Let's Get Strong!'s topics - tribe.net

Why are you training?

2008-10-03T01:13:32Z

Do you want to get big?
Do you aim to look buff and get attention?
Is it about functional strength?
Or what?

I train for strength and power - lower reps (1-6), high sets, lots of resistance. I am one of those guys who is strong but not big - dense muscles - due to genetic predisposition and training. No matter how heavy I have pushed I have never been over 78kg.

I look at these puffy dudes who train for size and think to myself "I bet they think they are stronger than me." There is this vain, superficial part of me that wishes that people would look at me and see how impressive I am - isn't that lame. But our society sees puffy dudes as the symbol of strength. This culture of the appearance of strength, flairing out one's lats and sticking your chest out, shits me.

However, then I realise that whilst I claim to train for functional strength and power (functional? who the hell needs to do one armed chin ups in their daily life?) I like to look impressive. Whilst it feels great to be strong and healthy isn't everyone motivated by the prospect of looking impressive or hot?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 8 replies

One armed chin-up challenge

2008-04-21T04:03:52Z

I need a new challenge and was wondering if anyone else was interested in giving this a go.
My reading online has suggested that not everyone has the physical makeup that will allow them to a one armed chin-up. I consider that a challenge.
I can do one armed pushups and dive bombers but never thought of trying the chin-up.
this link: http://www.beastskills.com/OneArmPull.htm has some great progressions and advice to achieve this.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 15 replies

Hula hoop your way to a strong body with my new instructional DVD!

2008-03-08T08:08:10Z

Hello fitness friends! I just wanted to put it out there that my new instructional DVD is now available which teaches how to use hula hoops for fun dancing and fitness...

Hope you enjoy it!

hugs
christabel

p.s. you can learn more about hoopdancing at my website www.hoopgirl.com (there are some demos that you can watch)
__________

HoopGirl™ HoopDance for Beginners instructional DVD is available for purchase!! This is a labor of love and I'm so excited to share it with you!

In this DVD you will learn 35 mesmerizing hoop moves and 4 dance combinations. Learn each move in the studio with close-ups and slow motion replays to accelerate your learning. Then watch performances filmed on the beautiful island of Maui. Be inspired by costumed dances in lagoons, waterfalls, rivers, cliffs and on beaches. Bonus material includes a looping dance segment which can be used as visuals for any occasion. Guest appearances by FireGroove! World beat electronic music soundtrack and chapter looping options. Approx 80 minutes in length. All orders will be shipped on November 24 (when DVDs arrive from press). 80 minutes. Letterbox format.

Note that mastery of the skills on this DVD enables you to enroll in the HoopGirl™ Teacher Training program.

Purchase your copy today at www.HoopGirl.com and click on "store"

Inquires for wholesale purchased by bellydance teachers or other merchants welcome! Contact Annie in the office for more details at admin@hoopgirl.com.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 3 replies

Work Out Music?

2007-11-30T20:26:17Z

I just got an Mp3 player to work out with and need to fill it with music. What is some of your favorite upbeat music? Songs? Artists?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 2 replies

Serious injury

2007-09-10T12:54:34Z

I read in a body building mag an article written by a female champ who said she first began due to a back injury.
She didn't say how bad it was...I'm just wondering if anyone's had to come back from serious spinal injury and went on to body building as a result?

If so I'd love to hear about it or any closely related stories thank you.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

sports hernia

2007-08-21T14:15:30Z

Anyone have any experience with a sports hernia a.k.a. gillmores groin (not a regular hernia) and treatment?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

Need some kettlebell help in Phoenix AZ

2007-07-21T05:07:55Z

Is there someone here in greater Phoenix area who can help me with my form and technique in my kettlebell routine? I’m on Social Security, obese and determined to change that. DVD’s are ok for the concepts, but some help with this from a knowledgeable person would be welcome.
Message me here on this site if you can help

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

Let's Get Strong in New Jersey

2007-07-17T18:48:39Z

Looking for guys to work out with in the great out doors.
OK how about a park in New Brunswick and/or Perth Amboy?
Push ups
Sit ups
Chin Ups Ect...

I'll shout encouraging rants in your face while you stran and
sweat under the hot New Jersey sun.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

Does anyone know about the APEX brand of supplemets?

2007-06-29T20:24:01Z

Does anyone know about the Apex brand of supplemtns?
Are they good?
Are they worth the price?
Are there better brands out there?

bigblackBOY

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 1 reply

Women's Wrestling for Fitness!

2007-05-15T08:38:59Z

Team Artemis NYC would like to invite the members of this group to check out our new Women’s Wrestling Club Tribe.

We run a female-managed training meet that is open to all women interested in learning about safe wrestling and grappling. The grappling work starts from a base of Brazilian jiujutsu. We also welcome practitioners other grappling styles, such as judo and Korean wrestling, as well as Western freestyle wrestling. On special occasions, we are visited by high-level guest instructors who give a specific lesson in bjj or other groundfighting arts.

Folks with prior wrestling & grappling experience are encouraged to share their knowledge in a "physical round table" style.

The group will announce our training sessions, competitive meets, promotional activities, and encourage discussion of the grappling arts for competition, fitness, self-defence, and empowerment.

The URL for our tribe is http://tribes.tribe.net/teamartemis

You can also visit our website at http://www.artemisnyc.com/

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

vitamin please C this

2006-12-29T20:32:44Z

why do high doses of vitamin C make me so strong? i mean STRONG. grrrrrrr

i was reading an article of the benefits of consuming high amounts of vitimin C. its a supposed to be a cure for allsorts from the common colds to cancer (????). it mainly works on the immune system building it to a degree that nothing can attack it and win; therefore (theoretically) no disease.

the RDA is about 250 mg. i am on 1250mg a day, which is considered to be a very " low" dose in terms of high dose treatments. i mean a high dose program may be 10 0000mg (10 grams). the effect starts to sink in after a couple of days, and well for me my strength just increased and increaed; i am amazed. i am just wondering why this is so? anyone else here feel such effects? my libido has also taken a dramatic climb; almost too much at times. its got to be reduced : )

anyone here have knowledge and experiences on high doses of C?

or try it

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 8 replies

SF or Oakland Gyms? I'm A Total Newbie

2006-10-31T10:33:21Z

Okay, I think I'm ready to sign up at a gym to get some cardiovascular stuff going on. I went to 24 Hour Fitness at Potrero Center in SF and turned around and walked out when they guy wanted my name, address, and phone before even talking to me. Another salesman chased after me and convinced me to come back in and look around. He gave me a bunch of prices, and when I told him that I never make a decision of this kind without waiting at least 48 hours. He kept harping on Scientology-like questions such as "If you were to choose between these two plans, which one would you want?"

Well, after it was clear that I was going to walk out unsold, he then offered me a monthly plan of $31 with a processing fee of $80 and no initiation fee. I wrote that one down (they never have brochures listing prices) and left.

That price sounds okay, EXCEPT that I think they require a monthly bank account debit ("for your convenience"), which looks like the only payment option according to the website. That's a deal killer for me.

The YMCA seemed to have the same thing with the debit of the bank account thing.

Nope. I want to be able to simply pay up front each month.

Are there any gyms out there that aren't run by crooks trying to sign me up forever with automatic payment plans?

Which gyms do people recommend?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

Looking for a Coach or Mentor in Los Angeles Calf.

2006-10-20T07:05:02Z

Hi,
i am a 42 year old Gay Black Male who is looking for a Coach or Mentor.
i work out 5 days a week at 24 Hour Fitness.
You can contact me at
bigblackboy@sbcglobal.net

bigblackBOY AKA Charles

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

Looking for a "Coach" or "Mentor" in the LA area"

2006-09-30T10:54:44Z

Is there anyone in the LA area who wants to train a 6 foot 5, 220 lbs newbie in body building?
Any advice or tips that i recive will be gladly accepted. Turn this bigblackBOY into a bigblackMAN

bigblackBOY
bigblackboy@sbcglobal.net
http://profiles.yahoo.com/bigblackboy90301

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

Cheap Kettlebells

2006-08-09T06:02:20Z

http://www.everythingtrackandfield.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_4277_A_rnd_E_9

For those of you who swing that way. :P

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 14 replies

new Tribe -- Strong Women

2006-04-17T02:46:41Z

I've been looking for a place to discuss, celebrate, and support female strength, physical and otherwise. I couldn't find just exactly what I was looking for, so I decided to create it. Hope to see you there!

tribes.tribe.net/strongwomen

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

Fight for Fitness?

2006-02-17T16:33:35Z

Anyone do it? Boxing, wrestling, jiu jitsu, grappling, etc?

Grappler here, rolling for an hour is an awesome workout.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 2 replies

Anti-Weakness Campaign, functional strength and vital health workshop series San Francisco and Sacramento

2006-02-03T00:07:09Z

http://empoweredtribes.com/Site/Events.html

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

Throwing things

2006-02-02T17:22:05Z

Anyone here ever do olympic throwing or scottish heavy athletics?

I'm kind of looking around for the next thing to do.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 19 replies

Short People Jumping

2006-01-26T00:30:44Z

Hello.
I need some help with physics in order to argue a point more clearly.
I think that a short and thin person would usually be able to jump higher than a tall and thin person. Is this true? And if so, is it because of a lower center of gravity?
If a lower center of gravity would help a person jump higher, please let me know of any quick physics resources online that would help me better explain "center of gravity."
I don't actually really know if short and thin people can jump higher--I'm just guessing since dancers and gymnasts are always small and light.
Thanks for your help!
:-)

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 2 replies

Matt Furey

2006-01-15T02:47:20Z

Hey all Im new to this tribe and it looks good.Down to the point for several reasons right now Im not able to get to the weights right now and Im trying the Combat conditioning program by Furey.I was wondering if anyone else has tried it and how much strength did you loose?I will be using only this untill January and just wondered what to expect thanks.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 12 replies

D-Bol

2006-01-11T21:53:00Z

Hey guys
Longhaired bodybulder here. HIV+
Height 5 Feet 11 Inches
Weight 210 lbs Waist 31
Chest 48.0
Arms 18.0 Forearm 13.0
Thigh 25.0 Calf 18.0
BodyFat 14.0 %
Work out at Golds on Market, SF

I am looking for a local source for D-Bol. I have access to Deca and Test but am looking for a cycle of D-Bol and would like to shop localy with a friend here in SF.

Adric

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 1 reply

World's strongest post-communist leader

2005-12-18T19:49:55Z

www.dusha.su

Run through babelfish:
http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=ru_en&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dusha.su%2Fpresident%2F

That would be a 140lb kettlebell he is holding overhead.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 3 replies

handstand training??

2005-12-11T04:43:01Z

anyone know anything about it or where i should look??

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 12 replies

what was that site

2005-12-03T01:05:24Z

Lupo posted to about nutrition... some dude's site w/lots of info on protein sources (maybe particularly non-meat sources)? The thread got deleted b4 I followed the link. ? Thanks!

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 5 replies

FiTNESS EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS?

2005-10-11T01:53:36Z

Can anyone direct me to a good online or in person (NYC) fitness equipment supplier with good products and reasonable prices? I need medicine balls, foam rolls, a stability ball, some light hand weights (preferably in a carrying case) and push up handles-

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 1 reply

looking for a gym in the city

2005-08-10T19:30:43Z

hi! im moving back into the city in a week and am going to looking for a good gym. i'm a competetive 400m runner and am getting fed up with silly fitness clubs, but wouldn't completly rule a commercial club out if it was a really good deal or somthing. do ya'll know of any good clubs, or even better an online database of gyms in the city? i live in the mission so closeness to home helps.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 3 replies

ok i'll post something

2005-06-27T20:36:26Z

i was convinced amidst the backdrop of a burning pig. hi all!

i have a friend who started handicapping himself doing pushups with a 16kg kettlebell hanging from his mouth. that can't be good for your teeth or your spine, can it?

also, this looks like another way to get injured quickly:
http://www.mattfurey.com/images/feetflatbridge.jpg

and speaking of injuries i've been trying to stay on my kettlebell workout (started off learning from the famous russian) but due to structural flaws and even being told my ligaments are loser than normal, i keep re-injuring myself and have lost a lot of time recovering and re-injuring etc. (for example from lop-sided workouts like doing jerks on one side then the other) and so after all this time i am still a beginner and demoted myself back to an 8kg kb. anyway, the ligaments being 'looser' than most peoples apparently can throw my bones out of whack and make the muscles cramp. (and take forever to heal)

does anyone know good ways to make your ligaments not be 'loose' or was i misdiagnosed? if one is already loose i would imagine stretching won't help, right? thanks!

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 7 replies

online resources for the strength nerd studies & research

2005-06-03T21:46:50Z

I want to gather a list of research sites.
Like these:

http://www.asep.org
http://jama.ama-assn.org/

There have to be other resources to pore through this sort of stuff...
not that I am trying have some unified theory....sometimes I just want references to support my thoughts (or references to change them!)

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 1 reply

single vs. multiple-set meta study.

2005-06-02T21:15:34Z

J Strength Cond Res. 2004 Feb;18(1):35-47. Related Articles, Links

Quantitative analysis of single- vs. multiple-set programs in resistance training.

Wolfe BL, LeMura LM, Cole PJ.

Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania 17815, USA.

The purpose of this study was to examine the existing research on single-set vs. multiple-set resistance training programs. Using the meta-analytic approach, we included studies that met the following criteria in our analysis: (a) at least 6 subjects per group; (b) subject groups consisting of single-set vs. multiple-set resistance training programs; (c) pretest and posttest strength measures; (d) training programs of 6 weeks or more; (e) apparently "healthy" individuals free from orthopedic limitations; and (f) published studies in English-language journals only. Sixteen studies generated 103 effect sizes (ESs) based on a total of 621 subjects, ranging in age from 15-71 years. Across all designs, intervention strategies, and categories, the pretest to posttest ES in muscular strength was (chi = 1.4 +/- 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-3.8; p < 0.001). The results of 2 x 2 analysis of variance revealed simple main effects for age, training status (trained vs. untrained), and research design (p < 0.001). No significant main effects were found for sex, program duration, and set end point. Significant interactions were found for training status and program duration (6-16 weeks vs. 17-40 weeks) and number of sets performed (single vs. multiple). The data indicated that trained individuals performing multiple sets generated significantly greater increases in strength (p < 0.001). For programs with an extended duration, multiple sets were superior to single sets (p < 0.05). This quantitative review indicates that single-set programs for an initial short training period in untrained individuals result in similar strength gains as multiple-set programs. However, as progression occurs and higher gains are desired, multiple-set programs are more effective.

Publication Types:
Meta-Analysis
Review

PMID: 14971985 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 7 replies

my stalker and my power clean

2005-05-27T20:38:44Z

> I can delete the thread, but I'm still curious what this guys problem is
>(monkeys generally have too much curiousity) so I may wait awhile.

It's probably one "Dr. Yo" who has been sputtering in indignation over the last few days for handing him his ass on a plate (what kind of idiot posts to the monogamy tribe singing the praises of polyamory anyway? -the kind with a "kick me" sign on his ass, if you ask me), and was recently threatening to tell Big Brother on me for not sufficiently curtseying to his unique genius. He's posted more or less the same thing on most of the other tribes I post to regularly, and other ones discussed in assaf's and whatshername's 'private' elists.

I suppose it could be someone else, but I can't think of anyone else I've pissed off lately. Whoever it is; they are unimportant lil yappy dogs.

And there is no such thing as bad publicity.

ObOnTopic:
How come I can power clean more from the knees than I can from the floor anyway? Weirdness. It seems to be a better exercise as well, as far as how I feel the next day, and how burnt out it makes me feel.

-Lupo

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 5 replies

Personal trainer

2005-05-27T17:48:53Z

I need to get serious about getting in shape now that I have a leg injury from my last marathon. I plan on rejoining my gym and getting a personal trainer to work with me for a few weeks or so to set up some goals and routines for achieving them.

The closest gym and the one I used to belong to is the Berkeley YMCA.

Any recommendations?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

All calories are not created equal

2005-05-20T19:54:50Z

THis will probably reignite the "all calories are equal" or the "most metabolisms are similar" arguments (AJ?).

Check out this excellent article on changing body composition in a way that questions simplistic "calories in vs calories out" models of metabolism. In some examples the subjects did not increase caloric expenditure and actually increased caloric intake while losing bodyfat, primarily by changing the ratios of protein, fat and carbohydrate.

http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do;jsessionid=539000DD5B7C195F8F62DB2A0E0DC959.hydra?id=628588

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 7 replies

More on Pudgy?

2005-05-20T14:11:29Z

Thanks to whoever posted those photos. I love 'em. I'd kill to have a build like that. (Not to mention a vintage bathing suit like that.)

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 6 replies

Increasing strength

2005-05-20T01:33:34Z

How often do you (the rhetorical you) need to exercise to build strength? Not to reach any particular goal, but just to steadily increase. I don't have a time limit for my goals, but I do want to be efficient in the sense that if I need to work out 4 times a week that I am not flailing around 2-3 times thinking I will get somewhere.

~Sophia

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 12 replies

Midwest Barbell Reference Videos

2005-05-19T20:59:49Z

Some demonstration videos. But with some movements I've never even heard of before.

http://www.midwestbarbell.com/videos.htm

Zercher Deadlifts?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 3 replies

The Georgi Markov pic (and increasing strength)

2005-05-16T19:52:32Z

Okay..so he weighs roughly 160 lbs....he's lifting almost 280 lbs into the air (unless my sight kg to lbs conversion really sucks)....

How the hell (without the roids) does one go about building up power lifts to that kind of weight?

I just started doing power snatches regularly. I have no idea what my 1 RM (rep max) is, but my 5 RM is 145 lbs with good form.

Currently, power snatches for me are done 2-3 times per week varying between 2 sets @ 15 reps, 3 sets @ 10 reps, & 4 sets @ 5 reps.

What kind of routine would I need to implement to get my weight up?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 13 replies

Workout routine changes (suggestions)

2005-05-13T05:11:15Z

Okay...first..I'm about 185 lbs, 6'1", @ 9-10% BF at the moment.
The goals: to be rock solid lean muscle mass. lol...and to get as strong as possible.

With that out of the way. here's the rough outline of my current routine. I train for volume & intensity, usually not to failure. I usually do full body workouts (body part training bores me) with two days on/one day off. Sometimes on the day off, I run sprint intervals, jump rope, or go skateboarding. My gym is removing the power cage (only one person used it besides me) & for extended reasons, I am stuck at this particular gym. The bright side of this is that they are letting me have the power cage + olympic bar + weights + collars for my very own.

I need to alter my routine to reflect the lack of the power cage. I am wondering if I am training my shoulders too much as well and my legs not enough. I do ab work each day. I like compound lifts (powerlifts, etc) as well. Here's the rundown:

Day 1:
Back Squats (need to change this)
Power Snatches
Bench Press
Weighted Pull-ups (overhand grip)
Dumbbell Rows
Dumbbell Lateral Raises
Dumbbell Curls
Dips

Day 2:
Straight Leg Deadlifts
Power Cleans (maybe someting different here?)
Dumbbell Lunges
Incline Press
Weighted Pull-ups (hammer grip)
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Flys
Skull Crushers

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 5 replies

HiPulls vs. Power cleans

2005-05-12T16:21:52Z

I've been doing hang cleans for quit a while, but want to try something new.

Are Hi Pulls essentially the same as PowerCleans aside from the catching the bar? Is hand placement the same? Also how hard is it to lower the bar on Hipulls without bumper plates?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 0 replies

Proper Running Shoes

2005-05-11T18:28:21Z

Hello. I've worn every brand of running shoes and haven't yet found an ideal shoe. I once thought that New Balance was the best shoe, but I've had the most foot problems while wearing them. It seems that my Addidas have been consisently okay, but I'd like to find something perfect since I'd like to start long distance running again now that my plantar fasciitis has healed.
Any suggestions?
:-)

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 10 replies

calves and tendons of Achilles

2005-05-06T00:02:45Z

So, Brother Lupo has been lifting for, erm, two or three years now. I am an all compound man; squats, rows, deads, cleans, presses. I haven't fucked around with isolation exercises since I was a dumb teenager.

Anyway, I've been noticing my weakest link seems to be my calves and Achilles tendons. The buggers have lately been cramping up a lot, and sore all the goddamned time (to the point where they interfere with my *bench*). I screwed one up good last year from over tightness. I'm wondering if any of you functional strength types have done isolation exercises on the calves to try to bring them up to speed with the rest of the meatsack.

I'm sort of reluctant to do this, in that, well, isolation is usually bad, and the damned things feel pretty stressed out as it is, but they ain't catching up with the rest of the package, even when I hold the rest behind a little bit. Any ideas? Stretching? Injections of parbroiled Yak testicle extracts? Human sacrifice of people who curl in the squat cage to the goddess Thetis?

-Lupo

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 27 replies

Update: the Power Cage for a price....

2005-04-26T05:28:31Z

the gym owners (knowing my love of heavy iron) have offered to sell me the power cage, an olympic bar, at least 4 45 plates for $200.

is this worth it? anyone know how much trouble it is to dismantle a cybex (I think?) power cage for moving?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 1 reply

Cardio-limitation to strength gains

2005-04-19T11:30:41Z

I'm starting a new 8 week periodized PL training cylcle. During my last cycle I didn't incorporate any cardio and had significant gains, but this time I really want to watch the weight gain and would like to incorporate some cardio. I'd like to walk intervals 3 times a week for one hour (5minutes rest at 3.5 mph, and 4 minutes work at 4.5 mph).

I'm wondering if strength gains would be significantly hampered with this much cardio, and if so how much cardio other tribe members do when working towards maximal lifts.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 2 replies

The power cage at my gym is going away.

2005-04-19T06:47:39Z

I am the only person in the gym that does any powerlifting or heavy lifts. They are replacing the cage (of which I am the only user) with a damn Smith machine. Since changing gyms is essentially out of the question for the next year.....I need some advice.

I can still do power snatches and deadlift variations (plate loading sucks)....but I do the old reliable back squat at least 2 - 3 times per week. How can I continue doing heavy back squats? Should I give these up & start doing front squats that I power clean into the position?

The gym may give me the power cage....but I really have no where to put it....I'm certain the condo association would have a heart attack if it were on my screened in patio (I'm not even sure it would fit in the door).

Help.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 4 replies

lift bitches

2005-04-16T00:25:41Z

on my cock!

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 1 reply

Deadlift alternatives...

2005-04-06T05:30:56Z

okay...

I have been on a hypertrophy specific plan where I was doing full deadlifts on a very regular basis. Towards the last part of the program, I realized that I wasn't that happy with the lift anyway.

I would rather do another type of lift in its place. Today, I did straight leg deadlifts, but I would rather add something more substantial.

I'm leaning towards either power snatches or clean & jerks for the full effect that I didn't feel like I was getting with the deadlift (plus add a little shoulder work). Which might be better o na regular basis? Any thing I need to watch out for or pay special attention to with either lift? Should I stick to straight leg deadlifts instead?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 4 replies

Dumbell Press

2005-04-05T23:40:59Z

I noticed quite a few guys at my gym who begin their presses with their palms facing inward and twisting 90 degrees as they complete the press.

I've been substituting dumbells for bench press to mix things up. My primary interest is pressing is strength first and mass second. I'm planning to periodize the DB press, and use DB incline press, DB overhead press, close bench, and dips as support exercises.

Can some one explain how the palms in DB press works the muscles compared to a standard press? Also are these a good addition for a strength oriented bench day?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 2 replies

Strength without bulk

2005-03-16T04:22:35Z

I am a marathon runner but I would like to have a routine for my upper body to keep it toned but not bulky. My usual thing now is to do curls and shoulder lifts with bar bells at home but that seems limited and is a bit boring. Any suggestions?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 17 replies

reeeely beeeeg dumbells

2005-03-11T04:59:53Z

So, Brother Lupo, in his quest to become mighty, has had to move up to the giganormous DB's in the gym which are made up of lots of little plates, instead of being monolithic polygons. Two problems with these; the bar is about 1/8" or 1/4" less thick than the regular ones are (which are 1 or 1.125 or so), and the DB's themselves are about a foot wider than regular ones. These issues are not so important for snatches and turk get ups which only involve one db at a time, but they're really obnoxious when it comes to benching. The wrists get bent at a funny angle at the low point and the thumb gets sort of squished in, making for an ungood bone soreness in some small thumb/wrist interconnects.

Other than switching gyms to find DBs that aren't a meter wide, any suggestions from the peanut gallery? Different grips? Grip aids? Are weak thumbs the culprit?

-Lupo

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 8 replies

The Cable/Bar Guy

2005-02-14T23:44:43Z

I've been thinking about the late great JV Askem's cable/bar system lately, and thought I'd post a link to a site mirror that still exists for those of you who might not be familliar with him:

http://jva.ontariostrongman.ca/

His system enables a very cheap very safe method of lifting weight above your body without the need for spotters or safetey catches.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 3 replies

Post some questions!

2005-02-10T01:07:58Z

Come on peeps. Post some fitness questions or comments. Anything generally related to getting stronger or more fit.

I want to see some threads started by y'all. I know you got questions b/c you send them to me directly. Let's have some dialog.

Strength, endurance, rehabilitation, prehabilitation, diet, stretching, etc.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 18 replies

upper body work for gals, w/little equipment

2005-02-09T05:13:33Z

I'm looking at another post in another thread about toning up the arms, and thought I'd mention what I'm doing right now. It's not much, and doesn't take much time, but feels good & I'm getting stronger. Does anybody have other suggestions for upper body work that does not involve much equipment?

I like good old-fashioned pull ups and pushups. Pull ups can be done at a school or a park if there's not a pull up bar at home. For any of us females who can't do a pull up yet, using a chair (or a bicycle, etc., living dangerously!) to get up past the bar and then lowering ourselves down with our own strength is a good way to gain strength. I've heard that this, the negative, or "easy" part of an exercise is where we gain strength quickest, and I imagine someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Pushups can be started on the knees if it's hard to do "boy" pushups, at first, with a rigid body. Both these excercises involve core muscles, and I think they're good together because they generally work opposite muscle groups.

Again, I'd love to hear some more upper-body exercises that are relatively simple in terms of equipment.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 7 replies

clarification re: injury

2005-02-09T02:42:55Z

Here's i think the issue for me.... i need to find something that makes me feel strong. Doing lighter benches and squats and assistance work is all fine and good. And yes, i can go to the Y and do massive leg presses, but can you think of anything else, not really involving the shoulder that might give me that powerful woman, push the limits kind of feeling?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 4 replies

Recouperation suggestions needed....

2005-02-06T23:13:04Z

Hey gang...I need some help.

Background: As I think I mentioned a while back, I hurt myself deadlifting. Argh, ack, and grrr!!! I did it over three months ago, and it's been incredibly slow to heal. We had thought it was the s-c joint, but it turned out that my first rib is also separated a bit. They just injected the rib joint with cortisone yesterday (not my first choice, but it was time to try something).

Before doing this, I was training 3-4 times a week for powerlifting competitions... Mondays - "fluff" upper body, Tuesdays - squat, Thursday - bench, Friday (or Sat) - deadlift (of course, all with assorted assistance work).

Since the injury, I've gotten back to doing benches, up to about 50% of where i was pre-injury, and then i go to benching off boards, not as much stress on the joint for the higher weight. And I've been squatting some and doing either pause squats or modified good mornings. All of it irritates the joint, but not excessively. I haven't pulled at all. I've also been in PT twice a week for the most part.

What I need help with (sorry it took so long to get here), is ideas for things that i can do to keep the "feel and get strong" feeling without straining my shoulder (i.e., very little arm involvement). At this point, they're still saying that I should not be "working through the pain."

Thanks for any ideas you might have!

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 6 replies

Bodyweight Exercises

2005-01-28T17:04:01Z

Bodyweight exercises are simple and elegant. They don't use much extra equipment and the resistance is proportional to your bodyweight. Some of them can be quite challenging.

Almost everyone has done pushups. Pullups are a bit more challenging. Other exercises like handstand pushups, one-legged squats and many gymnastic exercises are very challenging and require a pretty high level of strength.

What are your favorite BW exercises and your goals on these exercises. Have you found good routines to reach these goals?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 4 replies

hit the wall at 205

2005-01-22T05:47:21Z

Hi

I guess I'm what some call a "hardgainer". I have the metabolism of a humming bird, and when I don't work out, I lose weight, almost regardless of how much I eat.

I've been working out for a few years, but only last year I started to get serious about it.

I adjusted my diet, started eating 7-8 times a day, loads of protein, organic foods, and so on.. I started taking Creatine, L-Glutamine, and HMB, along with vitamins, etc.

I went to the gym five times a week, always kept it around 45min,
cut out most of the cardio. and focused on a low-rep, high-weight exercise split-training.

For the first six months things went really well. I put on twenty pounds with very little fat, gained both mass and strength fairly quickly, and was able to increase the weight on most exercises every other week or so.

Then I crept up on 205lbs. body weight.

And just stopped dead.

All of a sudden, no more gains, one week I'd gain a pound, next week, I'd lose two. I tried eating more, sleeping more, swtiching up exercises. No dice. I stopped getting stronger too, and got stuck on the same weight for most exercises.

I know that gains get harder and slower as you go along, but this was just ridiculous. For three months, in spite of stepping up every aspect, nothing moved, and eventually I got frustrated and started slacking off.

Last Nov/Dec I completely stopped working out for six weeks, and lost eight pounds of body weight.

Now with the new year, I'm motivated, and I've started working out five days a week again, regaining some of the weight I lost.

But I'm still worried about getting stuck again at 205lbs.

What could I be missing? How can I avoid getting stuck again?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 2 replies

Deadlifts

2005-01-20T18:39:54Z

How many of you do deadlifts? There are one of my favorite lifts. DLs are also one of the most basic and 'natural' weightlifting movements. We all have had to lift an object off the floor at some point.

Some people complain that DLs are bad for their back. If that is the case they better be not be lifting anything off the ground. I know that I'm going to be lifting objects off the ground in the course of my life and I want to prepare my body for it.

Form is certainly important and injury IS possible if DLs are done improperly. We have all heard about lifting with the legs, not just the back.

There are many forms of DL like straight leg, bent leg, sumo (hands btwn the legs), one handed (one of my favs), Romanian, etc.

Few exercises have such a potential to increase real world, whole body strength as DLs. You don't even have to do them very long or very often to substantially increase your strength.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 20 replies

Obstacles to getting stronger

2005-01-10T23:26:52Z

One by one I have eliminated potential obstacles to strength progress. I finally eat high quality food in large amounts and regularly. Its expensive and time consuming, but it has been worth it. I finally keep a workout log, stretch regularly and get plenty of rest. I finally have many of the strength tools I have long desired but didn't find in gyms. Now I'm coming up against my own natural limitations which are primarily structural imbalances and weaknesses that lead to recurring injury.

What are your primary obstacles to acheiving your strength goals?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 24 replies

New Years Fitness Resolutions

2005-01-07T23:32:20Z

What are your fitness resolutions for the New Year?

I was very happy last year to set new PRs (personal records) in several lifts including Deadlift and Bench Press. I lifted heavier weights than I ever had before but less than I had hoped for.
Interestingly my weight hardly changed at all, although I got a bit harder. Last year I also began skating, biking or running a few miles a day thanks to my dog, Simba. I began keeping a serious log book and began determining my tolerance for different types of exercise and also began a regular Yoga practice.

This year I hope to continue increasing my strength, flexibility
and endurance. I'm going to see a physiatrist to address recurring joint and ligament issues (achilles
tendinitis, lower back issues, tennis elbow, etc.) that have been the main stumbling blocks to my progress. I look forward to continuing to learn more about my body and how to best challenge it. What I learn I enjoy sharing with my friends.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 11 replies

where

2005-01-05T03:54:47Z

anyone here in the bay area training or wanting to train. workout partner for a day (or more) or meet and discuss health,training,nature,other topics.

chriss

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 1 reply

Bodyweight exercises

2005-01-04T21:44:40Z

How many of you enjoy bodyweight exercises?

I really enjoy the elegance, naturalness and simplicity of bodyweight exercises. At the top of my list are: Pullups, dips, pushups, handstands, bridging, and one legged squats (AKA pistols). I have a long way to go with pistols and someday I hope to work up to an one arm pullup.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 1 reply

What is STRONG to you?

2005-01-04T21:30:25Z

Strength means different things to different people. Scientifically speaking, absolute maximum strength is usually considered the maximum force or tension that one can apply in a certain exercise for 1 repetition (1 RM or 1 rep max). This is quite different than endurance (multiple reps).

There is also submaximal strength, speed strength, strength speed, isometric strength, eccentric strength, etc. All of these parameters of athletic performance have been well defined by sports researchers and I'll be adhering to these 'scientific' definitions on this tribe.

To many weightlifters it is measured by such standards as the Bench Press, Deadlift and Squat. To some oldtimers and Olympic weightlifters its how much weight you can hoist overhead in the Snatch, jerk or other lifts. To others it is bending a nail, lifting a stone, opening a tight jar, doing a pull up for the first time, etc.

I'm interested in strength that can applied outside of a gym and in the real world. To me that is especially lifting weights off the ground and over my head without hurting myself. It also means training my body to function as an unit as opposed to the classic bodybuilding philosophy of working on your body as an assembly of separate bodyparts.

What does strength mean to you and what role does it play in your life? Where would you like to be stronger?

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 2 replies

Kettlebells anyone?

2005-01-04T21:26:42Z

Last year I got acquainted with kettlebells, an ancient weightlifting implement that looks like a cannonball with a handle (for more info see: www.dragondoor.com). I started with cheap 'adjustable' plate loading kettlebells, but quickly found problems with how they hit the forearms in snatches and cleans.

Last month I finally got my first 'real' kettlebell from the president of the Unites States Girevoy Sport Federation, a very strong Russian trainer named Dmitri who lives in SF (http://www.a-tgroup.com/eds_etalon_fitness/trainers.html). Its a medium "1.5 pood" or 53 lb KB. I wanted a 2 pood or 72 pounder, but that wasn't in stock and that's probably for the best right now

Dmitri showed me all the different ways I could break my fingers, toes, eye sockets or skull with a KB. He introduced me to simple KB juggling (with 1.5 poods) and encouraged me to try. Let's just say its a good thing the floor was rubber. He had me pick up a rubber ball filled with 170 lbs of lead sand and hold it on my stomach for a minute. I only did 30 sec and he chided me, "Vhaat are you? A man or a vooman?" (he actually trains several women and his wife is a KB champion). After verifying how relatively out of shape and uncoordinated I was he made several suggestions for further training. After I play with my KB for a few weeks I hope to get some personal training from him.

I showed off my KB to several people. Many people looked afraid and most took several steps back as soon as I began demonstrating (poorly no doubt) KB exercises. I can't wait to get more proficient, but it is pretty tough on my forearms.

Does anyone have personal experience with KBs? Anybody interested in learning more? Please share your thoughts.

posted in Let's Get Strong! - 1 reply