Strength is the ability of the body to exert force. Questions are about training methods for improving strength.
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2answers
159 views
grams of protein vs calorie intake
I am currently on the 5x5 program with the goal to get stronger. I understand that in order to achieve this goal one must consume a surplus of calories in order to actually gain the muscle. I am 5 ...
2
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2answers
239 views
Why is the weight not dropping off?
I set out to loose 40lbs this year. I cycle approximately 50 miles(10 miles Monday to friday) each week, and have been on a diet of less than 2000(~1700) calories each day for the most part of this ...
6
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2answers
1k views
Is there a biological reason for women to be weaker then men (in the same weight category)?
Are women weaker then men because of something biological, or cultural, or both?
Men do have predispositions to be higher and heavier, but lets compare equal weight categories (a 70kg man against a ...
19
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3answers
11k views
Why is muscle size not proportional to strength?
This guy claims that Olympic powerlifters working in the 1-6 rep range can increase strength without increasing muscle size.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/topicoftheweek8.htm
Trained Olympic ...
5
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4answers
965 views
What is the best time of the day for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)?
I have heard a lot about benefits of HIIT; however, nobody seems to address when is the best time for such activities. I got this question when watching "The secret life of your body clock" (BBC ...
8
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6answers
474 views
What's the ideal way to maintain my deadlift with minimal recovery demands?
Briefly
My deadlift is great and my squat sucks. I want to continue squatting 3x5 more and more weight while I keep my deadlift where it is. What's the best way to maintain my deadlift strength with ...
4
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2answers
203 views
What lifting is best for discus training?
After learning about the difference between bodybuilder training versus powerlifter training, I want to know about how to strength train for the discus throw.
Is high weight and low reps best for me ...
10
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5answers
3k views
Why aren't stiff legged deadlifts bad for your back?
It seems to me they go against everything safe about lifting! Lifting with your lower back and not your legs.
Image source
Anyone have any thoughts on the safety and science behind them?
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3answers
2k views
I missed a Starting Strength workout and squats are getting intense - should I change my schedule?
As recommended by SS (Starting Strength) I am running workouts A and B, alternating every other day. However, with only a two day break in between squats I feel like I haven't fully recovered most of ...
7
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3answers
565 views
Am I gaining anything more by doing accessory work with Starting Strength or is it potentially not contributing anything?
I'm a new lifter about two months into Starting Strength. Recently I bought myself a dip tower so I could add some chin-up/pull-up accessory work. My gym buddy mentioned that potentially I may be ...
5
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5answers
616 views
How do I train my calf muscles?
If the goal is functional performance in a power sport (speed, acceleration, vertical jump), how should one train calves, if at all?
Here are the alternatives that I can think of:
Don't train ...
6
votes
1answer
334 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 ...
4
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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
2answers
154 views
Should I use weights training for endurance or for strength to deal with aching back?
I'm a programmer and I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer typing, and this seems to be too much strain for my back and upper hand muscles.
All the orthopedists I talked to said these ...
4
votes
3answers
1k 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 ...
1
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1answer
290 views
Neural Adaptation Training vs. Hypertrophy Training?
I see training broken up as neural adaptation and hypertrophy. One type of training allows your nervous system to fire at a maximum level while the latter allows you to build size and muscle.
The ...
8
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1answer
594 views
Best strength exercises for arm wrestling
Arm Wrestling consists of both technique and strength. An arm wrestler must of course master all of the techniques, and be strong in all the muscles involved in all of the techniques. I want to ...
3
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4answers
2k views
Are dumbbells alone enough to build strength?
If I do exercises with dumbbells each day, will that be sufficient to build strength and tone muscle? I don't care to large biceps, I am just after some strength and definition.
While doing other ...
3
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2answers
192 views
Learning form without weights
One thing I like a lot about the Starting Strength program is its focus on squats. Why? Because I could practice and practice them, getting my form right, without weights.
Now that I can squat well, ...
3
votes
2answers
163 views
What other changes should I make to my weightraining plan and diet to continue losing belly fat?
I was once over 181 pounds and for my body type I was tipping on the scale of very fat to obese. I started to do lots of cardo and watched what I ate(but never dieted as I knew if I diet I won't be ...
5
votes
2answers
147 views
Increasing Carrying Capacity
I will likely be getting married in one year. I am not in shape by any means of the words, but I am not overweight (6' and 156 lbs). I want to be able to carry my (soon-to-be) wife, who is (best ...
5
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4answers
189 views
Which muscles would I need to train for ambulance work?
TL;DR Version:
Which muscle groups would I use when
lifting an object from the floor with a straight back
holding an object at chest height for an extended period of time whilst climbing stairs
...
5
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2answers
431 views
What's the specific benefit of static holds?
What are static holds good for?
I don't doubt their usefulness. But what strength qualities are adressed by holding a position?
I'm mostly thinkig about exercises like the plank, horse stance, etc.
4
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4answers
2k views
How to do deadlifts with dumbbells?
I dont have access to a barbell, yet i still want to try and do deadlifts, so i was wondering if anybody knows how to explain to me the proper technique, or maybe even refer me to an article or video ...
9
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3answers
10k views
Are squats with dumbbells as effective as squats with barbells?
I was wondering, if I were to use the same amount of weight with dumbbells as I would with a barbell while doing a squat, will I get the same benefits as I would using a barbell?
Now I understand ...
7
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3answers
387 views
Good form with little weight or bad form with a lot of weight?
I always hear people say to use an amount of weight so you can meet your goal amount of reps in good form. On the other hand however, all the videos that I've been watching on YouTube show people ...
4
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4answers
491 views
Are squats necessary to reduce body weight?
My partner told me that squats are a basic exercise, that it helps to improve the lungs so you should do squats daily to lift huge weights. Is this true? Are squat exercises helpful to reduce our body ...
8
votes
3answers
398 views
What rotational-strength exercise should I incorporate into my training?
I already have a basic strength and conditioning program, and I play combat sports. So let's assume that the fundamentals of squatting, deadlifting, chinning, pressing, running, and sport-specific ...
2
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1answer
185 views
What can I do to maintain equal size and strength in both hands?
I m 25 years old and I m going to gym for 3 days in a week. When I workout for biceps in heavy weight, my partner realized that my left hand is exerting more strength than my right hand. When I look ...
15
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4answers
816 views
How do you stick a free-standing handstand?
Ask me to do a headstand or nearly any other yoga arm balance, and I can do it, but I cannot for the life of me stick a handstand without the help of a wall or a spotter.
Image from Yoga Journal
...
5
votes
2answers
43k views
Sore after work out - can't straighten arm
I'm in good aerobic shape but never did strength training. Yesterday, I did some basic strength work, using both dumbbells and machines. Nothing too crazy - I started light and built my way up. I ...
6
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4answers
1k views
Is it normal when starting squats to not have flexible enough ankles?
I've read a lot lately that if I want to build a lot of strength and start thinking seriously about putting on some size that I should use squats as a core workout. I'm only 65kg (143 pounds) and have ...
4
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3answers
504 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 ...
4
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4answers
3k views
Alternative push-up methods for sightly fat people
Let's say I'm a little too fat to be doing a real push up.
Do you recommend me to push up with my knees supporting my body first and then progress further?
OR
Do you think it's better if I start ...
5
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3answers
2k views
What strength programs have been used by elite grapplers?
How do elite judo players, Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters, and wrestlers develop their strength? I am interested in their conditioning as well--running and the like--but primarily in resistance work. I ...
8
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4answers
293 views
The value of strength training vs. the time/effort it takes
I've been working out with a mixture of strength training and cardiovascular exercise (and some stretching), and wanted to better assess to what degree the strength training is worth the time and ...
5
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2answers
249 views
Muscular Atrophy in Senior Citizens
To what extent can a good exercise programme help to recover lost muscle in people over 70 who, while very fit and active, have not exercised regularly in earlier years?
7
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4answers
365 views
How can I avoid building a lot of muscle while gaining strength
As I start towards exercising to gain strength, I want to avoid gaining a lot of muscle.
I don't know how accurate it is, but I have heard that muscle size is not related to strength, i.e. the more ...
2
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2answers
135 views
Is it sets per muscle or sets per exercise?
When doing an exercise with the goal in mind of doing 5 sets per exercise, are those 5 sets for the muscle or for the exercise? Meaning as follows; if i want to do both flat and incline bench presses ...
3
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1answer
299 views
Best stretching and strengthening exercise for Gluteal muscle
When I play games (3-4 hours) like Cricket or Basketball, my Gluteal muscles ache a lot. I've heard that swimming can help them stretch, but I can't swim (though I plan to learn)
What other exercises ...
1
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0answers
25 views
Will weight exercises help mitigate wrist pain? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Is working out a healthy alternative to combat RSI (Repetitive Stress Injuries)
Long hours in front of my laptop have weakened my hands and wrists and caused me to have ...
1
vote
1answer
194 views
Does adding an extra set constitute as progressive overload?
I understand that in order to get results out of a workout one must invoke progress overload into the workout. One way of doing this is to have less rest time, and another way is to increase the ...
2
votes
2answers
455 views
Multiple short workouts vs one long session
I'm a 20-year-old male, and it's been a while since I've done anything physical, so I'm trying to build some muscle. However, I'm a full time student and I work 20 hours a week, which doesn't leave me ...
1
vote
1answer
187 views
Will calcium supplements affect my strength gain?
I've just started taking calcium supplements, 1 tablet each day with each tablet containing 650mg of calcium.
This is to try and negate the effects soda can have on on making it hard for bones to ...
7
votes
2answers
3k views
How does muscle size relate to strength?
I've heard it often that the size of muscles, for example biceps, is not realted to how strong someone is. Is this true?
See for example this image of Gu Yanli who won the strongest man championship ...
2
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1answer
96 views
What to expect for fitness and strength losses given x amount of days of rest?
After training off and on (mostly on) for about a year, I recently took a break from the gym and didn't exercise at all aside from gentle walking for close to 3 weeks. When I returned, it seems I ...
9
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3answers
484 views
Doing it right: sit-ups
How do you train sit-ups correctly?
I've heard you can damage your back if you don't do it right.
Also, are there any varieties that allows one to use weights or similar objects? I ask about this ...
10
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8answers
1k views
what exercises are good (and bad) for striking speed in martial arts?
Since being told that biceps are bad for punching speed, I've toned down the amount of pull-ups I do, and switched to a wide grip with palms facing away to emphasize the lats more than the biceps. Now ...
3
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2answers
724 views
Dumbbell / Free Weights Training Programme
I'm currently road running and swimming and I'd like to start strength training using free weights.
I have access to a set of dumbbells and would like to make use of them, but searching for starter ...
1
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4answers
324 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 ...
