*** The 2014 Gym Rats Thread ***

[mrthingyx]

I've been lifting for coming up to 2.5 years and bench and strict press has (and continues to be) a weakness for me... probably because I've never REALLY devoted any effort into improving them beyond a certain point.

Am I bothered? No.

 

[Freefaller]

78 years

I should be a lot stronger than I am.

 

[tom_e]

78 years

I should be a lot stronger than I am.

So weak, but much handsome.

 

[Freefaller]

<3

 

[Ayahuasca]

No need to lift when you have grizzly bear levels of test.

 

[The Chemist]

I think I'm gunna switch from a standard 4 day split to Rippetoe's starting strength workout, anyone have any experience with it? I've only been working out a few months after 5 years out of the gym.

I have run other 5x5 programmes (Mehdi's Stronglifts) and am currently running a variation of that known as ICF 5x5. Linear progression really, boring but works!

 

[mrthingyx]

I think I'm gunna switch from a standard 4 day split to Rippetoe's starting strength workout, anyone have any experience with it? I've only been working out a few months after 5 years out of the gym.

No direct experience, but forever puzzled as to why SS includes power cleans when most people can't do them properly and therefore not derive the benefit from what is an awesome exercise.

It is otherwise a good, fundamental training regime.

 

[Chris1712]

In the 'latest' SS (edition 3?) Power Cleans are replaced with OHP, for the very reason you state.

 

[mrthingyx]

I am awesome. Yes.

 

[Penn0r]

Hi guys,

I have the opportunity to buy the dumbbells pictured for £660. They start from 30KG and go all the way up to 50KG in 2.5 increments. They are used but apparently in good & working condition.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/123375/Dumbbells1.JPG

If the image is larger than 1280 pixels wide please resize, link only or put in spoiler tags. Thank you.

I already own a set from 5-30kg, and would dearly love to have the heavier ones. Unfortunately money is a big concern atm and I would only feel right buying if there was value. So, are they a good deal? Would you buy?

 

[tom_e]

Sounds like a decent deal to me, good dumbbells are not cheap!

 

[Zatoichi.uK]

Bit overkill for home use no?

 

[Penn0r]

Bit overkill for home use no?

There's a (pipe:/) dream to one day have a decent home gym

 

[Zatoichi.uK]

Suppose it saves plate swapping but uses a lot of room. Cool if you have the space!

I may buy a squat rack and bench at some point. We'll see...

 

[Ayahuasca]

In terms of the amount of weight you're getting for that price it's a good deal. Keep them in good nick and you probably won't struggle selling them on for around the same price in the future if you decide to get rid.

 

[Delvis]

13% ehhhh

 

[Zatoichi.uK]

Thanks for the input guys. Do you think these sorts of training programs are better suited a "beginner" more than a traditional 4 day split?

I'll give you guys some info. I'm 6 foot, 80kg with 18% BF. I eat a very well balanced diet with no processed foods and a good mix of protein, carbs etc. I keep it all recorded so I know it's on track too. I've increased by protein intake since starting the gym again.

When I was younger I trained from 17-19 heavily in the gym, mainly using circuit training due to playing a lot of rugby. I also did all the main compound lifts such as squats, deadlift, bench press etc. so I've got a reasonable idea what I'm doing. However I'm obviously out of shape slightly and will take a bit of time to get the form back for these main lifts.

I'd rather seek advice on here than on BB.com etc. There's a lot of great information on there but unfortunately almost every thread turns into a willy waving contest, making it hard to get the help you need.

I highly recommend the All Pro routine on BB.com. Similar to 5x5 but with slower weight progression and rep ranges from 8-12, built in deloads etc. You'll find it under the beginner section.