Post: #101

Scorpion, at what bar weight would you say it's heavy enough to get a belt for squats?

Post: #102

(12-23-2013 11:05 PM)RexImperator Wrote:  Scorpion, at what bar weight would you say it's heavy enough to get a belt for squats?

It's not as much a matter of weight itself as it is the amount of weight that starts to cause your form to break down. So it will be different for each person depending on their strength. In general though I'd say that any weight you can't squat for 10 reps with perfect form, you should be wearing a belt for. Basically, any time you start to feel the weight is getting heavy and starting to impact your form, put on the belt, whether that comes at a weight of 135 or 405.

Post: #103

If core strength is important to you then I would suggest not wearing a belt.
If you are afraid of injuring yourself, I would suggest not lifting a weight that is too heavy for you. If you are still afraid I suggest that you pursue golf.

Post: #104

(12-24-2013 11:33 PM)rhodey Wrote:  If core strength is important to you then I would suggest not wearing a belt.
If you are afraid of injuring yourself, I would suggest not lifting a weight that is too heavy for you. If you are still afraid I suggest that you pursue golfing .

I agree. I never wear a belt.

http://www.builtlean.com/2012/10/01/weig...ting-belt/

http://stronglifts.com/weight-lifting-be...t-to-wear/

Post: #105

(12-22-2013 05:20 PM)velkrum Wrote:  

(12-22-2013 05:10 PM)RexImperator Wrote:  I've read in a few places that DB bench presses are actually healthier for your shoulders, because they allow for a fuller range of motion.

False...greater range of motion means greater potential for injury.
Dumbbells are not kind to people with long arms.

I disagree. Personally dumbbells are much easier on my shoulders than barbell benching and I have very long arms. Dumbbells allow for greater shoulder mobility while performing the move... the greater range of motion is a problem for those with limited flexibility however one could always limit their range of motion or better yet improve their flexibility.

Post: #106

(12-24-2013 11:40 PM)rhodey Wrote:  

(12-22-2013 05:20 PM)velkrum Wrote:  

(12-22-2013 05:10 PM)RexImperator Wrote:  I've read in a few places that DB bench presses are actually healthier for your shoulders, because they allow for a fuller range of motion.

False...greater range of motion means greater potential for injury.
Dumbbells are not kind to people with long arms.

I disagree. Personally dumbbells are much easier on my shoulders than barbell benching and I have very long arms. Dumbbells allow for greater shoulder mobility while performing the move... the greater range of motion is a problem for those with limited flexibility however one could always limit their range of motion...

Same. I have long arms too. Dumbbells are easier on the shoulders than the barbell.

Post: #107

(12-24-2013 11:39 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

(12-24-2013 11:33 PM)rhodey Wrote:  If core strength is important to you then I would suggest not wearing a belt.
If you are afraid of injuring yourself, I would suggest not lifting a weight that is too heavy for you. If you are still afraid I suggest that you pursue golfing .

I agree. I never wear a belt.

http://www.builtlean.com/2012/10/01/weig...ting-belt/

http://stronglifts.com/weight-lifting-be...t-to-wear/

Yep it's basically a crutch....

http://www.lift-run-bang.com/2013/04/goi...tless.html

Post: #108

(12-24-2013 11:40 PM)rhodey Wrote:  Personally dumbbells are much easier on my shoulders than barbell benching and I have very long arms. Dumbbells allow for greater shoulder mobility while performing the move... the greater range of motion is a problem for those with limited flexibility however one could always limit their range of motion or better yet improve their flexibility.

Dumbbells might be easier on your shoulders for 2 reasons: a lack of optimal technique with the bar and the way you are pressing with dumbbells

you should never strive for shoulder mobility or flexibility across a transverse plane (unless you are using lighter weights for bodybuilding purposes).


A good rule of thumb for chest pressing:
Shorter range of motion is always better!









Merry X-Mas

Post: #109

(12-25-2013 11:36 AM)velkrum Wrote:  Dumbbells might be easier on your shoulders for 2 reasons: a lack of optimal technique with the bar and the way you are pressing with dumbbells

I have long arms and barbell benches have always given me shoulder issues. With or with the back arch.

It wasn't until I moved my grip in that I was able to alleviate those issues somewhat. Still Dumbbells have always been easier on my shoulders without question.

I'm sure you understand that the leverages involved from person to person may vary. So whats comfortable for a 5'5" barrel chested trex armed lifter may not apply to an orangutang armed guy.... Do you have long arms?

Quote:you should never strive for shoulder mobility or flexibility across a transverse plane (unless you are using lighter weights for bodybuilding purposes).

One should not strive for any sort of mobility or flexibility unless you are using lighter weights.

Quote:A good rule of thumb for chest pressing:
Shorter range of motion is always better!

That might work for the barbell bench for some , although it hasn't for me, but I was talking about dumbbell presses.

Post: #110

After a long warm up:

Deep front squats 205x5x5

Deep front squats with push press 185x5x5

Overhead squat with push press 185x5x5

Bench press 205x5x5

Incline dumbbell press with 75lb dumbbells 5x5

Cable flys

Tricep extensions or curls

I'm 5'11' 175 lbs

Post: #111

I only advocate wearing a belt for heavy work sets while squatting. For everything else, go without to develop the core.

And really, the idea that wearing a belt means your core won't get stronger is totally erroneous. It's not like you just put on a belt and your squat effortlessly goes up by 100 lbs. Your core is still supporting the weight, the belt just gives you more stability. Personally, my core is stronger than ever since I started wearing a belt on all my heavy squat sets. The added stability from the belt allows me to push myself harder with heavier weight, the gains from which offset any loss produced by the belt.

Post: #112

Fucking hell. Ive been ill for the last couple of days (shitting a lot, no appetite, some vomiting) and had no appetite for like 3 days before that. When I measured myself this morning Ive lost 5.5kgs (although some of its water weight). Ive lost about 6 months gains in a week, and at (6'1) gone from athletic/bulky at 200lbs to athletic/skinny at 185lbs. Hopefully it'll come back quickly now that Im better.

Post: #113

(12-21-2013 06:26 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  210x5x5 bench. Easier than a cracked out Thai prostitute on soi 4.
45-50lb incline dumbbell 5x10
Dips 3x10
Curls for the girls.

Afterwards I didn't go jogging in the park and I didn't do any pushups. Was pretty sweet.

Do you not work your upper pecs a lot? I'm not trying to hate but I do incline db 5x10 with 50s and my bench max is only 160. Are you doing lower weight on purpose (ie. injury)?