Questions tagged [bodybuilding]

Working out for aesthetic purposes: building muscle mass, cutting weight (especially fat), creating desired body proportions.

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Keeping track of muscle dimensions

I am looking for tools and procedures to keep track of changes in sizes of muscles. (or groups of muscles like upper arms and chest). (1) How feasible is this? (2) Are more subjective measures like ...
Olav's user avatar
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9 votes
2 answers
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How does doing more repetitions improve muscle definition?

I always heard people saying lifting heavier weights helps build muscle mass while doing more repetitions helps improve muscle definition. I have no trouble understanding the former. But how does one ...
Question Overflow's user avatar
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5 answers
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Is "micronized" creatine better than regular creatine? [closed]

I frequently read advertisements for "micronized" creatine which is supposedly more pure, easier to absorb, and more effective than regular creatine. Is there any validity to this claim?
blue's user avatar
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1 answer
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Rationale behind Rep Range recommendations - Strength vs Hypertrophy

It makes no sense to me why the rep range for “hypertrophy” and body builders is according to NSCA and many other sources is 3 sets and 10-12 reps. At the most basic level cross bridges formation ...
Mike-DHSc's user avatar
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9 votes
2 answers
685 views

Will Pilates kill my gains?

I am planning to start pilates for better posture and also weight training. I am planning to go to pilates in my rest days. But I am concerned with two things: 1) Will pilates kill my gains? Because ...
Utku's user avatar
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9 votes
4 answers
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What are the endocrinological benefits of holistic rest in bodybuilding?

It's common knowledge that bodybuilders need rest after a workout to rebuild muscle. Everyone advises localized rest. That is, you should give a particular muscle at least 48 hours of rest before ...
JoJo's user avatar
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8 votes
3 answers
478 views

Compound, total body exercises minimising quad and ham development

I'm currently squatting twice a week, deadlifting once. Deadlifting doesn't concern me because I feel my back is getting a great workout and the hips are starting much higher than the knees, but ...
jontyc's user avatar
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8 votes
5 answers
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In bodybuilding, how do I train my traps and lats without involving my biceps?

Some people like to train biceps separated from the back, because "when you get to workout the biceps, it is already tired from the back exercises". Sometimes, you have a hurt biceps and ...
Gabriel's user avatar
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8 votes
2 answers
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Fitness training with varicose veins

Recently my workout buddy was at a phlebologist who diagnosed varicose veins which have to be treated by surgery (just one large vein) the cause of this seems to be genetic and she now have to wear ...
Sarah's user avatar
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8 votes
3 answers
57k views

How much do the plates in Crossfit weigh?

I've been a long time bodybuilder, but never tried Crossfit. I watched some videos of Crossfit athletes use large plates of the same size as the 45 pound plates I find in bodybuilding gyms. I am ...
JoJo's user avatar
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8 votes
4 answers
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My biceps becomes stiff after one workout. How do I fix this?

What should I do when my biceps becomes stiff? When I perform curls by using a rod, I am able to curl my biceps, but later on, when I move to dumbbell curls, even the lightest weight — say 15 pounds — ...
Mari Muthu's user avatar
8 votes
7 answers
28k views

What are some safe chest exercise for people with shoulder impingement?

Are there any safe chest exercise you can do when you have shoulder impingement? Or should you avoid all forms of chest exercise in general?
Kevin's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
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Barbell biceps curl - standing up or sitting down?

So, I'd like to do a prefect exercise for biceps, really isolate them and make them work 100% in order to get them bigger. I use barbells. I'm wondering, which of the following two exercises is ...
newtothis's user avatar
7 votes
5 answers
5k views

Is the deadlift necessary for an intermediate bodybuilder?

I have been lifting for 6 years (non professionally) yet never seriously tried the Deadlift exercise. Is this exercise necessary for intermediate\advanced bodybuilders in any way?
Leo's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
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How to know if I am warmed up?

I am new on bodybuilding and I know I should warmup before lifting. So how do I know whether I have warmed up enough.
user2433261's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
1k views

Should I squat with sore knees?

5 weeks ago I've started an 8 week training program which consists of fullbody training 3 times a week. After years of stagnation I feel real progress in all major muscle groups. However, probably ...
Honza Brabec's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
514 views

Beginning the deadlift exercise

With so much misinformation all over the internet, how do I learn the Deadlift?
Leo's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
440 views

Should I upwards rotate my shoulder-blade in bench press?

everyone knows the great advantages that scapular retraction provides in bench press (discussed for example there). Now I want to make a point. As explained there (but also there), The scapulohumeral ...
Kinka-Byo's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
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What is the optimal bulking / cutting rotation schedule?

What is the optimal bulking / cutting rotation schedule for maximum muscle gain and fat loss? By bulking, I mean eating tons and lifting heavy. By cutting, I mean eating less and doing more cardio. ...
JoJo's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
788 views

Skill learning while Bodybuilding

Can I learn calisthenics skills while doing bodybuilding workouts. I am currently doing a 3 day full body split and would love to learn the movements like planche and front lever. Plz help.
Liftedsafe01's user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
383 views

How to get started with Pull-Ups? [duplicate]

My other half is a total newbie in Fitness activities. She has had a tough time to even get through a single set of 5 Pull-Ups. Whats the best way to get started with Pull-Ups? And, How do I support ...
WedaPashi's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
554 views

Are there such thing as best exercises for weightlifting?

I've heard this many times from powerlifters that I've work with, "All you really need is 3 lifts to hit all major muscle groups, and technically that's all you really need for maintenance, too." On ...
QikMood's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
412 views

Intensive training after 8 years

Long time ago I used to run in the mornings, workout in the gym 2 days a week, and some martial arts. I was not a gym freak at all but I had some nice definition. Now 8 years later (and 30 years old)...
Francisco's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
2k views

Why are natural bodybuilders so big?

I have noticed that a lot of natural bodybuilders (or at least people who claim to be natural) are insanely muscular for a natural athlete. Jim Cordova for example is very big and it's hard to believe ...
paradox's user avatar
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6 votes
3 answers
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Is it possible to bulk up and reduce belly fat at the same time?

I had a misconception that doing lots of abdominal exercises/crunches helps to reduce belly fat. I want to bulk up at the moment, for which I believe I have to follow a calorie surplus diet. But, If I ...
Janus Boffin's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
3k views

How to deal with aggressive knurling?

My EZ bar has excessive knurling that is quite painful for my hands. Is there a product to deal with it, other than wearing gloves? I was thinking some kind of wrap, similar to that used to wrap a ...
user443854's user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
2k views

As a hardgainer, how do I get the right balance of calories to add size without adding fat?

I am a prototypical hardgainer, 23 years old and never weighed over 10 stone until recently when I started lifting weights again (lifted in the past and never saw any noticeable gains). I read in an ...
Jaitsu's user avatar
  • 381
6 votes
1 answer
670 views

I can't perform a single pull-up

I can't perform a single pull-up, or even a chin-up. I can't lift myself to the bar, however when using a low bar (one that I can start from the top) I can perform 3-4 chin-ups but still no pull-ups. ...
Ziad's user avatar
  • 183
6 votes
2 answers
360 views

How to Maintain Muscle During a Layoff

I've quit the gym due to my college exams. It will take like 3 months before I go back. Please give tips on maintaining muscle mass. I do have access to body weight exercises and if there is anyway to ...
Liftedsafe01's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
7k views

Differences in recovery time (after weight lifting) versus age

I am now 40. I did some weight lifting about 15 years ago and it was fun. I am now back into it, focusing on strength and muscle gain. I obviously don't expect to become a Mr Olympia, but I find it ...
Mephisto's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
1k views

Overhead press bar path

I've read different opinions about which is the proper bar path for the overhead press. According to here (and most of the sources), the best bar path is perfectly vertical. If it is, I'd say the ...
user9403038494's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
547 views

Is stretching after bodybuilding workout advised?

I heard many things about stretching but recently, I had 2 different (and opposite) advices about it. Both were from certified trainers. One said that, after your workout, whatever your workout was, ...
P154's user avatar
  • 242
6 votes
2 answers
3k views

Should I train all muscles or concentrate on some muscles in each session?

Say I train 3 times a week. Which alternative is better: Just train all target muscles in each session, no focus on any muscles on any session, or Dedicate each session to some muscles. For example: ...
Louis Rhys's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
2k views

What kind of muscle workout was Mike Tyson was doing?

I'm looking for the details of the muscle workouts that Mike Tyson was doing when he was training. I need to know what muscle groups he was concentrating on, and what workouts he was doing for those ...
Omar's user avatar
  • 161
6 votes
1 answer
1k views

What changes between the 5 rep range and the 10 rep range?

Through observation and empirical evidence, a lot of strength trainers and bodybuilders have found that 5-6 reps is ideal for building strength, while 10-12 reps is ideal for building size. I've ...
Robin Ashe's user avatar
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6 votes
3 answers
479 views

Are drop sets effective?

A very commonly performed action in bodybuilding is the drop set. In which, you do your working sets. Then on the last set, you go to failure, drop the weight, go to failure, drop the weight, go to ...
DeeV's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
486 views

When I work out, do my guts grow too?

There could be two reasons: 1. Testosterone release As far as I understand, when one works out, it provokes a testosterone release that promotes the repair of microtears in the muscles involved in ...
Gabriel's user avatar
  • 425
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

Is it necessary to train 'outer' pecs or 'inner' pecs?

For years the three Staples of chest development I have known have been upper pecs, middle pecs, and lower pecs. There are a lot of posts about inner and outer oec development.. and even a lot of ...
user avatar
6 votes
5 answers
3k views

How many reps are ideal for increasing muscle mass?

Research In Ultimate Bodybuilding: The Master Blaster's Principles of Training and Nutrition Joe Weider says the following: I learned that the best repetition range for building muscle mass is 5-...
Jon's user avatar
  • 171
6 votes
2 answers
6k views

Hand position in dumbbell bench press

How does hand position in a dumbbell flat bench affect which muscles are activated? The positions I know are palms facing each other and the traditional palms facing down. On rare occasions I see ...
JoJo's user avatar
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5 votes
3 answers
20k views

Cast iron plates seem heavier than rubber coated

It is strange but I noticed cast iron plates seem heavier than rubber coated plates. Weight plates in my gym are rubber coated. I have bought some weights for home workout. But the same weight feels ...
varuog's user avatar
  • 159
5 votes
6 answers
2k views

On what should a deadlift beginner try to improve?

I've been doing Deadlifts for 2 months now and I wanted to get some opinions on my Form (or if I should mainly focus on improving). I think that my lower back looks weird but maybe its just a layer of ...
onmyyaw's user avatar
  • 51
5 votes
3 answers
5k views

What are good books on muscle building heavily based on science?

Please suggest few books on the topic of muscle building, that are heavily backed by scientific research. I prefer them to be light on concrete training programs, but heavy on facts and research ...
Boris's user avatar
  • 508
5 votes
3 answers
15k views

A linear progression v-taper program

I've now done four Starting Strength workouts and admire the linear progressive nature of it and really look forward to each workout. I'm not sure however it's the best choice for addressing my ...
jontyc's user avatar
  • 1,959
5 votes
3 answers
4k views

How to maintain muscle during breaks from training?

I m 25 years old and have been going to the gym for the past 3 years. Recently, I took 10 days off due to illness and noticed that I lost muscle. This happens whenever I take a break from the gym. ...
Prince Antony G's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
5k views

Should I consume protein shakes after team sport (cardio)?

I started to consume protein shakes (about 25g with milk and water) after hitting the gym to help me gain muscles. I also play flag football two times a week, where the training is more focused on ...
Demento's user avatar
  • 1,059
5 votes
3 answers
227 views

Are there advantages to breaking up a workout?

For instance, say you're doing an HST (Hypertrophy-Specific Training) routine, and you can choose between Routine 1 ad Routine 2. In Routine 1 you would be doing 3 full-body sessions per week, and in ...
ThanksInAdvance's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
2k views

Obtaining protein from alternative non-meat sources for bodybuilding

I have allergies towards egg whites and meat. I cannot eat chicken, beef, or pork. Others meats though like quail, fish are fine. What products can I substitute for eggs and meat? I would like to get ...
John Eipe's user avatar
  • 101
5 votes
2 answers
3k views

How much weight should we place on our heel and how much in our forefoot during squat?

it is known that the best feet setup for squat is the so called tripod stance, which wants you place your weight in three points of the foot: Base of pinky toe Base of big toe Heel My question is ...
user9403038494's user avatar
5 votes
5 answers
2k views

Body fat loss halted. Anyone have experience getting under 8% body fat?

I have successfully reduced my body fat from 15% to 8.5%. Keep in mind these are pinch tests so the over all body fat calculated percentage might be a bit off. My abdominal skin fold measures 7.1mm. ...
Mike S's user avatar
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