Tagged Questions

1
vote
1answer
41 views

Training load on a diet (am I doing too much?)

I'm 6"1 (187cm) at 194 pounds (88kg) targeting 187 pounds (85kg) and currently eating between 1800 kcal and 2200 kcal daily, with 50 % protein and fat & carbs more or less balanced. I've been ...
2
votes
1answer
85 views

Adding Strength Training to Yoga

I'm 40, Male and have been doing hot yoga (Bikram) for a few months - go 4 times a week. I guess my metabolism is slowing down and am having trouble keeping weight off and seem to be loosing muscle ...
8
votes
1answer
182 views

What is the optimum training intensity to prevent atrophy when on a caloric deficite?

I know that when I'm on a caloric surplus, I stimulate hypertrophy best if my training intensity lies somewhere between 6-12RM. Now let's say I'm on a caloric deficite. What intensity is optimal for ...
9
votes
3answers
241 views

What's the best way for me to start weightlifting?

I've always wanted to lift weights and honestly have no idea where to begin. How do I get started? Do I need to join a gym? find a personal trainer? buy a book and weights? find a friend who ...
2
votes
0answers
61 views

Alternating exercises from workout to workout?

For my strength/hypertrophy based training program, I've chosen following exercises: Deadlifts (2 work sets of 4 reps) Press (3 work sets of 5) Ring Dips (3 work sets of 9) 1-Legged Squats (3 work ...
1
vote
1answer
163 views

What is the optimal time to train in order to see gains in size and strength?

I am a 21 year old male, currently on my own program that can be found here. It is quite intense and I was wondering what the optimal time to train for strength would be? Please Note: I lift ...
2
votes
2answers
218 views

How can I improve my training program to become leaner and increase strength?

I am 21 year old male and my overall aim is to lean up and build some more muscle/ increase strength, there fore I have adopted a higher protein intake and lowered my calorific intake, could I get ...
3
votes
2answers
480 views

What type of pants are good for weight lifting?

I'm more comfortable weight lifting in pants than in shorts, but find they inhibit proper knee position when squatting. Are there any types of pants or material that will stretch well enough to be ...
3
votes
1answer
104 views

Strength training: what to do when it becomes kind of easy, in order to keep improving

I've been training for several years, stopped for a while then started back but kept working out regularly (4-6 days a week) for the past 2 years. I lift heavy weight, do bodyweight training, skip ...
4
votes
4answers
456 views

What's a deadlift supposed to feel like?

I did my first "real" deadlift today, and, it's a very different feeling. Unlike a squat or a bench, where I clearly feel myself pushing against something, when I deadlifted (135 lbs, about what I'm ...
6
votes
3answers
331 views

What's good technique to load plates when deadlifting?

I find it hard to load and unload plates when the bar is on the ground for deadlift. When the bar is on the rack, it's easy to put the 45 lbs on and off. But, when the bar is on the ground, it's ...
3
votes
2answers
573 views

Weighlifting shoes for a beginner

I'm getting into strength training, following the Starting Strength program, and they advise strongly to buy some weightlifting shoes. (Currently, I'm using some tough hiking sneakers, and don't feel ...
3
votes
1answer
177 views

What should I look for in a Starting Strength coach?

What should I look for in a coach? How do I find a good one? My goal is an occasional check up to help me with my form - price prevents regular sessions. I'm considering finding one of the Starting ...
4
votes
2answers
335 views

My back goes horizontal (forward) when squatting

When squatting, my back is too horizontal (forward). The bar goes forward of my toes. What should I do to correct this? Is it due to not keeping my lumbar tight enough? Also: I haven't checked ...
3
votes
1answer
239 views

My leg pinches in to my hip when squatting

I'm doing barbell squats as described in Starting Strength. When I get to a certain depth, I feel my thigh bone (femur?) pinching up against the inside of my pelvis, and feel like I can't go any ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views

Should I lift weights fast or slow?

When lifting weights (squat, bench press, deadlift, whatever) is it better to do the motions as slowly as possible or fast and explosive? I've heard both opinions. Please support your answer. Note: ...
5
votes
1answer
848 views

Effects of aerobic exercise after weight lifting

What are the effects, positive and negative of: Swimming for 30-60 min immed. after weight training and/or Walking briskly a few miles the day after weight training I'm following Starting ...
3
votes
1answer
161 views

Is there an alternative way to warm up for lifts that is less tedious than gradually increasing the set weight?

I'm following a 3x5 weight lifting program based off of the Stronglifts and Starting Strength programs. I've been starting with warm-up sets of gradually increasing weight, as suggested by Stronglifts ...
1
vote
3answers
217 views

Is bouncing when lifting dangerous?

Some books recommend a gentle bounce when bench pressing or squatting. This feels wrong to me. It feels safer and more controlled to come to a complete stop, then start up again. What should I do?
6
votes
3answers
1k views

How should I breathe when lifting?

I've heard many different things about how to breathe when lifting? What are some clear, simple, common sense, generally accepted ways to breathe when lifting? (Squatting or pressing.) I'm following ...
4
votes
3answers
510 views

Should I really lock my elbows and knees when lifting?

When bench pressing, at max extension, should I lock my elbows or keep them loose? What about my knees when squatting? UPDATE: Here are some links from the Mayo Clinic warning against locking joints ...
5
votes
4answers
330 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
424 views

Best stretches before weight training

I have a set of stretches I generally do; not sure where I got them from, but they seem to work for me. (I use them for general stretching, not strength training). Now that I'm starting weight ...
1
vote
4answers
326 views

Strength training weightlifting workout routine

I'm looking for a workout routine between 4-6 days per week to get generally stronger. I've seen a bunch of questions here and webpages with routines, but the schedules seem all contrived. Is there ...