Questions tagged [programming]

Questions on programming includes plans, guidelines and schedules for training and eating. Programming includes a number of principles including specificity, individuality, frequency, intensity, type of exercise, progressive overload, and variation. Programming is not limited to weight-lifting, rather, it is applicable to all fitness goals.

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Firstbeat Energy Expenditure Algorithm

I am looking for an implementation (or a document that describes the actual algorithm) for the energy expenditure/VO2/EPOC calculation from the heart rate variability. A few white papers about ...
Dan's user avatar
  • 181
14 votes
3 answers
4k views

Which is which in XxY specifications (i.e. 5x5, 3x5, etc.)?

When specifying sets and reps like 5x5, 3x5, (in general, XxY), which is which? It seems like it usually means "X sets of Y reps." but on some forums I see logs that seem to indicate that either they ...
PaulRein's user avatar
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13 votes
1 answer
2k views

What should I do if I can't complete my program's prescribed workout?

This is a general question, but I'll give some specifics to fill it in. I'm on the Texas Method periodization program. On Monday, I was unable to complete the prescribed workout of a 5lb increase in ...
masonk's user avatar
  • 1,626
12 votes
1 answer
715 views

Recommendations for a new beginner training program

I'm a 23 year old male. 6'1" @ 84kg. I started strength training in October 2014 and embarked on Wendler's 5/3/1+ BBB. First off, I am aware that I may have got off on wrong foot going with that ...
Phizzy's user avatar
  • 263
11 votes
2 answers
2k views

Starting Strength: a practical program?

Based on this site's recommendation, I got a hold of Starting Strength. It's clearly a spectacular book. But, as a beginner, I find it hard to make practical. It has lots of deep knowledge about ...
S. Robert James's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
3k views

Should squats come last in a workout-plan?

I noticed that after doing squats I become very exhausted and tired, which seems to heavily affect my performance on the exercises following afterwards. Some of my collegues insist that squats should ...
Susp1cious's user avatar
9 votes
3 answers
8k views

What is the difference between powerlifting and bodybuilding and how do you determine which one is right for you?

From what I understand it seems like: Bodybuilding is used for conditioning your body to "look good" via the use of a wide variety of isolation + compound exercises. Powerlifting is used for gaining ...
TheOne's user avatar
  • 293
9 votes
3 answers
2k views

How long before a judo tournament should I switch from strength to conditioning?

I've got a judo tournament in early May for which I want to be strong, quick in my reaction time and strength output, and in condition. Since it's still pretty far in the future, I'm working on ...
Dave Liepmann's user avatar
9 votes
4 answers
7k views

Presses or squats first?

The general consensus of exercise order seems to be larger muscle groups first, smaller muscle groups after. So squats or deadlifts would precede presses and pull ups. I started out doing that, and it ...
Robin Ashe's user avatar
  • 3,545
9 votes
2 answers
814 views

How to establish a beginning weight program?

Background After a long time being sedentary and amassing about 299 lbs peak, I decided to get serious about getting healthy. I first attacked my weight by diet and got down to about 210 lbs. Next ...
Berin Loritsch's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
3k views

What's the point of the weekly 2-day break in Starting Strength's programming? Can a novice just skip that?

Starting Strength prescribes two daily lifting schedules (A and B), to be performed alternately on 3 non-consecutive days per week. That means something like this: S M T W T F S ---...
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9 votes
1 answer
239 views

How to increase suitcase carry endurance?

I have a rather practical problem... I want to be able to carry 10kg bag from store to home without taking any breaks. In other words: I want to be able do a nonstop suitcase carry for 10-15 minutes ...
TukeV's user avatar
  • 245
8 votes
3 answers
2k views

Doing Starting Strength once a week

I'm new to strength training, and, for the time being, can do it only 1 once a week (or maybe every other week). I do aerobic several times a week, and, currently, can't give it up. Should I follow ...
S. Robert James's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
417 views

Where do I start when finding/creating a fitness program for myself?

I'm a senior in college studying computer engineering, so I spend a lot of time sitting in class and/or in front of a computer. I want to commit to a fitness routine before my sedentary lifestyle ...
Blake's user avatar
  • 183
7 votes
3 answers
372 views

what's the reality that keeps progressive strength training from being constant?

I'm looking at my progressive intermediate weight training program, and I'm a little more than halfway through my 12 week program. As expected it's been terrific, I've steadily been gaining strength ...
Eric's user avatar
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7 votes
3 answers
2k views

What's a good intermediate/advanced squat routine?

Presently I high-bar olympic-style squat twice per week. My one rep max is about 335 lbs with "shaky" form, which I think is not bad, but not excellent for my height and weight (6'1", 200 lbs). I'm ...
Daniel's user avatar
  • 4,484
6 votes
2 answers
815 views

How to design a running program and diet plan for losing fat in a healthy manner?

I have a specific fitness goal that I want to achieve, and I wanted to take the opinion of some Fitness.SE members to ensure that I'm going in the right direction, and if not, what steps should I take ...
TCSGrad's user avatar
  • 266
6 votes
4 answers
603 views

Should I follow the gym's program or just stick to Starting Strength?

I'm trying to follow the Starting Strength program, and need some help with the exercises. The trainers at the gym want you to do a fancy circuit, using some freeweights but mainly machines. Should ...
S. Robert James's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
4k views

Combining weight-lifting (starting strength) with rockclimbing?

I've been following the Starting Strength program for a few weeks now, on and off. Unfortunately, I haven't been as regular as I'd like (lets chalk it up to student life), but I feel I'm making ...
VPeric's user avatar
  • 2,378
6 votes
1 answer
193 views

What book(s) for beginning routines at PF for 50-year old with 10 years off with strength as a first goal? [closed]

Problem: I have not had an exercise routine in 10 years. I now want to build strength again and look good, and improve my cardiovascular health (stop being winded so easily). I just joined Planet ...
Ungar Linski's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
3k views

Why didn't 5x5 work for my pullups?

Despite being reasonably well-trained in the past, I always sucked at pull-ups. At the beginning of this summer, I started training again. In the beginning, my max was only 1-2 clean pull-ups (I am ...
BKE's user avatar
  • 1,977
6 votes
1 answer
193 views

Training Program to become stronger alpine Skier?

I'd like to hear from someone who is more of an advanced downhill skier, like someone who has competed in slalom or mogul events, or is a veteran back-country skier. Is there a template program you ...
user avatar
5 votes
5 answers
641 views

Is there a Mon-Fri lifting program for beginners, similar to Starting Strength?

I've been doing Starting Strength for a month now and am still progressing fine. However, I'd have time to lift every weekday, and really want to. Is there a similar, well-tested program that I could ...
Andreas's user avatar
  • 151
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
2 answers
363 views

How to pick an exercise program to achieve my goals

I have had a desk job as a programmer for the last 3.5 years and I have gotten pretty unfit. I am not fat or overweight however I am not fit and healthy either, I struggle to run to the end of my ...
Aesir's user avatar
  • 237
5 votes
1 answer
121 views

Help create a weight-training program with a focus on martial arts

I started lifting weights in August 2020 to get stronger for my martial arts. I have been training Muay Thai/Kick Boxing and Boxing for a little while, and I intend to train Jiujutsu and Judo once ...
RoundHouse's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
187 views

How much can the body change in 6 weeks? [closed]

Without harming your health, and ignoring magic, if you are a male, 37, out of sports for several years, slightly overweight, but willing to work hard in these 6 weeks for personal reasons. How much ...
Andrew J.'s user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
202 views

What marathon program should I use to prepare for a race in 4 months?

I would like to follow a specific marathon program in order prepare for a marathon which is due on October 21 but don't really know which one to follow. There are actually so many programs available ...
H.A.A's user avatar
  • 51
5 votes
1 answer
2k views

Progressive overload vs. greasing the groove

I want increase my endurance with bodyweight exercises including pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups etc. Would it be better to use progressive overload and start at, for example: 3x4 reps for Pull-ups and ...
Dan's user avatar
  • 85
4 votes
2 answers
506 views

Exercise scientific understanding of this leg exercise program

This is a follow up question to this one: Substitute for squats and squat jumps that put less stress on knees I have found this leg exercise program which tries to minimize knee strain http://www....
Sarah's user avatar
  • 1,777
4 votes
2 answers
274 views

How is my new full body plan?

Up until now I have never really seriously done a full body workout. I heard good things about it in my advantage so I decided to write my own full body plan. I've got 4 days per week, and I was ...
Sinan Samet's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
6k views

Bench pressing and deadlift on even days, squat and pull up on odd days. Is this all I need?

I recently read an article in Men's Journal: [A] guy who hasn’t trained in a long time, if ever, will get stronger faster on the simplest program of squats, dead lifts, and presses, three times a ...
mugetsu's user avatar
  • 559
4 votes
4 answers
17k views

Getting ripped only by dumbells

I am a man who, due to privacy issues, do not like to go to the gym. But one of my biggest dreams, like any other men in my age (20's), is to have a beautiful body and ripped muscles. I have been ...
M. Emin's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
2 answers
364 views

What are the essentials to getting fit? [closed]

There are hundreds of weight loss and 'get fit' programs out there that it becomes an overwhelming and daughnting task in choosing one that is helpful. I undersand that everyone is different in the ...
James Mertz's user avatar
  • 3,418
4 votes
1 answer
197 views

Program for retaining/building strength in a caloric deficit

A couple of months ago I started strength training again and cleaned up my diet. I need to lose about 15-20 kg. I don't focus on the weight though, I want to reach ~15% bodyfat (currently ~30%), but ...
Dennis Haarbrink's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
212 views

Schedule of Programming for a Powerlifting Meet

I am currently training for my first powerlifting meet. The meet I had planned to attend has been cancelled so I am looking at some new options. The new date keeps moving around because of current ...
C. Lange's user avatar
  • 4,588
4 votes
1 answer
16k views

Push-ups: All at once or spread across the day?

Should I do say 30 push-ups in a row (maybe 3 sets with 30 sec pause in between) or should I do 4-5 sets of 10 spread across the day when I want strength in my arm? My main focus is tennis and ...
Leonardo's user avatar
  • 203
4 votes
1 answer
232 views

Slow training versus Explosive training

super slow lifting is superior Two studies were done with untrained men (N= 65) and women (N= 82),(mean age= 53.6) who trained two to three times per week for eight to 10 weeks on a 13 exercise ...
user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
111 views

Structured programs combining cardio and weights

I had a personal trainer for a while who was good but it was too expensive for me at the moment. I was taking short breaks in between supersets. I can't seem to find an online program which combines ...
dagda1's user avatar
  • 155
4 votes
4 answers
351 views

I'm doing Starting Strength M/W/F but have a PT appointment on Thursday; how to adapt?

I've been consistently doing Rippetoe's Starting Strength program every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for two months. Today (Thursday), I've got an appointment with an instructor to go through some ...
user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
205 views

Can you split a day in a routine across two days?

I’m trying to get back to working out more regularly after a chaotic year of mostly off gym. I picked up a push/legs/pull split routine from a guide I was using before, switching from an upper/lower/...
millimoose's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
434 views

Understanding Greasing the Groove method

I am trying to understand the workings of Greasing the Groove (GTG) method (youtube video) With this method you should only do 50 % of the max reps you are capable of but do as many sets as possible ...
Andy's user avatar
  • 3,717
4 votes
1 answer
983 views

Starting Strengh - how to replace power cleans when already doing chins

I started doing the original Starting Strength program a couple of months ago, but swapped power cleans for chins, after failing to do power cleans numerous times. I'm now at the stage when I can't ...
user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
285 views

Program to gain both muscle and endurance

I hope it's pretty simple. What is the best program to both gain some muscle mass/strenght and gain endurance ? Would it better to alternate frequently (every 1-2 days) between cardio training and ...
Youcha's user avatar
  • 141
4 votes
1 answer
962 views

Combining squats and deadlifts: do deadlifts on light or heavy squat day?

Currently I'm doing 3 workouts per week: Monday, Wednseday, Friday. There's two workout templates, A and B, which simply alternate. It's basically the StrongLifts 5x5 and Starting Strength approach. ...
G_H's user avatar
  • 2,510
4 votes
4 answers
22k views

Just finished 12-week shortcut to size. What's next?

I have just completed a popular mass building program by Jim Stoppani called "Shortcut to Size". I found it to be really well designed. There are subtle variations in exercises that become noticeable ...
user443854's user avatar