Resistance training with barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells and other weights. Questions involving how to lift and maximizing lifting performance. Includes powerlifting, bodybuilding and Olympic lifting.
13
votes
1answer
504 views
What are the trade-offs of weight versus repetition?
When doing work out with weights, what is the impact of trade-off between
amount of weights working with
number of times an exercise is repeated
For example, I can repeat an exercise 10x3 times ...
43
votes
4answers
26k views
Is it healthy to exercise a muscle when it's still sore?
Is it healthy or is it damaging to exercise a muscle while it's still sore from a previous workout?
9
votes
3answers
608 views
Optimal exercises for an abdominal workout
In response to this answer, I was curious what exercises specifically target the abdominal muscles. Answers given so far include:
Works abs directly:
leg raises
rollout
Indirectly:
squats
My ...
5
votes
2answers
591 views
Are these Workout Routines right for Body Building
The weightlifting-101 blog post on the stackexchange blog and posts on fitness.SE has helped me learn more about strength training and body building. My goal is body building (to bulk up) in short ...
17
votes
3answers
1k views
Protein: How much is too much?
I'm currently taking in 100 grams a day of protien via whey powder. I used to take 250 grams when I was training. I've read that you should intake 1 gram per pound of body weight you have when ...
15
votes
3answers
1k views
Do you need to “feel the burn” to become stronger?
If your goal is increasing strength, must you always train to the point where you feel the burn later?
6
votes
1answer
204 views
Recommended workout duration vs working out with a partner
I've read about / been told / agree with the fact that my workout should not be exceeding around 1 hour, however most of my workouts approach the 90 mins - 2 hour mark because I work out with a ...
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 ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Weight vs resistance
I've always heard hardcore lifters saying that resistance is not the same as weight. Bascially that 100lb of resistance is not equal to 100lbs of weight. Imagine a bowflex vs a cable machine.
I'd ...
22
votes
3answers
3k views
What happens when you miss a workout?
Normally I get to the gym Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and try to lift a little bit more weight than I did the time before.
Today everything has gone wrong and I am not going to be able to make it ...
11
votes
5answers
620 views
Is increasing resistance the only possibility to build more muscle mass?
I've often read and heard that you can only build more muscle-mass (get stronger), if you continuously increase the resistance weights (e.g. here).
But for me, it's the case that I'm often not able ...
1
vote
5answers
445 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 ...
37
votes
5answers
6k views
How to lose manboobs?
Well this one is embarrassing as hell to ask, but its a real issue for me. I do dips often, as people say that's good, but different people say different things - that bench press will make them more ...
6
votes
6answers
2k views
Exercises that can replace squats?
I've got a friend that's somewhat interested in doing Stronglifts, but for personal reasons she's utterly terrified of tearing up her knees from doing squats. I've tried to convince her otherwise but ...
4
votes
4answers
5k views
How to Increase height naturally? Are those ads gimmicks?
I'm 5'6, weigh 137, male and close to be 24 soon. I am not happy with my height. I love sports, basketball, soccer, and others.
Being this short have some influence on sport activities I ...
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 ...
3
votes
3answers
3k views
List of Beginner Dumbbell Exercises?
I have a set of dumbbells that I would like to use in the new year. Is there a handy list somewhere (preferably with pictures) of beginner exercises I can do with my dumbbells? I do not have a weight ...
7
votes
3answers
3k views
Weight gained using GOMAD strategy
@DaveLiepmann recommended drinking one gallon of milk a day for gaining quick mass. It does look like a good idea as it is discussed on stronglifts as well.
But another article suggested it is not ...
6
votes
3answers
994 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
2answers
937 views
How do I know how much weight I should be lifting with dumbells?
I was just given a set of weights - adjustable weight dumbells - as a present, but I have no idea what sort of weights/how many reps I should be doing in order to achieve the best results.
I'm ...
11
votes
6answers
4k views
Squat /Deadlift with torn ACL?
I tore my left knee ACL 6 months playing soccer. After the incident I was able to go to a Dr and he told me I need to let the inflammation come down and then get surgery. He said I don't need to do ...
5
votes
3answers
491 views
Absolute Beginner in Weight Training
History:
I am an absolute beginner to the world of fitness and nutrition. I'm a classical geek that spends most of the time in front of the computer writing code, fixing stuff.
I've purchased a set ...
5
votes
2answers
552 views
What is the correct form for a deadlift?
I asked my gym instructor to check my deadlift form last night and he said I was doing it wrong. According to him:
My hips were too low at the starting position - he says the hips should be as high ...
3
votes
4answers
332 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 ...
18
votes
3answers
801 views
Shoes for Weightlifting
What shoes have you found to be most effective for exercises like squats and deadlifts etc.?
9
votes
3answers
498 views
I'm a casual runner & active human. Do I need to work out my legs + lower body?
I'm 27 and I'm in pretty good shape. I'm getting in even better shape, having signed up for a gym membership a couple months ago for the first time in my life. I've been hitting some free weights, pec ...
6
votes
1answer
188 views
How to improve symmetry in both strength and size
I have noticed lately that I lack symmetry in my arms (biceps and triceps, not forearms). This lack of symmetry also follows through to the strength and endurance in the weaker arm.
With my dominant ...
6
votes
5answers
728 views
My legs still ache 3-4 days after legs day
I have been working out for ~6 months and have worked my legs once per week throughout this time, on their own day.
My legs, especially my quads, ache to the point of finding it hard to walk, ...
5
votes
4answers
2k views
What are some good alternative shoes for strength training?
According to this article, the principles for a good weight lifting shoe has the following properties:
Not slippery
Incompressible soles
Excellent support
Snug fit
Among the cheapest alternatives ...
6
votes
2answers
252 views
Will weight training stagnate growth in a teenager?
Will weight training stagnate growth in a teenager?
Is this a myth or fact? If it does, how does it stagnate a youth's growth?
12
votes
4answers
5k views
Cardio vs. Weight lifting. Which one is better for losing weight?
Cardio burns more calories during the exercise, but weight-lifting builds more muscle which in turn raises your RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate). I have a little over an hour to workout each day during ...
17
votes
8answers
2k views
Does lifting more than 5lbs really cause females to bulk?
I recently read an article about a guy who trains many models and actresses and he states that women shouldn't be lifting weights above 5 pounds, and not doing cardio such as spinning, because doing ...
11
votes
3answers
543 views
Does heavy lifting affect steadiness and precision?
I do a fair amount of weightlifting; in particular heavy compound lifts power-lifting style. I also compete on a target pistol team. Over the years, I've heard a number of coaches and marksmen ...
6
votes
2answers
435 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 ...
3
votes
3answers
231 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 ...
16
votes
8answers
2k views
Prevent or treat delayed onset muscle soreness
When I lift weights, I lift heavy. I expect to be sore afterwards because I know I've pushed myself hard. Unfortunately, sometimes I push myself too far and get very bad delayed onset muscle soreness ...
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 ...
8
votes
3answers
4k views
Troubleshooting “Body By Science” workout
I've been doing a workout inspired by Body By Science for the last 5 weeks. I can't do the whole book justice in a quick post, but in a nutshell it recommends doing a single set of 3-5 exercises ...
6
votes
3answers
763 views
Are there any compelling reasons to not engage in bare-foot weight lifting
As I understand it there is a general recommendation towards wearing weight lifting shoes when lifting heavy weights for three main reasons:
Less compression in a weight lifting shoe's than in a ...
4
votes
2answers
11k views
Are there any alternatives to deadlifts?
There are so many articles about the benefits of doing deadlifts for the back.
But I am curious if there are alternatives to the deadlifts which still gives the same benefits?
4
votes
3answers
526 views
Crunches before or after sit-ups?
I use a machine to do 8-12 crunches to failure. I also like to perform sit-ups to failure (and I feel it in the front of my hips, not my abs). Does it matter in which order I do these two exercises?
...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Should I take days off from working out - regardless of what my workout schedule is?
I'm currently working out where I alternate between cardio and weightlifting, and on my weightlifting days I alternate the body parts I target. Doing this I work out everyday, the idea being since ...
3
votes
1answer
775 views
Weight gain diet for a Pescetarian?
I was weight gaining/lifting about 5 years ago on a diet consisting of a lot of chicken, beef and tuna.
However, I stopped, and have since then stopped eating factory farmed meats, and now have a ...
1
vote
1answer
272 views
Deadlifting yesterday gave me pain in my lats. What is the proper posture for deadlifting to avoid this?
Yesterday I did deadlifts in my workout, then I got pain in my lat muscles and also in the thigh.
I think this was caused by wrong posture which also can lead to back problems. But I don't know the ...
12
votes
1answer
125 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 ...
9
votes
2answers
3k views
How much should I spend for olympic weights?
I'm willing to start some serious training at home. I'm totally new to weight lifting, but I'd still prefer to buy quality long-lasting equipement from the start, instead of wasting money into cheap ...
8
votes
1answer
321 views
How should I recover if I accidentally deadlifted 5x5 instead of 1x5?
I forgot that in the StrongLifts program you only had to deadlift 1x5 and accidentally did 5x5, will this hurt my recovery? Should I skip my next deadlift during my next workout B?
8
votes
1answer
406 views
When do you recommend using a belt for deadlifts?
I've been trying to dead lift heavier (up to 380), but seem to have reached a plateau...the biggest obstacles seem to be my grip strength (thinking of using straps) and pressure on the lower back. Is ...
7
votes
1answer
1k views
Do I need to gain weight if I'm overweight? (Starting StrongLifts program)
I'm 5'6 and 176 lbs with a high body fat %. I am overweight (with man boobs and big belly with love handles) and just started the StrongLifts 5x5 program.
While reading the starter pdf included, ...
6
votes
3answers
430 views
barbell squat wrist problems
One of the aspects that the Starting Strength book emphasizes a good deal is that the wrists should be straight when doing the squat (see point 3, as well as the wrists of the guy in all the cartoons ...
