Getting discouraged. Lean bulk or cut? What should I do?
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To OP; Plenty of great advise given and I won't repeat what's already been said. I am, however, interested in your progress as I am on a cut as well. BTW, which program did you decide to go with?0
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5x50
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All right all right. I'm sorry guys. It's NOT my intention to rile everyone up and start fights. Seriously, I am a person who likes everything ironed out. Not possible in something in weight lifting. Something I ALWAYS struggle with. I realize 100% my lifts are no where near good enough, and I have stalled way too quickly, even while I was bulking. Maybe this was because I started too heavy.
I will knock down the weight #s for the next few weeks and work up from there. ****FOLLOWING THE PROGRAM TO A T**** If I stall again, I will be back, and hopefully you all can help me with any issues I may be experiencing. Today's post that has spurred such a frenzy of comments was really just to get a better understanding of why I need to start my lift # So low. To me, it sounds counter productive, but I am by NO MEANS any expert at ALL (obviously) so I trust what you all tell me.
Please just help each other and yes, some of us are dense (or VERY dense) when it comes to stuff like this. I am actually a pretty intellectual person, but it takes a special kind of intellect to be good at understanding things that aren't so 1 + 1 = 2. In this case, 1 + 1 = 3,4,5,-3 ... Depending on your own circumstances. Thanks for continuing to entertain me Blane questions. I DO listen to you all and I DO my own research. It's just a matter of putting it into practice
Thanks again all - no hard feelings I hope. I'll reach out again in a few weeks.
Just re-quoting the OP to continue the discussion. Although nothing more really needs to be said at this point. Glad to see he's taking everything that was said into consideration and look forward to hearing how things are going in a month or two.
My only note would be to focus on form at the lighter weights. It starts light to build that foundation for later weeks. Perfect practice at the beginning when it is easier will go a long way.
I am for sure focusing on form (and breathing) although I have always been a stickler for good form.
This AM was my first workout using 65-70% of my 1 rep max. Overall, everything was fairly light (to be expected) other than my OHP. I dropped it down a bit, but maybe I need to drop it a bit more.
I'm using 65-70% because that's a medium between what ICF calls for (75%) vs what SL calls for (50%). I'm trying not to let the feeling that I didn't work "hard" today get me down or tempt me to up the weight fast. I'm nervous about progressing too quickly, though, and stalling again quickly. I've been doing more reading in the importance of starting light and building up. I wish I paid more attention to that 3 years ago.
I know I said I'll reach out in a few weeks, but maybe using this as a training log every few workouts or so could be beneficial, esp since most of you know my background by now.
Side note: I realized I achieved the same type of thing with my DL. It's by no means extraordinary, but I started light at about 90 lbs, and found my self up to 250 lbs in a matter of months. Probably my strongest lift, and very possibly because I started LIGHTER (mainly to focus on form) and built up slowly from there. I just noticed that in my training journal, and I found the answer in something I've already accomplished.
Thanks for your continued support and feedback. I will try to not ask the same ?s over and over, just give my own feedback on how my workouts are progressing.0 -
See, it worksSide note: I realized I achieved the same type of thing with my DL. It's by no means extraordinary, but I started light at about 90 lbs, and found my self up to 250 lbs in a matter of months. Probably my strongest lift, and very possibly because I started LIGHTER (mainly to focus on form) and built up slowly from there. I just noticed that in my training journal, and I found the answer in something I've already accomplished.
If you think journaling more here would help, by all means do it. Especially if you're tempted to increase too fast. We'll talk reason to you
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Yes, it does seem light but think of the fact that there is a relationship between your 1rm and the number of reps you can do at a lighter weight so if you go down and up your reps your max rises to. As you increase your weight back up and keep the reps up your max continues to rise. This is how periodization works.
My first program was a 6 to 8 week cycle setup to increase 1rm for the next peak by around 10-15% depending on how advanced a lifter you are. Each deload was 65% of taget 1rm at 12 reps then progressing to 10 at 75%, 8 at 80% etc. Until you got to the new 1rm. It's a simple and old program but it works by allowing your body to recover from heavy low rep work while still progressing in strength.
Try your program as written and you will start to see the logic of it as you make gains.0 -
Sounds good, OP. Looking forward to see how you feel in another couple of sessions!0
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What to do about guys who hog the only squat rack in my gym and spend 80% of their time on their phone?0
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I have to say, second day of my lighter lifting and it's not much better and I'm feeling discouraged
I see all these guys around me lifting so much more, seemingly putting in so much more effort. (My lifts were light today and I didn't even break a sweat). I feel so puny next to everyone. I know I shouldn't compare, but it's hard not to. I hope this time is different. I still don't feel like I'm doing this "right". We'll see....
And I never got to do squats because someone was on the squat rack the ENTIRE time I was there. Same person for an hour. Isn't that a little insane? What are some ways I can ask to work in/etc? It would have been easier if he wasn't 5 inches shorter than me.
Also, the bar was being used on the bench. I wasn't sure if DB bent over rows are acceptable, but I did those instead. How do you all work around not being able to do the exercises in the order you need?0 -
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Try not to let it distract you. Although I am a beginner and train at home, I'm almost 100% positive that about 95+% of all guys who train (yourself included) can probably put up numbers much higher than I can on almost every exercise. But although my lifts are puny, I know am at least making progress compared to day 1.I see all these guys around me lifting so much more, seemingly putting in so much more effort. (My lifts were light today and I didn't even break a sweat). I feel so puny next to everyone. I know I shouldn't compare, but it's hard not to.
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I have to say, second day of my lighter lifting and it's not much better and I'm feeling discouraged
I see all these guys around me lifting so much more, seemingly putting in so much more effort. (My lifts were light today and I didn't even break a sweat). I feel so puny next to everyone. I know I shouldn't compare, but it's hard not to. I hope this time is different. I still don't feel like I'm doing this "right". We'll see....
And I never got to do squats because someone was on the squat rack the ENTIRE time I was there. Same person for an hour. Isn't that a little insane? What are some ways I can ask to work in/etc? It would have been easier if he wasn't 5 inches shorter than me.
Also, the bar was being used on the bench. I wasn't sure if DB bent over rows are acceptable, but I did those instead. How do you all work around not being able to do the exercises in the order you need?
Definitely don't judge people for hogging equipment if you don't let it be known you need the equipment also. Ask to work in, and even if they don't want to trade off sets, a lot of time they will go a little faster if they realize someone else needs the rack.
Personally, I go on off times (at gym opening time in the mornings). If the squat racks are full and I'm not squatting too heavy (as in I don't think I'll fail), I'll usually pull the bar off the upright bench press and squat with that (I can duck under the front supports and get it into back squat position safely).
And definitely don't compare yourself to other people. Just try and do your thing without watching the others. Your weights will increase steadily, but there will always be someone stronger than you. That's fine, just keep doing what you're doing.0 -
I have to say, second day of my lighter lifting and it's not much better and I'm feeling discouraged
I see all these guys around me lifting so much more, seemingly putting in so much more effort. (My lifts were light today and I didn't even break a sweat). I feel so puny next to everyone. I know I shouldn't compare, but it's hard not to. I hope this time is different. I still don't feel like I'm doing this "right". We'll see....
And I never got to do squats because someone was on the squat rack the ENTIRE time I was there. Same person for an hour. Isn't that a little insane? What are some ways I can ask to work in/etc? It would have been easier if he wasn't 5 inches shorter than me.
Also, the bar was being used on the bench. I wasn't sure if DB bent over rows are acceptable, but I did those instead. How do you all work around not being able to do the exercises in the order you need?
First, check the ego at the door because that IS the first rule of doing your own workout. It's yours and no one else really cares, trust me on that they are too worried about their own to worry about yours. If anyone is doing some kind of measuring you up then that's their hang up not yours so don't sweat it.
As for the squat rack, just ask to work in politely. In 30 years of working out I've only had one issue with someone being an idiot and I told that rather bluntly. I'm sure I surprised him since he was a lot big than me but after that he had not issue letting me work in. Also, when I'm on leg day I do about 45 mins of rack time since I'm doing 3 different squats (Olympic, front, and OHS) but I'm always happy to offer people the chance to work in if they like. At my current gym no one actually has taken my offer since we do have 3 racks but there is always a wait for them. You might see people do rows in a rack on off hours but at least no one has been brave enough to try to curl in the rack.
If you have a gym that only has one squat rack you might want to find a better gym.
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I have to say, second day of my lighter lifting and it's not much better and I'm feeling discouraged
I see all these guys around me lifting so much more, seemingly putting in so much more effort. (My lifts were light today and I didn't even break a sweat). I feel so puny next to everyone. I know I shouldn't compare, but it's hard not to. I hope this time is different. I still don't feel like I'm doing this "right". We'll see....
And I never got to do squats because someone was on the squat rack the ENTIRE time I was there. Same person for an hour. Isn't that a little insane? What are some ways I can ask to work in/etc? It would have been easier if he wasn't 5 inches shorter than me.
Also, the bar was being used on the bench. I wasn't sure if DB bent over rows are acceptable, but I did those instead. How do you all work around not being able to do the exercises in the order you need?
It's fine to look to others for motivation, but not a good idea to compare yourself to others. There are so many factors that contribute to a persons strength and physique that are unique to them. Individual leverages, training age, size, even gear use... These are all things outside of your control. Control what you CAN control.... your personal progress from here on out.
As for the lifts...
1. Ask to work in
2. Ask how much longer. Some people don't like being confronted, or people waiting on them... so they might hurry up.
3. Find a new gym with better/more equipment.
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It's ok that I badically didn't work up a sweat during my workout? Is that normal when going down to lighter weights like I did?0
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I used to work up a sweat every time I lifted. Maybe that's because I was putting in too much effort? Aka pushing myself too hard?0
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I used to work up a sweat every time I lifted. Maybe that's because I was putting in too much effort? Aka pushing myself too hard?
Why do you keep harping on minor details? Did you feel like you had a good workout? Did you take any positives out of it? Is there anything you saw you can do better next time? You're worried about sweat and other people, what about the real factors?
I guess that's what I mean. As far as if I felt like I got a good workout: not really. It was light (but I need to accept that it will be like that for the next few weeks or so)0 -
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lower weight, higher rep.
remeber that even though you are trying to cut you still need the calories for energy, fats for your joints and protein for sustaining the energy from calories so you don't tank out.
if you can find a place that has it look into doing a samon ladder excercise. works on your core, shoulders and arms.
its better for you if you tone what you have, but, you wil have more energy and stamina for your work outs and will be more alert and prepared for things in your daily life.
also if there is a Ninja Warrior gym anywhere near you i would like into that. speed, agility, endurance gives you a whole different way to work out that you can be proud of and see more results in what you can and can't you. Confidence is key to everything.
Always told my hockey students "if you know you are going to fall, make it look good and do it with confidence."
Good luck and keep your head up.
P.S. one of my past sensei was a small gal and she could lift my then 180lbs with out breathing hard and through me accross a room. size is not always a guarentee of strength.0 -
singingdispatch100 wrote: »lower weight, higher rep.
remeber that even though you are trying to cut you still need the calories for energy, fats for your joints and protein for sustaining the energy from calories so you don't tank out.
if you can find a place that has it look into doing a samon ladder excercise. works on your core, shoulders and arms.
its better for you if you tone what you have, but, you wil have more energy and stamina for your work outs and will be more alert and prepared for things in your daily life.
also if there is a Ninja Warrior gym anywhere near you i would like into that. speed, agility, endurance gives you a whole different way to work out that you can be proud of and see more results in what you can and can't you. Confidence is key to everything.
Always told my hockey students "if you know you are going to fall, make it look good and do it with confidence."
Good luck and keep your head up.
P.S. one of my past sensei was a small gal and she could lift my then 180lbs with out breathing hard and through me accross a room. size is not always a guarentee of strength.
Solid 3rd post.
Thanks for jumping in on page 16 to offer random advice that has nothing to do with his goals. Also, I'd like to know how you "tone what you have". The concept of tone is lower body fat with just okay muscle (basically the goal is to be thin and not flabby). This guy is cutting before a bulk, so he's actually looking for size down the road.
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Va check out Herbalife 24 products! www.herbalife.com/elizabethstairs/en-us You look great & don't be discouraged, be consistent. When it gets hard you are usually about to breakthrough so hang in there! Liz
That is a clear violation of TOR, this is your page and this is clearly spam. Please leave.
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JeffseekingV wrote: »
Dear Jeff,
What does this even mean?
Thank you,
USMC-MP
P.S. He is on a cut, as he's stated multiple times over the previous 13 pages.0 -
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Day 3 of my adjustments:
Pretty OK day. ICF calls for progression every other workout while on cut, so I repeated the same weights as I did the time before. Still focusing on form and breathing, and trying to pay more attention to how the sets FEEL rather than just getting them done. It felt slightly lighter this time, which I assume is a good thing and hopefully next workout I will be able to progress.
Looking forward to finally being as lean as I can, and then beginning to bulk. I hate eating a lot so thats my only problem... I will have to figure out a way to get 4k calories in on my new schedule eventually. Feeling quite small at the moment, but I don't want to stop my cut now and give up.0 -
You hate eating a lot? I wish I had that problem...I can tuck away 3000 cals in one sitting easily (past experience has proven this).
Keep on keeping on. Look forward to increasing the weights next time and keep up the good work!0
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