Getting too strong for my gym.

randomguy88

Hey y'all. I'v been a member of the Carlisle gym, Terenure for a good few years now. I think it's a grand gym but it's very much aimed towards the casual gym goer. My program at the moment is basically a pure strength program, with low reps and heavy weights. Amongst the exercises are Dumbbell Shoulder Presses, Dumbbell Bench, Lat Pulldowns and Seated Cable rows and I'v reached the point where I can't go any heavier on these exercises, because the dumbbells/ machines don't go any heavier. Also, the gym gets really packed and has only 3 squat racks, so I want out.

I live in Terenure. Can anyone suggest a better gym, within a reasonable distance (less than 20 mins drive preferably)?
PS. I'm not a powerlifter, I just want to get stronger, better at sports and look better. Thread title is just to get attention, although it is true in some ways.

Naos

Out of curiosity, what type of numbers are you talking for the dumbbell presses etc?

And as you mentioned you're on a pure strength program, whats your numbers for the big three?

randomguy88

The heaviest dumbbells in the Carlisle go is 30kg. Stats are roughly
bodyweight 85kg
Squat 140 kg
Bench 90 kg
Deadlift 180 kg.
Not the strongest in the world, but one of the strongest in my gym, which is worrying. Most people there don't even know what a deadlift is.

FearDark

randomguy88 wrote: »

The heaviest dumbbells in the Carlisle go is 30kg. Stats are roughly
bodyweight 85kg
Squat 140 kg
Bench 90 kg
Deadlift 180 kg.
Not the strongest in the world, but one of the strongest in my gym, which is worrying. Most people there don't even know what a deadlift is.

/opens popcorn

itsallaboutheL

FearDark wrote: »

/opens popcorn

Cop on to fuck.


OP

I'm not from Dublin so Terenure means nothing to me,

however what i would say is have a look at the gym review thread paying particular attention to Hercs and the Total Fitness gyms etc..

I'm sure the Dublin lads will be on in the moring to give decent advice.

arybvtcw0eolkf

FearDark wrote: »

/opens popcorn

itsallaboutheL wrote: »

Cop on to fuck.


OP

I'm not from Dublin so Terenure means nothing to me,

however what i would say is have a look at the gym review thread paying particular attention to Hercs and the Total Fitness gyms etc..

I'm sure the Dublin lads will be on in the moring to give decent advice.

+1

OP, if you drive I think its worth your while taking the trip to TotalFitness in Blanch, if its strength training you want you'll enjoy it there and get to train with some good lads from this forum here.

I make the drive from Malahide because I think its worth the extra effort.

Well done on those stats.

Transform

most guys in ALL gyms know what a deadlift is but will not do it as its just too much effort.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Transform wrote: »

most guys in ALL gyms know what a deadlift is but will not do it as its just too much effort.

I think in the case of DL's it takes a little time before the newbie realizes and appreciate's what the DL has to offer, but I guess thats another topic.

Dubdude

OP there is a gym just at portabello/rathmines which you could get to easily within 20 mins it's called Raw Condition, do a search here on boards or in the gym reviews.

http://www.rawcondition.com/

WHIP IT!

Gia CoolS Bagpipe wrote: »

I think in the case of DL's it takes a little time before the newbie realizes and appreciate's what the DL has to offer, but I guess thats another topic.

That's a good point. The DL was the last of the Big Three I "took on" after getting my Bench and Squat right up. I was concerned about form and doing it correctly and safely. So an instructer from the gym showed me correct form.

OP, Citywest gym would be less than 20 mins. There is only one power rack, but two Smith machines and two cable machines. There's also all the weights (plates and DBs) you'll ever need to be fair.

WHIP IT!

Dubdude wrote: »

OP there is a gym just at portabello/rathmines which you could get to easily within 20 mins it's called Raw Condition, do a search here on boards or in the gym reviews.

http://www.rawcondition.com/

Does anybody know what kinda fees Raw charge per year/month etc?

JonnyC

randomguy88 wrote: »

Hey y'all. I'v been a member of the Carlisle gym, Terenure for a good few years now. I think it's a grand gym but it's very much aimed towards the casual gym goer. My program at the moment is basically a pure strength program, with low reps and heavy weights. Amongst the exercises are Dumbbell Shoulder Presses, Dumbbell Bench, Lat Pulldowns and Seated Cable rows and I'v reached the point where I can't go any heavier on these exercises, because the dumbbells/ machines don't go any heavier. Also, the gym gets really packed and has only 3 squat racks, so I want out.

I live in Terenure. Can anyone suggest a better gym, within a reasonable distance (less than 20 mins drive preferably)?
PS. I'm not a powerlifter, I just want to get stronger, better at sports and look better. Thread title is just to get attention, although it is true in some ways.

I am going to ask the most obvious question here... Did you ask in the gym if they could get a few more of the heavier dumbbells? Thats all you seem to be missing.

How much weight you have on the Lat pulldown machine?

Naos

Gia CoolS Bagpipe wrote: »

+1

OP, if you drive I think its worth your while taking the trip to TotalFitness in Blanch, if its strength training you want you'll enjoy it there and get to train with some good lads from this forum here.

I make the drive from Malahide because I think its worth the extra effort.

Well done on those stats.

My Westpoint Blanch membership is up in Feb I believe, have to make the decision then to either move from there where my mates are (but who never come) or move on up to TF fitness where I can annoy Hanley for advice...

Gia CoolS Bagpipe wrote: »

I think in the case of DL's it takes a little time before the newbie realizes and appreciate's what the DL has to offer, but I guess thats another topic.

I actually enjoy the DL but not so much squatting :S Although I'm still not 100% sure what the DL offers entirely, as ignorant as that is.

Edit: Ahem, quick look on wiki and I can see the amount of muscles it uses :eek:

Hanley

randomguy88 wrote: »

PS. I'm not a powerlifter

Why do people always put this qualifier in? Or say something like "oh it's ok cos you're a powerlifer". You'd swear the act of defining oneself as a powerlifter changes your genetic make up in some way....


Anyway... with a 90kg bench, it's surprising that 30kg dumbbells aren't sufficient. I managed to hit my first 100kg bench in a gym with dumbbells only going to 20kg!!

While you're waiting to find a new gym there's lots of things you could be doing instead... standing one arm presses, military press, push press, seated presses in the squat rack/smith etc for your shoulders, incline bench, incline smith bench, close grip bench etc etc for chest, there's a million and one types of rows you could do with a barbell for your back, weighted chins and pull ups too.

Obviously find a new gym if that ones holding you back, but heavier dumbbells aren't gonna make or break your strength levels!!

Hanley

Naos wrote: »

My Westpoint Blanch membership is up in Feb I believe, have to make the decision then to either move from there where my mates are (but who never come) or move on up to TF fitness where I can annoy Hanley for advice...

Don't worry, there's plenty of other boardsies you can annoy too. How long have I been telling you to join TF now anyway....?

Transform

Hanley wrote: »

Why do people always put this qualifier in? Or say something like "oh it's ok cos you're a powerlifer". You'd swear the act of defining oneself as a powerlifter changes your genetic make up in some way....


Anyway... with a 90kg bench, it's surprising that 30kg dumbbells aren't sufficient. I managed to hit my first 100kg bench in a gym with dumbbells only going to 20kg!!

While you're waiting to find a new gym there's lots of things you could be doing instead... standing one arm presses, military press, push press, seated presses in the squat rack/smith etc for your shoulders, incline bench, incline smith bench, close grip bench etc etc for chest, there's a million and one types of rows you could do with a barbell for your back, weighted chins and pull ups too.

Obviously find a new gym if that ones holding you back, but heavier dumbbells aren't gonna make or break your strength levels!!

I have to agree with that as i train with a guy who is in the same gym as OP and puts up better numbers on all lifts at 80kg.

I do recommend RAW however as if there are more people around you doing the same lifts it can push you on a bit more.

squod

randomguy88 wrote: »

The heaviest dumbbells in the Carlisle go is 30kg. Stats are roughly
bodyweight 85kg
Squat 140 kg
Bench 90 kg
Deadlift 180 kg.

Fair play to you.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Naos wrote: »

or move on up to TF fitness where I can annoy Hanley

See, you don't have to make the move to annoy him

Hanley wrote: »

Don't worry, there's plenty of other boardsies you can annoy too. How long have I been telling you to join TF now anyway....?

BossArky

randomguy88 wrote: »

the gym gets really packed and has only 3 squat racks, so I want out.

3 squat racks?! :eek: Are they constantly in use by people squating?

My gym has one rack which is seldom used except for myself and a handful of others. Even if the place is packed you will find it usually free with the odd exception of someone standing it in staring the mirror.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but I don't see the weight of DB's or the number of squat racks (in his present gym) being the OP's real problem.

I think he's in a gym which just isn't doing it for him any longer, in which case a move might do him the world of good.

Example being, I live five minutes from TF Malahide Rd, but prefer to make a round trip of 30kms to & from TF Blanc.

Not because TF Blanch has more weight to shift than TF Malahide Rd, but for me the atmosphere out in Blanch being more conducive to what I'm looking for in a gym atm.

If your bored and not inspired by your gym any longer I think its perfectly legitimate to feel its time for a move.

jaggiebunnet

BossArky wrote: »

3 squat racks?! :eek: Are they constantly in use by people squating?

My gym has one rack which is seldom used except for myself and a handful of others. Even if the place is packed you will find it usually free with the odd exception of someone standing it in staring the mirror.

same in my gym...one rack that is barely used..

cmyk

randomguy88 wrote: »

I live in Terenure. Can anyone suggest a better gym, within a reasonable distance (less than 20 mins drive preferably)?
PS. I'm not a powerlifter, I just want to get stronger, better at sports and look better. Thread title is just to get attention, although it is true in some ways.

Well there's total fitness sandyford also, they've 3 squat racks, and as busy as the gym can be in the evenings you never have to wait long to use one. Personally I wouldn't drive 30km out of my way for a gym. You're half way between sandyford and raw in rathmines.

d'Oracle

Gia CoolS Bagpipe wrote: »

I think in the case of DL's it takes a little time before the newbie realizes and appreciate's what the DL has to offer, but I guess thats another topic.

That depends on the newbie.

arybvtcw0eolkf

d'Oracle wrote: »

That depends on the newbie.

Yup, does indeed.

It also depends on the oldie too.

I've been doing DL's over twenty years and only discovered last week via a youtube clip that my form has been totally wrong and I'm re-learning it all over again!.

G86

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Does anybody know what kinda fees Raw charge per year/month etc?

For DD it's €75 joining fee and €55 per month. I can't remember the exact figure for a year - I think it was €490.

Pugmister

I would definatelyecho what some posters have already said and recommend Raw Condition at Portobello. Im in Raw the last couple of months having moved from Carlisle and the difference it has made to my training has been immense through proper guidance from the staff there and also extremely helpful advice and tips from the guys who lift there. The dumbells go upto 70kg and theres copious amounts of plates and oly bars so never a problem with having to wait. Only problem with Raw is the lack of parking facilities but theres number of places in the surrounding area where the pay and display period stops at 6 or 6.30 and its only a 5 min walk to the gym then

I recently rejoined Carlisle also while they had that real cheap offer on but thats really only for use of the cardio equipment and pool during the winter.

Oh and since im a member of Carlisle now aswell

BW 74kg

Bench 102.5kg x2
Squat 145kg x2
Deadlift 200kg x1

discombobulate

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Does anybody know what kinda fees Raw charge per year/month etc?

Was 499 when I joined before the summer. They had offers over the summer then for around 300 or so. Not sure what rates are now.

Would recommend from Terenure though. 10 minute drive although no free parking around until after 7.

And they've dumbells over 70kg to keep you occupied!

Edit: Sorry didn't spot the guy before me had said pretty much the same thing!

magotch07

Dubdude wrote: »

OP there is a gym just at portabello/rathmines which you could get to easily within 20 mins it's called Raw Condition, do a search here on boards or in the gym reviews.

http://www.rawcondition.com/

was gonna suggest this gym im not a member but it looks decent, other than that i would reccommend westpark in tallaght only 20 min from terenure, DB GO UP TO 50KG not huge but it would be a good progression for you

pm me if your interested i have some free passes if you wanna try it out

WHIP IT!

discombobulate wrote: »

Was 499 when I joined before the summer. They had offers over the summer then for around 300 or so. Not sure what rates are now.

Would recommend from Terenure though. 10 minute drive although no free parking around until after 7.

And they've dumbells over 70kg to keep you occupied!

Edit: Sorry didn't spot the guy before me had said pretty much the same thing!

Damd, the lack of parking would really f*ck me up. Thing is, I generally got to the gym between noon and 1.0pm so not being able to park would be a big deterrant.

It's a pity cos I'm really considering it.

Anyone here a member who goes early in the day and can comment on the parking situation?

Thanks

discombobulate

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Damd, the lack of parking would really f*ck me up. Thing is, I generally got to the gym between noon and 1.0pm so not being able to park would be a big deterrant.

It's a pity cos I'm really considering it.

Anyone here a member who goes early in the day and can comment on the parking situation?

Thanks

I work around the corner and theres def nowhere to park for free in immediate area. Probably find somewhere in Rathmines down Leinster road about ten minutes walk away or pay and display not sure of price. Little jog down and back to the car!

djk1000

I can match the OP's weights and I'm in Carlisle. I max out most of the machines alright, but there is enough free weights to keep me going there. It's impossible to get through a workout without waiting and chasing down weights though, it's incredibly busy unless you're there mid morning or afternoon.

WHIP IT!

discombobulate wrote: »

I work around the corner and theres def nowhere to park for free in immediate area. Probably find somewhere in Rathmines down Leinster road about ten minutes walk away or pay and display not sure of price. Little jog down and back to the car!

Thanks for the info - that's a real kick in the nuts though... why build a gym "almost the size of a football pitch" and have nowhere to park??

randomguy88

Hanley wrote: »

Why do people always put this qualifier in? Or say something like "oh it's ok cos you're a powerlifer". You'd swear the act of defining oneself as a powerlifter changes your genetic make up in some way....


Anyway... with a 90kg bench, it's surprising that 30kg dumbbells aren't sufficient. I managed to hit my first 100kg bench in a gym with dumbbells only going to 20kg!!

While you're waiting to find a new gym there's lots of things you could be doing instead... standing one arm presses, military press, push press, seated presses in the squat rack/smith etc for your shoulders, incline bench, incline smith bench, close grip bench etc etc for chest, there's a million and one types of rows you could do with a barbell for your back, weighted chins and pull ups too.

Obviously find a new gym if that ones holding you back, but heavier dumbbells aren't gonna make or break your strength levels!!

That's interesting, I can easily do over 15 reps with the 30kg dumbbells. I have this weird lump right in the middle of my chest, and I'v always suspected that it was affecting my barbell bench. It hurts every time I bring the bar down onto it, so I have to bring it down really slowly. I'v been to the doctor about it and he said it's nothing to worry about and that getting it removed would be more stress than it's worth. That's why I wanna stick to the dumbbell bench. Also, 1 arm dumbbell rows and seated cable rows are my favourite back exercises, and I can't do them heavy in the Carlisle.
That Raw Condition gym looks really good, will check it out, parking situation seems annoying though. I'l check out TF in Blanch aswell. Thanks for the advice.

TheCandystripes

im much stronger than you

arybvtcw0eolkf

TheCandystripes wrote: »

im much stronger than you

Troll

cardio,shoot me

TheCandystripes wrote: »

im much stronger than you

"i am not impressed with your performance"

TheCandystripes

:facepalm:

randomguy88

Is it possible to have a look around Raw Condition or Total Fitness before I join? Or even get a 1 day guest pass?

cardio,shoot me

randomguy88 wrote: »

Is it possible to have a look around Raw Condition or Total Fitness before I join? Or even get a 1 day guest pass?

TF sandyford is 18 euro for a day pass and raw is 15 for a day pass, you can look around for free with a staff member though, the thing with the day passes is if you decide to join they will deduct the cost of them from your annual fee,

Spaco

Brought a friend up to Raw before and they offered him a 5 day trial membership. That was about 6 weeks ago so reckon they still do it.
They had a deal on for 399 when i joined, not sure if its still available or if its back to the regular 499 but it's a great gym.

randomguy88

Sounds good, will definitely use one of those day passes. Says on the site its 399 if you join in December. But then in Total Fitness its 299 for 15 months for 21 yr olds and under, which applies to me. I'm spoiled for choice.

Oisinjm

I don't know if this is any help to you but St. Mary's rugby club in Templeogue has a good gym, if you have a friend whos a member he can bring you as a guest for free as far as i know. Or if you become a member of the club you get to use it for free. Thats the nearest one to you I can think of

cmyk

cardio,shoot me wrote: »

TF sandyford is 18 euro for a day pass and raw is 15 for a day pass, you can look around for free with a staff member though, the thing with the day passes is if you decide to join they will deduct the cost of them from your annual fee,

I'd walk away from any gym that didn't give me a trial session or two for free, and I'd be amazed if either gym wouldn't. I'd guess the day charge is for the person with no intention of joining.

randomguy88

According to Google maps, Total Fitness Sandyford is only 10 mins drive from my house. I basically live at Terenure College, would this be right? The fact that there's no parking around RAW Condition means I'm leaning towards TF.

Hanley

The only thing bad about TF Sandyford is that Cardio,shootme trains there. Other than that, it's a great spot and has everything you need.

MrPain

Sorry I know this is a bit off topic but what intervals do your dumbbells go up in. In my local gym they go up in 2kgs up to 30kgs and then 35kg and 40kg dbs.
So I'm finding it quite hard to move up from 35kg to 40kg db press's.
While in my college gym they go up in 2.5kg intervals all the way up 50kg. So it's easier to work my way up.

Hanley

MrPain wrote: »

Sorry I know this is a bit off topic but what intervals do your dumbbells go up in. In my local gym they go up in 2kgs up to 30kgs and then 35kg and 40kg dbs.
So I'm finding it quite hard to move up from 35kg to 40kg db press's.
While in my college gym they go up in 2.5kg intervals all the way up 50kg. So it's easier to work my way up.

2.5kg's the norm in most gyms.

cardio,shoot me

Hanley wrote: »

The only thing bad about TF Sandyford is that Cardio,shootme trains there. Other than that, it's a great spot and has everything you need.

id like to say lol but i am quite annoying, so im not sure if this is a joke

Hanley

cardio,shoot me wrote: »

id like to say lol but i am quite annoying, so im not sure if this is a joke

Hmmm.... I'm undecided :D

squod

MrPain wrote: »

Sorry I know this is a bit off topic but what intervals do your dumbbells go up in. In my local gym they go up in 2kgs up to 30kgs and then 35kg and 40kg dbs.
So I'm finding it quite hard to move up from 35kg to 40kg db press's.
While in my college gym they go up in 2.5kg intervals all the way up 50kg. So it's easier to work my way up.

Brown tape. Tape a couple of plates on to the side of your dbs. Good luck.

G86

cardio,shoot me wrote: »

TF sandyford is 18 euro for a day pass and raw is 15 for a day pass, you can look around for free with a staff member though, the thing with the day passes is if you decide to join they will deduct the cost of them from your annual fee,

I was able to go in for a free workout before I joined, you don't have to pay the 15Eur, just ring and say you want to try it out.