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When are you strong enough?
tomcornhole
Posts: 1,084 Member
So I started barbell lifting in March to see what that's all about. I liked it and set some simple goals: Deadlift 8 plates, Squat 6 plates, bench 4 plates and overhead press 2 plates. No particular reason for those except they are easy to remember and they seemed high enough to challenge me for a long time. I've made good progress and those goals are within sight. But then what? I don't need to be that strong. I don't need to lose weight. I don't need to add muscle. I don't want to keep beating the crap out of my body going for ever heavier weights. I would be perfectly happy getting to 5x5 at each of those weight goals and staying there forever.
So, why do you want to be strong and how strong do you want to be?
Tom
So, why do you want to be strong and how strong do you want to be?
Tom
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Replies
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I will never be strong enough.0
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I want to be strong enough to do certain bodyweight moves. I don't know why I picked them except that they are cool and intrigue me.
Some are used in the dance I like to do. I'll be really impressive at a Greek wedding! Oh, Id better make sure to be able to do them drunk, too *makes note to self*0 -
I want to be strong enough to do 4 good sets of wide-grip pull-ups. That seems like enough right now, but when I do it, I'll probably end up wanting to do the same thing with a 45-lb plate hanging from my belt, and so on...and so on...
I get what you mean about not wanting to keep beating your body down with heavier and heavier weights though...as long as I keep setting goals and reaching toward them, that's enough for me.
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Over the past three months I've moved from "untrained" to "novice", which I'm super-stoked about. The next goal is "intermediate" - somewhere around 200+ bench press and 300+ on squat and dead lift. Will probably take a year to get there.
Beyond that, I don't know!0 -
You're never strong enough. The bar (pun kind of intended) keeps moving. It's like any other pursuit in life, the minute you stop reaching further, you stop reaching at all.
When I started lifting, a two plate (225lb) squat seemed unattainable and now it's kind of meh, been there, done that. Same with a three plate deadlift. However, as with any other sport or pursuit, the longer you do it, the smaller the gains become and the harder and smarter you have to be to get them.
To me, it's like a drug, pushing for more and more.0 -
So, why do you want to be strong and how strong do you want to be?
I lift to be prepared for life's challenges outside the gym, both routine stuff and emergencies. That to me requires having a good diversity of movement skills as much as strength, so i choose exercises that train both. Once i hit a plateau in weight on an exercise, i usually modify it to vary the skills and muscles trained. For example..
I was doing the single-arm bar press for a while:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpFafbiPPwc
..then i progressed to a faster version of it, sort of like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoddIsz59cI
..then added a squat to it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uY28b5YmDs
Each modification usually requires reducing the weight then gradually working back up. So for me it's sort of a never-ending process of modifying an exercise, getting strong at it, then modifying again. It keeps the workouts interesting & avoids burn-out, and it's kept me in good shape.0 -
As strong as I can possibly be.
Because once you have no goals left to reach, why bother?0 -
I can never be strong enough; only want to get as strong as humanly possible for me (and I'm female). I love being strong and becoming stronger. Strange how many women don't embrace it as much... or are in fear of becoming too strong.
I want to be the strongest!!0 -
Great responses. I get the goal setting. I wanted to be a fighter pilot at age 7. Did that for 20 years. That required a bit of strength and a lot of mental toughness. Very simar to strength training except the only person trying to kill you is you. I have a new life goal but it doesn't require more strength than I have now so this is just a hobby for me.0
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I'm always striving to be stronger. I remember wanting to do a proper push up on my toes. I did them on the wall and on the desk while I was building up my upper body strength. One day I tried to do one on the floor and was able to do three in a row. I kept going until I was able to do at least 20 non-stop.
Then I moved on to wanting to hold a plank. I did the same thing above and with lots of practice I am now able to do more advanced planks with ease.
Now I'm wanting to do proper chin-up and I will get there.
I'm always growing and wanting to challenge myself - not just regarding fitness but with life in general. I can't see myself ever saying "I'm strong enough so I will stop". There is always something else I can try to conquer. 0 -
The zombie/alien/EMP induced/solar flare/twerk apocalypse is coming.
I intend to be the muscle of the group. So NEVER0 -
I will never be strong enough.
This!
It drives my husband nuts.0 -
For Me it is always striving to be better than I was the last time I tried and that goal is in every aspect of my life.... I always am pushing to be better than I was the day before and that goes in the weight room as well.....0
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I used to think I couldn't be strong at all. Now every time I discover that I'm stronger than before, I'm delighted. I can't imagine ever being "done".0
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I used to think I couldn't be strong at all. Now every time I discover that I'm stronger than before, I'm delighted. I can't imagine ever being "done".
This ^ Every time I get to a new weight on lifts, I want more.0 -
The zombie/alien/EMP induced/solar flare/twerk apocalypse is coming.
I intend to be the muscle of the group. So NEVER
"Twerk Apocalypse" -- might well be the most funny/scary thing I've ever read!0 -
I don't want to keep beating the crap out of my body going for ever heavier weights. I would be perfectly happy getting to 5x5 at each of those weight goals and staying there forever.
thats what you think now but believe me as soon as you hit those you will see that you are still not satisfied.0 -
One issue is the increasing risk of injury. Too many lifters have some kind of joint issue. You might as well eat 10 Big Macs every day because you'll also have joint issues but at least you'll feel satisfied. :laugh:
At the moment, my right elbow aches from strength training. I've had it for the last 3 or so months. Climbing doesn't help. Speaking of which, I've gathered loads of injuries from rock climbing. And they say exercise is good for you.
Moving forward, you could look at calisthenics. There's a ****load of moves I want to be able to do.
http://youtu.be/GhiyHUg2TZY 0 -
It reminds me of that question "Are you fit?" The correct answer is: fit for what? Fit for running a marathon? Fit for sitting in front of the TV? Fit for climbing Everest?
Since it's relative, then you would probably benefit from setting specific goals.0 -
One issue is the increasing risk of injury. Too many lifters have some kind of joint issue. You might as well eat 10 Big Macs every day because you'll also have joint issues but at least you'll feel satisfied. :laugh:
At the moment, my right elbow aches from strength training. I've had it for the last 3 or so months. Climbing doesn't help. Speaking of which, I've gathered loads of injuries from rock climbing. And they say exercise is good for you.
Moving forward, you could look at calisthenics. There's a ****load of moves I want to be able to do.http://youtu.be/GhiyHUg2TZY
My point exactly. Risk vs. Reward. I have no use for a 400 lbs squat. Except to say I can squat 300 lbs. I do enjoy lfiting and will continue, but my goals may get boring. But who knows. Maybe when I get to 300 I will want 400. We'll see.
There seems to be an implication that good enough in weight lifting equates to mediocrity in the rest of one's life. Not true for me.0 -
What program are you doing? I got to the point with SS that I was really on burn out and not enjoying it anymore...I felt like I was running my body through the ringer and couldn't take it and it left me feeling too waisted to do and enjoy other aspects of fitness. I was just completely burned out.
I switched to Wendler's 5/3/1 program and I'm loving it. The progression is a bit slower, but that leaves you a lot more fresh for other things as well. I also like the fact that there are any number of assistance templates to work with and they don't undermined the basic underlying principles of the program. There are also a lot of options in RE to frequency...i.e. traditional 4 X splits, 3X splits, and 2X splits.
Might be worth looking into. My goals are pretty simple where it comes to lifting...I want to be strong and I want to maintain my physique...I have no desire to be a world class power lifter or anything...0 -
What program are you doing? I got to the point with SS that I was really on burn out and not enjoying it anymore...I felt like I was running my body through the ringer and couldn't take it and it left me feeling too waisted to do and enjoy other aspects of fitness. I was just completely burned out.
I switched to Wendler's 5/3/1 program and I'm loving it. The progression is a bit slower, but that leaves you a lot more fresh for other things as well. I also like the fact that there are any number of assistance templates to work with and they don't undermined the basic underlying principles of the program. There are also a lot of options in RE to frequency...i.e. traditional 4 X splits, 3X splits, and 2X splits.
Might be worth looking into. My goals are pretty simple where it comes to lifting...I want to be strong and I want to maintain my physique...I have no desire to be a world class power lifter or anything...
I switched over to 5/3/1 3 months ago for the reasons you cited. SS was wearing me out. I really like 5/3/1. Much better for recovery.0 -
I'm a powerlifter so never strong enough.
For a good general strength level I think 1rm aound 2x bw squat, 2.5xbw deadlift, 1.25xbw bench and .8xbw SOHP are good goals.0 -
I want to be strong because once upon a time I coudlt walk after I got run over by an 18 wheeler, less than a handful of months after escaping a cult community in the louisiana swamp.
now im in NYC, deadlifting 200 pounds and training for a tough mudder next month.
I want to be strong because im abnormally hungry for life and wont accept being sidelined.0 -
One issue is the increasing risk of injury. Too many lifters have some kind of joint issue. You might as well eat 10 Big Macs every day because you'll also have joint issues but at least you'll feel satisfied. :laugh:
At the moment, my right elbow aches from strength training. I've had it for the last 3 or so months. Climbing doesn't help. Speaking of which, I've gathered loads of injuries from rock climbing. And they say exercise is good for you.
Moving forward, you could look at calisthenics. There's a ****load of moves I want to be able to do.http://youtu.be/GhiyHUg2TZY
Do you do much mobility work? I also get joint pain but try to stay on top of mobility.
Part of it may be age. My husband and I have discussed this type of thing many times as he competes as well. He's 55 and I'm almost 49. Nagging issues will come up for both of us. However, when I talk to other people our age who don't lift or push themselves physically in some capacity they have significantly more nagging issues with their bodies than we do. It's kind of like you pick your poison.0 -
I think I'm coming from the same place you are, OP, in that I'm at the point where I'm ok if I don't improve beyond this. I'm happy with my abilities and accomplishments. And I have a whole pile of other goals in life to conquer beyond running fast and/or picking up heavy things.
Athleticism isn't a high priority for me, just like my other goals and ambitions aren't a priority for other people. That doesn't mean I'm going to become a devout couch potato. I'm just not interested in becoming the world's strongest woman.0 -
When Sheryl Crow tells you that you are strong enough. Till then, man up.0
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One issue is the increasing risk of injury. Too many lifters have some kind of joint issue. You might as well eat 10 Big Macs every day because you'll also have joint issues but at least you'll feel satisfied. :laugh:
At the moment, my right elbow aches from strength training. I've had it for the last 3 or so months. Climbing doesn't help. Speaking of which, I've gathered loads of injuries from rock climbing. And they say exercise is good for you.
Moving forward, you could look at calisthenics. There's a ****load of moves I want to be able to do.http://youtu.be/GhiyHUg2TZY
Do you do much mobility work? I also get joint pain but try to stay on top of mobility.
Part of it may be age. My husband and I have discussed this type of thing many times as he competes as well. He's 55 and I'm almost 49. Nagging issues will come up for both of us. However, when I talk to other people our age who don't lift or push themselves physically in some capacity they have significantly more nagging issues with their bodies than we do. It's kind of like you pick your poison.
By mobility, you mean stretching? I can do the splits if that helps (martial arts background). Climbing requires a good degree of flexibility, too.
I know what you mean about picking your poison. I don't intend to stop doing sports in preference for leading an unhealthy life. I enjoy sports too much! My sports injuries do spoil the fun somewhat, though.0 -
As strong as I can possibly be.
Because once you have no goals left to reach, why bother?
^^^ This
I want to be stronger than I was yesterday. Which the same answer I will give you tomorrow.0 -
also I think a lot of us arent doing this to lose weight or get to a certain level of strength, I think we just truly love the entire process and dont feel like we are beating the crap out of our bodies - more like improving ourselves to optimum levels.0
This discussion has been closed.
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