increases and knowing.

[V-Opolis]

hey so im new here and have a few questions. Ive only been working out for bout 6 months, so im fairly new, but im in decent shape im a runner,swimmer,biker, soccer player, Ultimate frisbee player etc. Im told that i have near perfect technique with most all my lifts, so that isnt a issue.

questions are
1) How do i know that my workouts are actually doin something? Certain parts of my body I will feel more than others( my traps are usally always more tired than most other muscles, while i extensively work out my triceps and they never feel tired a few hours later or next day).

2) How often/when should i be increasing the weight of my lifts?

3) what is the best set/rep setup for strength training? i dont want alot of mass, i want strength over mass.

 

[JDid23]

hey so im new here and have a few questions. Ive only been working out for bout 6 months, so im fairly new, but im in decent shape im a runner,swimmer,biker, soccer player, Ultimate frisbee player etc. Im told that i have near perfect technique with most all my lifts, so that isnt a issue.

questions are
1) How do i know that my workouts are actually doin something? Certain parts of my body I will feel more than others( my traps are usally always more tired than most other muscles, while i extensively work out my triceps and they never feel tired a few hours later or next day).

2) How often/when should i be increasing the weight of my lifts?

3) what is the best set/rep setup for strength training? i dont want alot of mass, i want strength over mass.

what routine(s) have you used/are using?

1. When you see gains and body parts growing/are able to handle more weight/reps with a given weight. "Feeling the muscle" doesn't necessarily mean that it's growing.

2. Depends on the program and each person varies.

3. Like #2, there is no definitive answer. For your goals, lower reps and higher weight would be ideal.

 

[V-Opolis]

what routine(s) have you used/are using?

1. When you see gains and body parts growing/are able to handle more weight/reps with a given weight. "Feeling the muscle" doesn't necessarily mean that it's growing.

2. Depends on the program and each person varies.

3. Like #2, there is no definitive answer. For your goals, lower reps and higher weight would be ideal.

1) I look no bigger than i did before working out. I 'look' bigger, but i havnt gained any weight. is it possible to gain strength but no weight?

2)what would a rough estimate be? 5 pounds every 2 weeks?every week?

, but i really have no structure for my workout, i just make sure to workout every muscle, and do random exercises usually, but lately ive been doin(in the same order):

(((also im not sure of the names of some of the exercises so excuse the ignorance)))
incline bench

squats

lat pullups(i get dumbell and pull it like im doin a bent over row, i thought itd be a nice variation of the bent over row.)

shoulder extention(?)(dumbell and i push it upward with the 'fat' part of the dumbell facing me)

tricep extentions

chest press

shoulder lifts(?)( where you pull the weight upward in front of you and by your side(so you look like a cross)

then weighted punches

then i do my abs with bicycle kicks, windshield wipers and toe touches

 

[JDid23]

1) I look no bigger than i did before working out. I 'look' bigger, but i havnt gained any weight. is it possible to gain strength but no weight?

2)what would a rough estimate be? 5 pounds every 2 weeks?every week?

No. It really depends man- most beginners can add 5 lbs per workout to each lift though.

, but i really have no structure for my workout, i just make sure to workout every muscle, and do random exercises usually, but lately ive been doin(in the same order):

You should definitely tryout a routine. Read the stickies!

(((also im not sure of the names of some of the exercises so excuse the ignorance)))
incline bench

squats

lat pullups(i get dumbell and pull it like im doin a bent over row, i thought itd be a nice variation of the bent over row.)

shoulder extention(?)(dumbell and i push it upward with the 'fat' part of the dumbell facing me)

tricep extentions

chest press

shoulder lifts(?)( where you pull the weight upward in front of you and by your side(so you look like a cross)

then weighted punches

then i do my abs with bicycle kicks, windshield wipers and toe touches

Give this a read dude. You will find it very helpful and will reap the benefits of a good routine quickly.

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/w...xercises-articles-more-start-here-655389.html

 

[V-Opolis]

alright man, ima try that rippetoes routine thing.

but another question lol.

for deadlifts do i need to use a barbell, or can i use a deadlift bar?

 

[shibs]

When you say deadlift bar do you mean the hexagon thingy? Just use a barbell, their meant for deadlifts.

 

[V-Opolis]

what is meant by rounding the back?


does this mean dont let my back arch outward, i should keep it arched inward?

 

[JDid23]

Keep your back arched as much as you can throughout the lift.

Also, use a barbell not a Trap Bar (what you called a deadlift bar) to start

 

[b fold the truth]

Do you have goals? Are you progressing towards them?

How much have you progressed towards them? Can you measure your progress accurately?

If so...you should know if you are progressing or not.

 

[V-Opolis]

Do you have goals? Are you progressing towards them?

How much have you progressed towards them? Can you measure your progress accurately?

If so...you should know if you are progressing or not.

not entirely, i just go lift. not much structure or goals. But I just started the Rippetoe 3x5 workout Wednesday hopefully that help me keep stuff organized.

im just trying to get stronger for running and soccer/ultimate frisbee/softball.