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DarkMagician

Banned
Oct 25, 2017
1,153
My shoulders are definitely my weak point hindering other progressions, and my OHP and Seated Shoulder Press fatigue around 5 sets. My rotator cuffs are slowly becoming stronger thanks to the work outs/stretches listed in this thread, but I definitely need to focus on shoulders to fast-track them.

Current lifts (each of these are 5 reps unless otherwise noted):
Body weight: 140 lbs
Pull ups: 3 sets of 12
Bench: 130 lbs (so close to a full plate!!)
Barbell Row: 130 lbs
Squat: 185 lbs (finally taught myself proper form to go deep)
Deadlift: 235 lbs
OHP: 85 lbs (ew)
Seated Shoulder Press: 2 dumbbells of 40 lbs each

This is my current program:
Monday - Upper Body Power

Barbell Bench Press - 4 sets x 3-5 reps

Incline Dumbbell Press - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Bent Over Row - 3 sets x 3-5 reps

Overhead Press - 3 sets x 5-8 reps

Cable Crossover - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Lat Pull Down - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Lateral Raises - 3 sets x 12-15 reps

Barbell Curl - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Tricep Pushdowns (V-bar) - 3 sets x 10-15 reps

Plank



Tuesday - Lower Body Power

Squat - 4 sets x 3-5 reps

Deadlift - 2 sets x 3-5 reps

Leg Press - 3 sets x 8-12 reps

Leg Extension - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Leg Curl - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Cable Crunches - 3 sets x 10-15 reps

Weighted Ab Workout - 3 sets x 10-15 reps

Weighted Oblique Workout - 3 sets x 10-15 reps

Plank



Thursday - Upper Body Hypertrophy

Barbell Bench Press - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Incline Dumbbell Press - 3 sets x 8-12 reps

Chin Ups - 3 sets x 5-8 reps

Pec Flyes - 3 sets x 8-12 reps

Seated Cable Row - 3 sets x 8-12 reps

Seated Shoulder Dumbbell Press - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Hammer Curl - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Tricep Extensions - 3 sets x 8-12 reps

Face Pulls - 3 sets x 8-12 reps

Plank



Friday - Lower Body Hypertrophy

Front Squat - 4 sets x 5-8 reps

Leg Extension - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Leg Curl - 3 sets x 6-10 reps

Calf Raise - 3 sets - 6-10 reps

Cable Crunches - 3 sets x 10-15 reps

Weighted Ab Workout - 3 sets x 10-15 reps

Weighted Oblique Workout - 3 sets x 10-15 reps

Plank

Is there anything you guys would recommend I modify/add?
 

Psychotext

Member
Oct 30, 2017
16,703
So one of my friends is missing 3/4s of one pec so he isn't sure how to go about working out his chest (he's a beginner). I've seen bodybuilders who have the same condition and they clearly have developed chest muscles, even on the side with the missing pec so it's possible. Does anyone have any suggestions for chest exercises that would work around his condition?

I'd assume he'd be best off trying cable based exercises. Not only are they some of the most effective, but it's quick to switch resistances. Plus many other reasons.
 
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DarkMagician

Banned
Oct 25, 2017
1,153
When you bench, do you start with heavier sets and make them go lighter (e.g. 5 reps of 135 lbs, 5 reps of 135 lbs, 5 reps of 130 lbs) or start lighter and go heavier (e.g. 5 reps of 130 lbs, 5 reps of 135 lbs, 5 reps of 135 lbs). I heard doing the former allows you to bench heavier since you aren't as fatigued, but I've also heard doing the latter lets you warm up your muscles and do heavier sets.
 

KillerBEA

Member
Oct 26, 2017
290
My wife bought me a hip band for Christmas. I've never used one before. What's the benefit and purpose? I have a pretty good squat but am always looking to get stronger
Its supposed to increased hip muscle activation. By pulling your legs/knees in it forces you to push them out. It will overtime take away knee inward collapse mid squat. Also helpful if you shift laterally in the squat. Usually used as a warmup tool but can used in conservative strength training protocols.
 

Psychotext

Member
Oct 30, 2017
16,703
Oddly, every time I used the band for a while I find I'd injure myself (specifically around my knees). Lifting without the band... no problems whatsoever.
 

pleighboi

Banned
Oct 27, 2017
99
When you bench, do you start with heavier sets and make them go lighter (e.g. 5 reps of 135 lbs, 5 reps of 135 lbs, 5 reps of 130 lbs) or start lighter and go heavier (e.g. 5 reps of 130 lbs, 5 reps of 135 lbs, 5 reps of 135 lbs). I heard doing the former allows you to bench heavier since you aren't as fatigued, but I've also heard doing the latter lets you warm up your muscles and do heavier sets.
I do reverse pyramid training

3 warm up sets of 5/3/1 then 1 work set of bench, the second set I drop the weight 10% and try to get 2 more reps
 

BKatastrophe

Member
Oct 28, 2017
13,359
Its supposed to increased hip muscle activation. By pulling your legs/knees in it forces you to push them out. It will overtime take away knee inward collapse mid squat. Also helpful if you shift laterally in the squat. Usually used as a warmup tool but can used in conservative strength training protocols.
I really need to build up my hip strength and try building what ankle strength I can. I sprained my ankles so much in high school during football and never properly rehabilitated them, and then I let my hip strength go to waste (not that it was ever great to begin with). So now my squat form is shot since all my weight goes on to my knees and they can only do so much.
 

Deleted member 11069

User requested account closure
Banned
Oct 27, 2017
1,001
I'm wondering if Im doing too much. I'm SO winded in the gym, I'm breathing like an old horse between sets.

I'm doing 5/3/1 BBB with First Sets Last.
So for example today was SQUAT day with:

3x5 Max Working sets (230lb)
3x8 First Set Last (185)

And then Bench 5 sets of 155 x 10

I was DEAD after. Is this too much or am I just weak?

(I'm in my late 30s btw and have been doing 5/3/1 for a bit now but with less volume)
Thoughts would be appreciated!
 

mf.luder

Member
Oct 28, 2017
1,675
First time ever, couldn't get the bar back up during a set of bench press and had to drop the weights off side by side with the bar resting on my chest. Eeeek.

Next time I'll use a spotter.
 

Oliver James

Avenger
Oct 25, 2017
7,769
So recently I noticed a new sign on the gym: no powerlifting exercise allowed. This means the deadlift, right? So that's why I'm the only person still doing it. Any alternatives when someone finally stops me from doing them, aside from changing gyms?
 

Psychotext

Member
Oct 30, 2017
16,703
I'm wondering if Im doing too much. I'm SO winded in the gym, I'm breathing like an old horse between sets.
No disrespect, but you're probably just unfit. Do some cardio.

Assuming you're not... what sort of rest periods do you have there?

So recently I noticed a new sign on the gym: no powerlifting exercise allowed. This means the deadlift, right? So that's why I'm the only person still doing it. Any alternatives when someone finally stops me from doing them, aside from changing gyms?
Change gyms.

 

ArkhamFantasy

Member
Oct 25, 2017
13,545
So recently I noticed a new sign on the gym: no powerlifting exercise allowed. This means the deadlift, right? So that's why I'm the only person still doing it. Any alternatives when someone finally stops me from doing them, aside from changing gyms?

You can use dumbbells instead of barbells if it bothers them, but if they literally only want you to use machines then you just gotta find the machines that individually work each muscle until you can find a real gym.
 

Deleted member 11069

User requested account closure
Banned
Oct 27, 2017
1,001
No disrespect, but you're probably just unfit. Do some cardio.

Assuming you're not... what sort of rest periods do you have there?

I'm not sure, I tend to keep them short because I'm always on the clock when I'm at the gym.
But yeah, I think my cardio is crap. I love running outside but the winter here is not made for that.
Indoor stuff bores me to death. I'm doing IF to not get too fat while waiting for the snow to melt in April.

Going to keep the volume high and then maybe add some Tabata once I'm not as dead.
Thanks for the comment!
 

Nerdyone

Banned
Oct 28, 2017
1,723
My shoulders are definitely my weak point hindering other progressions, and my OHP and Seated Shoulder Press fatigue around 5 sets. My rotator cuffs are slowly becoming stronger thanks to the work outs/stretches listed in this thread, but I definitely need to focus on shoulders to fast-track them.

Current lifts (each of these are 5 reps unless otherwise noted):
Body weight: 140 lbs
Pull ups: 3 sets of 12
Bench: 130 lbs (so close to a full plate!!)
Barbell Row: 130 lbs
Squat: 185 lbs (finally taught myself proper form to go deep)
Deadlift: 235 lbs
OHP: 85 lbs (ew)
Seated Shoulder Press: 2 dumbbells of 40 lbs each

This is my current program:


Is there anything you guys would recommend I modify/add?

Honestly, you are doing way too much. Maybe something like this (the bold/underline is a day):

Dead lift/posterior chain
5-8 sets of dead lift
3-5 sets of stiff legged dead lifts
3-5 sets of kettle bell swings
core work

Chest/Back
5-8 sets of bench press
5-8 sets of rows
3-5 sets of incline bench
3-5 sets of pull down or pull ups
3-5 sets of dips super set with tricep extensions
3-5 sets of curls

Squat

5-8 sets of squats
3-5 sets of front squats
3 sets of leg extensions
3 sets of calf raise
core work

Shoulders
5-8 sets of overhead press
3-5 sets of push press
3 sets of seated press
3 sets of lateral raise

I'd do most sets for 3-8 reps and take about a minute or two between sets. Maybe go 2 days on, 1 day off, depending on your schedule. I travel for work so my schedule is all over the place so I can't speak to that.
 

Nerdyone

Banned
Oct 28, 2017
1,723
A bit of a mini rant - What is with millennials and your stretching? I'm sorry - "mobility" work? You spend more time warming up then I do working out. And why do you jump right to 135lbs on the squat and bench without just using the bar?? I may be the old man in the gym, but for god's sake, that's how you get yourself hurt. And finally, why do so many different exercises? I see guys in my gym go through 3 different exercises while I'm just getting started with my squats. I literally watched a kid do pull downs, rows, curls, and cable crunches while I was still doing squats.
 

Servbot24

The Fallen
Oct 25, 2017
43,109
This is kind of strange but I noticed the last few days my left arm is slightly bigger and much more veiny than my right. No idea what would have caused this, lol. It has been messing up my lifts though since I try to put more pressure on the right than the left side of bench presses for example to make sure the left side isn't doing more work. :/
 

Nerdyone

Banned
Oct 28, 2017
1,723
This is kind of strange but I noticed the last few days my left arm is slightly bigger and much more veiny than my right. No idea what would have caused this, lol. It has been messing up my lifts though since I try to put more pressure on the right than the left side of bench presses for example to make sure the left side isn't doing more work. :/
Have you been playing "the stranger"? A lonely valentines day and you wanted to spice things up? jk!
 

KmA

Member
Oct 27, 2017
299
Millennials and their stretching... I'm like THIS close to getting the splits but also being flexible has... other functions.
 

Psychotext

Member
Oct 30, 2017
16,703
So... as I've whined about in here repeatedly I thought I should let you all know.

I FINALLY got the keys to my new house this afternoon and we'll be moving in in a few weeks time. \o/
 

Psychotext

Member
Oct 30, 2017
16,703
Best news is, the garage is actually slightly bigger than my current one. Maybe space for a cable machine?!?
 

Buran

Banned
Oct 30, 2017
365
I'm wondering if Im doing too much. I'm SO winded in the gym, I'm breathing like an old horse between sets.

I'm doing 5/3/1 BBB with First Sets Last.
So for example today was SQUAT day with:

3x5 Max Working sets (230lb)
3x8 First Set Last (185)

And then Bench 5 sets of 155 x 10

I was DEAD after. Is this too much or am I just weak?

Stop the horse right there.

So far I remember (because I'm currently doing 5/3/1: Pyramids and did read Beyond 5/3/1 two months ago):

5/3/1 + BBB means in the first week 5x65%, 5x75%, 5+x85% and then 5 sets of 10x50%
5/3/1 + Fisrt Set Last means in the first week 5x65%, 5x75%, 5+x85% and then 5x75% and finally 5+x65%, (Wendler advices to try to reach 20 reps in the last set, and even going in open reps in the 4th set).

But you're doing 5/3/1 + First Set Last and on top of that BBB? That's insane (could be up to 5+5+10+5+20+10+10+10+10+10= 75 or more!). BBB is an optional variant accesory work with 5/3/1 which ads a lot of volume, but Wendler remaks that isn't for everyone because the soreness that can produce in some lifters can be too much to be handled. For that reason there's a ton of variants. In Beyond 5/3/1 He adresses the criticism of lack of volume of the basic program adding reps with schedules like FSL, Pyramids, Jocker Sets, etc, and even programs a BBB Challenge variant for a 13 weeks cycles which is even harder, but as long as I known, BBB and First Last Set aren't designed to work together: you do EITHER one or another in adition to the 5/3/1 work.

Not surprised if you feel exhausted.
 

Deleted member 11069

User requested account closure
Banned
Oct 27, 2017
1,001
Stop the horse right there.

So far I remember (because I'm currently doing 5/3/1: Pyramids and did read Beyond 5/3/1 two months ago):

5/3/1 + BBB means in the first week 5x65%, 5x75%, 5+x85% and then 5 sets of 10x50%
5/3/1 + Fisrt Set Last means in the first week 5x65%, 5x75%, 5+x85% and then 5x75% and finally 5+x65%, (Wendler advices to try to reach 20 reps in the last set, and even going in open reps in the 4th set).

But you're doing 5/3/1 + First Set Last and on top of that BBB? That's insane (could be up to 5+5+10+5+20+10+10+10+10+10= 75 or more!). BBB is an optional variant accesory work with 5/3/1 which ads a lot of volume, but Wendler remaks that isn't for everyone because the soreness that can produce in some lifters can be too much to be handled. For that reason there's a ton of variants. In Beyond 5/3/1 He adresses the criticism of lack of volume of the basic program adding reps with schedules like FSL, Pyramids, Jocker Sets, etc, and even programs a BBB Challenge variant for a 13 weeks cycles which is even harder, but as long as I known, BBB and First Last Set aren't designed to work together: you do EITHER one or another in adition to the 5/3/1 work.

Not surprised if you feel exhausted.

Hehe, thanks for your thoughts!
I took my template from here:
https://blackironbeast.com/5/3/1/calculator

I do the "BBB but less boring" meaning I don't do 5x10 with the main lift but with another one (so deadlift, bench or press).

I felt that doing only one top set was not enough, so I added 2 more.
That did not feel enough so I added FSL.

And then BBB do get some lighter volume on a different lift in.

All that said, I think now that the lifts are hitting two plates, I might have to step down a bit.
I'm also going to re-read Wendler's book. It has been a while and I never looked at the new one (5/3/1 Forever)

Thanks Buran, I'm going to go back here a back and read what everyone is doing. You are happy with 5/3/1?
I lurked on the old board but have not done that here!
 

Doom_Bringer

Banned
Oct 31, 2017
3,181
Hey guys and girls, I am thinking about making a fitness app for iPhone and Android that connects fitness trainers/nutritionists with potential clients (similar to uber). This is for school, I want to gather some feedback to see if this is a good idea or not. If you could kindly answer the 4 questions in the survey, it would be of great help!

If this isnt allowed then I will remove the link

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/75FXXBZ
 

Psychotext

Member
Oct 30, 2017
16,703
laaaawl...

Doing 1 rep max attempts on squat. Figure, my missus is around, will just have her there just in case.

Hit 1 rep to match max, feels pretty good. Do second rep, in the hole... just about to really fucking give it everything, and she TALKS TO ME!

Concentration, GONE. Next thing I know, completely flattened. lol
 

mf.luder

Member
Oct 28, 2017
1,675
laaaawl...

Doing 1 rep max attempts on squat. Figure, my missus is around, will just have her there just in case.

Hit 1 rep to match max, feels pretty good. Do second rep, in the hole... just about to really fucking give it everything, and she TALKS TO ME!

Concentration, GONE. Next thing I know, completely flattened. lol

Change gym or change wife. Choose most applicable option. Tehehe
 

Nerdyone

Banned
Oct 28, 2017
1,723
laaaawl...

Doing 1 rep max attempts on squat. Figure, my missus is around, will just have her there just in case.

Hit 1 rep to match max, feels pretty good. Do second rep, in the hole... just about to really fucking give it everything, and she TALKS TO ME!

Concentration, GONE. Next thing I know, completely flattened. lol
My wife does the opposite. She was the captain of her college tennis and equestrian team, and was also in the intelligence services post college. One time playing rugby, mind you I was 30 and it was my first game ever, I got hurt in the first 10 minutes.

I asked the coach to take me out. My wife pulled him and me aside and said that if he pulled me out that I would be an embarrassment to himself and our family and that I needed to finish the fucking game.

I played the rest of the game had a score and a few good hits. I went to the bar afterwards and tried to drink away the pain. I couldn't. I went home and slept for a bit, woke up and went to the doctors. I had a fracture in my collar bone.

My wife, god love her, reminds me that we won and I healed. And she was right. Tougher for it. She signed me up for my strongman contest next week as a Christmas gift so that I would push myself.
 

Psychotext

Member
Oct 30, 2017
16,703
She apologised in the end. Apparently didn't realise I was moving in for my rep, despite the fact that I fucking slapped the shit out of myself... then shook the entire rack, before taking a huge breath in and holding it before the negative.

CLUELESS.

I swear to god, Facebook will be the end of us all. One way or another.

Edit - Oh, and I'm Welsh... so yeah, I know playing rugby. You don't leave the field unless you're 5 minutes from death. ;)
 
Oct 30, 2017
707
Are there any shorter guys in here that found themselves having to deal with changing clothing sizes as they gained weight?

I'm just a scrawny 140, but I've already started noticing that my back, shoulders, and neck are starting to strain against some of my shirts and jackets - mediums are still far too long for me length wise, however.

Is tailoring going to be my only real option going forward?
 
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Fhtagn

Member
Oct 25, 2017
5,615
I did 3x5x185 on squats today, and then 3x5x95 in overhead press, and then had no energy left for deadlifts. I didn't sleep enough last night, so that may be all it is, but I'm considering a deload week, at least on the squats.

Will probably do 3x5x190 next session anyway because I'd like to finally squat my body weight.
 

Deleted member 11069

User requested account closure
Banned
Oct 27, 2017
1,001
My wife does the opposite. She was the captain of her college tennis and equestrian team, and was also in the intelligence services post college. One time playing rugby, mind you I was 30 and it was my first game ever, I got hurt in the first 10 minutes.

I asked the coach to take me out. My wife pulled him and me aside and said that if he pulled me out that I would be an embarrassment to himself and our family and that I needed to finish the fucking game.

I played the rest of the game had a score and a few good hits. I went to the bar afterwards and tried to drink away the pain. I couldn't. I went home and slept for a bit, woke up and went to the doctors. I had a fracture in my collar bone.

My wife, god love her, reminds me that we won and I healed. And she was right. Tougher for it. She signed me up for my strongman contest next week as a Christmas gift so that I would push myself.

Hahaha, That's a real special lady.
 

Oliver James

Avenger
Oct 25, 2017
7,769
So I now know when the CrossFit folks are in my gym, holy moly at the mess they make. They hoard a ton of weights and benches to themselves then whenever they feel like it, even if you're in between sets, they'll use the equipment without asking. Not to mention the noise they make. Good thing I have my headphones on loud and I only needed the bench for core exercises.

Too pricey. I guess I'll just wait until they finally tell me to stop.

You can use dumbbells instead of barbells if it bothers them, but if they literally only want you to use machines then you just gotta find the machines that individually work each muscle until you can find a real gym.
Yeah, that's what I thought, I could use the dumbbells, which we have plenty of. Now as for real gyms, there's a disturbing trend of gyms outlawing powerlifting, and I bet all the big gyms in my country have already banned them. I'm not sure why.

A bit of a mini rant - What is with millennials and your stretching? I'm sorry - "mobility" work? You spend more time warming up then I do working out. And why do you jump right to 135lbs on the squat and bench without just using the bar?? I may be the old man in the gym, but for god's sake, that's how you get yourself hurt. And finally, why do so many different exercises? I see guys in my gym go through 3 different exercises while I'm just getting started with my squats. I literally watched a kid do pull downs, rows, curls, and cable crunches while I was still doing squats.
I don't stretch at all, but with weights I don't start from the lightest working down to the heaviest I can, though I've seen some people do it, usually to my chagrin because they end up hoarding space/equipment/machine. As for having a bunch of exercises, it's because the internet claims that a ton of stuff can get you to what you want. Couple that with a lot of people with different views about fitness, some people end up not knowing what to follow, so they end up just doing a lot of things. I did before, I was called out by the folks here, so I fixed my routine, which is still quite full of stuff but I've thrown what I think are trash and I've put in the good ones(OHP, deadlifts, squats).

PS: awesome wife
 

Mdsfx

Banned
Oct 26, 2017
357
Hey guys! Hope all is well. Just crawled out of 3 weeks worth of flu & bronchitis and getting back to it. It's so nice being able to breathe again lol

Luckily I kept my diet on-point and didn't gain an ounce! Now to see how slow and weak I am... Yasssssss.
 

Bumrush

Member
Oct 25, 2017
6,770
Hey guys! Hope all is well. Just crawled out of 3 weeks worth of flu & bronchitis and getting back to it. It's so nice being able to breathe again lol

Luckily I kept my diet on-point and didn't gain an ounce! Now to see how slow and weak I am... Yasssssss.

I'm getting over 10 days of bronchitis as well! Bronch-bros!

Glad you're feeling better bud!
 

Teggy

Member
Oct 25, 2017
14,892
Just made new PR x5,x5,x6 bw + 35lbs chin ups. Losing 15lbs since my last attempt probably helped :P
 

Nerdyone

Banned
Oct 28, 2017
1,723
7 days until my first strongman competition! This is my last heavy day prior to the competition. I pulled 315 for 20 in 45 seconds and was able to do a full minute for 500lbs in the farmers hold. Pretty excited
 

Oliver James

Avenger
Oct 25, 2017
7,769
Hey guys! Hope all is well. Just crawled out of 3 weeks worth of flu & bronchitis and getting back to it. It's so nice being able to breathe again lol

Luckily I kept my diet on-point and didn't gain an ounce! Now to see how slow and weak I am... Yasssssss.
So that's why you weren't around. You'll be back in your best form in no time.
 

Deleted member 5876

Big Seller
Banned
Oct 25, 2017
2,559
So my back is recovering well. Just a little cramping if I sit for too long.

I'd love to hear suggestions on a good rehab/recovery exercises I could do. I think its too soon to jump into doing squats again (and I must admit I'm a little fearful of injuring my back yet again). I'd like to give it a good month or two before I jump into squats again but I don't want to be doing nothing for the back either. So suggestions here would be helpful.