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Random Fitness Questions

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    Cill94 wrote: »
    Also..

    Don’t use straps
    Use chalk
    Take a mixed or hook grip on deadlifts

    Hook grip if you hate yourself enough.

    I'd disagree on straps, to a point.

    I hate them on deadlifts so it's not a bias. I just don't think it makes a massive difference - and now I think of it, silverharp uses a trap bar, unless I'm mistaken. So mixed/hook grips may not be the solution.

    But if grip is a limiting factor on trap bar deadlifts, I'd use straps for the deadlifts and supplement it with grip work.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,414 ✭✭✭Cill94


    Hook grip if you hate yourself enough.

    I'd disagree on straps, to a point.

    I hate them on deadlifts so it's not a bias. I just don't think it makes a massive difference - and now I think of it, silverharp uses a trap bar, unless I'm mistaken. So mixed/hook grips may not be the solution.

    But if grip is a limiting factor on trap bar deadlifts, I'd use straps for the deadlifts and supplement it with grip work.

    Hook grip is sore, but not that bad once you get used to it. I find the boost in grip strength definitely worth it.

    His grip is weak, straps are a crutch. That’s the way I see it anyway. If you always throw straps on when it gets hard, your grip will always suck. I only use them for sets of 10 reps or more.

    I used to have grip issues and above means I’ve never missed a deadlift from grip since. Just my experience anyway.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    Cill94 wrote: »
    Hook grip is sore, but not that bad once you get used to it. I find the boost in grip strength definitely worth it.

    His grip is weak, straps are a crutch. That’s the way I see it anyway. If you always throw straps on when it gets hard, your grip will always suck. I only use them for sets of 10 reps or more.

    I used to have grip issues and above means I’ve never missed a deadlift from grip since. Just my experience anyway.

    If I was saying to just use straps and do no grip work, I'd agree. But I said if his grip is limiting his deadlift, then use straps and maximise the work from the deadlift but also do grip work on top of it in the interim to minimise the imbalance.

    I use straps on heavy rows because I want to make sure that I'm getting the most out of the rows and that grip isn't limiting what I get from them. Using straps isn't always a crutch.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,684 ✭✭✭✭silverharp


    the chalk might be a good interim solution as it was probably moving a bit more in my left hand which was then hurting

    A belief in gender identity involves a level of faith as there is nothing tangible to prove its existence which, as something divorced from the physical body, is similar to the idea of a soul. - Colette Colfer



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,414 ✭✭✭Cill94


    If I was saying to just use straps and do no grip work, I'd agree. But I said if his grip is limiting his deadlift, then use straps and maximise the work from the deadlift but also do grip work on top of it in the interim to minimise the imbalance.

    I use straps on heavy rows because I want to make sure that I'm getting the most out of the rows and that grip isn't limiting what I get from them. Using straps isn't always a crutch.

    I think the deadlift is the best tool for building the grip so I’d keep 90%+ of the work on that strapless.

    Straps for rows occasionally are grand yeah. Was referring more to the deadlift.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 3,156 Mod ✭✭✭✭Black Sheep


    Another vote for straps not being a crutch, within reason.

    My way of approaching it: Double overhand for quite submaximal sets. Hook grip for 80%-90% (Possibly not at the top end there, depending on reps) and then 90% or above ... bust out the straps and don't worry about it. Or if you've forgotten your straps, then mixed grip.

    The above offers plenty of grip work at weights under 90%.

    If you won't use straps for top sets / max efforts then you're short changing yourself out of handling the actually heavy weights that will drive progress and growth, and the deadlift is not mainly a grip exercise, although it is a great grip exercise also.

    Incidentally my mixed grip is not that much weaker than my deadlift with straps, but I think it's reasonable to mention also that there can be a risk of bicep damage associated with mixed grip. Your mileage may vary but I think straps are a reasonable accommodation.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    Cill94 wrote: »
    I think the deadlift is the best tool for building the grip so I’d keep 90%+ of the work on that strapless.

    Absolutely keep the majority of the deadlift minus straps. But if grip is limiting in the short term, using straps to go beyond that limit is fine. You get the benefit of moving moving the weight that you can when grip isn't a limiting factor. And then you can do back offs without straps as well and/or do grip work like holding a loaded bar etc.

    I'm only really talking about using straps to go beyond the grip limit rather than throughout.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,613 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    Cill94 wrote: »
    I think the deadlift is the best tool for building the grip so I’d keep 90%+ of the work on that strapless.

    Straps for rows occasionally are grand yeah. Was referring more to the deadlift.

    If you want to build a grip, then avoid straps for deadlift to do that. But if you don’t particularly care about grip and only want to strengthen hips then might as well take the benefit of straps.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,646 ✭✭✭✭Mr. CooL ICE


    Few static 10+ second holds at the end of every set, be grand. Helps most people's deadlift grip.

    Personally, farmers walks are what made a big increase for my deadlift grip.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 530 ✭✭✭new2tri19


    Should you wear a belt when lifting? I'm not doing 1 rep max type stuff is it only for lifting really heavy? thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,414 ✭✭✭Cill94


    new2tri19 wrote: »
    Should you wear a belt when lifting? I'm not doing 1 rep max type stuff is it only for lifting really heavy? thanks

    You don't have to, but it helps.

    Makes it easier to brace, which for most people will add kg's to the bar and is arguably going to make it safer.

    I just throw it on when I get to about 80% of my max.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,613 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    Most people in the gym wearing a belt are wearing it wrong way, for the wrong reasons, wearing the wrong belt, and/or wearing it for pointless lifts.

    But despite all that, yes there is a benefit to a belt as outlined above.


  • Registered Users Posts: 530 ✭✭✭new2tri19


    Got a belt in Decathlon its probably rubbish, I had it slightly higher than a normal belt around my abs so it helped me feel when my core was engaged. Did lots of squats and deadlifts 100 of each just practicing good form really deep squatting and breathing and bracing. I actually had a headache afterwards maybe I am exaggerating the breathing part of , strong inhale engage core lift then release the breath.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,414 ✭✭✭Cill94


    new2tri19 wrote: »
    Got a belt in Decathlon its probably rubbish, I had it slightly higher than a normal belt around my abs so it helped me feel when my core was engaged. Did lots of squats and deadlifts 100 of each just practicing good form really deep squatting and breathing and bracing. I actually had a headache afterwards maybe I am exaggerating the breathing part of , strong inhale engage core lift then release the breath.

    Decathlon doesn’t seem like the kind of place that would sell good ones. Maybe I’m wrong. It’s worth investing in a good one as they should last a long time.

    Some useful information about the breathing in this video: https://youtu.be/-I9LIsIpsQE


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,328 ✭✭✭the baby bull elephant


    https://www.strongerbyscience.com/the-belt-bible/

    I held off for a long time on getting a belt but I'm glad I did get one. I only use it for squat and ohp but it's been very beneficial.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    I had one from SportsDirect and only really got a proper one when I decided I was going to do a competition.


  • Registered Users Posts: 530 ✭✭✭new2tri19


    Cill94 wrote: »
    Decathlon doesn’t seem like the kind of place that would sell good ones. Maybe I’m wrong. It’s worth investing in a good one as they should last a long time.

    Some useful information about the breathing in this video: https://youtu.be/-I9LIsIpsQE

    That was a very helpful video thanks


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 3,156 Mod ✭✭✭✭Black Sheep


    I have a 'cheap' belt, a 10mm IPF approved single prong from Strength Shop, and I have an expensive belt from Wahlanders. The Wahdlanders is a much nicer object and now that it's broken in it's more comfortable, but I think the Strength Shop belts are good for the money, especially for a first belt. I had one, passed it on when I got the Wahlanders, and then I ended up going back and buying another one to leave under my desk at work for training there.

    Strength Shop belts are also vegan if anyone cares (An increasing number of people seem to).

    The only advice I'd offer is if you're buying one with a prong fastening then go for single prong not double prong... Double prong is just a pain to fasten.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    I have a 'cheap' belt, a 10mm IPF approved single prong from Strength Shop, and I have an expensive belt from Wahlanders. The Wahdlanders is a much nicer object and now that it's broken in it's more comfortable, but I think the Strength Shop belts are good for the money, especially for a first belt.

    Did it take long to break in the Wahlanders one?

    The Strength Shop belt didn't really take any time to break in. Did have a little bruising the first few times I wore it but they were surprise bruises as I didn't feel any discomfort using the bel.t


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 199 ✭✭hayoc


    Few static 10+ second holds at the end of every set, be grand. Helps most people's deadlift grip.

    Personally, farmers walks are what made a big increase for my deadlift grip.

    I got Fat Gripz and I farmers walk with a heavy dumbell in one hand, no Fat Grip attached, and a slightly lighter one in the other hand, Fat Grip attached.

    Fat Gripz.

    Say 20kg, no Fat Grip, 15kg, Fat Grip. I walk the length of the gym, switch hands, then walk back.

    Invariably my left hand starts to lose the grip on the Fat Grip hand by the last set.

    I also use hanging from the pull up bars as both a stretch and a grip trainer.

    Chalk helps for heavier deads too - I use a rock climbing chalk ball, its not as messy as the liquid chalk, doesnt leave chalk all over the equipment, and it lasts for ages (think Im on the same ball almost 2 years now).


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  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 3,156 Mod ✭✭✭✭Black Sheep


    Did it take long to break in the Wahlanders one?

    The Strength Shop belt didn't really take any time to break in. Did have a little bruising the first few times I wore it but they were surprise bruises as I didn't feel any discomfort using the bel.t

    The Wahlanders is, as you'd expect, very hard leather when you first get it. I'm not sure at what point it became 'comfortable', but eventually it has ended up relatively supple. I've had it for about 2 years. I would buy from them again because they're in the EU and it's a nice bit of kit, but I think it's expensive even as handmade leather belts go.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    The Wahlanders is, as you'd expect, very hard leather when you first get it. I'm not sure at what point it became 'comfortable', but eventually it has ended up relatively supple. I've had it for about 2 years. I would buy from them again because they're in the EU and it's a nice bit of kit, but I think it's expensive even as handmade leather belts go.

    At least you know the lifespan is probably decades.

    Or until you get too fat for it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,414 ✭✭✭Cill94



    The only advice I'd offer is if you're buying one with a prong fastening then go for single prong not double prong... Double prong is just a pain to fasten.

    Definitely second this. Single prongs are the easiest to use and least likely to break in my opinion. Rogue do some nice leather ones. My current one is from METAL and I really like it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    FWIW, the person asking the question is primarily training for triathlons, in which case I'm not really sure shelling out on a decent belt is entirely necessary. I mean I know it's 'only' ~ €65 from strengthshop but I'm not sure it's entirely necessary if you're primarily looking to get stronger in order to minimise injuries.

    Nothing wrong with getting one but from the context of the purpose of the resistance training, I don't think it's entirely necessary.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 3,156 Mod ✭✭✭✭Black Sheep


    In that context then, probably no belt required at all, really...


  • Registered Users Posts: 530 ✭✭✭new2tri19


    Would anyone be so kind as to critique my workout go easy as I am a newbie and I know the weights I lift are laughable compared to most.
    Anyway i've started following GZClP plan i found online. 3 days a week ,a main lift 3 sets of 5 then a tier 2 lift 3 sets of 10 and then some accessory lifts. So today was Tier 1 squat and Tier 2 bench. You don't get a lot more guidance on what exactly to do for the rest of the workout.

    What i done today.

    Warm up
    10 mins skipping.
    10 mins hip mobility drills

    The aim was 5 sets of 3 squats at 55kg last set is AMRAP
    I didn't want to go straight into it so did
    10x 20kg (empty bar) trying to go deeper than parallel
    2x 25kg
    3 x 30kg
    3 x 35kg
    3 x 40kg
    3 x 45kg
    3 x 50kg
    then took 5 mins and did
    3x 55kg 4 times off 3 mins rest and last set was amrap I managed 9 reps .
    ( was all that warm up necessary? ) the 5 sets of 3 are off 3 mins rest should you just stand around for this or do something else?

    next up was bench press.

    main set was 3 *(10 x 40kg )
    warm up
    10x 20
    10 x 25
    10 x 30
    10 x 35
    then 5 mins rest and managed the main set comfortably hard.

    Next was choose your own exercise and do 3 sets of 15 last set AMRAP , I try mix these up during the week so I'm covering most of the body.
    Today I chose to do Bent over row
    warm up
    10 x 20
    main set was
    15 x 25kg , 15 x 25kg and last set 20 x 25kg.

    I then took 3 mins and did a "finisher leg routine" I found on youtube as it was squat day
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyLnnatsE4w&list=PLuKSR49fVA-mGTthp6CR7APERz6dT30Ja&index=19

    I then took another 3 mins and did a " finisher chest routine" as chest was Tier 2 exercise.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcluglbCrdQ&list=PLuKSR49fVA-mGTthp6CR7APERz6dT30Ja&index=22

    And then for nothng but pure vanity reasons I did some bicep curls and tricep dips extensions with the barbell.

    Am I going to see progress doing this kinda stuff I plan on increasing weights by 2.5kg each week but otherwise I'm kinda clueless and not sure if i've i'm wasting 90 mins doing this kinda stuff .
    Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,414 ✭✭✭Cill94


    new2tri19 wrote: »
    .

    I'll answer your Qs as concisely as I can..

    1. Warm-up looks fine. The amount of sets you do is very individual. Most important thing is that by the time you get to working weight you should feel more mobile and have practiced your technique. Somewhere between 3 - 5 warm-up sets is generally the sweet spot.

    Also you need to do some upper body warm-up too.


    2. Rest periods: Strength training means during rest periods, you rest. Now if you want to do some mobility exercises in between that's fine, but you should not be doing anything that's going to take away from your ability to do the next set. That means no push-ups between bench sets or anything like that.

    3. Ditch the finishers. There's far too much in those vidoes. You're going to burn the candle at both ends here. If you want some stuff to do at the end, just follow the 5-3-1 assistance work templates. Look under 'Assistance Work' in this article: https://jimwendler.com/blogs/jimwendler-com/101065094-5-3-1-for-a-beginner

    4. You'll definitely see progress so long as you keep making smart weight jumps and eating properly.


  • Registered Users Posts: 530 ✭✭✭new2tri19


    Cill94 wrote: »
    I'll answer your Qs as concisely as I can..

    1. Warm-up looks fine. The amount of sets you do is very individual. Most important thing is that by the time you get to working weight you should feel more mobile and have practiced your technique. Somewhere between 3 - 5 warm-up sets is generally the sweet spot.

    Also you need to do some upper body warm-up too.


    2. Rest periods: Strength training means during rest periods, you rest. Now if you want to do some mobility exercises in between that's fine, but you should not be doing anything that's going to take away from your ability to do the next set. That means no push-ups between bench sets or anything like that.

    3. Ditch the finishers. There's far too much in those vidoes. You're going to burn the candle at both ends here. If you want some stuff to do at the end, just follow the 5-3-1 assistance work templates. Look under 'Assistance Work' in this article: https://jimwendler.com/blogs/jimwendler-com/101065094-5-3-1-for-a-beginner

    4. You'll definitely see progress so long as you keep making smart weight jumps and eating properly.

    Thanks mate , sound advice there i'll do what you said .


  • Posts: 17,378 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    A couple of questions about supplements and weight lifting.

    In general, is it worth taking a multi-vitamin like ON Opti-Men? I currently don't take anything. How about fish oil as well?
    Creatine and Beta-Alanine. I'm interested in these if they can help me progress better. Should I just start taking them? I already take protein three times a week after the gym.
    Pre-Workout. The internet seems split. I already have a big coffee before the gym. Is there any other ingredient I should look at individually to help give a boost?

    Anyways, things are going well since I got back into it over the last few months. It was a bad few months for stress and weight loss before that, and figure I may as well go all in while the motivation is there and I'm putting the weight back on in better places. I was 65kg. Plan was 70kg. Dropped to 59.2kg. Back up to 61.5kg. Really want to get back to 65kg.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,646 ✭✭✭✭Mr. CooL ICE


    If your diet is well rounded, supplements probably aren't necessary. If you take in a decent amount of different veg, a few protein sources and good carbs every day, along with ensuring you get 8 hours sleep a night, you're probably all set. But chances are, your diet isn't as well rounded as you think. Things like fish oils are good if your fish intake is low, etc

    As for pre workout; different strokes for different folks. I've had pre workout before and thought I was going to die after it. Coffee does me. Iirc, there's even been research that caffeine inhibits hypertrophy, but I can't remember the validity of this.


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  • Posts: 17,378 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    If your diet is well rounded, supplements probably aren't necessary. If you take in a decent amount of different veg, a few protein sources and good carbs every day, along with ensuring you get 8 hours sleep a night, you're probably all set. But chances are, your diet isn't as well rounded as you think. Things like fish oils are good if your fish intake is low, etc

    As for pre workout; different strokes for different folks. I've had pre workout before and thought I was going to die after it. Coffee does me. Iirc, there's even been research that caffeine inhibits hypertrophy, but I can't remember the validity of this.

    The only good thing about my diet is that it isn't sugary or particularly fatty. It's definitely not diverse enough to get what's ideal. Home cooking happens maybe once every two weeks. A lot of my meals are basic noodles type dishes.

    Sleep is a lot better recently. Six and a half to seven is my max and I'm getting that most days.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    A couple of questions about supplements and weight lifting.

    In general, is it worth taking a multi-vitamin like ON Opti-Men? I currently don't take anything. How about fish oil as well?
    Creatine and Beta-Alanine. I'm interested in these if they can help me progress better. Should I just start taking them? I already take protein three times a week after the gym.
    Pre-Workout. The internet seems split. I already have a big coffee before the gym. Is there any other ingredient I should look at individually to help give a boost?

    Anyways, things are going well since I got back into it over the last few months. It was a bad few months for stress and weight loss before that, and figure I may as well go all in while the motivation is there and I'm putting the weight back on in better places. I was 65kg. Plan was 70kg. Dropped to 59.2kg. Back up to 61.5kg. Really want to get back to 65kg.

    How much protein you supplement with depends on your diet but I would be trying to keep protein intake constant and not only have it on days you go to the gym.

    Take creatine.

    Coffee will do as a pre-workout.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,215 ✭✭✭Sunrise_Sunset


    My schedule has changed recently and it looks like I might only be able to make it to the gym twice a week on consecutive days, for the next while. Is it any use in doing full body strength training on both of these days? It obviously means only 24 hours of rest after the first session, which is sub-optimal. I have no equipment to work-out at home. I'm female and usually do 3 lower body and 2 upper body sessions per week.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,614 ✭✭✭caviardreams


    My schedule has changed recently and it looks like I might only be able to make it to the gym twice a week on consecutive days, for the next while. Is it any use in doing full body strength training on both of these days? It obviously means only 24 hours of rest after the first session, which is sub-optimal. I have no equipment to work-out at home. I'm female and usually do 3 lower body and 2 upper body sessions per week.

    Personally in that context I would switch to either an upper and lower day, or a push day and a pull day, if they are going to be consecutive rather than 2 full body days.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    Personally in that context I would switch to either an upper and lower day, or a push day and a pull day, if they are going to be consecutive rather than 2 full body days.

    I would agree. Its the fact that they're consecutive days.

    Full body two days in a row is sacrificing recovery for frequency and thats a bad trade off because frequency means sweet FA training two days in a row.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,215 ✭✭✭Sunrise_Sunset


    Thanks for the replies. One session for upper and lower hardly seems like enough though. I suppose I could go bodyweight exercises at home 2 days too. Better than nothing?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    Thanks for the replies. One session for upper and lower hardly seems like enough though. I suppose I could go bodyweight exercises at home 2 days too. Better than nothing?

    It all depends on your circumstances. If you can only do 2 sessions, then don't worry about what you can't do but focus on what you can do.

    If you can do some more at home, great


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,215 ✭✭✭Sunrise_Sunset


    It all depends on your circumstances. If you can only do 2 sessions, then don't worry about what you can't do but focus on what you can do.

    If you can do some more at home, great

    I'm hoping my new schedule is only temporary.
    I'm really annoyed that I can only make it there twice a week now. I don't have a good track record with my self motivation at home.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,414 ✭✭✭Cill94


    I'm hoping my new schedule is only temporary.
    I'm really annoyed that I can only make it there twice a week now. I don't have a good track record with my self motivation at home.

    I train plenty of people who can only do 2 sessions a week. Very feasible to make progress at least for a while.

    You will make better progress if you can space them out to allow you to train full body both days.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 530 ✭✭✭new2tri19


    cant be


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭Greyfox


    Should i do squats on weights day or cardio day?

    Im a beginner when it comes to weights so im doing 3 full body weights workouts a week and my diet is very good at the moment. Losing fat and getting fitter is nice but building muscle is my priority. I normally do cardio straight after weights but im now going to try doing cardio on 2 seperate days inbetween my weights days as im told this is better. (I exercise in the evenings as morning exercise is never going to happen)

    So lets say weights on tuesday and cardio on wednesday. But if i do leg exercises and jog the next day would i be risking not giving enough recovery time? What if i did upper body weights tues and wed i did leg exercises and jogging.. my jogging performance would suffer but would burning out my leg muscles like this be a good idea? Should i just do squats on weight days?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    Greyfox wrote: »
    Should i do squats on weights day or cardio day?

    Im a beginner when it comes to weights so im doing 3 full body weights workouts a week and my diet is very good at the moment. Losing fat and getting fitter is nice but building muscle is my priority. I normally do cardio straight after weights but im now going to try doing cardio on 2 seperate days inbetween my weights days as im told this is better. (I exercise in the evenings as morning exercise is never going to happen)

    So lets say weights on tuesday and cardio on wednesday. But if i do leg exercises and jog the next day would i be risking not giving enough recovery time? What if i did upper body weights tues and wed i did leg exercises and jogging.. my jogging performance would suffer but would burning out my leg muscles like this be a good idea? Should i just do squats on weight days?

    It really comes down to priorities. If weights are your priority then the running takes the hit

    But you need to manage recovery. The only considerations aren't whether to do cardio after a level workout or the next day. How often do you do a lower body/leg workout?


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 3,156 Mod ✭✭✭✭Black Sheep


    I wrote a big post but Alf said what I was going to say.

    If you are not particularly into running, or are willing to try something different, you could also consider just keeping your lifting three days a week, and finish each session with a short but intense "finisher" that would get your heart rate up and give at least some conditioning benefits. Push a prowler / drag a sled ... Do a barbell complex for a couple of rounds with a light weight ... Do a short circuit with 2-3 exercises etc. As with the runs though there is a point where they'll definitely detract from your lifting in strict terms.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    Actually, sorry...I re-read it properly. You're doing 3 full-body workouts a week so roughly every second day.

    In which case, I'd say like Black Sheep advised and do it at the end of the weights session, especially if its just cardio for maintaining/improving cardiovascular fitness.

    Think of yourself like a well. You drain the well on training days and allow it refill on the days between. If you drain it to some degree on the days between workouts, your starting point gets lower and lower until it gets low enough that it starts impacting your workouts and you get less from them because you're just not recovered.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭Greyfox


    Actually, sorry...I re-read it properly. You're doing 3 full-body workouts a week so roughly every second day.

    In which case, I'd say like Black Sheep advised and do it at the end of the weights session, especially if its just cardio for maintaining/improving cardiovascular fitness.

    Think of yourself like a well. You drain the well on training days and allow it refill on the days between. If you drain it to some degree on the days between workouts, your starting point gets lower and lower until it gets low enough that it starts impacting your workouts and you get less from them because you're just not recovered.

    Thanks, im going to stick with cardio at the end and just mix up my cardio type as its easier to get it done while your already in the gym. Also 3 days a week and really pushing myself is something ill definitely stick with long term


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,385 ✭✭✭✭D'Agger


    If I'm doing a push/pull/legs split, and I'm hitting chest and triceps quite a bit on Push, will leaving bicep exercises to the pull day hold me in good stead, or should I be hitting biceps for a 'finishing' exercise before I leave the gym given my triceps are knackered. Or would doing the pull session the day after the push session with some cable curls etc work just the same.

    Basically if I'm hitting enough sets/reps per body part, per week it shouldn't really matter but what would the general preference here be out of interest?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,656 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    Just do them at the end on any given day. They're unlikely to affect any of the lifts that matter.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,385 ✭✭✭✭D'Agger


    Thought as much, cheers Alf


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 575 ✭✭✭vafankillar


    anyone else's anxiety through the roof with the prospects of the gyms closings announcement every day


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,613 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    anyone else's anxiety through the roof with the prospects of the gyms closings announcement every day

    Not in the slightest. Gym are a convenient way to work out. But there are many other ways of working out in isolation with minimal equipment.

    A dependence on the gym, to the point of crippling anxiety seems absolutely counterproductive in terms of (mental) health.


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