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[entremet]

After watching Bigger, Faster, Stronger and learning more about steroid culture, I personally see nothing wrong with responsible use. There is use and abuse--just like anything. There's a lot of bogey man shit about them; but if you look into the science, the negative effects are vastly fictionalized for PR purposes.

I prefer staying natural personally. I don't have tons of money to burn on gear. I also have no professional powerlifting or bodybuilding aspirations. Makes no sense to get on them just to get beach ready.

 

[SeanR1221]

After watching Bigger, Faster, Stronger and learning more steroid culture, I personally see nothing wrong with responsible use. There's a lot of bogey man shit about them; but if you look into the science, the negative effects are vastly fictionalized for PR purposes.

I prefer staying natural personally. I don't have tons of money to burn on gear. I also have no professional powerlifting or bodybuilding aspirations. Makes no sense to get on them just to get beach ready.

Yeah I liked that document.

 

[Bruiserk]

Progress report: I'm on my second (or third? i can't remember) week of GSLP. Squat/Deadlift are progressing nicely. Bench however, is a different story. Right now I do 130 (42.5lb on each side). Yesterday I asked someone to spot me during my AMAP set and did a clean 10 reps at 130. Which is weird, because when I did the first two sets I completed the 5 and didn't feel like I could do more. Once I got the spot though, I feel like my confidence boosted because there was no threat of dropping the bar. Bumping it up to plates is a little nerve racking though. I've done it before with a spot, but don't really want to break that barrier by myself.

What do you guys think of spending sometime on the smith machine for bench? I'll lose out on stabilizing the bar, but maybe it will give me enough time to build up weight and give me more confidence by myself.

 

[Cagey]

As for planet fitness, I think they've removed free weights altogether.

DUMB dumb dumbdumbdumb
Dumbdumbdumbdumbdumbdumb
Dumbdumbdumbdumb COOL.

They're fine with deadlifts. The trainers at my gym even spot check you and give pointers on your form. I can't say the same for the ones in Williamsburg.

Awesome. I'll check them out in the summer if I wind up renewing the lease at this apt.

EDIT: For those in NYC, and for the guy who got offered a supply of prescribed HGH, Steel Gym exists. I toured there once at 2pm on a weekday just to get the prices, and the first two people I see working out, the guy was built like a brick shithouse... and the girl was probably bigger than me too.

 

[L0st Id3ntity]

Joining the back shots party:

Wish my chest grew as fast.

I had no back a year ago, too bad my old pics are on my old iphone.

Spoiler

lol never noticed my low bar squat scars before

 

[entremet]

Steel Gym is pretty great. A lot of pros train there. It's a pretty hardcore BB gym.

 

[TheDarkStark]

A little late but since everyone is posting back pics. (So damn hard to take a back pick with a phone camera and a teeny tiny bathroom mirror).

And in case anyone is wondering I'm 175lbs, 14% BF, can do 12 dead-hang pull-ups and my max deadlift is around 355

 

[balddemon]

that's a damn thick 175lbs. how tall are you?

 

[TheDarkStark]

that's a damn thick 175lbs. how tall are you?

I'm just a shade over 5'10

My legs need some work. They're not small but they're probably my weakest attribute. My squat sucks, I need somebody to spot me at higher weights until I can gain some confidence going deep with heavy weight.

 

[balddemon]

I'm just a shade over 5'10

My legs need some work. They're not small but they're probably my weakest attribute. My squat sucks, I need somebody to spot me at higher weights until I can gain some confidence going deep with heavy weight.

wow nice. I'm 6' 185lbs but with nowhere near the upper body thickness you have. I guess all my weight is in my legs, i.e. my squat 1rm is close to 350 atg and deadlift is probably 385? whereas my bench 1rm is shit, probably not even 225, and I might be able to ohp a plate.

 

[TheDarkStark]

wow nice. I'm 6' 185lbs but with nowhere near the upper body thickness you have. I guess all my weight is in my legs, i.e. my squat 1rm is close to 350 atg and deadlift is probably 385? whereas my bench 1rm is shit, probably not even 225, and I might be able to ohp a plate.

Oh, yeah my bench press 1RM is around 275 and I haven't even done an all out max strength routine, I do a hybrid strength/BB routine. I've never attempted to do a max squat but if I had to guess It'd probably only be about 265. Once I get around 225 on the bar I just get too afraid to get low enough (again no spotters, don't want to make a scene by bailing if I can't get it up).

 

[LeroyPantwether]

Taking back shots= difficult, and you guys are all huge and make me feel like a child but I will join the party late. I suppose this can also serve as a good "before" pic as I have everything in place to begin Starting Strength March 1

5'11 150lbs, needs lower back work

 

[roosters93]

Damn wished I looked like that before I even started SS haha. What's been your gym routine till now and for how long leroy?

 

[LeroyPantwether]

Damn wished I looked like that before I even started SS haha. What's been your gym routine till now and for how long leroy?

Body weight stuff mostly: handstand pushups, pushup variations, pull ups, dips, ab wheel of death, yoga(isometric exercises),

 

[Petrie]

Taking back shots= difficult, and you guys are all huge and make me feel like a child but I will join the party late. I suppose this can also serve as a good "before" pic as I have everything in place to begin Starting Strength March 1






5'11 150lbs, needs lower back work

When you begin SS, EAT. That's all that needs to be said!

 

[SeanR1221]

More man beasts posted. Who wants to make the back banner?

Leroy, you have a fantastic base to work with. Good luck building strength.


I remember I was kinda bummed having to move from a medium to a large in my clothes but now I like how I fill it out.

 

[_Isaac]

You guys are looking great. No back shots from me though!

 

[Cagey]

Steel Gym is pretty great. A lot of pros train there. It's a pretty hardcore BB gym.

I keep flirting with the idea of a short-term membership there, but given the small space I get concerned about what that joint looks like at peak hours.

EDIT: Hopefully I can sniff that BF% Leroy is sporting in the next two months. God damn. Bulking up from that should be a blast, dude.

 

[ezrarh]

So when the summer begins, we'll have everybody take pictures of themselves in short shorts right?

 

[_Isaac]

So when the summer begins, we'll have everybody take pictures of themselves in short shorts right?

I'm down.

 

[andycapps]

So when the summer begins, we'll have everybody take pictures of themselves in short shorts right?

Count me out.

 

[SeanR1221]

So when the summer begins, we'll have everybody take pictures of themselves in short shorts right?

Naked.

 

[sphinx]

when is butt pic time?? I wanna stand a chance here, lol. back is/was possibly my weakest attribute.

After spending 4 months away from home, I come back and friends tell me progress is more visible in arms and butt..

don't know if they were just trolling... like "well, can't see much progress anywhere so I'll compliment your butt so you don't feel bad that I didn't say anything"...XD

 

[Cagey]

So when the summer begins, we'll have everybody take pictures of themselves in short shorts right?

Posing trunks.

 

[bjb]

The "side effects" of HGH and steroids are vastly overblown. If you know what you're doing they're as harmless as any prescription drug out there.

Yes you can die from abusing them, just the same as you can die from abusing alcohol, pain killers, sleep aids, etc, etc (which are all completely legal) and unlike alcohol or other drugs you're only putting yourself at risk, and not others (DUI).

I will probably never take steroids or HGH, but I think it's funny how the average person looks down on people who do take them. This guy you're talking about is 60 years old.... who cares what he does with his body? It'd be different if he was a pro athlete and thus "cheating" all of his competition, but since he's not who is he hurting? Nobody.

This isn't a pro steroids/HGH post, I'm just saying don't judge people for something that you clearly know nothing about. Maybe you're not judging him, but your post came off a bit judgmental. And if you ever consider his offer, just make sure you do your research first.

Nah I'm not criticizing him at all. Not sure how you interpreted that. In fact, I'm rather envious of his physique given his age. Regardless of the means he's using.

That being said, if I knew him better (on a personal basis) then I would certainly consider it. My back has been really bothering me and I would love to expedite the healing process. However, he kinda came off like a sleazy drug dealer. I am just going to assume (like the previous poster mentioned) that HGH is expensive as fuck too. I wouldn't even really know how much to take or the length involved to translate into it being effective. Given those reasons - I think I will pass.

If I end up changing my mind I will certainly chronicle it on GAF. PED Diaries: Volume 1.

 

[Kyaw]

So when the summer begins, we'll have everybody take pictures of themselves in short shorts right?

T rex mode here, so, yes.

 

[andycapps]

About how long does it take for your upper back to get used to the bar on low bar squats? That place is still sore after 2 weeks of SS. It gets better, right?

 

[_Isaac]

Speaking of soreness. I have never been sore since I started SS, and I think I've been following it closely. I know that's not necessarily an indication of a good workout, but I haven't been sore once. Maybe I'm not pushing myself? (I feel like I am)

 

[SeanR1221]

Speaking of soreness. I have never been sore since I started SS, and I think I've been following it closely. I know that's not necessarily an indication of a good workout, but I haven't been sore once. Maybe I'm not pushing myself? (I feel like I am)

Just stick to the program and keep adding 5lbs a workout.

 

[fredrancour]

Speaking of soreness. I have never been sore since I started SS, and I think I've been following it closely. I know that's not necessarily an indication of a good workout, but I haven't been sore once. Maybe I'm not pushing myself? (I feel like I am)

Have your numbers been consistently going up? Have you maintained good form? If so, this indicates progress. Soreness isn't so much "a good indicator of progress" as "oh god I haven't exercised in eons my muscles forgot what movement is."

 

[grumble]

About how long does it take for your upper back to get used to the bar on low bar squats? That place is still sore after 2 weeks of SS. It gets better, right?

Personally I've never experienced any discomfort in the upper back from squats, even with 300+ on the bar. The trick is to find the 'shelf', and once that spot has been found it's very comfortable (moreso than high bar in my opinion).

What I'd recommend is to read the SS book first, since it's a fantastic bible for this stuff.

The point you want to put the bar on on your upper back is across the top of your deltoids. It should feel stable, and resting on muscle, not your spine. To get that 'shelf', you want to bring your elbows backwards and up. This might not feel that big when you first start out, but a few weeks of deadlifts and it'll be solid. Back sure to keep your upper back from rounding too, which would destroy the shelf and bring your spine into contact with the bar.

 

[FallingEdge]

So when the summer begins, we'll have everybody take pictures of themselves in short shorts right?

Short Shorts July.

Still need to find a pair of shorts like that.

 

[otapnam]

Progress report: I'm on my second (or third? i can't remember) week of GSLP. Squat/Deadlift are progressing nicely. Bench however, is a different story. Right now I do 130 (42.5lb on each side). Yesterday I asked someone to spot me during my AMAP set and did a clean 10 reps at 130. Which is weird, because when I did the first two sets I completed the 5 and didn't feel like I could do more. Once I got the spot though, I feel like my confidence boosted because there was no threat of dropping the bar. Bumping it up to plates is a little nerve racking though. I've done it before with a spot, but don't really want to break that barrier by myself.

What do you guys think of spending sometime on the smith machine for bench? I'll lose out on stabilizing the bar, but maybe it will give me enough time to build up weight and give me more confidence by myself.

Try benching with dumbbells, youll develop different muscles but u can also drop them if u fail (try to drop em gently). Never been a fan of the smith machine.

 

[_Isaac]

Have your numbers been consistently going up? Have you maintained good form? If so, this indicates progress. Soreness isn't so much "a good indicator of progress" as "oh god I haven't exercised in eons my muscles forgot what movement is."

My numbers have been going up, and I think my form has been pretty good. I've posted form checks here and everything. Okay then. I was just hoping that no soreness ever didn't mean I was doing something wrong.

Short Shorts July.

Still need to find a pair of shorts like that.

Maybe Short Shorts Sheptember? Is that not Shummer anymore?

 

[velociraptor]

Taking back shots= difficult, and you guys are all huge and make me feel like a child but I will join the party late. I suppose this can also serve as a good "before" pic as I have everything in place to begin Starting Strength March 1






5'11 150lbs, needs lower back work

That's impressive. You're ripped!

 

[andycapps]

Personally I've never experienced any discomfort in the upper back from squats, even with 300+ on the bar. The trick is to find the 'shelf', and once that spot has been found it's very comfortable (moreso than high bar in my opinion).

What I'd recommend is to read the SS book first, since it's a fantastic bible for this stuff.

The point you want to put the bar on on your upper back is across the top of your deltoids. It should feel stable, and resting on muscle, not your spine. To get that 'shelf', you want to bring your elbows backwards and up. This might not feel that big when you first start out, but a few weeks of deadlifts and it'll be solid. Back sure to keep your upper back from rounding too, which would destroy the shelf and bring your spine into contact with the bar.

I'm doing that, and I feel the shelf from the top of my deltoids. That part isn't sore, it's the part in the middle that seems to be. I'm assuming most have been doing squats so long that you've just gotten used to it. They're completely new for me, so my muscles there aren't used to a weight resting on it. It's nothing I can't deal with until it goes away.

 

[grumble]

I'm doing that, and I feel the shelf from the top of my deltoids. That part isn't sore, it's the part in the middle that seems to be. I'm assuming most have been doing squats so long that you've just gotten used to it. They're completely new for me, so my muscles there aren't used to a weight resting on it. It's nothing I can't deal with until it goes away.

Haha I haven't been squatting for THAT long, but I guess it's true that you do get used to things pretty quickly. Soreness in the center of your back might imply some spinal contact though which is bad, so keep the upper back tight just in case. Keep us posted on your progress!

 

[moocow]

Ever since I deadlifted 405 I started getting worried about tearing my bicep. I use a mixed grip without using straps, and reading up about bicep tears has only got me more paranoid. I think I'm going to focus more on double overhand, but that will mean a big drop in my lift.

For reference I'm160-165 lbs, so I'm also debating whether to keep going till 500 or to be happy with my current max.

 

[HisshouBuraiKen]

Ever since I deadlifted 405 I started getting worried about tearing my bicep. I use a mixed grip without using straps, and reading up about bicep tears has only got me more paranoid. I think I'm going to focus more on double overhand, but that will mean a big drop in my lift.

For reference I'm160-165 lbs, so I'm also debating whether to keep going till 500 or to be happy with my current max.

Flex your triceps.

 

[andycapps]

Haha I haven't been squatting for THAT long, but I guess it's true that you do get used to things pretty quickly. Soreness in the center of your back might imply some spinal contact though which is bad, so keep the upper back tight just in case. Keep us posted on your progress!

I'll try to keep it tighter when I workout tomorrow and see if that has an impact. I thought it was already really tight, but will experiment a little with that. Thanks!

 

[Doodis]

Injured my lower back this past week. What's the consensus on lifting while recovering from an injury? I'm hoping it's just pulled muscles, but don't really know. I'm not planning on doing any deadlifting or power cleans until it's all better, but is it safe to do bench press or anything else, or should I just take a few days off all together?

 

[velociraptor]

Ever since I deadlifted 405 I started getting worried about tearing my bicep. I use a mixed grip without using straps, and reading up about bicep tears has only got me more paranoid. I think I'm going to focus more on double overhand, but that will mean a big drop in my lift.

For reference I'm160-165 lbs, so I'm also debating whether to keep going till 500 or to be happy with my current max.

I'm somewhat of a paranoid fella but how does one tear their biceps or triceps? And what are good measures to prevent such tears from occuring in the first place? What are the key symptoms which indicate 'you need to rest?'

 

[Chittagong]

Short Shorts July.

That's my goal right there. Perfect amount of muscle and just the right body fat. Body fat I can get there probably by late summer, but that amount of muscle must take absolute ages to accummulate.

 

[moocow]

I'm somewhat of a paranoid fella but how does one tear their biceps or triceps? And what are good measures to prevent such tears from occuring in the first place? What are the key symptoms which indicate 'you need to rest?'

You can tear a bicep deadlifting by not keeping your arms perfectly straight and by activating your biceps during the exercise. You can also tear it by just by having your muscle be stronger than the tendon which can happen by progressing too fast or by using ASS. With really heavy weights I'm not sure, thus my worry.

 

[Dash27]

Injured my lower back this past week. What's the consensus on lifting while recovering from an injury? I'm hoping it's just pulled muscles, but don't really know. I'm not planning on doing any deadlifting or power cleans until it's all better, but is it safe to do bench press or anything else, or should I just take a few days off all together?

I'd take a couple of days off. For me I arc my back a lot when doing a bench so I'd stay away from that. My rule of thumb though is if it doesnt hurt when you do something, you're probably ok.

 

[Doodis]

I'd take a couple of days off. For me I arc my back a lot when doing a bench so I'd stay away from that. My rule of thumb though is if it doesnt hurt when you do something, you're probably ok.

Yeah, I figured I'd better be safe than sorry. Crap. Guess I'll get some gaming in this week instead of lifting.

 

[Kyaw]

Short Shorts July.

Still need to find a pair of shorts like that.

I have a pair of boxer-briefs that are exactly like that post SS. They were huge before, now they show off the t-rex mode pretty well.

 

[FallingEdge]

Maybe Short Shorts Sheptember? Is that not Shummer anymore?

July is right in the heart of the summer. I feel like that would be a perfect time to show off. One can argue August as well. Sept feels too late in the game.

That's my goal right there. Perfect amount of muscle and just the right body fat. Body fat I can get there probably by late summer, but that amount of muscle must take absolute ages to accummulate.

Dood looks great, that is for sure. I think that is a solid goal to have and one I would like to achieve as well. Damn pecs be holding me back. Plus, I need to start doing actual ab work. I'm just too lazy to do so.

 

[sphinx]

I have a pair of boxer-briefs that are exactly like that post SS. They were huge before, now they show off the t-rex mode pretty well.

what's this "T-Rex mode"? I've never heard about it before.

 

[Kyaw]

what's this "T-Rex mode"? I've never heard about it before.

Big legs, butts and not enough upper body. It's a joke thrown around on the internet to Starting Strength followers. It's not necessarily true for every SS follower but it's true for me as my lower body lifts eclipse my upper body lifts.

Now I'm wondering if you're being sarcastic or not.