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[ILoveBish]

After the first year of lifting the only opinion that matters is your own.

My legs are built for purpose, and if my wife doesn't like them, tough shit.

My legs are so huge they play a part in pants selection, i know how I feel about having big muscular legs, but if someone is working out with the intention of impressing someone with their looks, it might work against them. That is why the whole culture of leg day skipping is hilarious, people have different goals. I'm all for it, but if someone has decided they don't care for big strong legs, that's also fine with me.

 

[ldcommando]

Whoa, déjà vu at Oblivion, idcommando, and Brolic.

I think there's a glitch in the matrix.

Always lurking in the shadows, my man.

 

[Psychotext]

I've got a bad cold today. Do I need more or less intake on a sick day to keep on track? (I cheated with a small Shamrock Shake from McDonald's while I got unexpectedly stuck for hours during errands that I couldn't bear).

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/what-to-eat-when-sick-infographic

 

[Evo X]

inzer

elitefts

Thanks. Think I will go with the Inzer Forever Lever Belt.

 

[sphinx]

My legs are so huge they play a part in pants selection, i know how I feel about having big muscular legs, but if someone is working out with the intention of impressing someone with their looks, it might work against them. That is why the whole culture of leg day skipping is hilarious, people have different goals. I'm all for it, but if someone has decided they don't care for big strong legs, that's also fine with me.

but people are allowed to have opinions, and mine is that thin legs with huge upper bodies are not aesthetic and that's all I meant, what people's goals are is their business and can do as they please.

the same with the steroid guy, from what I've seen around, bad use of steroids (people who want the shortcut, that's what I meant with non-athletes) leads to muscled but rather ugly bodies, again in my very own personal opinion and from what I've seen.

what I meant is that people who have had a life as athletes (look at all those bodies in high impact competing sports) are aesthetic with or without PEDs, they look great. This is something I believe no matter the nature of the juice they take.

you say that I can't possibly know, like, surely there's people I find aesthetic and are mostly on PEDs and sitting on their asses curling for a bit and letting the PEDs do the work, and there are muscled but ugly bodies that bust their asses working out and are natty, sure that exists, the posibilities are endless but I have commented on what I have seen. and that steroid guy was a clear example that reinforced my opinion.

 

[SeanR1221]

Nicely done cooter. But Jesus at the bench spotter. Is he trying to find the bars G spot or something?

 

[keezy]

Thanks. Think I will go with the Inzer Forever Lever Belt.

I'd check out Carillo's belts too.
http://www.cardillousa.com/

I had the forever bodybuilding belt and got a cardiollo belt a year or two later. I never use the inzer belt anymore.

 

[Coriolanus]

you say that I can't possibly know, like, surely there's people I find aesthetic and are mostly on PEDs and sitting on their asses curling for a bit and letting the PEDs do the work, and there are muscled but ugly bodies that bust their asses working out and are natty, sure that exists, the posibilities are endless but I have commented on what I have seen. and that steroid guy was a clear example that reinforced my opinion.

Selection bias is a hell of a thing.

 

[muntersaur]

What's up with the half reps? Still pretty crazy tho.

Bottom half bench reps are fine if the goal of doing this is to keep constant tension on the chest, and are actually difficult, because you do not get to rest at the lockout.

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

I can't bulk one more day. I'm done. I maxed today on squat and bench and I'm just taking my 550 DL from a few weeks back.

Here's my 500lb squat:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlLiizjqmZY&feature=youtu.be

That felt good so I went for 510. I got it but it was a struggle. Also was told after the fact that it's a 50lb bar so I guess they are 505 and 515 but I'm counting it as 45 pounder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwpUIrawy6A&feature=youtu.be

Here's my 375 bench. I told him not to touch unless I start coming down but he didn't listen. I was getting this anyway so I'm counting it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGp6DF_r018&feature=youtu.be

Awesome job man. Gotta find better bros to spot though.

 

[Szu]

I can't bulk one more day. I'm done. I maxed today on squat and bench and I'm just taking my 550 DL from a few weeks back.

Here's my 500lb squat:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlLiizjqmZY&feature=youtu.be

That felt good so I went for 510. I got it but it was a struggle. Also was told after the fact that it's a 50lb bar so I guess they are 505 and 515 but I'm counting it as 45 pounder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwpUIrawy6A&feature=youtu.be

Here's my 375 bench. I told him not to touch unless I start coming down but he didn't listen. I was getting this anyway so I'm counting it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGp6DF_r018&feature=youtu.be

I always impressed with you, Cooter. I also almost equally impressed at the your goddamn shiny gym. The bright yellow equipment with your red belt and shoes. What ya gonna when Cootermania runs wild on you?

 

[Cooter]

Thanks for all the nice comments guys. Yeah I know the spotters are terrible. That's all I had to work with unfortunately. Even more frustrating when you give them detailed instructions and they don't follow them.

Day 1 of this cut. I decided to drop to 2800 for a week. Followed by 2200 for another week and then down to my normal 1800-2000 range. I'm really in no rush and even these first 2 weeks under 3000 will warrant solid results.

 

[Ga1amoth]

What are you guys opinions on wrist straps?
Starting to get in the 300s for my DL reps and getting to hold the bar is becoming a problem.
For some reason I've always had a slightly negative impression of straps, and I'm not even sure why.
Is grip strength training worthwhile? or am I being silly?

 

[ipitydatfu]

What are you guys opinions on wrist straps?
Starting to get in the 300s for my DL reps and getting to hold the bar is becoming a problem.
For some reason I've always had a slightly negative impression of straps, and I'm not even sure why.
Is grip strength training worthwhile? or am I being silly?

get chalk

train with plate pinches, static holds, or even farmers walks

 

[DUFFMCWALIN]

What are you guys opinions on wrist straps?
Starting to get in the 300s for my DL reps and getting to hold the bar is becoming a problem.
For some reason I've always had a slightly negative impression of straps, and I'm not even sure why.
Is grip strength training worthwhile? or am I being silly?

I personally don't like straps. I would rather use chalk and do movements that help with grip (something like farmer walks and so on). Depends on what your going for in the gym really.

 

[ILoveBish]

I made my own liquid chalk and love it.

 

[Cooter]

Straps serve a purpose. I use them for hi rep exercises like shrugs and RDLs where grip isn't a focus. For DL mixed grip with chalk is the way to go.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

What are you guys opinions on wrist straps?
Starting to get in the 300s for my DL reps and getting to hold the bar is becoming a problem.
For some reason I've always had a slightly negative impression of straps, and I'm not even sure why.
Is grip strength training worthwhile? or am I being silly?

I rarely use straps anymore. I used to use them for higher rep work, but stopped that. I only use them now when I'm using snatch grip

Like anything, nothing is inherently wrong with them, so long as you use them correctly.

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

Thanks for all the nice comments guys. Yeah I know the spotters are terrible. That's all I had to work with unfortunately. Even more frustrating when you give them detailed instructions and they don't follow them.

Day 1 of this cut. I decided to drop to 2800 for a week. Followed by 2200 for another week and then down to my normal 1800-2000 range. I'm really in no rush and even these first 2 weeks under 3000 will warrant solid results.

You should read this:

http://www.store.jtsstrength.com/resources//the-renaissance-diet

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Pretty sure cooter doesn't need to buy a diet program. He's got that shit on point when it comes to what to put in his face.

 

[J. Bravo]

Do this quick and dirty shoulder routine before work since I can do it at home with my dumb bells, and wow. I have a trap pump. it's awesome haha. nothing yall would notice but I can definitely tell. never had a trap pump before.

 

[Chocobro]

He never said to buy the book though lol. I'm fairly certain you can find a PDF of the book floating around on the Internet to read.

 

[J. Bravo]

fuck it idc. edited face because I was making a goofy face to flex my traps lol. Anyways not much of a pump but I'm enjoying it. Also it's getting about time to cut....another month eating and lifting big perhaps. oh and I apologize for the attire. that's just what I chill in between school and work

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

He never said to buy the book though lol. I'm fairly certain you can find a PDF of the book floating around on the Internet to read.

He never said steal it either.

 

[freshair]

I'm so hungry.

3 more weeks of this cut then I can lean bulk (hopefully anyways...) T__T

 

[Psychotext]

Sounds like I'll be getting fat for a lot longer than most here. That said, I had more need to actually put some muscle on in the first place.

Will be July before I'm slimming down again I reckon. Well, that or like, 10kg above where I am now if I get things wrong.

 

[J. Bravo]

Sounds like I'll be getting fat for a lot longer than most here. That said, I had more need to actually put some muscle on in the first place.

Will be July before I'm slimming down again I reckon. Well, that or like, 10kg above where I am now if I get things wrong.

I need a lot more muscle too but I'm not letting that stop me from getting shredded for the summer months the girls i'm tryin to get with just want athletic, lean, sinewy mofos. Plus I'll look bigger anyways.

end goal is to be yoked. just a big monster at like 15% bf. easily maintainable and still awesome looking.

 

[Cooter]

He never said steal it either.

LMAO.

Yeah, I'm good on the nutrition aspect of this game but thanks for help.

 

[Psychotext]

I need a lot more muscle too but I'm not letting that stop me from getting shredded for the summer months the girls i'm tryin to get with just want athletic, lean, sinewy mofos. Plus I'll look bigger anyways.

I'm married, so no-one really cared what I look like any more.

Not entirely convinced the missus would approve of me looking good for the girls.

 

[Mr. X]

Look good for her so she can brag.

 

[BlueTsunami]

Look good for her so she can brag.

This. Trophy 🏆 husband.

 

[Szu]

Look good for her so she can brag.

Why do you guys think I'm still going to the gym? For my health?

 

[FallingEdge]

Feels good to be back at the gym but my strength is shot. Even pressing 70lb dbs are a pain =/

 

[MrOogieBoogie]

Can anyone give me benching tips. I almost never feel it in my chest? Feel my triceps working more than anything. Why is that?

 

[BlueTsunami]

Can anyone give me benching tips. I almost never feel it in my chest? Feel my triceps working more than anything. Why is that?

Sounds like your grip may be too close

 

[MrOogieBoogie]

Sounds like your grip may be too close

Really? I tend to place my middle fingers on the knurlings.

 

[BumRush]

Sounds like your grip may be too close

Yeah this is what I would say. All body types are different so there's no "target" spot on the bar.

Also, great lifts cooter. Good luck with the cut.

 

[muntersaur]

Can anyone give me benching tips. I almost never feel it in my chest? Feel my triceps working more than anything. Why is that?

While the barbell bench is good for overall upper body mass building, it is not great for building a chest (especially if you benchpowerlifter style) unless you are naturally chest dominant. Dumbbells will give you more chest activation than the barbell.

 

[God Dayumm]

Can anyone give me benching tips. I almost never feel it in my chest? Feel my triceps working more than anything. Why is that?

The form that is described in Starting Strength really helped me. The most important part is the bar path, it is not exactly 90 degrees. If you feel it in your triceps too much I would suspect that either you're going way towards your navel at the bottom or not exactly above the shoulders at the top.

It could also be that your triceps are underdeveloped, are you doing any accessory exercises?

 

[MrOogieBoogie]

While the barbell bench is good for overall upper body mass building, it is not great for building a chest (especially if you benchpowerlifter style) unless you are naturally chest dominant. Dumbbells will give you more chest activation than the barbell.

Even with dumbbells I rarely feel a chest pump. Even dips don't give me a chest pump.

I must be doing something wrong, althoug I've always had a lagging chest.

 

[BumRush]

Even with dumbbells I rarely feel a chest pump. Even dips don't give me a chest pump.

I must be doing something wrong, althoug I've always had a lagging chest.

Pec deck or flys? You don't feel them more in your tris, right?

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Deads felt like shit today. Did 545 for 3 singles and it was slow as hell. Moved to sumo and accessory work. Rows are strong and snatch grip Romanian dead is getting better.

Sumo dead 495x1, barbell row 335x4, 315x9, snatchgrip Romanian 365x5 and what turned into a snatchgrip desdlift 405x1.

http://youtu.be/6-nk4gs8ru0

 

[BumRush]

Deads felt like shit today. Did 545 for 3 singles and it was slow as hell. Moved to sumo and accessory work. Rows are strong and snatch grip Romanian dead is getting better.

Sumo dead 495x1, barbell row 335x4, 315x9, snatchgrip Romanian 365x5 and what turned into a snatchgrip desdlift 405x1.

http://youtu.be/6-nk4gs8ru0

Jesus, dude...you're strong as hell. Newcomers should watch your form, especially on DL.

 

[Rest]

Paper... like the dinosaur I am. =/

I use paper too. You know you got a good workout when you can't read your last results because of the sweat stains.

 

[Sadetar]

Had really awesome work out today. I am just thinking I really need to add more weights on my squats. Now I do 4-5 sets of ten with 10 kilos / 22 pounds bar (meaning I do 40-50 squats twice a week). We have 15 kilos / 33 pounds bar there as well, but that would require me to use it on a squat rack since I wouldn't want to lift it from the ground to my shoulders/back. With lower weight that hasn't been an issue. I am still somewhat hesitant to go up, even though I know I should. I just don't want annoy other people's work outs with being a noobie on the squat rack.

Also today I was somewhat annoyed. I went to do bench press since the bench was empty. Well, after couple minutes I was nearly ready and this lady comes shouting to me that she was using it and I should leave. I politely explained to her that the gym was full and she was doing lunges when I came and there wasn't even any weights on the bar. If she would have nicely explained that she was there a while back and could we share the bench I would have been fine by it. Now I decided to be an asshole and did extra sets. You just can't reserve a place like that and do something else.

2AdEPT, welcome. And whoa. That was a wall of text. I did read all of it, but I most likely didn't follow everything. Might need to give it another shot after a proper night sleep.

Starting to train handstands again after nearly a year hiatus.

I am in awe. I have always loved that kind of body weight work outs and really admire the body control some people have. Absolutely splendid! <3

I can't bulk one more day. I'm done. I maxed today on squat and bench and I'm just taking my 550 DL from a few weeks back.

Here's my 500lb squat:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlLiizjqmZY&feature=youtu.be

That felt good so I went for 510. I got it but it was a struggle. Also was told after the fact that it's a 50lb bar so I guess they are 505 and 515 but I'm counting it as 45 pounder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwpUIrawy6A&feature=youtu.be

Here's my 375 bench. I told him not to touch unless I start coming down but he didn't listen. I was getting this anyway so I'm counting it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGp6DF_r018&feature=youtu.be

All that was truly awesome! Congratulations!

Spoiler

I am so looking forward to see you shirtless after a bit of a cut. I don't say that it is the sole reason why I am in this thread, but it might be a small factor...

Why do you guys think I'm still going to the gym? For my health?

I love your comments nearly as much as I love pics of Cooter without a shirt. <3

fuck it idc. edited face because I was making a goofy face to flex my traps lol. Anyways not much of a pump but I'm enjoying it. Also it's getting about time to cut....another month eating and lifting big perhaps. oh and I apologize for the attire. that's just what I chill in between school and work

That doesn't look at all bad. Yet you better share us summer pics as well though!

Deads felt like shit today. Did 545 for 3 singles and it was slow as hell. Moved to sumo and accessory work. Rows are strong and snatch grip Romanian dead is getting better.

Sumo dead 495x1, barbell row 335x4, 315x9, snatchgrip Romanian 365x5 and what turned into a snatchgrip desdlift 405x1.

http://youtu.be/6-nk4gs8ru0

You are a machine!

Also that gym looks so empty it makes me jealous.

 

[Psychotext]

I use paper too. You know you got a good workout when you can't read your last results because of the sweat stains.

lol, yeah pretty much.

This. Trophy &#55356;&#57286; husband.

All the weights in the world aint gonna make me pretty.

 

[MrToughPants]

Nice to see the strenf gainz fitgaf!

Had a good day today doing squats. Usually I would feel the adductors, 7-8" inches of my inner thigh, strain during the concentric phase but today it was minimal. I was only going to do 395 on my top set but felt good and did 405 instead...

385/395/405/385/385 x 5

 

[Coriolanus]

All the weights in the world aint gonna make me pretty.

They will, however, make you slightly less hideous.

Worst comes to worst, can always dump some pec and ab shots on tinder and see what you can get. Objectification, ho!

 

[Cooter]

***WARNING...Incoming half naked man***

Here's my post bulk progress pic. This is what happens when you eat 4,000 calories for 3 months. I'm 215 here which puts me 40lbs heavier than 3 months ago. Jesus!

 

[Dusk Soldier]

Even with dumbbells I rarely feel a chest pump. Even dips don't give me a chest pump.

I must be doing something wrong, althoug I've always had a lagging chest.

Bench press targets your chest, triceps, and your shoulders. Feeling it in one of those muscles over your chest doesn't really mean your doing it wrong. It just depends on your physiology.

If you want to feel it in your chest more, try pre-exhausting the pec muscles with either dumbbell flyes, cable crossovers, or the Pec Deck machine.