An exercise/program designed to increase your muscle mass/lifting capacity.
12
votes
2answers
33k views
Stronglifts 5x5: an effective program?
I was recently looking through the Stronglifts 5x5 workout, and I was wondering about its effectiveness. The program has some lofty claims (most do), has a ton of anecdotal evidence supporting it, and ...
4
votes
5answers
1k views
Resuming workouts after 2 months. Any beginner workout suggestions?
I had to take a break from working out for 2 months.
When resuming after a long break, are there any good alternative workout plans that you follow to gain back some of the lost strength and stamina ...
6
votes
3answers
991 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 ...
8
votes
3answers
394 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 ...
2
votes
4answers
515 views
Help to add muscle for a skinny guy with fast metabolism
I'm 20 year old, 5ft8 (1.72m) and weight about 120lbs (54kg).
I've recently joined the gym and plan to add muscle (like most people). I'm completely new to this and I have been browsing for research ...
1
vote
1answer
120 views
Bodyweight strength training
Normally I'd be following a typical freeweight strength training program, like Stronglifts 5x5, but lately I have found the necessity to go to a gym is a bit of a problem. Also, I will be leaving for ...
11
votes
2answers
903 views
Leg exercises that complement squats?
I believe in balancing the amount of exercise that I give to each muscle group, but recently it occurred to me that my leg muscles might be imbalanced. More than anything, squats are the number one ...
7
votes
1answer
492 views
Why are pyramid sets often advised for bodyweight exercises?
A pyramid set is one following a scheme like 1 rep, 2 reps, 3 reps, 2 reps. I've seen this advised to train pull ups if you manage only very few.
I looked at the hundred push ups program, here and in ...
6
votes
1answer
220 views
What's the relationship between gaining muscle mass and strength? How do I increase in strength without increasing in mass?
This question is a follow on from http://fitness.stackexchange.com/a/11884/5376.
I assumed that as I get stronger, my muscles will get bigger, but it seems that this is not a strictly linear ...
6
votes
1answer
931 views
Is it possible to gain muscle with cardio/aerobics?
I believe the best way to gain muscle is heavy weightlifting. I've done that before using a routine based mainly off of the Stronglifts program and I saw good results. However, until recently I was ...
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 ...
9
votes
2answers
1k views
How can I train for a 5K while strength training with StrongLifts 5x5 and minimizing detrimental effects on either?
I followed the Couch-to-5K training program several months ago in preparation for a 5K race but have not run at all since then. I'd like to get back into it by doing Couch-to-5K again. I'm doing ...
4
votes
2answers
332 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
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 ...
2
votes
1answer
84 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 ...
2
votes
3answers
208 views
Is this program good to achieve functional strength and fitness?
That's my plan - every week, at least two of the following:
gym, one round of upper body pushing and pulling, leg workout in the 6 reps/3 sets range (edited to add: all isolation movements) + core
...
1
vote
3answers
249 views
Is my current strength building workout good to start off with?
So I'm about 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weigh about 180lbs (75kgs). I'm looking to get a more toned stomach and gain more strength in my arms.
I don't want huge muscles, I just want to get to a more ...