jasonheyd Member

I'd probably just skip the medium day, and then do the medium work on the light day. I typically skip the light day on week 5 of a cycle just to give myself a bit more rest going into the weight increase of a new cycle.

Yep.

Yeah, was thinking about that... I just hate repeating right in the middle of a cycle, which is where my break will hit. Not sure why but, when I break after the 3rd week, it really interrupts the flow and it never feels "right" when I get back to it, even if I repeat the week where I left off. Usually I end up restarting…

So, if you fail the first set, there shouldn't be a second set: In general, that means, for whatever reason, you're tapped out. Pushing into the 2nd set for endurance isn't going to gain you much of anything except punishment, and -- I'd image -- is more likely to risk injury. If you've been sick, that's probably why…

Hey all. I use a Google spreadsheet that I created (linked above) to track what weight I'm working with on a given day, but I've been using Gym Hero and GymTimer to track my workouts & rest periods on my iPhone: Gym Hero: http://bit.ly/1glTxGY GymTimer: http://bit.ly/IiZWGZ I actually think Jefit's a better app than Gym…

Yep, it is, but it's got the potential to be far more complicated than the basic 5x5 or 3x5 programs. :) I do think that's better and probably allows for longer & more balanced gains. But, at the same time, the flexibility of APs intermediate programs can be a little daunting for some folks. If you want variety, AP's…

I think a lot of folks jump into other routines well before they're beyond "beginner" stages, if only to add some variety to the workout routine... For me, that's around a 240 lb. 1 RM for bench and a 320 lb. 1 RM squat. I'm pretty sure I'm nowhere near that point but, fortunately, I haven't really been fighting boredom…

I saw //kate's reply as well... Her reply seemed a little "out of line" to me when I read it. Strange for a company the size of Polar to have someone reply in such a blunt way -- to the effect of "go pound sand" -- while "speaking for the company." Chris' post here seems a little more in line with what I'd expect...…

Even if that's the case, if it pairs once, you may need to reset the device to get it to pair to a difference device. The Fitbit Flex is similar. If you pair it to one phone, then pair it to another phone, you sometimes have to reset the Flex before you can get it to re-pair with the first phone. It's a little wonky to be…

Yep, glad it improved. Like a few folks have said, I've found that if I have to take an unscheduled break, I pretty much have to restart the cycle. I've also found that any break of greater than one week almost always sets me back a bit on squats and bench press. Even if I try to keep the my progress "parked" by hitting a…

Yes. Of course it does. ;-) Not sure if it was clear, but I was referring to the difference between someone posting "This^" vs. clicking "Like" ... In terms of sentiment, it's pretty much the same, Although, in fairness, there is a difference... A "like" click & counter takes up less space cra__ing up the thread with bumps…

Not sure how ... ... is any different from ...

I liked the idea of the Loop, but the more I read, the less enthused I become. There's some info over on the Polar forums re: Loop and (the seemingly unlikely) integration with MFP, as well as some limitations of the HRM integration: http://forum.polar.fi/showthread.php?p=78421 Sadly, Polar's never really been known for…

Welcome to the new folks. Good to see a few new faces around. :)

If you haven't tried a straight fiber supplement, it might help... http://www.nowfoods.com/Psyllium-Husk-Powder-24oz.htm 1 tbsp / day, and I usually mix it into 1/4 cp or so of apple juice + 3/4 cp water. I generally get plenty of fiber through my diet, but skipping the Psyllium powder = bad news. :grumble:

Agreed with the above... Running outside's going to be harder. It could be as simple as the surface you're running on, but check your pace and your gait. The treadmill controls your run more than you think. Allergies, temperature & humidity can play a big role as well, at least when you're first starting... That part's…

Congrats. :)

Sure thing. There's mixed "science" on calf raises, so Google around & see what works for you. Narrow/wide stance, different bends in the knee, toes pointed in/out. I figure since most of the routine's standing, my calves are getting pretty well worked without getting too fancy. ;-)

I pretty much stay with the same grip & stance, for a few different reasons. For one, most of these exercises are compound & specifically focused on certain, generally larger, muscles or muscle groups. So, for example, I don't want to go narrow-grip on the bench-press to isolate triceps when it's primarily intended to be a…

One of my quick go-to snacks: 100g of Fage 0% + a teaspoon of Truvia + a teaspoon of lemon or lime juice.

Agreed. My usual approach on test week is to do the Medium day and skip the light day. I'm not sure if that's the best approach, but it's worked for me.

Just to be clear, I never said, "It's the shoes" in the sense that the wrong shoes cause the problem. ;-) My point was simply that the right shoes can help if there are other issues at play, and those issues are not necessarily overcome simply by progressing slowly... which is, regardless, sound advice but not necessarily…

Pretty much agreed, but... ... not 100% sold on that, although I think a large contingent of the minimalist camp feels largely the same way. Personally, running in a pair of Brooks neutral shoes and a pair of Brooks support shoes is like night and day. With the former, I have hip pain, with the latter I do not. I can tell…

If you can, go to a reputable place and have them do a gait analysis to see what kind of shoe you need. Even if that's not an option, go to a store and try on different shoes & different brands. Chances are some of them will feel "right" and some will feel "wrong". If you can't find a place to do a gain analysis, check…

Yep, it can take a while to get out of the "beginner" levels. I kinda doubt I'll get back to my own former level any time soon. I'm working out a lot less often & just doing it more for general fitness than anything else. My wife even claims my current physique's acceptable, so I'm not too worried about buffing up. ;-)

Yeah, I'm floating between 155 and 160 lbs right now, but my bench is only at 110. That's a lot less than I used to push, but it's a lot more than I was at before I started lifting again. :)

Yep, the cuts ware likely to slow things down in terms of progress, but I think that approach matches your goals. I've been on a mild cut for a couple of cycles since, and I'm getting pounded by bench press this time. Week 3 I only managed 10/8 and week 4 was 11/10. Not feeling too good about actually managing 12/12 next…

Nice progress. Definitely seeing some changes in terms of definition. It's never an overnight thing, but with just two cycles in, it's showing. :)

To a point, size and strength aren't necessarily directly related or proportional. It's possible to strengthen muscle -- again, to a point -- without necessarily building new muscle mass. It won't work that way forever, but it's certainly possible that you're increasing strength while maintaining (or even slightly…

Congrats. Sounds like a good cycle! :)