What training are you doing/have you done today? Vol.2

[didelydoo]

TheJimi said:

militantmandy said:

TheJimi said:

I'm kinda of the opinion that unless you *have* to do low bar (ie competition) then high bar is a better bet.

Just my opinion, mind.

Because it has more mobility related issues? As with sumo I am moving to it as I can move more weight and because I like learning new things. If it were to transpire that no matter what I do mobility wise, it still really hurts, I'll probably switch back to high bar.

I am considering competing but it very much depends on how my numbers progress. Have a comp picked out in may. We'll see how my numbers are looking!

After doing LB for yonks and getting into HB work last year, I've realised that HB is better in just about every way for me, apart from total weight lifted. I still haven't hit my max lowbar weight using highbar, but I'll get it soon.

Just as you'll get me saying that HB is superior to LB, you'll just as easily get peeps saying the opposite, and yet different peeps again saying that the difference between the two is minimal.

Low bar for maximal weight every time. Highbar for pretty much everything else.

Probably best to do both in training TBH if you're powerlifting. Dan Green for eg, trains highbar and front squats most of the year, but changes to lowbar when a comp approaches to dial in the tech. That's what i'll be doing.

[TheJimi]

Johnny said:

The new belt is really helping, even if only as a placebo!

Presumably you're talking about a lifting belt? That being so, the effect is definitely not a placebo - a good belt used properly, can make a significant difference and can represent an increase of anything between 10-20kg.

On the rare occasion I use a belt, I don't "count" the numbers, rather I use the belt as a stepping stone to get over a plateau.

Edited by TheJimi on Monday 16th November 14:03

[Hoofy]

militantmandy said:

Performed with a big stick yeah? Thanks for that. Something easy to add in. I already use wrist straps but am but thumbless so will try that too.

Cheers!

http://www.kingofthegym.com/shoulder-dislocation-exercise/

Do it at the end of a session.

[Johnny]

TheJimi said:

Johnny said:

The new belt is really helping, even if only as a placebo!

Presumably you're talking about a lifting belt? That being so, the effect is definitely not a placebo - a good belt used properly, can make a significant difference and can represent an increase of anything between 10-20kg.

On the rare occasion I use a belt, I don't "count" the numbers, rather I use the belt as a stepping stone to get over a plateau.

Edited by TheJimi on Monday 16th November 14:03

Yes, indeed. Bought an Inzer Lever Belt and used for the second time today. First time squatting.

I've no doubt the belt is helping physically but also note the positive mental boost it's giving too. The placebo comment was somewhat tongue in cheek, but the overall effect is considerable.

[chris watton]

Just finished todays session. Again, I used more reps than usual and dropped the weight slightly to compensate. Definitely more punishing..

Box Squats (1 second pause when at bottom of squat)- 5 sets of 12-7 reps (12,12,12,10,7)
Bench Press - 5 sets of 12-5 reps (12,12,9,7,5)
DB Chest Flys (flat) - 4 sets of 25-15 reps
BB Standing Press - 5 sets of 12-4 reps (12,12,10,6,4)
Upright Rows - 4 sets of 10 reps
Face Pulls - 4 sets of 14-10 reps

Edited by chris watton on Monday 16th November 15:33

[didelydoo]

Excellent chest/shoulders session tonight>

Strict press whilst waiting on my training partner to arrive up to 100kg, fairly straightforward too. ( https://instagram.com/p/-KWgTWrq8m/ )
Bench: 5x8 @ 112.5kg
Incline bench: 3x10 @ 100kg
Incline DB: 3x10 @ 30kg dbs
BHN strict: 3x10 @ 70kg
Lat raise DB SS: 3 sets
Prowler sprint: 6. Horrible

Home.

[militantmandy]

Hoofy said:

http://www.kingofthegym.com/shoulder-dislocation-e...

Do it at the end of a session.

Great! Have been getting these in, hopefully they'll help.

Great session today, trying to get a bit more done.

Bench

5 sets of 6 @ 77%

Deads

5 sets of 4 @ 80% (very hard after heavy deads on sat and heavy squats/walking lunges yesterday)

Chins

4 sets of 6 with 5kg

Still have to do some Tabata tonight. :-(


ETA - Guy in my work keeps telling me I should wear gloves to deadlift. I just don't know what to say!

Edited by militantmandy on Tuesday 17th November 11:31

[Pvapour]

didelydoo said:

Both strength and Aesthetics are equally addictive- my strength training only days are likely over as BB is my new found passion. However.... I still think you can build symmetry with strength, a lot of the old time BB's trained heavy, and looked great because of it- they possessed a 'thickness' that a lot of BB's lack. I'm not hooked on numbers (mostly), but the look I'd like to get needs strength behind it. Build the strength up, and you can train the symmetry/aesthetic side of things harder too. I think I've now got a reasonable mix/split of strength and aesthetics now- hitting all the angles, rep ranges and muscle fibres- best of both worlds if you will. I don't want to be limited to training in a particular way- many of the greats trained heavy and pumpy, either in the same session or split into phases.

Besides, I want to be strong as well as look it. And I just love training heavy, or light in fact, I just love training! Vascular modern day monster isn't my cup of tea, golden era beast however- some time away, but i'll get there.

Edit to add- I may do an offseason powerlifting comp next year too, so that's always a side project.

Edited by didelydoo on Monday 16th November 13:30

i remember the barbarian twins lifting rediculous weights compared to their counterparts, very thick set, not impressive physiques though imo, think you mentioned surge nubret at some point, agreed on his physique, even more balanced than Arnie imo.

i just dont hear you talk about how you're going to address weak areas & far more about the weight you've pushed or lifted, i understand you can gain asthetics from heavy weights (obviously) but those weights need to be applied in the right areas, DL and the like are strong and well developed actions for you from what i read.

what's your perception of bodybuilding DD' is it mainly size and condition?

TheBALDpuma said:

Sumo is wide stance, toes out and narrow grip. Some find it more confortable to pull big weights; it puts their back more upright, and requires a shorter distance to lockout, therefore less work done to lift the bar.

It's a sport - I train to be good at it like a sprinter trains to be fast, or a tennis player trains to be good at tennis. I want to be able to lift as as much as I can come competition. In terms of the aesthetic side of it, I like that being strong makes me bigger but I am not fussed about being lean, and ripped - happy with big and bulky. TBH being big is faily important to me - I'd hate to be skinny. But I'd rather be 93kg and carrying some fat (like I am now) than 80kg, and ripped. Obviously 93kg and ripped would be awesome - but also will take a while and I'd have to cut down on the coffee and cake I eat - not a sacrfice I'm willing to make at the moment . Not sure if I'd rather be 105kg and carrying the fat I am now, or current weight 93kg but ripped... 105kg and fat would be a lot easier lol. But at 5ft 8 I'd probably be pretty round.

Thanks, I see exactly where you're coming from, I share the 'like feeling big' although as i get older i feel less need for this & have been drawn more and more toward leanness and increased functionality (keep going all day all week without getting tired)

I suspect the different paths that got us started in the first place left us hooked on particular things, something that happend may have made us feel inadequate in some way, i never felt weak or small though but was always praised on my shape, heart broken at 12 by the love of my life i started to enhance what i'd been lead to beleive was a strength to show her what she'd let go.

thats what got me going but very soon after lots of other things came into play for me that were far more important but if I look at my attitude today I think its very clearly still there as my main drive if i'm honest, more a curiousity now in what I can retain with my years but still there in a way.

I think a balanced physique and lifestyle have been my goals tbh, I avoid any obsession with any one thing in particular as it unbalnces everrything else, i'm having to be very carefull right now as I so want to train all teh time, I physicaly stop myself by recording hrs trained etc to keep a tab on it, like any addiction really, reading DDs efforts over the past 2 months made me very wary tbh, admired in one way but the thought of the impact that would have on my home life is a scary thought.

eta: thx for sumo explantion, so cheating then I'll have go at that then

Edited by Pvapour on Tuesday 17th November 12:08

[didelydoo]

Pvapour said:

i remember the barbarian twins lifting rediculous weights compared to their counterparts, very thick set, not impressive physiques though imo, think you mentioned surge nubret at some point, agreed on his physique, even more balanced than Arnie imo.

i just dont hear you talk about how you're going to address weak areas & far more about the weight you've pushed or lifted, i understand you can gain asthetics from heavy weights (obviously) but those weights need to be applied in the right areas, DL and the like are strong and well developed actions for you from what i read.

what's your perception of bodybuilding DD' is it mainly size and condition?

My perception is a combination of size, aesthetic flow and condition. Aesthetically pleasing whilst having mass and looking powerful, but no too large or piecemeal- has to flow together well. A lot of bodybuilders have the aesthetic look, but lack the 'power' and size, and vice versa. I'd like a balance in the middle somewhere.

I'm addressing my weak areas constantly on an ongoing basis, but TBH, it's not interesting reading nor does it make an interesting vid/pic! Calfs, lower chest, lats (from the front) Hams, quad sweep, forearms are all being trained harder with an aim to proportionality, but it's not an exciting topic really. I'm also wearing a belt more often to stop my waist thickening up any more, and working on broadening my shoulders to het a more aesthetic V Taper.

So, I do have a plan which I'm working on, but my log of training tends to focus on interesting stuff

[Pvapour]

Day 2 yesterday - 30k ride (HIIT 1min/1min)

Day 3 Today

Chest
5 x FB with super sets of flat Flyes (think you guys call then down sets?)
5 x flat dumb. press with deciline cable crossovers
5 x hammer machine press with press ups to finish

Calves
4 x standing single foot raises
4 x leg press extentions

Abs
4 x hanging leg raises to sides

[didelydoo]

Pvapour said:

reading DDs efforts over the past 2 months made me very wary tbh, admired in one way but the thought of the impact that would have on my home life is a scary thought.

I was surprised at the impact it had on general day to day life. I was a grumpy a##hole, and it wasn't unnoticed at home and at work- I also became incredibly antisocial. Fortunately everyone new I was prepping, so it wasn't so bad. I'm glad it's done though. Hopefully a more balanced prep next time should avoid the crazy crash diets right at the end next year! and I've a much better starting point this time. 7/8 months until I have to think about that though.....

[Pvapour]

didelydoo said:

My perception is a combination of size, aesthetic flow and condition. Aesthetically pleasing whilst having mass and looking powerful, but no too large or piecemeal- has to flow together well. A lot of bodybuilders have the aesthetic look, but lack the 'power' and size, and vice versa. I'd like a balance in the middle somewhere.

I'm addressing my weak areas constantly on an ongoing basis, but TBH, it's not interesting reading nor does it make an interesting vid/pic! Calfs, lower chest, lats (from the front) Hams, quad sweep, forearms are all being trained harder with an aim to proportionality, but it's not an exciting topic really. I'm also wearing a belt more often to stop my waist thickening up any more, and working on broadening my shoulders to het a more aesthetic V Taper.

So, I do have a plan which I'm working on, but my log of training tends to focus on interesting stuff

now THAT is an interseting read (for me anyway)

how people tackle weak areas and triumph is far more interesting i think DD, i'd like to read more of this tbh, i understand its much harder to write about though from a personal perspective.

not sure the strain at home will be easier next time mate as you'll have even more to prove which'll take even more dedication, in a different way to last time but i'm pretty sure it'll be more, but ur loved ones will be more aware of whats to come so they'll be better prepared i guess

[Animal]

didelydoo said:

Excellent chest/shoulders session tonight>

Strict press whilst waiting on my training partner to arrive up to 100kg, fairly straightforward too. ( https://instagram.com/p/-KWgTWrq8m/ )
Bench: 5x8 @ 112.5kg
Incline bench: 3x10 @ 100kg
Incline DB: 3x10 @ 30kg dbs
BHN strict: 3x10 @ 70kg
Lat raise DB SS: 3 sets
Prowler sprint: 6. Horrible

Home.

What wrist wraps do you have?

[didelydoo]

Pvapour said:

now THAT is an interseting read (for me anyway)

how people tackle weak areas and triumph is far more interesting i think DD, i'd like to read more of this tbh, i understand its much harder to write about though from a personal perspective.

not sure the strain at home will be easier next time mate as you'll have even more to prove which'll take even more dedication, in a different way to last time but i'm pretty sure it'll be more, but ur loved ones will be more aware of whats to come so they'll be better prepared i guess

Basically I'll be loading work onto my weak areas to bring them up, concentrating a lot more on the muscle that's doing the work, rather than the work that's getting done.

Next year won't be a trip into the unknown, so i'll be prepared. I do enjoy the dieting TBH, and the results- it's just mentally draining sometimes!

[didelydoo]

Animal said:

What wrist wraps do you have?

I was just using some the gym have lying about...I've had a few sets of Strength Shop ones, but the Velcro's gone on them. Buy a decent brand set and they'll last forever IMO.

[militantmandy]

didelydoo said:

I was just using some the gym have lying about...I've had a few sets of Strength Shop ones, but the Velcro's gone on them. Buy a decent brand set and they'll last forever IMO.

These are great:

https://www.strengthshop.co.uk/shop-by-brand/titan...

The SBD ones are also very nice.

[chris watton]

I have found that there are two things about diet and training I find hard - the first is, this time of year, leaving the warm cosy office/living room to go down to the cold damp garage. The second is diet, being hungry at around 9pm, but knowing that if you succumb, you'll go over the calorie intake for the day, and just before bed!
I don't mind the dull aches so much, after warming up, they always seem to dissipate..

I would love to put in the time and dedication didely does, but cannot help thinking I am too old (49 on Saturday)! for such a regime.

[Hoofy]

chris watton said:

I have found that there are two things about diet and training I find hard - the first is, this time of year, leaving the warm cosy office/living room to go down to the cold damp garage. The second is diet, being hungry at around 9pm, but knowing that if you succumb, you'll go over the calorie intake for the day, and just before bed!
I don't mind the dull aches so much, after warming up, they always seem to dissipate..

I would love to put in the time and dedication didely does, but cannot help thinking I am too old (49 on Saturday)! for such a regime.

1) Do something in the living room to get you hot enough to desire being somewhere cold and damp.
2) Save 200 kcals for the 9pm snack.

[didelydoo]

chris watton said:

I have found that there are two things about diet and training I find hard - the first is, this time of year, leaving the warm cosy office/living room to go down to the cold damp garage. The second is diet, being hungry at around 9pm, but knowing that if you succumb, you'll go over the calorie intake for the day, and just before bed!
I don't mind the dull aches so much, after warming up, they always seem to dissipate..

I would love to put in the time and dedication didely does, but cannot help thinking I am too old (49 on Saturday)! for such a regime.

Never too old! Call it a bulk, and up your calories a bit. Can't help with the coldness, but you'll warm up so enough, and that's when it's fun. The main thing is that you enjoy it, no point slogging away at something if you don't.

There's a masters class in powerlifting and Bodybuilding by the way... just saying

[TheBALDpuma]

Pvapour said:

Thanks, I see exactly where you're coming from, I share the 'like feeling big' although as i get older i feel less need for this & have been drawn more and more toward leanness and increased functionality (keep going all day all week without getting tired)

I suspect the different paths that got us started in the first place left us hooked on particular things, something that happend may have made us feel inadequate in some way, i never felt weak or small though but was always praised on my shape, heart broken at 12 by the love of my life i started to enhance what i'd been lead to beleive was a strength to show her what she'd let go.

thats what got me going but very soon after lots of other things came into play for me that were far more important but if I look at my attitude today I think its very clearly still there as my main drive if i'm honest, more a curiousity now in what I can retain with my years but still there in a way.

I think a balanced physique and lifestyle have been my goals tbh, I avoid any obsession with any one thing in particular as it unbalnces everrything else, i'm having to be very carefull right now as I so want to train all teh time, I physicaly stop myself by recording hrs trained etc to keep a tab on it, like any addiction really, reading DDs efforts over the past 2 months made me very wary tbh, admired in one way but the thought of the impact that would have on my home life is a scary thought.

eta: thx for sumo explantion, so cheating then I'll have go at that then

Edited by Pvapour on Tuesday 17th November 12:08

I suspect one big driver for me is competition with my Twin brother! Although, he doesn't train any more he did when we both started and like you just got hooked.

Yes, sumo is literally cheating!