When Was The Last Time You Worked Out At The Gym

[WheelmanSS]

Originally Posted by MY1STCAMAR0

How many of y'all actually bench the right way?

No arched back, not going all the way down to where the bar touches your chest? A lot of big #'s here which I rarely see at the gym let alone doing the right form.

/raises hand.

There are many-a-durps out there who lay claims to sick bench pressing numbers, or can dominate one single lift. To me, that is absolutely worthless. I pride myself on being a complete athlete. Technique, form, balance, mobility, and flexibility. These are all extremely under-rated elements of fitness. Ask Ronaldo, arguable the greatest soccer player of the modern era, what he thinks is his most crucial athletic ability. His answer? Balance. Not kicking the ball hard, not speed, not endurance.

'What's your bench?' is the fitness-noobs question for gauging strength. Asking someone their Olympic lift levels is way more crucial.

When I first started fighting, my hillbilly brother-in-law started talking mad trash. He was a typical heavy-lifting gym rat. Had a big bench press number, and nothing else. Probably couldn't run a mile in under 10 minutes. My family used to talk about how 'freakishly strong' he was and how I couldn't hang with him in the gym. I just rolled my eyes. One day, after lots of trash, we grappled a bit and I utterly dominated him. He was completely winded after a few minutes, and I was fresh as a daisy.

I can post some other pictures and vids if you want to see form. I work out 5 to 6 days a week, go through periods where I do two-a-days, and mix in some heavy sparring. In my life, I have never had a serious injury. After my workouts, I spend time icing, foam-rolling, stretching, etc. I take great pride in my ability, because it isn't about just going to the gym and looking cool lifting. It is about taking care of all aspects of your health.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by WheelmanSS

/raises hand.

There are many-a-durps out there who lay claims to sick bench pressing numbers, or can dominate one single lift. To me, that is absolutely worthless. I pride myself on being a complete athlete. Technique, form, balance, mobility, and flexibility. These are all extremely under-rated elements of fitness. Ask Ronaldo, arguable the greatest soccer player of the modern era, what he thinks is his most crucial athletic ability. His answer? Balance. Not kicking the ball hard, not speed, not endurance.

'What's your bench?' is the fitness-noobs question for gauging strength. Asking someone their Olympic lift levels is way more crucial.

When I first started fighting, my hillbilly brother-in-law started talking mad trash. He was a typical heavy-lifting gym rat. Had a big bench press number, and nothing else. Probably couldn't run a mile in under 10 minutes. My family used to talk about how 'freakishly strong' he was and how I couldn't hang with him in the gym. I just rolled my eyes. One day, after lots of trash, we grappled a bit and I utterly dominated him. He was completely winded after a few minutes, and I was fresh as a daisy.

I can post some other pictures and vids if you want to see form. I work out 5 to 6 days a week, go through periods where I do two-a-days, and mix in some heavy sparring. In my life, I have never had a serious injury. After my workouts, I spend time icing, foam-rolling, stretching, etc. I take great pride in my ability, because it isn't about just going to the gym and looking cool lifting. It is about taking care of all aspects of your health.

Much like our cars. People post their big power numbers and think it means their car is faster. When a set of gears, some slicks and a stall and tune can do the same thing.

But what you are over-looking is the guy who can do ALL of the above. I think you are a bit pretentious here too. Some people like to do certain things. Nothing wrong with that at all. It's what THEY like.

You are right but just because they post sick lifting numbers and are stacked does NOT mean they are not formidable all around.

To me I give anyone in the gym (and not on steroids) props for being in there.

I concentrated on muscle mass but I also ran and played sports into my late 20s til I had to start driving an 18 wheeler. Then it started to tilt downhill. I stay in decent enough shape but have lost the give a shit to be exceptional. It doesn't necessarily make you live any longer anyway. The oldest people I know who are really in shape were always active but not obsessive.

[mntgome1]

Originally Posted by PQ

Bonnie can verify my weights. My max is 295 and I put it up 3 times that day. I never actually got 305 up. I should have just put it on that day.

I'm 5' 4" tall and at the time I put the 295 up it was 130 pounds over my body weight.

Admitedly I spent a lot of time on the 'Hollywood' muscles.

Low rep, heavy weight was how I liked to lift. 2 minutes between sets.

Thats very reasonable.... As I stated above doing reps with 225 is a solid bench in my opinion. Even if you are capable of doing more... it just seems reasonable. But when someone says they are my size 5'10" 190 + or - and they are like "I can bench 560".......

[PQ]

Originally Posted by mntgome1

Thats very reasonable.... As I stated above doing reps with 225 is a solid bench in my opinion. Even if you are capable of doing more... it just seems reasonable. But when someone says they are my size 5'10" 190 + or - and they are like "I can bench 560".......

It was 185 for me as a solid bench press.

My warm up was with the bar and 45s. I'd do 30 reps or so. Till I almost couldnt' do any more. After I stretched a lot. I was never in to trying to get a max or even tons of weight. I just wanted to lift as much as I could to keep me around 12 reps with solid form. I'd do cheater reps when doing arms and if I had a couple spotters I'd do them with the bench but it was trying to build mass for me. I just wanted to be bigger.

I did every muscle group on my body that way.

[WheelmanSS]

Originally Posted by PQ

Much like our cars. People post their big power numbers and think it means their car is faster. When a set of gears, some slicks and a stall and tune can do the same thing.

But what you are over-looking is the guy who can do ALL of the above. I think you are a bit pretentious here too. Some people like to do certain things. Nothing wrong with that at all. It's what THEY like.

You are right but just because they post sick lifting numbers and are stacked does NOT mean they are not formidable all around.

To me I give anyone in the gym (and not on steroids) props for being in there.

Not sure what you're getting at and what makes me 'pretentious'. I don't feel I'm overlooking anyone. I am stating that people who can do it all are much higher on the fitness spectrum.

There is nothing wrong with having a particular strength or doing what you like to do at the gym. I agree. However, that does not equal fitness. Sorry, it doesn't. Going to the gym and benching 400 lbs does not make you fit.

And I am not assuming that people in here with big bench numbers are like the examples I stated above. Being around the field for a long time, and knowing and seeing workout routines and results, I know the differences. Hell, my GF has a PhD in kinesiology and I have learned a lot from her as well. It's all relative to your efforts.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by WheelmanSS

Not sure what you're getting at and what makes me 'pretentious'. I don't feel I'm overlooking anyone. I am stating that people who can do it all are much higher on the fitness spectrum.

There is nothing wrong with having a particular strength or doing what you like to do at the gym. I agree. However, that does not equal fitness. Sorry, it doesn't. Going to the gym and benching 400 lbs does not make you fit.

And I am not assuming that people in here with big bench numbers are like the examples I stated above. Being around the field for a long time, and knowing and seeing workout routines and results, I know the differences. Hell, my GF has a PhD in kinesiology and I have learned a lot from her as well. It's all relative to your efforts.

I apologgise for not being more clear. I really wasn't meaning to call you pretentious. Meant to say your feelings 'seemed' like a pretentious way to see it. It just seemed that you were saying that your way was the best way no matter what. I know what you are saying and I probably should have found a better adjective. Sorry.

[WheelmanSS]

Originally Posted by PQ

I apologgise for not being more clear. I really wasn't meaning to call you pretentious. Meant to say your feelings 'seemed' like a pretentious way to see it. It just seemed that you were saying that your way was the best way no matter what. I know what you are saying and I probably should have found a better adjective. Sorry.

I suppose I do come off a certain way when I talk about fitness. But truthfully, the critical nature is more directed at myself. I am always working harder and trying to get better. I'm just not content with where I am at. I am a bit too competitive.

This guy I work with is a border-line olympic level marathon. He finishes in the top 75 overall at Chicago and Boston marathons. At the last Chicago marathon, he finished a few minutes outside his goal. All the fatties at the office were like, "oh you finished three times faster than I ever could!" and "imagine all those people you finished ahead of!" and "You're still one of the faster times overall!".

I saw the expression on his face from all this and grinned. I said, "yea... I know the feeling. None of that other shit they are talking about matters or makes it better." It's all the competitiveness you feel within yourself and striving to be better.

[Rogue Leader]

Originally Posted by WheelmanSS

I suppose I do come off a certain way when I talk about fitness. But truthfully, the critical nature is more directed at myself. I am always working harder and trying to get better. I'm just not content with where I am at. I am a bit too competitive.

This guy I work with is a border-line olympic level marathon. He finishes in the top 75 overall at Chicago and Boston marathons. At the last Chicago marathon, he finished a few minutes outside his goal. All the fatties at the office were like, "oh you finished three times faster than I ever could!" and "imagine all those people you finished ahead of!" and "You're still one of the faster times overall!".

I saw the expression on his face from all this and grinned. I said, "yea... I know the feeling. None of that other shit they are talking about matters or makes it better." It's all the competitiveness you feel within yourself and striving to be better.

I'm nowhere near as fast as him, but same happens to me with Triathlons. I miss my goal and people are like "but you did it!!" "At least you participated!" they just don't realize that really means nothing to you.

[ROBOSSRS]

Originally Posted by Renegade

I work out about 3-4 times a week to stay healthy, active, and in shape. As far as exercise i do pushups, situps, pull ups, running, weight lifting, and boxing classes.

What areas are you trying to work out ladies? If you need tips and motivation just ask we're here to help.

If you go to the gym what type of work out plan are you on?

Guys how much can you bench? (bragging rights)

Post pictures if you have any aswell. So many people in America today that's out of shape these days. I feel if you try to exercise and watch your calories what you eat we all can be healthy and happy.

Never been to a gym, except for the gym in high school.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by WheelmanSS

I suppose I do come off a certain way when I talk about fitness. But truthfully, the critical nature is more directed at myself. I am always working harder and trying to get better. I'm just not content with where I am at. I am a bit too competitive.

This guy I work with is a border-line olympic level marathon. He finishes in the top 75 overall at Chicago and Boston marathons. At the last Chicago marathon, he finished a few minutes outside his goal. All the fatties at the office were like, "oh you finished three times faster than I ever could!" and "imagine all those people you finished ahead of!" and "You're still one of the faster times overall!".

I saw the expression on his face from all this and grinned. I said, "yea... I know the feeling. None of that other shit they are talking about matters or makes it better." It's all the competitiveness you feel within yourself and striving to be better.

Originally Posted by Rogue Leader

I'm nowhere near as fast as him, but same happens to me with Triathlons. I miss my goal and people are like "but you did it!!" "At least you participated!" they just don't realize that really means nothing to you.

TOTALLY know what you are saying. Bonnie would say the same.

People will tell her she's getting WAY too skinny. She wants to be in the best shape possible and though she's in better shape than 98% of women out there she still wants to be in better shape and it's hard for her to explain that without coming off the wrong way.

I often tell Bonnie that she comes off pretentious when she doesn't realize that to most people she comes off as being pretentious (even though she can back her claims up) when she talks about flaws she has that everyone she talks to has those flaws and many more.

I've been guilty of it as well. We don't mean to sound that way but we do and it's unfortunate that we are misunderstood like that. (of course my days of being at that level are long gone lol)

[pump905]

Originally Posted by MY1STCAMAR0

How many of y'all actually bench the right way?

No arched back, not going all the way down to where the bar touches your chest? A lot of big #'s here which I rarely see at the gym let alone doing the right form.

I was a former power lifter all my lifts are all the way up and down with a small pause no shirt or suit.

[FINALLYSATISFIED]

Originally Posted by PQ

In my case I was very aware of my form but very stupid in not using a spotter.

In my case I was doing incline bench press and had to reach back behind me to get the bar and lift it using half pects and half tricepts to get it up and rotate it forward to get it above me. It was at that moment that my shoulder caught fire. REALLY sucked.

My dumb ass figured I'd work out of it and when I brought the weight down I found myself crawling out from underneath it. 225 pounds on and incline bench is NOT fun to have sitting on your stomach.

Spotter could have helped unrack the bar and get it over me.

Ouch! I tend to stay from heavy weights without a spotter. I have however lifted my arms past the bar, I don't think our arms are made to do that, lol. It takes a few weeks to get past the discomfort once you tweak it.

[FINALLYSATISFIED]

Originally Posted by pump905

I was a former power lifter all my lifts are all the way up and down with a small pause no shirt or suit.

Have you ever used chains on the end of each bar when you bench? I've seen a few guys do it, I'd assume its for resistance but what benefits does that give you? I was tempted to try it but just haven't.

[midnighter]

Day 3 powerwalk / jog down! Not suffering as much as day one. It feels easier everyday. (not to mension I am down to 157 lbs from the 165lbs I was upto from being lazy and eating bad and late) Still not as bad as a year ago when I weighed 238 lbs.