Beginner's gains - are they a real concept?

[nitrowendigo6]

So I have only been lifting on and off for about a year, never really been on a strict workout program. I maybe did it once a week, sometimes every two weeks. Now I've gotten back into it, and I was wondering if the concept of beginners having more rapid gains than experienced lifters is true. Also, would I be considered a beginner?

[CharlieYo]

From what I can read, yes you are a beginner. Beginner gains do exist. What's your squat/bench/deadlift?

[sid007]

you're more likely to go up on weights as a beginner if thats what you're asking

[big-muscle-19]

its your nervous system, when you start lifting weights regulary you "turn on" more motor units and strength shoots up rapidly

[nitrowendigo6]

From what I can read, yes you are a beginner. Beginner gains do exist. What's your squat/bench/deadlift?

Well i suppose thats how much of a beginner I am haha. I've never really done deadlifts, and squats its been quite a while, because my lower back/neck becomes sore before my leg muscles ever reach failure. So I felt that it was better to just do leg press for the time being. Wrong I know, but still, better than a back injury. As for bench, its around a 150 1RM. Pretty average i suppose, considering that thats near my bodyweight. But that also brings up a new question: On the bench, if my triceps/shoulders are becoming tired before my pecs ever feel anything, does that mean i should spend some more time on those muscles in order to raise that max higher?

[CharlieYo]

Fix your form, for all of your lifts.

Bench:
Make sure you're tucking your shoulder blades back. This provides a stable base to press the bar. This dude Rippetoe says that a good medium grip position is when the bar is on the down position, your forearms should be vertical.

And to answer your question, nah. What's the point of doing elaborate assistance exercises to raise your bench if you can just add weight to your bench press? 150 isn't really too heavy, you can definitely make a lot of progress.

Err, for the other lifts, I'm in NO way qualified to coach form for these lifts. Your neck shouldn't be getting sore while squatting, and you should do deadlifts. Check out this coach Mark Rippetoe, and look for some of his videos. I practically learned my squat and deadlift form but looking him up on Youtube.

[alhen]

dont wori there is a muscle memory.
I quit for a year and nows my comeback. i lift 200lbs bench with 5 reps.
way back i can lift 190lbs with 3.
im still in shock and my muscle look bloated. haha