him to do the same for my deadlift. Really sweet guy, and his response made me chuckle. He goes:

"Have you worked with a personal trainer before or something?"

I go, "No, why?"

"Because I've never met anyone who cares so much about his form. I've literally never had anyone ask me to form-check them while I've been here. Fucking good shit man, keep it up."

I basically told him that form is the absolute most important thing to me, as it should be for EVERYONE.

Sounds like you just have good luck or are extremely personable.
 
That's great man. I bet he's got massive calves. What kind of program is he doing?

Started out doing p90x. Then his step dad and I got him into cross-fit. But now he is doing more traditional body building. Not sure what he is doing now since I moved I haven't been working out with him.


and yes his calves are fucking huge.
 

black_13

Banned
Glad you are seeing results but what is your height/weight that you're eating 1700 cals and lifting? That seems very low. Results meaning weight loss?
I'm 5'8 and 174lbs(used to be 218).
I'm day 30 in my 5x5 program.

My goal is to get lean and turn more of my fat to muscle. Maybe get some abs. Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought getting lean is all about "cutting" so that's why I've dropped my daily intake to about 1700 cals a day.
What's an ideal method of "cutting"?


You're either squatting too much or deadlifting too little. Quite possibly both. Get someone with experience to check your form on both lifts, or record a video if you can.
wow so I checked my workout journal and found out my deadlifts in the 5x5 program should be increased by 10lbs each workout and not 5lb's. That's why the number was so low and was so easy.
So tomorrow is my squat/overhead press/deadlift and according to my schedule I have to do 215lbs. But having been doing 120lbs till now stupidly, gonna slowly increase the weight tomorrow and hopefully I can pull 215lbs. It requires only 1 set of 5 reps so I think I can do it. On the plus side I think I got my form down.

Dude, don't worry. You won't get big and bulky.

It takes years of dedication and hard work. It doesn't happen by accident..
yea I know that. I'm not afraid of it like some say but its just not my goal. I just wanna get lean and muscular without being big. That's why my intake is far below my required intake 1700 cals. Or do you just get lean by eating your normal intake for your height which mine is 2400?

You should not underestimate this lift, it is a very difficult lift to progress in.
It's true. I did 100lb over press 4 days ago after a 2 workout days of doing 95lbs and was able to pull it off. Hopefully tomorrow I can do 105lbs.
 

Dash27

Member
I'm 5'8 and 174lbs(used to be 218).
I'm day 30 in my 5x5 program.

My goal is to get lean and turn more of my fat to muscle. Maybe get some abs. Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought getting lean is all about "cutting" so that's why I've dropped my daily intake to about 1700 cals a day.
What's an ideal method of "cutting"?

If it's working for you then by all means continue. Gain muscle and lose fat is possible if you're a beginner, really difficult otherwise. If you're seeing positive progress and feel good then keep going.

Based on my experience I wouldnt go below 2000 calories. I find that losing fat without any muscle loss is more a function of what I eat. So when I start leaning out in a month or so I'll make sure I'm getting enough good protein and fat first, make sure I'm eating a fair amount of veggies second, and try and limit fruits. I will eliminate all sugars, bread, pasta, cereal etc. I can do this and continue hitting the gym and my energy levels are still good.
 

Kyaw

Member
My feet position is wider than shoulder width for the squats. Ever since I started doing it I can go deeper and heavier easier.

Is it one of those individualistic things or am I going to fuck up something in the future? (95kg at 70kg bw, two plates on both sides next time! :D)
 

Dany

Banned
Fitness gaf. I wanted to share with you guys a picture of my nephew. He's lost a shit load of weight and became a giant gym junkie.



He's 6'2" at his highest weight he was 400 pounds. He just hit 240 today after two years and three months.

That is phenomenal!
 

harSon

Banned
Fitness gaf. I wanted to share with you guys a picture of my nephew. He's lost a shit load of weight and became a giant gym junkie.



He's 6'2" at his highest weight he was 400 pounds. He just hit 240 today after two years and three months.

Yeah man, that's fucking great. Good shit outside of the the fact that he's a 49ers fan. As someone who dropped from 351 to 180x at the same height, I know he must supeer proud of his losses thus far. One of the greatest feelings in the world.

And coming from super fat to fit definitely does help in the leg department, my legs are pretty damn huge.
 

Brolic Gaoler

formerly Alienshogun
Tried out some "Spike" energy drink after seeing a lot of EFTS people giving it positive reviews. That stuff is strong as hell. It's basically a pre-workout. It's really good though and has no carbs or sugar.

I was only able to drink half a can.
 

entremet

Member
I've been trying this shake as a meal replacement, with tons of protein:

40grams of Protein Powder
3 eggs. Yes raw eggs. I get organic eggs, so I'm not too worried about salmonella, plus moar protein!
banana
a few shakes of cinnamon. Cinnamon has been studied to have some thermogenic (fat burning qualities, plus it tastes great!)
a few shakes of unsweetened cocoa powder.
natural peanut butter.
and ice and water to blend.

So good!
 

nomis

Member
I've been trying this shake as a meal replacement, with tons of protein:

40grams of Protein Powder
3 eggs. Yes raw eggs. I get organic eggs, so I'm not too worried about salmonella, plus moar protein!
banana
a few shakes of cinnamon. Cinnamon has been studied to have some thermogenic (fat burning qualities, plus it tastes great!)
a few shakes of unsweetened cocoa powder.
natural peanut butter.
and ice and water to blend.

So good!

Being organic is not a deciding factor regarding the possibility of salmonella in a supplier's eggs. Also, whatever fat burning qualities cinnamon may have, they are likely negligible in the face of a serving of peanut butter that's half fat by weight.

Not trying to be a party pooper, a shake like that definitely has a place in a bodybuilding diet. I just wouldn't step near raw eggs.
 

Ranvier

Member
Wish people would comment on my form at the gym. I've read all the stuff and seen all the videos but you can never be too sure you are doing it right.
 

MjFrancis

Member
I'm a fan of raw eggs. Egg producers in the United States regularly test for salmonella as of a few years ago, and I'm more than willing to take the risk of contracting it at the 1 in 30,000 Vegas odds. I'm probably more likely to injure myself squatting this year.

Of course, consume raw eggs at your own risk. There's nothing out there that I'm aware of stating that they are healthier than cooked eggs, and the main advantage over cooked eggs is simply saving time from not cooking them. Even overeasy eggs are only partially cooked and still run a risk of spreading salmonella. And I'm sure as hell not giving those up.
 

cryptic

Member
Would the fact I tend to keep the bar fairly high on my shoulders(it feels more stable trapped there behind whatever muscles be there) during squats have anything to do with having trouble doing ATG at higher numbers? I'm getting my ass pretty far past parallel but never will it touch the ground, there's about a foot of separation.

Hopefully I'll have videos by next week.
 

blackflag

Member
Getting my T levels checked at a TRT clinic next week. I've been feeling like crap. Tired but can't sleep, no energy, cant concentrate, no sex drive, dick failed during random hookup last week (stop laughing). Just sucks lately. Plus I'm 37 and done with kids so whatever. If my levels are in the 300s or lower I'm gonna do it.

Of course it could be something else but we shall see.
 

entremet

Member
Getting my T levels checked at a TRT clinic next week. I've been feeling like crap. Tired but can't sleep, no energy, cant concentrate, no sex drive, dick failed during random hookup last week (stop laughing). Just sucks lately. Plus I'm 37 and done with kids so whatever. If my levels are in the 300s or lower I'm gonna do it.

Of course it could be something else but we shall see.

Why can't you sleep? That's probably the biggest issue here.
 

Brolic Gaoler

formerly Alienshogun
Getting my T levels checked at a TRT clinic next week. I've been feeling like crap. Tired but can't sleep, no energy, cant concentrate, no sex drive, dick failed during random hookup last week (stop laughing). Just sucks lately. Plus I'm 37 and done with kids so whatever. If my levels are in the 300s or lower I'm gonna do it.

Of course it could be something else but we shall see.

I laughed more at the don't laugh.

Hope you get some answers bud.
 

blackflag

Member
Trying to get rest but can't sleep constantly wake up and can't go back to sleep.

Could be cns. Maybe I should lay off the lifting for a week.

Honestly I hope it is something else. I'm not against getting Trut if it's what I need but weekly shots the rest of my life would suck. I'm probably jumping the gun but they are going to test all my hormones, estrogen, thyroid, cortisol, etc. maybe they'll find something else.
 
I figure this is the place to ask about this but please forgive me if it's not appropriate.

I've been trying to put on weight for a while now and I keep slipping up and going back into my old ways and losing everything I've gained and losing my motivation to keep going.

I usually hover between 9/10st and I've never been heavier than 10.5st. I know I don't eat enough to gain any weight but I'm struggling in trying to actually eat more. I haven't had breakfast in a long time and usually go about my daily business, come home and eat a meal, chill and have a bite of supper before bed. I know that's not a great system but when I wake up in the morning I'm just not hungry. I smoke for a start and so with a few coffees and a few cigs in me, my appetite is practically non-existent until well into the day.

In terms of exercise, I've fallen off completely. I used to work out using some basic equipment at home (mainly bodyweight exercises and some shitty dumbbells) but as time has gone on and my confidence and motivation have drained, I've basically stopped.

I'm just struggling to keep any form of structure in my routine in terms of eating and exercise. I'm guessing the appetite will come the more exercise I do but it's the first few weeks that gets me. What should I be doing to get me back on a more positive track? Life's been pretty shitty lately which has no doubt had its effects but I don't want to be this skinny little motherfucker for the rest of my goddamn life. It actually pisses me off when I see my hands typing this and they look more like my 96 year old grandad's than a 22 year olds.

EDIT:
Seems like there's a lot of weight loss contest threads on GAF. What if someone made a weight gain thread? Would anyone even be a part of it?

I'd definitely give it a go. It would be an idea for me to start weighing myself more regularly and having actual goals to achieve in order to muster up some motivation because not having a game plan at all clearly isn't working. Are there any apps/sites anyone knows of that track this sort of stuff that are quick and easy to update?
 
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