Power lifter? Bodybuilder? come on in!

[Mydivorcegift]

Originally Posted by CFD

Something important to keep in mind. When guys like Dznts and hrpiii talk about their large caloric intake you must remember they already have low body fat and large amounts of muscle. When you are in that category training hard and eating a substantial caloric intake is needed for muscle gains, when your on the opposite side of the spectrum and have a higher body fat percentage and less lean mass the caloric surplus is more likely to get stored as fat. Because of this it's important o prioritize your goals and your workout and diet should reflect those goals. Generally speaking fat loss and muscle gains require different things, in my opinion you should construct your workouts and diet towards fat loss first, once body fat is reduced you can then switch to muscle/strength gaining. Beginners usually loose fat and gain muscle at first but it is short lived , you can't do both at once efficiently.

Excellent post sir!

[CFD]

Originally Posted by Monchy36

And how you been doing? Feeling better!

Started working out Mon., did legs, Tuesday I couldn't walk. lol . Getting back into it though still healing so taking it easy.

[CFD]

Originally Posted by Mydivorcegift

Excellent post sir!

I can even surprise you sometimes. lol.

[Dznts]

Originally Posted by CFD

Something important to keep in mind. When guys like Dznts and hrpiii talk about their large caloric intake you must remember they already have low body fat and large amounts of muscle. When you are in that category training hard and eating a substantial caloric intake is needed for muscle gains, when your on the opposite side of the spectrum and have a higher body fat percentage and less lean mass the caloric surplus is more likely to get stored as fat. Because of this it's important o prioritize your goals and your workout and diet should reflect those goals. Generally speaking fat loss and muscle gains require different things, in my opinion you should construct your workouts and diet towards fat loss first, once body fat is reduced you can then switch to muscle/strength gaining. Beginners usually loose fat and gain muscle at first but it is short lived , you can't do both at once efficiently.

Great post sir! As always well put.

[Dznts]

Originally Posted by Monchy36

Very good read! Still no answer my question... how much sleep you guys get?

I can tell you it is never enough, but I always "try" to get at least 8, which isnt always an option for me. Sleep is very important and I cant stress that enough.

[Monchy36]

Finish this month with a killer legs workout! I think I didn't push enough since I can walk... very excited to start my new (hrpiii) workout routine! only problem weather is calling for 3-6 inches of snow for Monday! I hope the gym don't close because that... we'll see...

[The_Blur]

I know you're not supposed to weigh yourself 2 days in a row, but I did and was rewarded with a new weight of 164.5#, a full pound down from yesterday. I will say that weight loss can be pretty substantial on Atkins and eventually plateau. One way to break through is to increase your carb intake for a week and then bring it back down. I was stuck at 167# for almost 3 weeks, but I upped my intake to 40g carbs and am now back down to 35g/day with 2.5# of weight loss in 2 days.

[hrpiii]

Originally Posted by Mydivorcegift

What are your goals?

What Fed do you lift in?

I will be 48 years young in May, so I have to remember that I'm not that young power hungry kid I once was . So I probably won't be shooting for any personal best in my lifts, but I am looking to bench 445, squat 550, deadlift 585. I would be happy with that, I am hitting the scale at 224 lbs right now, and will probably be that for the contest.

I don't lift in any of the Fed's anymore, this is a local event. The main reason I am doing it is because of one of the guys I am training, to get him into it, and to encourage him to keep pushing. Great guy, about 3 years ago, his doctor told him he would never have the strength in his core to lift heavy, as he had some bone removed from his pelvis. I have him squatting 365 lbs, deadlifting 445 lbs, at his weight a mear 185 lbs. That is what dedication and commitment will get you. He later sent videos to his physician, which was totally amazed.

This should show you guys, it can be done, no matter what, find a way, because if you really want it, you can do it. Lift Hard, Lift Smart.

hrpiii

[hrpiii]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

I know you're not supposed to weigh yourself 2 days in a row, but I did and was rewarded with a new weight of 164.5#, a full pound down from yesterday. I will say that weight loss can be pretty substantial on Atkins and eventually plateau. One way to break through is to increase your carb intake for a week and then bring it back down. I was stuck at 167# for almost 3 weeks, but I upped my intake to 40g carbs and am now back down to 35g/day with 2.5# of weight loss in 2 days.

Careful now, muscle mass will weight more than fat. This is why you need to be careful when you are working out and gaining muscle. Judge weight loss by inches off your waist.

And like you stated, if you do hit a plateau, shake things up with some big calories, refeed your body really good, then get back on the controlled calorie program.

[Monchy36]

Originally Posted by hrpiii

I will be 48 years young in May, so I have to remember that I'm not that young power hungry kid I once was . So I probably won't be shooting for any personal best in my lifts, but I am looking to bench 445, squat 550, deadlift 585. I would be happy with that, I am hitting the scale at 224 lbs right now, and will probably be that for the contest.

I don't lift in any of the Fed's anymore, this is a local event. The main reason I am doing it is because of one of the guys I am training, to get him into it, and to encourage him to keep pushing. Great guy, about 3 years ago, his doctor told him he would never have the strength in his core to lift heavy, as he had some bone removed from his pelvis. I have him squatting 365 lbs, deadlifting 445 lbs, at his weight a mear 185 lbs. That is what dedication and commitment will get you. He later sent videos to his physician, which was totally amazed.

This should show you guys, it can be done, no matter what, find a way, because if you really want it, you can do it. Lift Hard, Lift Smart.

hrpiii

hrpiii how can I go up in weight safely by myself? Right now I'm going for 225, I can bench 195 3 times and squad 205, didn't try deadlift just use 185... I'm looking to get in shape but will be awesome if I can bench/squad/deadlift double my weight!

[Dznts]

Good morning everyone

[Monchy36]

Originally Posted by Dznts

Good morning everyone

what's going to be today D?

[Dznts]

Originally Posted by Monchy36

what's going to be today D?

What's up my friend. How are things?

[hrpiii]

Originally Posted by Monchy36

hrpiii how can I go up in weight safely by myself? Right now I'm going for 225, I can bench 195 3 times and squad 205, didn't try deadlift just use 185... I'm looking to get in shape but will be awesome if I can bench/squad/deadlift double my weight!

When you say "safely by yourself", are you working out at home where there is no one to spot you on heavy lifts? If so, what equipment do you have that you are using?

Sounds like you have two goals, both really have different paths and plans to take. You want to get in shape (I will assume lose some excess fat, lean out, have some muscle tone). Then you want to 'get stronger/bigger'. "Getting in shape" may mean higher reps, more sets. Getting stronger will definitely mean, heavier weights, lower reps... yeah, and more sets. It is a very tough challenge to do both, even for a seasoned gym rat. I would say keep working on the Getting In Shape. Stick to that goal and that diet plan. Once you get to your desired weight, then set that goal to get size and strength. As this would change your whole lifting routine.