The Round Table

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Off Road

A note about the Round Table:
These questions are BIG. They will take a lot to answer them fully, and the time involved is keeping me (and others I'm sure) from getting fully involved. Rather than spending 10-15 minutes on each one, which is a large task, I am going to add tid-bits to each. Maybe if we all add a little something, then we will come up with a complete answer.

Sounds good to me.

They are meant to be ongoing as opposed to some forum questions which die out after a day or two.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Off Road

Question:
I already do barbell curls, hammer curls, consentration curls, cable curls, and 21s; Is there anything else I can do to help my puny biceps?

Thumbs up. Will add in a bit.

[BigJosh]

Originally Posted by Off Road

Question:
I already do barbell curls, hammer curls, consentration curls, cable curls, and 21s; Is there anything else I can do to help my puny biceps?

HAHA. That is a great question.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by BigJosh

HAHA. That is a great question.

Questions like that are like giving me a machine gun and telling me to hunt bunnies.

[Off Road]

Here's a question that I am particularly interested in...

Consistancy vs. Specialization

What are your opinions on the two training methods for lifetime goals?

#1. Use a well rounded routine and work for years to bring up all the lifts. You will realize all your goals at the end of the long journey.
#2. Work specifically on one or two lifts at a time until they reach their potential, then work on a couple of different lifts. You will have achieved many goals at different times.

[glwanabe]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Questions like that are like giving me a machine gun and telling me to hunt bunnies.

You Tube

You Tube

[Chillen]

Like with most things in life, if you do not continue to practice what you have earned and learned, the ability to do it efficiently becomes more difficult and in some cases you lose what you have earned.

Some have no plan of action in what to do once they have earned there goal such as: simply losing a few pounds, and then go back to bad habits. They obtain a plan of action to get there, but have no plan of action to maintain what they worked so hard to earn.

We have to remember there is a reason why there are basketball camps prior to the season, and after a 3 month layoff post season. And, why pro boxers train in between a fight.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Off Road

Here's a question that I am particularly interested in...

Consistancy vs. Specialization

What are your opinions on the two training methods for lifetime goals?

#1. Use a well rounded routine and work for years to bring up all the lifts. You will realize all your goals at the end of the long journey.
#2. Work specifically on one or two lifts at a time until they reach their potential, then work on a couple of different lifts. You will have achieved many goals at different times.

Thanks. Will post.

[jdmalm123]

Originally Posted by bamazav

I have no desire to be a competitive bodybuilder or powerlifter, I just want to build the strongest best looking body I can. What are steps I should take toward body recomposition?

Puny to Powerful are all on the same continuum. The techniques and methods for safe, effective lifting are universal. How far you go on the continuum is up to you. It's like any skill. Take driving a car...some people can barely get a compact car in a parking space without reversing six times while others can do an e-brake slide and spin into a parking space like James F-ing Bond. The car is the same...the difference is the driver.

Originally Posted by bamazav

"I am 5'x and about 75 lbs overweight. The doctor says I have to lose weight or start taking xyz medications. How can I lose weight and get stronger in the least amount of time?"

Medications are a personal choice depending on your health risk level, but should be skipped or minimal if possible. Keep in mind your body needs time to get used to exercise. Also, building a habit initially is much more important then being an expert. Start basic, move deliberately, be consistent, make changes over time, keep seeking knowledge and you'll pick up momentum before you know it. Anyone can safely lose 75 lbs in 6-12 months if they are committed.

Originally Posted by bamazav

"I was in the gym doing squats and some guy said I was doing them all wrong. He said I was going too deep and bending my back. What can I do to develop proper squat form?"

This person needs to be referred to someone who can properly assess squat form and then coach/cue effectively. That said, there is a lot of good info out there such as SQUAT RX on youtube, books by Stuart McGill, etc.

Originally Posted by markievicz

the addition of belts/bands/wraps etc
how to use them , when to use them , should you even use them!!

I see these items fitting in at the beginner stage or the expert stage. Like micro plates, they can either assist a newb while building base ability and confidence, or allow an experienced lifter to still make progress when approaching natural limits. For those of us somewhere in the middle, it's more likely to be deficiencies in rest/sleep, diet, consistency or good programming that should be addressed before adding "toys." That said, there is some value in variety and they can be used to aid in achieving specific goals.

Originally Posted by Off Road

Question: I already do barbell curls, hammer curls, consentration curls, cable curls, and 21s; Is there anything else I can do to help my puny biceps?

Yes, eat more.

Originally Posted by Off Road

What are your opinions on the two training methods for lifetime goals?

#1. Use a well rounded routine and work for years to bring up all the lifts. You will realize all your goals at the end of the long journey.
#2. Work specifically on one or two lifts at a time until they reach their potential, then work on a couple of different lifts. You will have achieved many goals at different times.

Personally, I have always pursued the first and am generally pleased as I have always been able to tackle any task/lift and never had to explain why I could bench a lot but couldn't do a pull up, etc.

However, there have been times I recognized a weakness and should have given it more attention. Also, sometimes I see a "mirror muscle monkey" and think, "Damn, that guy's chest, arms, etc. are huge!" Later I might notice the lack of balance overall, but he's still the guy that all the ladies notice!

If you are a competitive lifter, you may have to specialize for a time.