When Was The Last Time You Worked Out At The Gym

[tones2SS]

Originally Posted by CFD

Just curious as to why?

Originally Posted by Dznts

i would like to know the reasoning to this as well.

Well, for one, the protein powders don't agree with my bowels well. LOL I got wicked gassy and plus, I've noticed weight gain with the whey, not muscle, but weight gain. I also have tried protein bars and they were actually great tasting, but again, I put on weight and didn't really notice much of a difference. I tried creatine for a month, got off it, tried it for another month and it seemed to work pretty good. (They you shouldn't continously use creatine as a supplement.) I notice a bit of a strength increase as well as stamina, as creatine helps with the ATP in your muscles.
I bet if you tried the BCAA's alone for a couple of months, took 3 before working out and 3 right after working out, you will be happy with the results. Although, every "body" is different, most people have had great success with this supplement.

[CFD]

Originally Posted by tones2SS

Well, for one, the protein powders don't agree with my bowels well. LOL I got wicked gassy and plus, I've noticed weight gain with the whey, not muscle, but weight gain. I also have tried protein bars and they were actually great tasting, but again, I put on weight and didn't really notice much of a difference. I tried creatine for a month, got off it, tried it for another month and it seemed to work pretty good. (They you shouldn't continously use creatine as a supplement.) I notice a bit of a strength increase as well as stamina, as creatine helps with the ATP in your muscles.
I bet if you tried the BCAA's alone for a couple of months, took 3 before working out and 3 right after working out, you will be happy with the results. Although, every "body" is different, most people have had great success with this supplement.

Usually with good quality whey there is not much effect on gas but some people may have some. The main reasons I asked are this. BCAA's are usefull mostly in cutting applications when caloric intake, especially proteins are restricted enough not to provide enough amino acids. On there own amino acids have no nutritional value. There are three BCAA,s leucine is the one that has the biggest impact on protein syntheses and is probably the most important. Whey protein is roughly 30% BCAA's which is more than adequate for protein synthesis and also provides protein which is more important for muscle building. If when supplimenting with Whey Protein you are gaining weight, where as the calories per scoop is not that high in comparison to the bennefits then simply cut cals somewhere less important. Taking BCAA's has very little effect on muscle building.

Creatine is another suppliment that has been proven useful but again not necessary in some cases. Creatine is provided with good diet and unlike protein the body does store it so if diet is good it may not be necessary, if your diet does not provide enough or if workouts are long and rigerous supplimentation may be useful.

I personally only use a few suppliments, first is whey protein, second is creatine but not continuously and Udo's choice which is an omega 3,6,9 blend . I do use BCAA's when I'm trying to cut rapidly just to ensure adequate supplies but for muscle building or bulking it's not very usefull unless your diet sucks.

[416Camaro]

Originally Posted by RBL

I benched 375 pretty easy a month ago at 190lb body weight.

Thats impressive.

Originally Posted by kalimus

How many times? How many sets? How fast? No idea tbh. I start with 60lb on my first set of inclines, but I don't do flat bench until after a 4th set of incline, so I'm a little wiped out at that point.

Today at the gym I did 5 sets of 8-10 reps. 95lb dumbell flatbench press, no warm up weights, but i do finish off a set with 70 lb dumbells.

[QUOTE=WheelmanSS;6109183]
BRO, DO YOU EVEN LIFT?

Sorry, I love any excuse to use that phrase. I kinda cringe when people ask that question of 'how much can you bench'. One lift alone does not a performance athlete make.

But anyways, I only consider something a PR if I can 5RM on it. In which case, my bench is at 275.

I'm going to try for a new power clean PR today of 225. I got 3 reps in last time, but I couldn't get those last two. I might do one less warm-up set to save some strength..

My barbell bench press is about 175lb 4 sets of 10 rep. But i do the dumbell press first so I most likely could lift more at first. I do not do warm up weights just some ballistic stretching to get the blood flowing.

[CFD]

[QUOTE=416Camaro;6112735]Thats impressive.


Today at the gym I did 5 sets of 8-10 reps. 95lb dumbell flatbench press, no warm up weights, but i do finish off a set with 70 lb dumbells.

Originally Posted by WheelmanSS

BRO, DO YOU EVEN LIFT?

Sorry, I love any excuse to use that phrase. I kinda cringe when people ask that question of 'how much can you bench'. One lift alone does not a performance athlete make.

But anyways, I only consider something a PR if I can 5RM on it. In which case, my bench is at 275.

I'm going to try for a new power clean PR today of 225. I got 3 reps in last time, but I couldn't get those last two. I might do one less warm-up set to save some strength..

My barbell bench press is about 175lb 4 sets of 10 rep. But i do the dumbell press first so I most likely could lift more at first. I do not do warm up weights just some ballistic stretching to get the blood flowing.

Interesting way of lifting but definately not for me. Firstly I always warm up, not necessarily with weights, usually something areobic till I start to break a sweat, I would never stretch first, secondly I would always start with my heaviest lift first, in this case barbell bench press, if working on strength I would do 5-6 reps,hypertrophy 10-12, if I can complete 3 sets(4 for size) next workout I increase the weight, progressive resistance, I would then finish off with let's say incline dumbell presses, same method as above, this way you are targetting the muscles from a different angle while finishing them off, in turn incorporating as many muscle fibers as possible for maximum growth and size. Any time I lift on the last set if I have more I go untill failure, I never stop because I reached a set number.

When doing dumbell bench presses you are exerting a lot of energy on muscles used for stabilization rather than targetting only the chest muscles so in turn loosing the full benefit of the press. It also seems odd that you can lift more with a dumbell press than a barbell press because of the above.

There are many different routines, reps, sets, tempo's some make sense and some don't.

[tones2SS]

Originally Posted by CFD

Usually with good quality whey there is not much effect on gas but some people may have some. The main reasons I asked are this. BCAA's are usefull mostly in cutting applications when caloric intake, especially proteins are restricted enough not to provide enough amino acids. On there own amino acids have no nutritional value. There are three BCAA,s leucine is the one that has the biggest impact on protein syntheses and is probably the most important. Whey protein is roughly 30% BCAA's which is more than adequate for protein synthesis and also provides protein which is more important for muscle building. If when supplimenting with Whey Protein you are gaining weight, where as the calories per scoop is not that high in comparison to the bennefits then simply cut cals somewhere less important. Taking BCAA's has very little effect on muscle building.

I respectfully disagree on your opinion that BCAA's are not for building muscle. I don't need/want to gain extra weight, which is why I stay away from protein powders. I want to gain muscle, not weight. BCAA's help build and repair muscles. Muscles do get ripped to shreds to when you workout. When you rest, your muscles are being repaired. Hence, 3 BCAA's when I am done with my workout. That is why the BCAA's are in protein powders as well. You are correct, there are only 3 amino acids in BCAA's.

[CFD]

Originally Posted by tones2SS

I respectfully disagree on your opinion that BCAA's are not for building muscle. I don't need/want to gain extra weight, which is why I stay away from protein powders. I want to gain muscle, not weight. BCAA's help build and repair muscles. Muscles do get ripped to shreds to when you workout. When you rest, your muscles are being repaired. Hence, 3 BCAA's when I am done with my workout. That is why the BCAA's are in protein powders as well. You are correct, there are only 3 amino acids in BCAA's.

I am not saying BCAA's are not useful, they definately have been proven to aid in the repair recovery of muscles and increase performance , they more importantly are important in preventing the breakdown of existing muscle which in a way helps with building muscle but whole proteins, which also contain BCAA's are what build muscle. Consuming BCAA's with protein is far more efficient for building muscles. Whey protein is very low in calories and almost no carbs so unless consuming buckets of it it should have minimal effect on weight gain. There are whey protein based products such as weight gainers but it's not the protein that aids in weight gain it's the high carbs. Protein does not get stored in the body (as fat) or even as protein to cause weight gain. Any weight gain from protein when working out is more likely to be from muslce gains not fat gains. The only way to build muscle withought gaining weight is to decrease fat content or something else, muscle has weight, it gets bigger, it gets heavier, no way around it.

Do what work's for you, there is no reason for you to believe me, I'm just relaying to you what I understand the studies I've read to be . I'm just offering my opinions, toss them in a barrel for all I care.

[RBL]

Originally Posted by CFD

Protein does not get stored in the body (as fat) or even as protein to cause weight gain.

That is just simply not true man, protein contains calories like anything else. An excess of calories no matter where it comes from will lead to weight gain. I understand the simplistic chemistry of what you are saying but it just does not work that way when it comes to nutrition as a whole.

[CFD]

Originally Posted by RBL

That is just simply not true man, protein contains calories like anything else. An excess of calories no matter where it comes from will lead to weight gain.

As I said if you read rhe posts, if consuming large amounts the cals will cause weight gain but the benefit for muscle building is more important so cut the cals somewhere else. Anything you eat with cals can cause weight gain but working out withought adequate protein intake doesn't make sense if you're looking to gain muscle. I suppose everyone here want's to be so technical I should use words like"less likely to get stored as fat" if that will make you happy. Ptotein is a thermogenic fuel substrate, it take more energy to turn proteins to fat than any other macronutrient, When consuming good amounts of protein 20% of it's cals is lost through heat or thermogenisis so the overall calls from proteins are converted to fuel or if there is excess 20% of that is burned to convert it so the net cals from protein is minimal.

[tones2SS]

Originally Posted by CFD

I am not saying BCAA's are not useful, they definately have been proven to aid in the repair recovery of muscles and increase performance , they more importantly are important in preventing the breakdown of existing muscle which in a way helps with building muscle but whole proteins, which also contain BCAA's are what build muscle.

I agree 100% with this statement. Like I posted in my earlier post, everybody's "body" is different and reacts to supplements differently.
I appreciate your input and knowledge.

[SSTG]

To the question of "how much can you bench", I don't see that as proving a lot. I see way to many guy's in the gym with big chests and under developed Delts, traps and backs and for goodness sakes what about legs? Most guy's arms are bigger than their legs!

I have a big chest because it is one of those areas for me that I inherited in my genes. It comes easy for me. I work out with the same weight for inclines, declines and flat bench, just to keep toned, not put on more size. I don't need it, my chest is 48'' and I'm 5'11'' and I have only been back in the gym for a few months after a year plus off, I was well over 50''. I want to look good, not roided.
Now Calves are a son of a gun for me, seems like I have to torture them to see results.

I'm more into proper form and overall strength. Not showman ship.

[Eddie240]

Originally Posted by Dtrimpi87

I actually just got back to the gym tonight after a year and a half break and it felt amazing. I pretty much just do weights and some cardio thrown in. Just enough cardio to keep the fat down and heart in shape. Before I quit going I would bench 405 for reps and max at 495. I'm a bigger guy at 6'5" 300lbs (normally around 260) but it's gonna be a while before I'm lifting like that again. Tonight just did light weight for reps to get everything going again.

Same Here. i benched a lot when i was working out the i stopped and i just started going 2 days ago. I almost forgot how it felt to be sore. lol

[WheelmanSS]

Originally Posted by SSTG

Now Calves are a son of a gun for me, seems like I have to torture them to see results.

I'm more into proper form and overall strength. Not showman ship.

I wouldn't really worry about that. Doing isolated lifts to target extremities like calves and forearms are essentially worthless and waste energy that is better spent else where. Those muscles get used for so many other functions.

I run, jump rope, and cycle a lot. My calves are shredded and I never do a damn thing for them specifically.

Same with my arms. I have pretty well toned biceps and triceps and I never do any isolation lifts for them.

Olympic lifts and interval body weight style exercises are key to getting tone and strong all over. You work more muscles as once, and see more results. Win-win.

[kalimus]

Originally Posted by tones2SS

I respectfully disagree on your opinion that BCAA's are not for building muscle. I don't need/want to gain extra weight, which is why I stay away from protein powders. I want to gain muscle, not weight. BCAA's help build and repair muscles. Muscles do get ripped to shreds to when you workout. When you rest, your muscles are being repaired. Hence, 3 BCAA's when I am done with my workout. That is why the BCAA's are in protein powders as well. You are correct, there are only 3 amino acids in BCAA's.

Protein powders don't make you blow up like a balloon. They are not necessarily mass gainers, which are protein powders loaded with carbs. I'm sorry, but staying away from whey because you "want to gain muscle and not weight" is an absurd statement. The only reason not to use whey is as a preference, and if you are getting enough protein in your whole meals. BCAA's are great, but whey has got all of that AND the additional aminos that BCAA's do not have.

Originally Posted by RBL

That is just simply not true man, protein contains calories like anything else. An excess of calories no matter where it comes from will lead to weight gain. I understand the simplistic chemistry of what you are saying but it just does not work that way when it comes to nutrition as a whole.

This statement isn't really accurate either. Your body will store excess carbs before it stores excess protein. Always. No exceptions. That's because it's easier for your body to store glycogen in fat, where broken down protein (aminos) aren't really "stored" while they are in the body (at least not in the same manner that glucose is). It's chemestry. You talk about nutrition as a whole, but are implying that a "calorie is a calorie", which is just not true. THAT is "simplistic". The body has a preference and a method to store. You can disagree, but then you have to explain why the same person can eat the same calories on a paleo diet vs a balanced diet, yet the low carb person will burn fat faster. The kind of calorie matters.

Originally Posted by WheelmanSS

I wouldn't really worry about that. Doing isolated lifts to target extremities like calves and forearms are essentially worthless and waste energy that is better spent else where. Those muscles get used for so many other functions.

I run, jump rope, and cycle a lot. My calves are shredded and I never do a damn thing for them specifically.

Same with my arms. I have pretty well toned biceps and triceps and I never do any isolation lifts for them.

Olympic lifts and interval body weight style exercises are key to getting tone and strong all over. You work more muscles as once, and see more results. Win-win.

I would agree with you on forearms. I'm a little hesitant to agree on calves. I don't disagree completely... but I don't really agree either. Unlike forearms, the calves are always under load throughout the day (walking, standing, etc). I'm sure you, just like everyone else knows how hard legs are to encourage growth because of that. Forearms get pleny of exercise as you grip weights and etc. I've never seen a body builder say "meh, you don't really need to work out your calves". Most commonly, I see them talk about the type of exercise, and how people do it wrong. Calves are compared to abs in the theory that they get a bigger benefit from full range of motion. I.E. abs do well from extension as well as contraction. Calves do well from the range of motion that goes from heel below the toe, to heel above the toe. I commonly see people only going flat foot to heel up, but never get the negative.

I mean for that matter, you could include abs into that mix, since they are used all day long, and support almost every exercise you do. Why do ab workouts?

I do agree with the benefit of olympic lifts. They are a lynchpin for a healthy and strong body. I also agree that the exercises you describe are great for getting a toned and lean body. However, the "shreded" look only has to do with lack of bodyfat, and nothing to do with muscle size. I hope nobody takes that to think that I'm saying bigger muscles don't make you look better. I'm just saying that "shreded" is low bodyfat. Even if you have small muscles everywhere, you can be "shreded". You'll just look.. well... silly

So I guess it really just depends on goals. Muscles get more massive, faster, under a load of some kind. Jumping rope... I would consider, is "under load". But after a certain physical size, they are going to need more load than what your bodyweight provides if you want them to be any bigger.



And that's the coolest part about this conversation. So many ways and thoughts on how to accomplish anything. With lifts, the only REAL "wrong way" to do it is by having crappy form and not challenging yourself.

[WheelmanSS]

Originally Posted by kalimus

I would agree with you on forearms. I'm a little hesitant to agree on calves. I don't disagree completely... but I don't really agree either. Unlike forearms, the calves are always under load throughout the day (walking, standing, etc). I'm sure you, just like everyone else knows how hard legs are to encourage growth because of that. Forearms get pleny of exercise as you grip weights and etc. I've never seen a body builder say "meh, you don't really need to work out your calves". Most commonly, I see them talk about the type of exercise, and how people do it wrong. Calves are compared to abs in the theory that they get a bigger benefit from full range of motion. I.E. abs do well from extension as well as contraction. Calves do well from the range of motion that goes from heel below the toe, to heel above the toe. I commonly see people only going flat foot to heel up, but never get the negative..

I hear what you are saying to an extent. It's all about the approach. True, you won't hear a body builder say ""meh, you don't really need to work out your calves". But let's be honest, body building has nothing to do with performance. I personally equate fitness with performance. A body builder may look "fit", but in general their performance is laughable.

Training as a fighter, I find it hilarious when I see body builders in public. Everyone oooh's and aaaah's over them and usually nudges me and says, "I wouldn't wanna mess with that guy!". I usually shrug with a cringe and say, "well, I wouldn't mind". Most of them have the flexibilty of a steel rod and the cardio of a hippo. Again, it's all relative.

I mean for that matter, you could include abs into that mix, since they are used all day long, and support almost every exercise you do. Why do ab workouts?

You're kinda losing me here. In noooo way can abs be compared to calves. When executing just about any athletic movement or lift, the core is the starting line. The core is the base for establishing balance, stability, and power. Calves carry a load, they aren't used to generate power. You don't jump plyo boxes by driving with your calves. You don't deadlift weight pushing off with your calves.

I do agree with the benefit of olympic lifts. They are a lynchpin for a healthy and strong body. I also agree that the exercises you describe are great for getting a toned and lean body. However, the "shreded" look only has to do with lack of bodyfat, and nothing to do with muscle size. I hope nobody takes that to think that I'm saying bigger muscles don't make you look better. I'm just saying that "shreded" is low bodyfat. Even if you have small muscles everywhere, you can be "shreded". You'll just look.. well... silly

I'm glad you're with me on the Oly lifts. Maybe our definitions of shredded are different. Granted, body fat and tone do go somewhat hand and hand. However, I have some pretty shredded calves, but my mid-section is nothing of the sort!

So I guess it really just depends on goals. Muscles get more massive, faster, under a load of some kind. Jumping rope... I would consider, is "under load". But after a certain physical size, they are going to need more load than what your bodyweight provides if you want them to be any bigger.?

Totally agree. But again, to me anyways, bigger does not equal performance.

And that's the coolest part about this conversation. So many ways and thoughts on how to accomplish anything. With lifts, the only REAL "wrong way" to do it is by having crappy form and not challenging yourself.

Amen to that!