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Suggestions for a new program
The fall months are arriving, which means sweaters will be worn, which means bulking can (and will) be done. I am looking for suggestions on a new program for this bulk. I have been lifting for about two and a half years. I did Lyle McDonald's generic bulk for a bit and recently did HST for awhile. While relatively happy…
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fake six pack
Here's a funny one: I'm having a two-pack, and when I flex my abs I'm just about seeing two more of those below. Only: they aren't muscles but pure padding. Anyone experience something similar?
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Visiting SideSteel: Oh my god..look at that...Boom...BOOM!
As you may be aware if you have seen SideSteel’s thread, we decided to each make a post about my recent visit to see him and his family, both because we thought it may be fun for the readers, but also because we wanted to document all the fun we had for lulz reading later. After much discussion for a long time about me…
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Knee Compression Sleeves?
OK, I have been watching a lot of YouTube vids trying to perfect my squat and deadlifts. Basically trying get different perspectives on the how to properly do the lifts. I have noticed a common theme lately that I hadn't caught before. The majority of lifters in those vides are wearing compression sleeves on their knees. I…
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The super duper Sara appreciation thread and Q&A!
Q: Who's the stronger half of the ETP group? A: Sara. Q: Who's the better looking half of the ETP group? A: Sara. Q: Who do we really want to answer our threads when we post a question? A: Sara. Q: Who do we all want to be like when we get to a ripe old age? A: Sara. Q: Who needs special pants because waist too small,…
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Hip impingement
So, I had what I thought might be a hip flexor, or even an adductor issue because I was getting pain in my hip in the squat position and getting out of cars, etc. It was the one thing that made me dread squats. Finally got to see a physical therapist, and she told me I had something called a hip impingement, basically…
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Cheat day has to go
I have always had a cheat day every Saturday for the last 2 1/2 years. Epic cheat days were 6,000+ calorie events. Normal ones were 4,500. Never had an issue losing weight because my non cheat days were at 1500 net calories average. I thought I had outsmarted the system, but the weekly average always came out to about TDEE…
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My 12 Weeks with SideSteel
I feel very fortunate that SideSteel selected me to participate in his online consulting project. During my first meeting with SideSteel he listened to my background and current goals while explaining his background and thoughts for helping me achieve my goals. My goal was purely aesthetic, I wanted to see my abs. Last…
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My Workout with SideSteel
So this morning I got to go workout with Patrick (SideSteel). He taught me how to do some lifts (deadlift, squat, bench) and I have to say, it was the most fun I've ever had at a gym! Pat made everything really easy for me to follow, and he explained everything to a nerdy degree (I loved it). We kept it really low key,…
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Squats with dumbbells
I'm following the SL 5X5 program and I workout at PF which does not have a squat rack. How should I hold the dumbbells when I do squats? Can I hold them down by my side or do I need to put them up on my shoulders? I have bypassed the preloaded bars with 60 lbs. I have doing goblet squats and I am at the top weight (70lb)…
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How frequently do you exercise?
Hi all! I'm a big fan of the group. Thanks to Sarauk and SideSteel for creating an oasis of logic in this sometimes-crazy website. I have a question for folks here- how frequently do you exercise? Background: I've been working out at home for about 40 minutes 4 times a week- 2 days walking on an incline treadmill, 2 days…
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Advice... cuz I'm a detail person
I'd love any feedback/suggestions about my program. Is there anything I could be doing better/different to more efficiently reach my goals? I'm 45. 142lb. 5'6". Approximately 25% body fat. Goals: 19% bf and to become as strong as possible. My program: M,W,F I lift for an hour with the help of a PT. Mostly doing squats,…
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Gym Fitness Assessment -- Eek! Advice please!
Hi all, Recovering crash dieter here, who has been eating at TDEE (or a bit higher) now for the last month or so... knew I gained back some weight, but had no idea how much until I went to a wonderful fitness assessment at my new gym today. Well.. that was certainly intimidating! Realized that all the home workouts I had…
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Strenght training program in a caloric deficit
Hello, I'm in a caloric deficit and will be for 6 more months. Up until 3 months ago I was following the Stronglifts 5x5 program, which I liked very much, and had good results in strenght gains. Then I had to stop due to a (minor) heart surgery, as my cardiologists seemed to think that weight lifting could be harmful for…
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That one time when Sara came to visit.
So let me first start off by saying that my wife has been incredibly patient and giving in that, for basically the entire time Sara was here, Jennifer allowed me to run around town with Sara, and Jennifer was the photographer and director in several of our photos. So anyways, the first thing I noticed when she came down…
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Switching Focus-When Did You Know It Was Time?
Hey all! My question today is for anyone that has made the transition from a cut to recomp. At what point did you decide to make the transition and what were your deciding factors in making the decision. Here is where I'm at: Yesterday was the 3 year anniversary of when I started losing. I've lost 71lbs and over 55" inches…
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Online Consulting -- wait list
Hey everyone! I'm currently at capacity for my consulting project. I wanted to thank those who have expressed interest and additionally thank the people who signed up. I've decided to temporarily stop adding additional clients just to make sure that I can effectively deliver the goods when my wife goes back to work next…
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Scheduling around gym access
I've been absent from the gym for a while, but last I was there I was following the All Pro's Beginner's routine. That had me at the gym 3x/week on non-consecutive days. I just returned to school, and it's a fair commute - about an hour to get there, and then another back. I'm in class Monday-Thursday, and in my hometown…
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What are your thoughts on a Lifting Program change?
Sara and SS, I've been following the beginner program of Starting Strength since January 2014. I've made some progress, though not as much as I would have liked. Here are stats on my primary lifts: Lift............................Jan 2014......June 2014 Low Bar Squat..............85................145 Dead…
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Which lifting program for size AND strength?
I'm not sure this is the right forum for this question, but, as other posters have said, the main forums get a little...weird...sometimes, and most of you seem like you know what you're talking about :) My sister and I are embarking on a bulking journey. She just finished 5th of 18 for her height class in an Open Figure…
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5/3/1 Scheduling Question
When I started 5/3/1, I obviously started at the beginning of the program with the 3X5 week. As a result, I hit the 5/3/1 week on all my lifts at the same time. I'm wondering if it would be better to stagger my 5/3/1 weeks. So, I would pull my heaviest deadlifts on that Monday. Wednesday, I would be on 3X3 for squats.…
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Texas Method
I went backwards a bit on my lifts today. I'm confused because I am not losing weight (or inches), but I'm eating at a deficit and it shows in the lifts. I don't think I can move forward much on my lifts at a deficit, but I'm not at my goal weight yet, and still have plenty of padding that needs to go. I'm thinking Texas…
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Not losing weight
I am currently looking to lose about 24lbs. I am 29, female, 5'4, 139lbs give or take. I have been yo-yoing the same 1lb since August. I run 6 miles a day 6 days week then about 25-45 min of cardio/aerobics. Food wise I'm a vegan, have two smoothies a day (one fruit, one green), sensible dinner, minimal snacking. Calorie…
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2 questions: 1) Etiquette 2) Form
Hi, so I've been off and on with lifting and I have recently redoubled my efforts to stick to a routine. After reading so many comments about form and etiquette, I am still confused and terrified of pissing someone off. 1)Etiquette: From what I have read and gleaned from forum posts is that the Squat Rack is for squats,…
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Competitive lifting networking?
I am new to all of this, but I have a goal of wanting to lift in at least one meet next year. I live in Northern Wisconsin and have not been able to find any one up in this area that knows anything about anything. I have a trainer that is helping me with weight loss etc and we are on our way there, he is helping me with…
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Interviewing MFP legends: MireyGal76 (unedited)
This is a small series of interviews conducted with certain MFP’ers who have been active in the community for a while now and are seen by many MFP users as knowledgeable, inspiring and in general, legends. Today I am interviewing MireyGal76. She is considered by many to have the ideal body. She can kick most of our butts…
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Calf cramps when lunging
I've been having a recurring issue with my calves cramping up badly -- particularly during static lunges, but really it's during any prolonged tension for a single leg. Example -- I take a class called bodycombat. One of the moves involves balancing on one leg while do a slow side kick. You pause in between kicks, but by…
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Anyone using a multi-grip / swiss bar
Thinking about getting one from Rogue to ease the shoulder stress on volume work: Either that or try some of these: Appreciate your thoughts. Tom
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My first MFP post
Hello, I am about two months into my weight loss efforts and I have lost about 10 pounds so far by just tracking my eating and exercise habits. I have not started an exercise routine yet but I am going to put something together and begin this week. I have a question about exercise timing and wanted to get some…
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Squat alternatives
I'm sure I could just google my question but I want to ask here, Are there alternatives to squat for someone like myself who has had back injury in the past and am afraid of re- injury?
