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Fitness |OT9|...You looked better before

Everybody has muscles but not working them won't make them pop at low BF%


Core activation from compounds and heck, even setting up some lifts like bench engage the core. There's plenty there to activate them but if you want to be stronger everywhere, hit your damn abs.

You use them in damn near everything so working your core more will help all around.

I don't think you need to beast them a zillion times per week - but you absolutely should treat them like any other muscle. No high rep crunches or sit-ups, focus on straight strength with them. I do about 10 sets on abs per week in 2 sessions and I always open up with dragon flags. I focus on exercises at low reps that are hard as shit. I attribute a great amount of my explosiveness in martial arts to my core strength.

You can work them in compounds but hitting them with a few all-out sets of straight strength training will benefit all of your lifts. They are a HUGE muscle on your body that comprises multiple parts, work them like anything else in the same rep ranges.

Ignore the basic crunches and the like. A zillion reps aren't how anyone should be hitting them. Hit them hard. You should be crying after a few sets of flags, paused, eccentric slowdown and even planking on the eccentric.

Hell, I'd say if all you do is a few legit sets of 5 reps on flags just twice a week you'd see huge improvements in core strength and shape. Take the 15 extra minutes per week and do them.
 

TheFlow

Banned
Everybody has muscles but not working them won't make them pop at low BF%


Core activation from compounds and heck, even setting up some lifts like bench engage the core. There's plenty there to activate them but if you want to be stronger everywhere, hit your damn abs.

You use them in damn near everything so working your core more will help all around.

I don't think you need to beast them a zillion times per week - but you absolutely should treat them like any other muscle. No high rep crunches or sit-ups, focus on straight strength with them. I do about 10 sets on abs per week in 2 sessions and I always open up with dragon flags. I focus on exercises at low reps that are hard as shit. I attribute a great amount of my explosiveness in martial arts to my core strength.

You can work them in compounds but hitting them with a few all-out sets of straight strength training will benefit all of your lifts. They are a HUGE muscle on your body that comprises multiple parts, work them like anything else in the same rep ranges.

Ignore the basic crunches and the like. A zillion reps aren't how anyone should be hitting them. Hit them hard. You should be crying after a few sets of flags, paused, eccentric slowdown and even planking on the eccentric.

Hell, I'd say if all you do is a few legit sets of 5 reps on flags just twice a week you'd see huge improvements in core strength and shape. Take the 15 extra minutes per week and do them.
I should of said if you are already athletic/play sports then yea just drop the body fat and boom.

For people who have never worked there abs before or just starting out then yea get on that ab training.
 

BumRush

Member
I think my point is being misconstrued a little. Ab work can be extremely valuable. 3x per week is overkill for Dead Prince. Sessions 2 and 3 would probably be better spent elsewhere.
 
I think the goal is what drives this. If you want to see your abs it's mostly diet. If you want thicker abs you need to work on them.

Cooter, Mikey and I all posted that we don't do isolation abs exercises (I used to, but not 3x per week). You don't need to do 3 ab days to get killer abs FE.

I guess it depends on your definition of killer abs. You will see abs dropping to lower bodyfat but they are muscle, just like your legs and chest. You want to see growth and strength, you need to train them.

Speaking for myself, my biggest regret was buying into the "compounds work your arms and core so you don't need to do them" route. That really set me back.
 

TheFlow

Banned
I think my point is being misconstrued a little. Ab work can be extremely valuable. 3x per week is overkill for Dead Prince. Sessions 2 and 3 would probably be better spent elsewhere.

yea I forgot you guys were talking about Deadprince exclusively before I made that first original ab post.
 

BumRush

Member
Debates are great, bud. Don't apologize!

Discussion is always good.

What is everyone's verdict on working calves?

I do calf raises on squat days (2x per week), but maaaaan, that's the one body part that just refuses to make significant progress. They get stronger, but never seem to get bigger (if that makes any sense)
 
Discussion is always good.

What is everyone's verdict on working calves?


Instagram-doyoueven-BBm9qHYPY5W.png
 

TheFlow

Banned
Pretty much. I work my calves 3 times a week standing and seated.

They have definitely gotten hard as fuck but nothing noticeable unless I flex. My co workers call me chicken legs :/ the feels
 

KmA

Member
Ok so my bench really sucks. I've been lifting since about last September and I feel like my chest will not gain any strength. I've been stuck at 145 for a few weeks now and I don't feel like I'm progressing. Which is super annoying because all these teenagers at my gym literally start at this weight and I'm just like... I'm an old man I'm struggling. I mean when I started lifting I could barely lift the bar with two 10s on it. But my squat and deadlift have grown exponentially and the bench is so annoying I hate chests.
 

TheFlow

Banned
Ok so my bench really sucks. I've been lifting since about last September and I feel like my chest will not gain any strength. I've been stuck at 145 for a few weeks now and I don't feel like I'm progressing. Which is super annoying because all these teenagers at my gym literally start at this weight and I'm just like... I'm an old man I'm struggling. I mean when I started lifting I could barely lift the bar with two 10s on it. But my squat and deadlift have grown exponentially and the bench is so annoying I hate chests.
How many sets do you do on bench. Reps?
 

KmA

Member
My bad I'm dumb haha I meant 135. I have gotten to 145 before but I struggle severely.

And no I do 135 for all sets.
 

TheFlow

Banned
My bad I'm dumb haha I meant 135. I have gotten to 145 before but I struggle severely.

And no I do 135 for all sets.
Nice. Do 135 for your first set.

Then do 145 for each set after. Don't worry if you can only do 3-4 reps. increase your sets to 5-7.

Increase the weight by 10 each week.

I also could only do 135 two months ago
 

Cooter

Lacks the power of instantaneous movement
Screw ab work. I'm sure they could "pop" more if I hit abs 3x per week but I'm satisfied with how they look now. I used to do them so I don't know if that has something to do with how they look now. That being said, I haven't done a single crunch in over 2 years and this is what they looked like a few months ago.

 

KillerBEA

Member
Ok so my bench really sucks. I've been lifting since about last September and I feel like my chest will not gain any strength. I've been stuck at 145 for a few weeks now and I don't feel like I'm progressing. Which is super annoying because all these teenagers at my gym literally start at this weight and I'm just like... I'm an old man I'm struggling. I mean when I started lifting I could barely lift the bar with two 10s on it. But my squat and deadlift have grown exponentially and the bench is so annoying I hate chests.
I do 4 sets. I usually go from 12, 10, 8, to 6.

What are you doing for support work? Also how's your set up with like grip width, leg position, back arch etc..

I struggled like hell at the bench for a while but now am making steady progress thanks to some adjustments in frequency and assistance work.

-Try Twice a week
-Include a Dumbbell variation (I use Incline Dumbbell Bench Press as my main assistance for Bench) 3 - 5 sets of 5+ reps.
-Work on Tricep Pressing Strength. So do a few sets of close grip Bench Press in the 5/6 rep range.

Your total volume just probably isn't appropriate for growth though.
 

Granadier

Is currently on Stage 1: Denial regarding the service game future
this is how I picture you looking by November
chris-evans-shirtless-captain-america.jpg

God I fucking hope so. Chris Evans is who I use for motivation to continue hitting the gym.

Screw ab work. I'm sure they could "pop" more if I hit abs 3x per week but I'm satisfied with how they look now. I used to do them so I don't know if that has something to do with how they look now. That being said, I haven't done a single crunch in over 2 years and this is what they looked like a few months ago.

That's solid and though! How much more pop would you need?
 
i should have mentioned i have an lumbar lordosis i've developed over the years. read it's weak core and possibly weak hamstring (or both).

just checking what i can do to help possibly fix that.

I think my lordosis got better (probably gone?) thanks to deadlifts and some yoga for a few months.
 

mdsfx

Member
I'm not taking another fucking single progress pic until I'm more shredded than last year. Every time I go to take one I realize "nope, this isn't it" and put my phone back down.

I'm kind of frustrated it's taking so long, but that's what I get for overdoing weekends. I'm in full punishment mode now, driven by pure rage.

*Playing through some Doom over the weekend certainly didn't help me calm down either
 

SeanR1221

Member
Screw ab work. I'm sure they could "pop" more if I hit abs 3x per week but I'm satisfied with how they look now. I used to do them so I don't know if that has something to do with how they look now. That being said, I haven't done a single crunch in over 2 years and this is what they looked like a few months ago.

I love this picture between the superman pants and Nintendo cover Hahahah
 

JCX

Member
Anyone here ever do physique/bodybuilding competitions? I'm considering doing one in the next few years but I am not sure of what a realistic timeline is.
 

Granadier

Is currently on Stage 1: Denial regarding the service game future
Sean, your comments about programming over in that squat thread made me think critically about my routine and realize that it's mostly self made.
I'm super open to change though, so can I get some critiques and feedback from you guys on how to improve my routine?
Exercises are 3 sets (10 - 8 - 6) with 1RM's unless noted

Chest & Triceps
Flat bench
Hammer strength incline
Hammer strength decline
Pectoral cable fly (upper and lower)
Tricep pulldown (after 1RM I do decreasing weight until failure)
Skullcrushers

Back & Biceps
Lat pulldown
Seated row
Bicep curls (preacher bar)
Bent over dumbbell row
Bicep curls (dumbbell)
Deadlift

Legs & Shoulders
Barbell squat
Inverse leg curl
Leg extensions
45° leg press
Lateral raise (dumbbell)
Shoulder press (dumbbell)
Shoulder shrugs (dumbbell)
Calf raises

Frequency is usually three times per week with the occasional 4-5 day weeks.
 
Holy shit that squat thread is a disaster. Is that bad advice flying everywhere or what? I'm cringing especially when reading most of the advice on squat form.
 

GrizzNKev

Banned
Holy shit that squat thread is a disaster. Is that bad advice flying everywhere or what? I'm cringing especially when reading most of the advice on squat form.

OT fitness threads

not even once

By the way, hi fitgaf. It's been a while, but I haven't had much to say about progress since all I've done is lose weight and some strength for a while. On the bright side, I'm looking much, much better. I took a pic of myself at 185 which I'll post as a comparison to when I'm satisfied with my appearance. I've lost 17 lbs so far and I'm getting my first real vascularity on my right bicep, and my shoulders are finally starting to appear separate from my tris and bis. It's awesome :)
 

Nelo Ice

Banned
So went to the doc since my allergies were so bad and turns out I have kinda high blood pressure. I've been eating like crap so that makes sense. But have been lifting regularly. Though my sister whose a nurse recommended I do cardio. So should I add cardio on 5/3/1?. I have been wanting an excuse to try the prowlers at the new field they've added at my gym. Also gonna clean up my diet.
 

TheFlow

Banned
Going to link one of my squat vids to see what yah think about my depth

Lol just saw that quartersqut Instagram account. Lawd. You would think most people outside of injuries and back problems could squat to 90 degrees but nah. atg is something different though.
 
Going to link one of my squat vids to see what yah think about my depth

Lol just saw that quartersqut Instagram account. Lawd. You would think most people outside of injuries and back problems could squat to 90 degrees but nah. atg is something different though.
Then you see PT do it too. I saw this guy who is a pt at the gym. His ig has a squat video. And his deadlift video. Well... I hope he doesn't train his client these two things lol
 

Rur0ni

Member
Finally got back into lifting a couple of months back and think I overdid it on the eating. Went from 173lb to 195lb in two months, lol. Though I was generally a light eater before, and I've added creatine.

Some stats and a few measurements from today:

Age: 30
Height: ~6'3
Wrist: 7" (confirmed ecto)
Hips: 40" (those squats)
Thighs: 25"
Waist: 34"
Shoulders: 47.25"

I can tell I'm a bit softer around the waist and lost some ab definition. On the plus side an extra 20lbs+ looks great on me at this height. Looking to get to 200lbs/10%. I bought the Accu-Measure caliper (just a few bucks). Surprisingly I'm measuring 13.7% body fat (suprailiac), and I always get that after multiple tries. I wouldn't say my abs are very visible like I would expect at that percentage, takes some flexing to see them as well.

1) Anyone using these calipers? Results accurate, trends as expected?
2) What are some good shoulder exercises? I was thinking Side and/or Rear Lateral Dumbbell Raises. Shoulder-to-Waist ratio is ~1.39 at the moment (47.25/34). Expecting the waist to drop with a combination of cardio and diet clean up over the next few weeks. Pushing for the ~1.618 ratio. I could see 50/31 or so making that happen.
3) Tips for increasing chin up strength? I'm stuck at 3x8 at the moment while my bodyweight has increased.
Bumping.
 

TheFlow

Banned

Dumbbell raises and side lat raises are great. Seated shoulder press will add mass to your front shoulders in no time.

Due to your height I would say 200 is actually a great weight for you and that your previous weight at 6'3 is actually under the norm.
 

Carbonox

Member
Hit a PB of 200lbs x 5 on bench today. Was well chuffed. Previous was 200lbs x 3 but knocking out the extra couple of reps that you couldn't before is a feel-good moment.
 

BumRush

Member
Screw ab work. I'm sure they could "pop" more if I hit abs 3x per week but I'm satisfied with how they look now. I used to do them so I don't know if that has something to do with how they look now. That being said, I haven't done a single crunch in over 2 years and this is what they looked like a few months ago.

And that right there is my EXACT point.
 

velociraptor

Junior Member
After a 2-3 week haitus from the gym (thanks exams), I've decided to follow this routine on a bulk:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Fitness/comments/37ylk5/a_linear_progression_based_ppl_program_for/

Now before this I was following a very basic compound movement only routine, lifting at low reps. Between different exercises, I felt like my strength didn't suffer too much. Now this high volume seems quite taxing that I feel a lot weaker. Is this normal? How does one adapt to the high workload and still maintain high intensity (weight) and reps?
 
Great question dude. Has me thinking...

What IS the most divisive fitness question in here?
Hmmmmm... There are a few paths we can take to start an all out war...

Clean vs IIFYM
Belt vs No Belt
To ab or not to ab
Fast or slow cut

So in the spirit of bloodlust... DO YOUR GODDAMN ABS, PEOPLE!

;)
 
Screw ab work. I'm sure they could "pop" more if I hit abs 3x per week but I'm satisfied with how they look now. I used to do them so I don't know if that has something to do with how they look now. That being said, I haven't done a single crunch in over 2 years and this is what they looked like a few months ago.

What ab exercises do you do?
 

Chocobro

Member
Guess I'm one of the few that does abs every session, mostly because my coach tells me to do them. A strong core is very beneficial in weightlifting due to having to be upright in cleans, snatches, etc. Not doing it is just lazy, same for back exercises.

This is just coming from a functional view in the weightlifting world.
 

Granadier

Is currently on Stage 1: Denial regarding the service game future
Guess I'm one of the few that does abs every session, mostly because my coach tells me to do them. A strong core is very beneficial in weightlifting due to having to be upright in cleans, snatches, etc. Not doing it is just lazy, same for back exercises.

This is just coming from a functional view in the weightlifting world.

What exercises do you do for your core?
 
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