Q&A with BBOD

[prstylee]

What are some must have for training equipment such as wraps, belts, straps which ones are good quality

[SecondsOut]

i've done some reading on cholesterol, and it seems like i find mixed messages about its effects on test levels. have you ever intentionally increased your cholesterol intake, and if so, did you notice any benefits?

[prstylee]

What is some good conditioning work to add that can help

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by bruteforce

Why are people so convinced they shouldn't use straps on heavy rows and deadlifts?

They fear losing their manliness.

Seriously though, there is a lot of misinformation on this topic, and a lot of fear of doing the wrong thing.

Most big boys I know use straps. They don't let grip hinder progress. There will come a time when grip is always weaker than your ability to lift and row a weight, unless you're a freak. Don't let grip strength limit your back strength.

Furthermore, 99.9% of these people don't compete in powerlifting. They should run to get straps, and use every mechanism they can to get bigger and stronger.

Get your back as strong as humanly possible. If during this process your grip is weak, train your grip. Don't let grip strength hinder back strength.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by prstylee

What are some must have for training equipment such as wraps, belts, straps which ones are good quality

Straps - Versa Grips. They are far more durable, and easier to use.

Belt - I don't wear one so I am uninformed on this topic.

Wraps - RDC sells some wraps that would be perfect for the average lifter. They are super stiff, but do provide a nice level of support.

Genesis Power Knee Wrap - 2m

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by SecondsOut

i've done some reading on cholesterol, and it seems like i find mixed messages about its effects on test levels. have you ever intentionally increased your cholesterol intake, and if so, did you notice any benefits?

Some thoughts...

--Your body produces far more than you could consume on a daily basis.
--You should not shy away from cholesterol intake.
--Studies hint that people with higher cholesterol levels live longer.
--It is the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol that is the issue.

I eat a high fat diet. Do I notice any difference? Yes. I sleep better, meals are more satisfying, I feel less bloated.

Cholesterol intake will not impact muscle gains in the long run for the natural lifter.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by prstylee

What is some good conditioning work to add that can help

If I were recommending conditioning work for a powerlifter lifter would be stuff that is not lower back intense or leg fatiguing. Some likely moderate complexes using dumbbells, barbells or possibly kettlebells if someone is proficient with them. Maybe some sled drags as long as they are caring for their lower back.

If they were young and still had great recovery perhaps also some explosive stuff like sprints.

[datlittleguy]

Due to inflexibility in my hip flexors, I am not able to doll full squats with good form. So should I do box squat until I feel ready to try full squats. I am also doing multiple types stretches right now to try to become more flexible.

[everydayfitness]

What is a good beginner program I have been fallowing icecreamfitness's 5x5 for beginners but it is starting to wear me out after using it for the past 3 weeks with the 2 hour workouts

[SCStrong]

Beyond recovery, what are some other considerations for the over -forty, lifter?

How much do you feel that age affects (i.e. limits) lift progression and or bodyweight changes for the older versus young lifter?