When to Start Direct Arm Work (curls, etc)

DawnEmbers

#teamnocalves hehe. Now I want to check on my youtube subscriptions cause one of the guys there talks about not working his calves ever. Like curls, it's in the current program or else I wouldn't do them. And I wonder if the standing calf machine ever comes with a smaller setting. It's almost not short enough for me.

DavPul

jemhh wrote: »

DawnEmbers wrote: »

I'd head something similar before. Think it was in Men's Health magazine, the one with Kevin Hart on the cover. He said something about so many pull ups before worrying about curls. I was bored and with no customers so was looking it up since I at least knew who he was, unlike the golfer cover and such.

I only do curls because they are in the program I'm using at this time. I don't see the appeal and still find the ez curl bar awkward in general. Seated db curls, also not a fan of those. But it says to do them, so that is what I will do. I haven't even tried to do a chin up in years. So much effort to find something just to reach the bars. I did try the assistance machine and the weights stop when top of my head reaches the handles. (Translation = I'm short)

Though this could be an excuse not to do things. "Some post online said don't do curls." hmmm Tempting. Is there also something you can post about not working calves? *awaits*

Calves are totally genetic. No point in working them. (Kidding. Work them if you want.)

Have we checked to see what Cressey says about this before giving her permission to work her calves?

rosebette

What is this based on? I've never been able to do a chin up, and many of my fit female friends can't either. Does that mean we shouldn't be doing bicep curls with weights?

richln

Everybody knows that curls are for the girls...

christch

I was worried there for a moment because i can just do a couple of sets on the assisted pullup machine and at this rate I'd never pick up db to do biceps curl. Prefer preacher curl on cable anyway. Damn girly muscles and long legs

FatMoojor

Cherimoose wrote: »

FatMoojor wrote: »

Why not just concentrate on various compound exercises which work the arms instead of worrying about "direct arm work".

One reason is that outside the gym, the curling movement is fairly common when lifting heavy objects, so it's a valid movement to train. Personally i think it's kinda boring, so i add a shoulder press at the top of the curl.

When lifting any heavy objects outside of the gym, it is very unlikely you are going to be lifting using the curling movement. You are more likely using a combination of squat and deadlift, unless you want to do yourself an injury lifting heavy objects.

Krisfit40

If your goal is to only be able to do pull ups then this is a great theory. But if you are like most in the gym and you want to look good then you need to spend time on every muscle. Just because someone you don't know and will never meet says you shouldn't do curls doesn't mean they know what your goals are. If you want big arms then work them out.

FatMoojor

Packerjohn

rosebette wrote: »

What is this based on? I've never been able to do a chin up, and many of my fit female friends can't either. Does that mean we shouldn't be doing bicep curls with weights?

It's based on the idea that generally compound movements are more efficient/effective for building strength/muscle and athletic performance.

Nothing wrong with doing some curls. IMO, lifting is similar to eating, 80-90% of your time/effort should be compound movements, just like 80-90% of your eating should be nutrient dense food.