Resistance training with barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells and other weights. Questions involving how to lift and maximizing lifting performance. Includes powerlifting, bodybuilding and Olympic lifting.
2
votes
3answers
169 views
What are the pros and cons of board bench pressing?
What are the pros/cons of board bench pressing? I know it helps reduce shoulder strain, but what benefits are there based on being able to lift more weight and what cons since you don't have full ...
1
vote
3answers
204 views
Aerobic on days before weight lifting
I know the key behind weight lifting and strength training is giving your body time to rest, recover, and build muscle. So you can't go back to gym or even biking the day after.
What about the day ...
7
votes
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
votes
5answers
892 views
Overhead press alternative to bench press?
I do my lifting at home and don't have a suitable bench. I'm currently using two ordinary monoblock chairs as my "bench" and I don't think I'm doing my bench presses right because my arms are ...
12
votes
6answers
2k views
How do I bench press safely without a spotter?
What do smart lifters do when they're working out alone and want to do benchpresses?
I have a busy schedule, and it isn't practical for me to have a regular weightlifting partner. I've usually ...
5
votes
3answers
1k views
How should you warm up for stronglifts sessions?
From the StrongLifts book:
Never jump straight into your work weight, warm-up first. As an example, let's say your
work weight for the Squat is 135lbs. Then here's how your training would look ...
7
votes
2answers
963 views
Need help with lower back pain while on stronglifts 5x5
I just started doing strong lifts 5x5 program and am paranoid about hurting myself. I am almost 300 lbs, and haven't done much exercise other than walking for the past long as I can remember. I was ...
6
votes
3answers
664 views
Need help with squatting on stronglift 5x5
I am a total beginner to weightlifting, and I am trying to do the stronglifts 5x5 program. I am extremely overweight, and the biggest challenge for me is that I don't seem to be capable of doing a ...
2
votes
2answers
809 views
StrongLifts suggestions for women
Are there are programs similar to the StrongLifts program for women? Or the StrongLifts tailored for women?
6
votes
2answers
123 views
Are Box Squats more like dead lifts or standard squats?
I've read on a few websites (BodyBuilding and t-nation) that Box Squats are good exercises to help with dead lifts. You don't get the full range of motion and through doing them I seem to feel more ...
3
votes
3answers
230 views
What is the “kernel” for a 4 decade training program for physical fitness?
Almost all training programs or workout routines are focused on the very short term, e.g. 90 days, 12 weeks and similar.
My questions is about the "kernel" (key elements in a wide sense) for a ...
3
votes
1answer
315 views
Can I lose fat but stay the same weight?
Recently I've been doing kickboxing workouts which involve high-intensity cardio with some free weights and body weight movements. This has been awesome at helping me trim down and tone up, I've gone ...
1
vote
3answers
105 views
9 Weeks off Weights
I am a 24 year old female. Ive been weight training for 2 years, clean diet, the works. I have to go to bootcamp for the Navy in December. We are not allowed to lift weights while in basic training. ...
4
votes
2answers
157 views
Slight panic when weightlifting?
I'm new - more specifically I'm about three months into starting strength. Tonight for the first time I felt a slight panic on my squat and my deadlift. Nothing too serious - just thoughts that I ...
2
votes
1answer
170 views
Is it true that the body gets used to diet and exercise after a while and stops responding?
I am currently reading a book called "The Body Sculpting Bible for Men" by James Villepigue and Hugo Rivera. In it the author claims that when you start dieting your body receives a shock from the ...
1
vote
1answer
145 views
Is it good to continuously do the same workouts for maintaining our musles?
We have changed our workout plan from the past month onward. Our daily workouts are
back
squat
chest
shoulder
biceps
abdomen
in heavy weights. We are doing it for obtaining muscular strength. I ...
3
votes
2answers
3k views
What is the official “baseline” workout of CrossFit?
Just did a CrossFit baseline workout yesterday for the first time, and it was slightly different then most of what I see on YouTube/Google searches.
That said, is there an official baseline workout, ...
3
votes
3answers
235 views
Should i do cardio or weights first?
If in one gym session, I want to run (30-40 mins) and lift weights, is it better to run first or do the weights first. I have done a bunch of googling and keep reading conflicting answers so wanted ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
What are some good 5x5 programs I can follow?
I'm looking to start a 5x5 program because I've heard that there are great benefits for beginners just starting to get into weight lifting. What are some good programs, and how can I pick the one ...
1
vote
2answers
236 views
Does Vitamin C help with recovery?
There is this gym legend going around where I train.
My intake is 1g in the morning and 1g at night.
My current training habit is:
Weight lifting: (1 hour/5 days a week)
Cardio: (1 hour of ...
3
votes
5answers
2k views
Running shoes vs barefoot: which is better for squat and dead lift?
This answer mentions that you shouldn't do squat exercises in running shoes. Why is that?
I don't feel like performing squats and dead lifts with running shoes are creating any issues for me, but ...
6
votes
4answers
709 views
What is the optimal height of the bar off the ground for dead lifts?
I'm still using universal weights (one day I'll move onto Olympic) and at most 25lb plates. This results in the bar being lower to the ground when performing dead lifts. I know dead lifters change ...
3
votes
1answer
176 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
664 views
Legs sore 1st day of rest after workout, even more sore the second day
I did a pretty intensive leg workout and decided to take the next day off for rest. I definitely had some lactic build-up the next day and my legs were slightly sore. However, when I woke up on the ...
5
votes
3answers
353 views
How much weight would I need to gain if I increased my deadlift by 50 pounds?
I want to train my deadlift, and I'm curious to know how much weight I might gain if I increased my deadlift by, say, 50lbs. Is there any literature out there that quantifies the relationship between ...
3
votes
4answers
331 views
Any suggestions on how I could improve my workout routine?
Me: 6'5", 195 lbs, eat fairly healthy, drink on weekends, always been tall and skinny
Desired results: increase upper body mass and definition
My Current workout routine (each day is usually 45 mins ...
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 ...
4
votes
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
votes
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
votes
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
votes
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 ...
3
votes
2answers
181 views
Are there any harmful side effects to working out just your arms?
I'm 15 years old and during the summer I've been working out with some dumbbells, and I've only been working out my arms for right now. Lately I have been feeling pain in my lower back and neck (which ...
3
votes
2answers
318 views
Can I get away with just doing pull-ups for lats?
I really hate all the other lat exercises - I find them boring and unsatisfying. Are pull-ups enough to work all the back muscles or am I really missing something if I only do these?
Add to this also ...
3
votes
1answer
210 views
Are you prone to injury directly after weight lifting?
I'm following the Starting Strength program, and I find that I'm fine the next day, as long as I warm up each lift as he recommends.
But, I find that immediately after lifting, even though I'm not in ...
1
vote
3answers
448 views
Are bumper plates “lighter”?
OK, I know that a 45 pound bumper plates weighs the same as a 45 pound iron plate. My experience, however, is that bumpers seem to go up easier. True or myth?
If true, wondering if people have ...
3
votes
3answers
657 views
Is this pain in my neck — after Smith Machine squats — just DOMs or something else?
Last Thursday (so, 5 days ago), I did a short leg workout, centering on finding my maximum weight for squats. I used a Smith Machine and, for the first time ever, I did not have a pad on the Olympic ...
3
votes
2answers
474 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
103 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 ...
6
votes
3answers
326 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 ...
4
votes
1answer
142 views
How to find a weight lifting coach?
What's the best way to find a good coach for weight lifting in my area?
The trainers in my gym seem to be very big & strong, but not experts in form, or at least not know (at all) how to teach ...
4
votes
4answers
450 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
567 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 ...
1
vote
0answers
21 views
Holding Breath while Exercising in Gym? [Weight Lifting Machines] [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How should I breathe when lifting?
I think that I unconsciously hold my breath while doing exercises involving different weightlifting machines in different positions. ...
4
votes
2answers
331 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 ...
6
votes
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 ...
3
votes
1answer
235 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 ...
4
votes
2answers
146 views
What's proper head/torso motion for overhead barbell press?
I'm ready to learn the overhead barbell press, but am very confused about the head, neck, and torso motion. When do you tilt in, when do you tilt out?
Can someone clarify this? The arms are clear but ...
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
843 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 ...
1
vote
5answers
444 views
Advice on gaining weight [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
I am underweight. How do I gain weight and muscle?
Here's some info about me:
I'm 21 years old.
Weight: 50kg (110 pounds)
Height: 1.70m (5'7")
What would you ...
