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[Brolic Gaoler]

Pain/injury advice needed -- For at least a week now I've had a pain in, I guess, my left trap. It's sort of on the front the trap, between the clavicle and the top of the trap, and roughly halfway between my neck and my shoulder. Roughly. For a while I thought it was my deltoid but a couple days ago I realized it wasn't. It isn't really bothersome unless I'm doing specific lifts, namely bench press and OHP. Yesterday I did OHP and it hurt the most then, mostly on the way down during the lift. The past few workouts I've just pushed through it but I'm starting to think that may not be a good idea. Should I just take a week off of upper body lifts or something?

Could be any number of things. Two things I would advise is take a week off from the exercise that's aggravating it and do things similar that week that don't irritate it, then re-evaluate the following week if you need more time. And/or see a doctor.

 

[demon]

Could be any number of things. Two things I would advise is take a week off from the exercise that's aggravating it and do things similar that week that don't irritate it, then re-evaluate the following week if you need more time. And/or see a doctor.

Since it's my trap (or seems to be), should I avoid exercises that work the traps heavily like deadlifts even though they don't seem to irritate it?

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Since it's my trap (or seems to be), should I avoid exercises that work the traps heavily like deadlifts even though they don't seem to irritate it?

That's exactly what I said, if it doesn't irritate it, go for it. Only avoid what's causing the issue.

 

[demon]

That's exactly what I said, if it doesn't irritate it, go for it. Only avoid what's causing the issue.

Yeah I know, just seems kind of counter-intuitive to continue an exercise that works a muscle that's in pain, but that makes sense I guess. Looks like no OHP/benching for a week....sigh.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Yeah I know, just seems kind of counter-intuitive to continue an exercise that works a muscle that's in pain, but that makes sense I guess. Looks like no OHP/benching for a week....sigh.

The thing is it may not be a muscle at all, or not what you think it is. Another reason to get looked at.

 

[TheDarkStark]

Don't try to self diagnose, it never ends up well.

Take a week off from lifting altogether and if its still not better than go see a doctor.

I lifted for nearly 2 weeks with a broken hand, terrible idea, I will at some point need surgery on it, if I had just gone to the doctor right away I'd have had a cast for 4 weeks and it would've been good as new.

 

[harSon]

I think I'm going to switch over from a 3 day split twice a week, to a 4 day split so I can work carb cycling into my diet. Plus I've basically been going 4-5 days a week anyways, due to body fatigue and life getting in the way of a near day commitment.

Can anyone point me towards some solid information regarding the basics of a carb cycling diet?

 

[I'm an expert]

I think this is the most concise article I've recently read about it:
http://www.cutandjacked.com/Carb-Cycling-Made-Easy

 

[agrajag]

Pulled 205x5 on my deadlift today! First time I ever crossed the 200lbs. mark on anything, I'm very excite!

Out of curiousity, what is your weight and height?

5'7 and 3/8" (lol!) and 160lbs after three months of bulking.

 

[cryptic]

Thanks bud, but don't expect much. I don't think it looks that great, and that's not fishing for compliments or anything, I'm simply not impressed with my appearance after losing that much weight.



The thing you need to remember is that the deadlift is a hip hinge, while back is important it isn't the focus. Something may be off bud, give me a second, I'll find you some videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp8Sx9dX9LM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX8jgCFXYTU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syt7A23YnpA

Thanks, gonna definitely watch these.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Pulled 205x5 on my deadlift today! First time I ever crossed the 200lbs. mark on anything, I'm very excite!



5'7 and 3/8" (lol!) and 160lbs after three months of bulking.

Good work man!

 

[SeanR1221]

Cross post from weight loss thread.

So I found this.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fa...s-and-lots-of-activity-can-hurt-fat-loss.html

I guess this could explain my cut? Hm...I do tend to stress a lot too...and obssess how I look in clothes, all that kind of stuff. Everything Lyle says here makes sense and I know he's a reputable source.

After work Im going to Costco and I'm going to get more food.

Start off with 2000 calories and more carbs on lifting days and 1800 calories less carbs on running days. How does that sound? Much better than 1500 calories barely any carbs every day??

 

[blackflag]

I think I'm done with Boring But Big.

Seems like a waste of time except for maybe deadlifts. I may continue it with those. I think I'm just going to do my 5/3/1 lift for the day then move on to BB style exercise. This is what I did most of last week. Obviously I'll still do some real assistance to help the main lift, but BBB just didn't seem to do anything and it wasn't difficult after the first couple weeks, it just seemed like a waste of gym time.

 

[Mecha_Infantry]

Having woman problems can fuck up your mind and your workouts so badly

Fuck....

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Having woman problems can fuck up your mind and your workouts so badly

Fuck....

I've got 99 problems but a bench ain't one?

Sorry to hear it man, make the iron your bitch.

 

[blackflag]

Having woman problems can fuck up your mind and your workouts so badly

Fuck....

yeah man seriously. When my wife told me she wanted a divorce I still tried to work out but they were the worst workouts ever. I couldn't concentrate for shit.

Lasted for a couple workouts at least.

 

[The Mana Legend]

Having woman problems can fuck up your mind and your workouts so badly

Fuck....

What type of woman problems? I feel that, a lot of the time, whenever something is stressing you out, a certain type of exercise can really help at least relieve some of the stress.

For instance, when I am stressed with bills or work, running really helps clear my mind. Or when I'm angry, weights really help.

I've never had woman problems before (I've been with my fiance for 7 years and we've only had one really small fight that we got over within the hour), so I don't exactly know what would be best for that, hahaha.

Of course, sometimes problems are so bad you just need to set aside working out for a while and find someone to talk to.

 

[Ashhong]

I've never had woman problems before (I've been with my fiance for 7 years and we've only had one really small fight that we got over within the hour), so I don't exactly know what would be best for that, hahaha.

I don't want to turn this into Dating-age, but seriously? One small fight over 7 years? I used to believe that if I'm with the right person we would never fight. I stopped believing in that thinking it was unrealistic, but maybe I shouldn't...

Anger doesn't help me lift when having women problems. Though that might be because I get more sad than angry.

 

[The Mana Legend]

I don't want to turn this into Dating-age, but seriously? One small fight over 7 years? I used to believe that if I'm with the right person we would never fight. I stopped believing in that thinking it was unrealistic, but maybe I shouldn't...

Anger doesn't help me lift when having women problems. Though that might be because I get more sad than angry.

Yeah, we'll occasionally get irritated with each other (although it has been a few months since I last remember being annoyed by something she did), but our personalities are ridiculously compatible, so we know exactly when to not say something or when the other is in a bad mood.

Basically, the biggest thing I learned from our relationship is, if you don't want to get in fights, try as hard as you can to learn your partner's personality, and everything that makes them annoyed, happy, etc. And learn when to shut the fuck up, hahaha.

 

[Mecha_Infantry]

I've got 99 problems but a bench ain't one?

Sorry to hear it man, make the iron your bitch.

I got to do it. I bailed on a session today just because my head wasn't right

yeah man seriously. When my wife told me she wanted a divorce I still tried to work out but they were the worst workouts ever. I couldn't concentrate for shit.

Lasted for a couple workouts at least.

Yesterday wasn't the greatest. Trained with that horrible feeling in my gut whilst texting her. Should have left my phone at home.

What type of woman problems? I feel that, a lot of the time, whenever something is stressing you out, a certain type of exercise can really help at least relieve some of the stressed.

For instance, when I am stressed with bills or work, running really helps clear my mind. Or when I'm angry, weights really help.

I've never had woman problems before (I've been with my fiance for 7 years and we've only had one really small fight that we got over within the hour), so I don't exactly know what would be best for that, hahaha.

Of course, sometimes problems are so bad you just need to set aside working out for a while and find someone to talk to.

Yesterday in the gym was when she told me some news I didn't want to hear. I'm in a very very very messed up love triangle at the minute that I'm not proud of. But you sometimes don't chose who to fall in love with, but I wish I did and had bailed out. Problem is I've not felt like this over a chick in a while because last time I messed it up so much and other aspects in life messed my head up

But I hope this one won't be too bad. Been there before and said I won't beat myself up too much over a lady.

But anyway...I'm going to bed. Shoulders, triceps and abs tomorrow. 18 mins HIIT on the stair climber and hopefully I'll be feeling better

Ashhong: this is true. I don't get angry I get sad. That horrible feeling in your gut sucks...

 

[kylej]

I think I'm done with Boring But Big.

Seems like a waste of time except for maybe deadlifts. I may continue it with those. I think I'm just going to do my 5/3/1 lift for the day then move on to BB style exercise. This is what I did most of last week. Obviously I'll still do some real assistance to help the main lift, but BBB just didn't seem to do anything and it wasn't difficult after the first couple weeks, it just seemed like a waste of gym time.

I toned it back a bit. Usually my BBB consists of 4 sets of 8 reps instead of 5 sets of 10 now. 5x10 has rapidly diminishing returns imo.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

I toned it back a bit. Usually my BBB consists of 4 sets of 8 reps instead of 5 sets of 10 now. 5x10 has rapidly diminishing returns imo.

I think I'm done with Boring But Big.

Seems like a waste of time except for maybe deadlifts. I may continue it with those. I think I'm just going to do my 5/3/1 lift for the day then move on to BB style exercise. This is what I did most of last week. Obviously I'll still do some real assistance to help the main lift, but BBB just didn't seem to do anything and it wasn't difficult after the first couple weeks, it just seemed like a waste of gym time.

It's great for squats/deads IMO. Probably benefits those the most. If you weren't "feeling" it after BBB squats/deads you weren't going heavy enough. Even before my cut, I would consistently get sore as hell after BBB deads/squats. And I'd been doing it for several cycles. And those times were when I had my strongest squats/deads ever. I directly attribute my squad/dead strength to my BBB work back then.

 

[Spiritreaver]

Started my bulking routine up yesterday, hit up back. My back is the sorest it's ever been in a long time. Boy I missed deadlifts.

 

[Cudder]

Having woman problems can fuck up your mind and your workouts so badly

Fuck....

Abso-fucking-lutely. I had one of those last week, felt like shit, wasted a workout.

 

[cryptic]

I've been getting 2000 calories a WOD three times a week from ice cream on IF because the given school meals aren't cutting it on WOD. I don't know if I should be doing this but I don't know what else to do for cheap food. Any tips for a poor college kid?

I have to say I feel great though. At 169 lbs. 5'7''.

 

[entremet]

I think I'm going to switch over from a 3 day split twice a week, to a 4 day split so I can work carb cycling into my diet. Plus I've basically been going 4-5 days a week anyways, due to body fatigue and life getting in the way of a near day commitment.

Can anyone point me towards some solid information regarding the basics of a carb cycling diet?

Here's a good intro.

http://www.t-nation.com/readArticle.do?id=5238915

 

[blackflag]

It's great for squats/deads IMO. Probably benefits those the most. If you weren't "feeling" it after BBB squats/deads you weren't going heavy enough. Even before my cut, I would consistently get sore as hell after BBB deads/squats. And I'd been doing it for several cycles. And those times were when I had my strongest squats/deads ever. I directly attribute my squad/dead strength to my BBB work back then.

Yeah I'm definitely keeping it for deads. Those feel great and I think really help my back. Squats also feel like they help but I'm wondering if perhaps 2 sets of 75% at 8 or 10 reps might be better.

Bench and ohp bbb sets aren't doing shit and I know I'm heavy on those. No way I could bump up 10 lbs without going through 2 cycles at 5 lbs increments each.

I totally agree with you on squats and deads, I just think heavy db incline bench and db shoulder presses might be a better use of time

 

[blackflag]

I've been getting 2000 calories a WOD three times a week from ice cream on IF because the given school meals aren't cutting it on WOD. I don't know if I should be doing this but I don't know what else to do for cheap food. Any tips for a poor college kid?

I have to say I feel great though. At 169 lbs. 5'7''.

What's WOD?

 

[Petrie]

What's WOD?

That doesn't sound the same as what he is describing.

 

[blackflag]

That doesn't sound the same as what he is describing.

Lol yeah I must have edited while you were replying. I retread it and saw 2000 cals from ice cream that I missed when I first read it. I had thought cutting but must not be

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Yeah I'm definitely keeping it for deads. Those feel great and I think really help my back. Squats also feel like they help but I'm wondering if perhaps 2 sets of 75% at 8 or 10 reps might be better.

Bench and ohp bbb sets aren't doing shit and I know I'm heavy on those. No way I could bump up 10 lbs without going through 2 cycles at 5 lbs increments each.

I totally agree with you on squats and deads, I just think heavy db incline bench and db shoulder presses might be a better use of time

Definitely can't hurt to change things up and see how your body reacts. I loved DB bench for assistance when I was doing it.

 

[Cudder]

After my workout today. Any comments on shape or anything? Be honest. My biceps need to get bigger, but I hate training them and I think it kinda shows. :/

 

[cryptic]

That doesn't sound the same as what he is describing.

Sorry, thought it meant WOD. To clarify I'm getting about 2000 calories from ice cream in addition to two moderate sized balanced meals of say roast beef, starch, and greens. The 2000 extra calories of ice cream only come three times a week after workouts to help recovery as I don't know of many better, cheaper options as I can't really cook with my current setup. I also have celiac disease so that eliminates anything with gluten from my diet.

Any tips on what I should look into buying that could help me lose a little weight while satisfying my hunger? Thanks.

 

[MrToughPants]

After my workout today. Any comments on shape or anything? Be honest. My biceps need to get bigger, but I hate training them and I think it kinda shows. :/

Do some chin-ups and spot reduce that chin.

I neglect my biceps big time, I did two sets yesterday and it just felt like a chore.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Ok, I'll be at 218 tomorrow (more than likely) so I'm ending my cut tomorrow night. I should have some pictures up tomorrow depending on when my wife takes them. Again, these aren't "brag" pictures, they are just the ones I promised. I'll probably post a shirtless pic from January too for comparison.

After my workout today. Any comments on shape or anything? Be honest. My biceps need to get bigger, but I hate training them and I think it kinda shows. :/

Kind of hard to tell with the shirt on, but you're thin, so that's a plus!

Do some chin-ups and spot reduce that chin.

Holy shit you're making me have second thoughts of posting my shirtless pics, lol.

 

[rando14]

After my workout today. Any comments on shape or anything? Be honest. My biceps need to get bigger, but I hate training them and I think it kinda shows. :/

Your arms look solid, I can't tell exactly from this pic but if you cut down well enough you'd probably be surprised at their size.

 

[sphinx]

Ok, I'll be at 218 tomorrow (more than likely) so I'm ending my cut tomorrow night. I should have some pictures up tomorrow depending on when my wife takes them. Again, these aren't "brag" pictures, they are just the ones I promised. I'll probably post a shirtless pic from January too for comparison..

Just this second I was about to post a before/after pic of mine...

I hope people aren't upset or annoyed with some of us posting pics... we are all at different points in time regarding workout and development, some are near pro weightlifters/athletes, some are just getting fit after a couple of weeks of working out and I personally think it's nice to share and show improvements, regardless. After all, we all bust our asses to some extent and for what, only to keep it for ourselves?? :-/ ..

 

[Imm0rt4l]

After my workout today. Any comments on shape or anything? Be honest. My biceps need to get bigger, but I hate training them and I think it kinda shows. :/

Train them bitches, man. Personally I always wanted biceps with high peaks, but I don't have the genetics for them since I have longer tie ins. That isn't to say that I don't train them extensively anyways, I just go for something realistic is all. If you cut you, might be surprised at how they look.

 

[rando14]

Ugh don't get me started on biceps genetics. My biceps on the side are completely flat, so the separation is extremely understated. Lame, haha.

 

[Cudder]

Thanks for the comments guys. I'll see about posting a shirtless pic, but I do have some flub in my midsection. (I know what you're going through Shogun lol.) Thing is I lost my "before" photos that I took a year ago when I started working out. It's a real bummer not being able to directly compare .

It trips me out that Alien is at 218 right now, and I was at 215 about a month ago. I know I have a lot of body fat on me, and I've always been a "thick" kind of dude, but seeing Aliens pics and knowing I'm in the same ballpark as him kind of trips me out lol. Like I said prior, I'm at about 208 pounds right now.

 

[agrajag]

Good work man!

Thank you! By the way, I took your advice on improving pull-ups by hanging as long as I can, and it's working splendidly.

 

[Imm0rt4l]

Ugh don't get me started on biceps genetics. My biceps on the side are completely flat, so the separation is extremely understated. Lame, haha.

We got it hard mode if we wanna get aesthetic :/

 

[Tashi]

Doin back tomorrow morning. Pretty excited. Gonna do pull ups on the machine, bent over barbell rows and then deadlifts. Maybe like 15 min of cardio.

 

[harSon]

Ugh don't get me started on biceps genetics. My biceps on the side are completely flat, so the separation is extremely understated. Lame, haha.

One of the many perks of being half black. I put on muscle like a motherfucker

Fat loss on the other hand, has been a bitch.

 

[Imm0rt4l]

When i started my cut, fat was just falling off, but I've plateau'd like a motherfucker. I was stuck at 200 for a month, and now I've been stuck at 190 for a month. I put on mass pretty good or relatively easy though.

 

[Ashhong]

Thank you! By the way, I took your advice on improving pull-ups by hanging as long as I can, and it's working splendidly.

What is this advice?

 

[harSon]

When i started my cut, fat was just falling off, but I've plateau'd like a motherfucker. I was stuck at 200 for a month, and now I've been stuck at 190 for a month. I put on mass pretty good or relatively easy though.

I'm forced to switch diets since the 6lbs of protein powder I purchased, despite only having 3grams of carbs per serving, seems to boot me out of Ketosis :|

My body is a complete douche. I basically have to stay under 20-25 grams of carbs per day to stay in Ketosis, and stuff like Aspartame instantly boots me out as well. I'm jealous of people who don't have to be quite so strict, and can still maintain Ketosis.....

 

[TheCrow]

Hey everyone, I love this thread as it's been extremely helpful and a great source of motivation. I'm going to Vegas this weekend so I'll be taking a break from my cut. However I'm seriously thinking of trying PSMF for the rest of August. I've been dieting for 2 months (lost 10lbs) and I'm about ready to start a lean bulk soon. For reference here is where I'm currently at:

Just wanted to see if anyone here has any experience with PSMF?

 

[Imm0rt4l]

I'm forced to switch diets since the 6lbs of protein powder I purchased, despite only having 3grams of carbs per serving, seems to boot me out of Ketosis :|

only those 3 grams did that, wow? Are you using ketone strips? I'm thinking about using them, but I've recently said fuck being straight ketosis and just going relatively low carb, when I was keto I just sorta had a feel/eyeballed it. It's amazing just how much carbing up fills your muscles up, I could just tell my glycogen stores weren't any longer depleted. By the end of the month I might try going keto again but with the aid of ketone strips to really make sure I'm on track.

 

[deadbeef]

What is this advice?

Probably something like, if you are having trouble with the ability to perform a pull-up or pull-ups, then practice just static hangs from the bar. Do this after your pull-up sets in the gym until failure. Do it every day when you walk by your pull-up bar. It will help you gain strength in your grip and forearms that will help you support your body weight. This will help you do pull-ups.