Which camp are you in???

groink · 10-31-2009, 10:19 AM

I've been here about 6 months now and I've noticed there are two distinct "camps" here.

First are the instinctive trainers (I am one)......we don't follow a "protocol", write down our lifts...and most impotantly, we don't bludgeon others over the head with our supposed knowledge.

We've been around long enough to know that just about every program will be effective if you are busting your ass, and the real difference between the "haves" and the "have nots" is genetics....not your training philosophy.

Then there are the "disciples of something".

They follow a certain training philosophy to the letter, write stuff down.... and like to quote supposed "experts" about what's the "best" way to go about a certain topic, be it training or nutrition.

They are very quick to tell you what you are doing "wrong" according to their learnings.

Both camps have their merit, although i will say it's no secret all the big dudes are in camp A

Old_Swole · 10-31-2009, 10:53 AM

I love the smell of napalm in the morning

I never plan what I am doing in the gym that day, what I mean is I know what body part I am going to train I just don't know how I am going to attack it until I start. As most know you have good days and bad days so i like to see how my body/mind wants to respond that day before I commit either. And as far as writing stuff down I never even balance my check book.

Nikonguy · 10-31-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groink

I've been here about 6 months now and I've noticed there are two distinct "camps" here.

First are the instinctive trainers (I am one)......we don't follow a "protocol", write down our lifts...and most impotantly, we don't bludgeon others over the head with our supposed knowledge.

We've been around long enough to know that just about every program will be effective if you are busting your ass, and the real difference between the "haves" and the "have nots" is genetics....not your training philosophy.

Then there are the "disciples of something".

They follow a certain training philosophy to the letter, write stuff down.... and like to quote supposed "experts" about what's the "best" way to go about a certain topic, be it training or nutrition.

They are very quick to tell you what you are doing "wrong" according to their learnings.

Both camps have their merit, although i will say it's no secret all the big dudes are in camp A

Everybody has to start somewhere. I think for most who stick with it there is an evolution from camp A to camp B.

What about camp C: Big guys who are generous with their experience and welcome noobies with help and encouragement.

ntrllftr · 10-31-2009, 11:00 AM

Something tells me that I better stay away farrrr away from this thread.
I'm almost positive that it's gunna get ugly in here in a hurry and I'm scurred of going to banned camp.

I'm instinctive... runs and hides....

1972girl · 10-31-2009, 11:03 AM

In eight years I went from camp A to camp B and back to A, I have always trained hard and never miss a workout. I find im happier in camp A. I would also like to add that I have learned alot form people in camp B and I often look to them for help.

KindaBigGuns · 10-31-2009, 11:03 AM

I guess I'm camp A. I just do what works for me, and if someone asks, I'll tell them what I think. But I'm not going to try to convince someone their program is no good if they like doing it. All I can say is, after 7 months of doing my own thing, I finally used up a couple of the PT sessions I had bought, and I LOST strength. (working out his way.) Back to my way...

1972girl · 10-31-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groink

although i will say it's no secret all the big dudes are in camp A

I disagree with this.( them fight'n words)

SP1966 · 10-31-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972girl

I disagree with this.( them fight'n words)

DUDE!!!

Most Muscular · 10-31-2009, 11:21 AM

Someone is looking for a fight today!

nuff said...

Nikonguy · 10-31-2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntrllftr

Something tells me that I better stay away farrrr away from this thread.
I'm almost positive that it's gunna get ugly in here in a hurry and I'm scurred of going to banned camp.

I'm instinctive... runs and hides....

Was the screen name CaptainObvious already taken when you joined?

bryantone · 10-31-2009, 11:27 AM

Camp A. I don't want to be in camp B. I don't want to force my opinion on anyone. Talk down to them when they have a different opinion. I don't want to become a Elitist who throws out statements such as "your not a.... unless you....". and you don't know sh!t unless you.... That said, we have a large group of experianced BBr's here (some pro's too)that provide a wealth of info, links, and good advice without the snobbery served with it. A few good posters I like to read are Stayfit, Carlman, Grionk, fitnessman, dungeon mistress (hot)and that real big dude that rarely posts. I cant remember his name but he is about 6 foot @ 260lbs,20+ inch arms.

ntrllftr · 10-31-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryantone

I cant remember his name but he is about 6 foot @ 260lbs,20+ inch arms.

Mr.Someday maybe?!?!!

SP1966 · 10-31-2009, 11:30 AM

This thread has much potential, Carl may need to bust out the MJ eating popcorn gif!

Me, I just got back from camp, I'll just sit back and watch this one!

bryantone · 10-31-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Most Muscular

Someone is looking for a fight today!

nuff said...

Bet there is a lock on this thread within 30 posts.....but worth it.

plmb1 · 10-31-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groink

I've been here about 6 months now and I've noticed there are two distinct "camps" here.

First are the instinctive trainers (I am one)......we don't follow a "protocol", write down our lifts...and most impotantly, we don't bludgeon others over the head with our supposed knowledge.

We've been around long enough to know that just about every program will be effective if you are busting your ass, and the real difference between the "haves" and the "have nots" is genetics....not your training philosophy.

Then there are the "disciples of something".

They follow a certain training philosophy to the letter, write stuff down.... and like to quote supposed "experts" about what's the "best" way to go about a certain topic, be it training or nutrition.

They are very quick to tell you what you are doing "wrong" according to their learnings.

Both camps have their merit, although i will say it's no secret all the big dudes are in camp A

Like you said.........any program can/will be effective (to a certain extent) if he/she bust their a$$ and have everything else (diet ect...) in line.

I tried "B" type training and it worked ok.........but "A" works much better for "me".......

As far as the peeps that say that their way is the only way.........well, there are several on here like that...........actually there are a couple very well respected peeps (want mention names but I know some know anyway) that compete and do very well at higher levels (training the way that works best for "them") that comes across as being that way.

Some peeps think just because something works well for them or maybe even most that it will work for all.....

Zeke5 · 10-31-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groink

I've been here about 6 months now and I've noticed there are two distinct "camps" here...

...Both camps have their merit, although i will say it's no secret all the big dudes are in camp A

I will have to say camp A for me but I'm an iPhone app groupie so that may put me in camp B after all.

My iPhone keeps track of my lifts so I know just how much weight to try to add from last time and the between workout timer keeps me on schedule.

Naww... that's just good record keeping. I'm a camp A guy.

But I have to say I like to listen to the B Campers. You can get a lot of new ideas that way.

Zeke

2nd_chance · 10-31-2009, 11:37 AM

Groink just started a fire! Me... I'm instinctive. But I still track everything in my iPhone - from cals to reps. I've noticed with some and their "programs" that the tail starts wagging the dog after a while. Listening to my body is the greatest lesson I've learned in the gym.

IronCharles · 10-31-2009, 11:39 AM

I like freestyle training. The only thing I know for sure when I walk into the gym, is what body group I will be training. The set, rep, and exercise parameters just fall into place as I go. My body will tell me if I need to go harder, heavier, do an extra set, or hit the muscle from a certain angle I haven't used in a while. No pens, pads, iPods or any other distractions for me.

That being said, I have no issue with more regimented trainers. There are some pretty big guys and gals who follow a strict routine, and record everything. As far as taking advice, I like to see all opinions, but I will listen a bit more closely to the people who look like they know what they are talking about, and can prove by example that their way actually works.

kimm4 · 10-31-2009, 11:41 AM

I've always trained outside the box, but I like to write down my workouts and lifts. (Just helps me keep track of where I'm at.) I will never know everything, but I do have solid knowledge about how things work when it comes to diet and training. I'll give honest advice, but could care less if one uses it or not...not something I'll ever lose sleep over.

I never liked camp...so I don't fall into either...

bryantone · 10-31-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntrllftr

Mr.Someday maybe?!?!!

You may be able to gain 110lbs, but growing 6 inches taller is going to be a challange. I wish I could remember his name, it was something like "big guy". Sh!t, I had better order some memory suppliment before I forget to.

Old_Swole · 10-31-2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryantone

You may be able to gain 110lbs, but growing 6 inches taller is going to be a challange. I wish I could remember his name, it was something like "big guy". Sh!t, I had better order some memory suppliment before I forget to.

"the big guy" the man is a monster plus he turned his avi green. You wouldn't like him when he is angry.

freediverchuck · 10-31-2009, 11:50 AM

I'm in the camp that says I have to work harder than my last workout to make progress. Keeping track of my workouts helps me know what performance goals to beat. Place me in whatever camp you wish....

ntrllftr · 10-31-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryantone

You may be able to gain 110lbs, but growing 6 inches taller is going to be a challange. I wish I could remember his name, it was something like "big guy". Sh!t, I had better order some memory suppliment before I forget to.

Naw, shoe guy will stop buy sooner or later. I'm sure he has platform shoes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old_Swole

"the big guy" the man is a monster plus he turned his avi green. You wouldn't like him when he is angry.

close....
Ron aka thebigguy1

bustasinclair · 10-31-2009, 11:56 AM

I don't train at all. I just type out some cool numbers and random exercises in my workout journal.

Seriously, I'd have to say that lumping everyone into two camps is going out on a thin limb. I'm actually a hybrid of A, B, and C......and not very good at anything, so I never tell people they're doing anything wrong unless they're squatting for reps with full body wraps and Quarter ROM

bryantone · 10-31-2009, 12:09 PM

Carlman, you got it. Thebigguy1. He just posted on another thread I was reading. "4lbs of muscle in 2 weeks". And his post was right on and to the point without insulting the OP. Read the thread and the replies if you have time. You can see who is really helpful to the OP even though his question might irritate a journyman. You can also see some joking/advice which is good, and one insult which most likely just makes the OP regret posting.

induced_drag · 10-31-2009, 12:11 PM

I used to be a camp "A" guy. But upon returning to the gym after 10 years off I tried going over to camp "B". (Logging and planning every set and rep)

Here is what I have found (for me). It has been the most effective thing I have ever done. I work out alone at home and the competition with myself to lift heavier and heavier is a great motivation which keeps me excited to get in the gym. Without logging, I have found it difficult to remember where I am, and have been, on various exercises. It is also great to be able to look back and see progress.

Sometimes my mind just yearns for the freedom to go in and do what I feel like on a given day. Those are my 'fun' workouts.

So I have now found a balance. I lift for 6 weeks regimented (camp b) and then take two weeks to refresh my mind and body and do two weeks of camp A.

Have to say though.....my regimented workouts have really worked well in gaining size and strength back at a rate that I did not think possible. But, I have only been back in the gym about 6 months now. I am still trying to gain strength and still making gains at a 'newbie' type pace. (added 100lbs on bench, 100 on squat and 150 on deadlift in 6 months) As I am approaching 500lb deadlift, lower 400 lb squat and 350+ bench, I know these gains can not continue at the pace they have been going. At the point where my gains start to slow, I may switch back over to group "A". Hard to argue with the results and pace of progress of group "B" right now.

I am in the "Ain't broke so ain't fixin' it" group

Old_Swole · 10-31-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryantone

Carlman, you got it. Thebigguy1. He just posted on another thread I was reading. "4lbs of muscle in 2 weeks". And his post was right on and to the point without insulting the OP. Read the thread and the replies if you have time. You can see who is really helpful to the OP even though his question might irritate a journyman. You can also see some joking/advice which is good, and one insult which most likely just makes the OP regret posting.

I swear the guys avi was green the other day. I don't think I would like him when he was angry green or not

your right bryan he seems like a classy guy. ever look at his before and after pics AMAZING!!!

paolo59 · 10-31-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronCharles

I like freestyle training. The only thing I know for sure when I walk into the gym, is what body group I will be training. The set, rep, and exercise parameters just fall into place as I go. My body will tell me if I need to go harder, heavier, do an extra set, or hit the muscle from a certain angle I haven't used in a while. No pens, pads, iPods or any other distractions for me.

That being said, I have no issue with more regimented trainers. There are some pretty big guys and gals who follow a strict routine, and record everything. As far as taking advice, I like to see all opinions, but I will listen a bit more closely to the people who look like they know what they are talking about, and can prove by example that their way actually works.

That's the way I do it. I don't find it haphazard in the least. And I can learn from anybody. This "old dog" can still learn new tricks. I, like you, do prefer to follow the advice of those who obviously have succeeded in their efforts!

**Arlecchino** · 10-31-2009, 12:29 PM

Why are there only two alternatives?

LongLefty · 10-31-2009, 12:34 PM

Interesting thread and good cover with the 'both have their merits' bit lol

I definately fall into the same catergory as you, i train when i feel like it, eat what i feel like, and get results when i feel like it. Yes, somehow from my parents who are both under 5'5" and 150 lbs, i lucked out with getting some decent genetics. Probably knowing this has hurt me more than it helps cause i slack more than anyone here probably but when times come to put the pedal down, get outta my way.

What you are describing is people's personalities. Some people are very regimented at work and at home, I would bet they are the same at the gym. While others play it by ear in their life away from the gym, and that translates to their workout/diet etc etc.