billkansas Member

Is this a measurement taken while flexing? I haven't checked for a decade and don't really train arms anymore but been thinking I'd like to again.. they just need some work and I probably need some motivation.

Sounds a bit hardcore especially since you also posted this in the "Gaining Weight & Body Building" forum.

I've learned a lot from my first cut that has been going on for most of 2019. I have lost some strength but I still value the experience. It's kind of good to know that you can drop 25 lbs when you want to. I haven't gotten as lean as I thought I would at this point and still have some stubborn belly fat. For now though…

Personally, I stop before performing isolation exercises. I just don't have the time. I prefer to load a barbell and squat, bench, or press it.. and then move on. Frankly, hypertrophy was never a goal that could keep me interested. It's too illusive. Seeing my compound/main lifts go up- that's the only thing I've found…

How's your squat, deadlift, and overhead press... going up? Put your mind to it and you could join the 1000 lb club by 50. Of course, this was my goal.... failed but still trying! Maybe by 51.

My (cheap) squat rack purchase took my home gym to another level. It was all I needed to run my "Starting Strength" type program at home. I can squat, bench, deadlift, press, and more- with no risk of dropping a bar on myself or others. My teens are all getting into it now too. If I had known what a great benefit that even…

Starting Strength (the book).

I bench in my garage in my squat rack with the safety bars low enough that I can touch the bar to my chest while my neck and face are safely protected from a drop. I typically do 3 or 4 sets of five (aka Starting Strength).

Another vote for "Starting Strength" and bulk. Don't waste your time getting overly complicated... squat, deadlift, bench, press, (maybe clean, maybe chins), repeat. Once you run the basics dry and can't add weight to these lifts then you can start throwing in the extras (dumbbells, funky bodybuilder stuff, etc.)

I'm still cutting since March and down 15 lbs. I'm continuing since my left glute pain is temporarily preventing heavy squats and deadlifts but it seems to be getting better. If I can't get strong, at least I can get lean in preparation of my next bulk.

Yeah, pfft science... let's just have a pose down. Whoever is more ripped is right (lol).

Sure appreciate this discussion. It sounds like soreness might be a negative indicator at least for intermediate lifters. Kind of a signal to back off the intensity and/or workout volume a bit of that particular workout and that you may need to get more clever in finding the right intensity/volume combination going forward…

I'd like to thank everyone for the chicken cooking ideas. I pulled out my old Instant Pot and put frozen chicken breasts (from Walmart), some chicken broth, and some spices (yes, I spiced the chicken frozen) and set it for 11 minutes, and then let it sit for 10 minutes in the pot after cooking (not dissipating pressure for…

Wondering how the daily chicken eaters cook their chicken? I'd like to eat chicken daily but can't imagine cooking it often enough to do that. Maybe you're eating (pre-cooked) chicken lunch meat or something like that?

I think you've got to have a goal in mind. I think the "get into the 63 kg weight class" is only part of it. What are your powerlifting goals? My goal (fwiw) is to join the 1000 lb club while limiting myself to two days per week at strength training. I've had a slight glute injury this year so I'm not adding weight to the…

I was thinking maybe he'd send a link to his online catalog- so I can shop and input my credit card number.

So Chieflrg, how could we get more info about your templates? Thanks,

Don't rule out free weights and especially barbell exercises. They provide the most benefit and are more fun. "Starting Strength" is a book and program that everyone can benefit from (even weaklings like myself). It is also a program you can do in your garage or basement. Congrats on your incredible willpower and…

As a tall, skinny guy my fear is the opposite... I fear I'll return to the weakling that I always was.

I think the longer that you strength train, eat well, and establish a healthy lifestyle the more confident in bulking and cutting you will get. After you've proven you can bulk and cut you'll feel like "I got this". So, the sooner you get started the sooner you will either succeed or fail.... might as well get started! I'm…

Well, just an update a year later. I've deloaded, deloaded, deloaded and keep thinking backing of heavier squats and deadlifts would help but to no avail. Still having left glute pain and weakness which really occurs at the top of my squat just as I am almost at the top of the lift. In addition, I did a bunch of yard work…

I don't think hunger goes away. It's a continual process of recommitting to your goals. Eat too much, dust yourself off, and commit again. That's my case, fwiw. I lose battles along the way, but overall am winning the war. The learning that comes from counting calories (and to a much lesser extent) macros- very…

I'm the type of person to get really gung-ho about the gym but my wife and kids (thankfully) bring me back to reality. Any extra workouts I fit in either include them or I go without. I strength train twice a week though alone... can't really include them in this.

I prefer the "low bar squat" as detailed in Starting Strength. I'm 6'-2" and as a tall guy think this method improved my ability to squat immeasurably.

Just chill and keep going Chloe. Keep getting stronger and do your best at eating healthy with more protein. One step at a time. I find "strength training" more satisfying than bodybuilding for this reason. "Strength" is easy to measure, faster to obtain, and takes less gym time. It sounds like you're beating yourself up…

Mine may be 4" and 6". I use 4" to deadlift and 6" for squat. This is the approach for most as I understand.

If sounds like you should cut down to about 160 lbs and stick to Strong Lifts. Then in 5 weeks you can start your bulk. Maybe abs will make it worth it.

Yes, get a belt. I own two (3" deadlifting, 4" for squat). I start putting my belt on for squats/deadlifts of 225 or more. In fact, I bought my wider belt after a back scare from some heavy squats a year or two ago. Paused squats (2 second pause at bottom) and slow cadence "3-0-3-0" squats (3 seconds down, 3 seconds up)…

So you are squatting and deadlifting 4 times per week? If so, that's probably too much volume. Do you use a weightlifting belt for heavy reps? Where did you learn the exercises? I recommend Starting Strength which has lots of free youtube instructional videos.

The gym is the easy part. It's the healthy eating that's tricky because my kids want to eat chicken nuggets, mac n cheese, chips, waffles, etc. I rarely hit my protein goal, but I'm pretty good at limiting my portions and losing weight. I know that I have to figure this out though to get to the next level.