Don't rep me for this thread, just continuing it since threads aren't allowed to go over 10k posts.
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Part 1:http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4195843
Part 2:http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=133395553
Part 3:http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=147447933
Read the FAQ Below before asking any questions please!
Originally Posted by allpro
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06-24-2013, 03:08 PM #1
AllPro: A Simple Beginner's Routine part IV
Last edited by tential; 06-25-2013 at 06:30 PM.
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06-24-2013, 03:08 PM #2
FAQ
Question 1: So how many sets am I doing exactly?
Answer: You are doing exactly 2 work-sets for each exercise. In addition, you are doing 2 warm-up sets for the first three exercises only (Squats, Bench Press and Bent Over Rows) - the remaining four exercises do not require warm-ups, however you can do them if you feel the need to. Here is a blue-print for all the sets you should be doing, in that order:
Squats: warm-up, warm-up, work-set, work-set
Bench Press: warm-up, warm-up, work-set, work-set
Bent Over Row: warm-up, warm-up, work-set, work-set
Over Head Press: work-set, work-set
Stiff Legged Deadlifts: work-set, work-set
Curls: work-set, work-set
Calf Raises: work-set, work-set
Q2: How do I know what weight I should get started with for each exercise in the routine?
A: This is explained in detail here: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...#post928710923
Q3: Will I gain muscle mass on this routine?
A: despite what you may think, gaining muscle mass is not just about lifting weights; the training is just a catalyst, which will create the conditions necessary for new musclee to be built. However, to actually build that muscle, you need to eat at a calorie surplus (consume more calories than you burn). There is no way around this, and you will not be able to avoid having to do some simple calculations if you want results. To understand this, visit this thread: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=121703981 and make sure to read and understand the entire first post by Emma. If you have any questions regarding diet, ask them in that thread. This is possibly the single most important thread you can read over here - if you will only read on thread, let it be that one.
Q4: I have never lifted before and I am completely out of shape. Is this routine appropriate for me?
A: All Pro designed this routine with EXACTLY you in mind. It's perfect for you.
Q5: I have tested my 10 rep maxes for each exercise. I have already completed two full weeks of the first cycle, and the weights seem too low for me, I feel like I could lift much more! Should I increase the weight?
A: first things first - avoid increasing weight mid-cycle and only do it with the beginning of the next cycle if necessary. Second, the routine is designed so that the first 2-3 weeks will feel relatively easy - this is true for everyone, and you are not superman for feeling the same thing. Finish the first cycle completely (full 5 weeks) without adding any weight to any exercise, even if it does feel too simple. If at the end of the 5th week of the first cycle you still feel that some of the weights are way too low, you may attempt to increase the weight by slightly more than 10% for the next cycle - however, this only makes sense if it was REALLY too easy for you. if it was just a "little" easy, you're better off sticking with the program. All of these dilemmas can be avoided if you simply test your 10 rep maxes for each exercise properly, so make sure to take your time doing that properly.
Q6: there is no triceps exercise in this routine, what gives?
A: your triceps are being hit quite hard during both Bench Presses and the Overhead Presses - as a beginner, you do not need more than that. Do not add any extra triceps work or you are almost guaranteed to fail on either the BP's or the OHP's, or both.
Q7: I like doing pull-ups, push-ups, and standing on my head. Can I add in those exercises into the routine?
A: do not add any extra exercises until you have completed a minimum of 3 cycles. Once you're going into the fourth, and you feel like you need to do some extra work on certain muscles, you can add an isolated assistance exercise for them - do only one set and at the very end of your routine (after calf raises). The assistance exercise follows the same rep scheme as all the other exercises. And do not ever add more than one assistance exercise per cycle - if you do so, and some of your other lifts stall, you won't know which of your new additions might have caused that stall. Stick to only adding one extra assistance exercise per cycle, up to a maximum of two (though I believe that is already pushing it). Only do this if you know and have solid reason to believe that you really do require that extra assistance work - if uncertain, ask in this thread, someone will surely help you out.
Q8: Why are there no regular Deadlifts in this routine, only stiff-legged deadlifts? I feel like a boss doing deadlifts
A: there are two reasons for that:
1) Neither squats nor regular deadlifts address the posterior chain (hamstrings, glutes, spinal erectors complex) properly. By doing squats + stiff-legged deadlifts, this problem is solved, and a balance is introduced.
2) Squats and regular deadlifts are two exercises that are very taxing to the central nervous system. As a beginner if you did both of those exercises on the same routine, you are more likely to burn out sooner than later. Stif-legged deadlifts solve this issue.
Q9: what type of extra cardio should I do?
A: it is best that you do not overdo your cardio on this routine, since it can get you fatigued enough to hamper your performance in the gym. Two 30 minute jogging sessions (moderate heart rate or HIIT) per week should be enough. I would make sure that none of your cardio takes place on the day right before any of your heavy days. Do any cardio you want to do on rest days. Remember though that cardio is primarily good for your cardiovascular system's health - for fat loss, your diet will be far more important than any cardio that you do.
Q10: What type of ab workouts should I do?
A: seems like everyone responds to different ab exercises, so you will just have to try for yourself and see which one works best for you. you can do cardio either on your off days, or on your work-out days right after the work-out, assuming you still have enough energy for them. if you go for crunches or similar, make sure to do them with extra weight - aim for 15 reps on the first week of the cycle, and add 2 extra reps per week for a total of 25 reps on week 5 of the cycle. Ab workout is not necessary for everybody though - your midsection is getting tons of workout in this routine since it acts as a stabilizer in basically every single exercise. So up to you to decide, though it's probably a good idea not to introduce cardio until after you've completed the entire first cycle. Start with one set, and if it does not hinder your performance in the other exercises - add a second set at the start of the next cycle.
Q11: Are there any videos that show how each exercise should be performed?
A: there are tons of them online. A good place to get started is this playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8FAF74A332E11464
Q12: Can I substitute any of the exercises in this routine for other exercises?
A: as a general rule, no, you can't (barring certain situations where an injury may prevent you from doing a specific movement). One exception being the curls, which can be substituted for standing upright rows (http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...prightRow.html). This is more of a compound exercise and it actually fits the rest of the routine more nicely. Curls were added by all pro mostly because "everyone would want to do them anyway", so if your ego will survive it, go for the upright rows instead of the curls - it's a far better overall body exercise. Up to you though.
Q13: Can I use dumbbells instead of a barbell to perform the exercises in this routine?
A: Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that the program was designed with a barbell in mind; some of these exercises are more difficult to perform correctly with dumbbells, not to mention that as the weights you lift increase, your grip on the dumbbells will become a limiting factor (not so with a barbell). Do everything you can to get your hands on a bar, and only use dumbbells as a last resort.
Q14: damn, I missed my medium training day due to [insert any reason here]. What should I do?
A: if for some reason you are not capable of performing three exercises on a given week, you can perform only two, however both will then have to be heavy days. Allow a minimum of 2 rest days both before and after your second heavy day on such a week. However, doing this too often will hinder recovery - the routine was very carefully designed for 3 weekly workouts, and changing that should only be done in extreme cases.
Q15: So I managed to complete all reps for both work-sets for all exercises on my "test day" (heavy day of week 5). How much should I increase my weights for those exercises?
A: You should add 10% to each exercise that you passed, and don't forget to include the weight of the bar. For example, if you use an Olympic 45 lbs. bar, and you load that with 55 lbs. for squats, you would increase the weight up to (55 + 45)*1,1 for the next cycle, which would make it 110 lbs (again, this includes the barbell).
Q16: So I have managed to complete all reps for all exercises on all workouts, except for the overhead press... I only managed to get 11 reps on the second work-set of week 5 heavy day for those... can I bump the weight up anyway for the next cycle? I mean come on, I only missed one rep... pretty please?
A: You can already see by the sarcastic way the question above was phrased that the answer is going to be "no" you can only increase the weight for the next cycle by 10% if you manage to complete 12 reps for each work-set on heavy day of week 5. Not a single rep more, and not a single rep less. If you failed even a single rep, you will need to repeat the weight for that failed exercise for the duration of the entire next cycle (5 week period). This is a safe-guard designed to make sure you do not keep infinitely stalling on the same exercise and to give the involved muscles enough time to rest and recover for some more banging.
Q17: How do I know if I am a "Beginner" or not?
A: A beginner is, generally speaking, anyone who cannot squat twice his body weight, and bench press 1,5 times his body weight, for one repetition. So if you weigh 200 lbs for example, you should be able to squat once for close to 400 lbs. and bench press once for close to 300 lbs, in order to be considered to have moved beyond the "beginner" stage. It has nothing to do with how long you have been lifting weights - there are many people who have been going to the gym for a few years and who are still considered beginners. As long as your lifts are noticeably below the threshold described above, you are still a beginner and you'll benefit greatly from this routine.
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06-24-2013, 03:10 PM #3
Video Instructions On How to Do Each Exercise
It's in the FAQ but Embeded for your convenience
Squat
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercise.../barbell-squat
Bench Press
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercise...ss-medium-grip
Barbell Bent Over Row
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercise...er-barbell-row
Barbell Shoulder Press
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercise...shoulder-press
Stiff Legged Deadlift
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercise...rbell-deadlift
Barbell Curl
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercise...me/ez-bar-curl
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercise...e/barbell-curl
Calf Raises
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercise...ell-calf-raiseLast edited by tential; 06-24-2013 at 03:23 PM.
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06-24-2013, 03:11 PM #4
Useful Links
One Rap Max Calculator
http://www.naturalphysiques.com/18/o...max-calculator
WIPLast edited by tential; 06-24-2013 at 03:20 PM.
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06-24-2013, 03:17 PM #5
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06-24-2013, 07:09 PM #6
Nice new thread! Program rocks! I'm on cycle 7 week 3 and very happy with my progress and results.
Hey can we fix the links on first page. Use the '\[url=http://...\]linkname\[/url\] format. With the '\' removed.Last edited by redcaesar; 06-24-2013 at 07:21 PM.
LBS - BF Date Comment
185.2- 23.8% 02/01/2012<started cardio/ate better
175.4- 19.9% 04/04/2012<added weights 2/w
168.6- 18.6% 09/04/2012<added extra day. Now 3/w weights
166.6- 18.5% 10/02/2012<started IF w/Cal deficit and BCAA's+FastedTrain
165.4- 18.0% 10/09/2012<started All pro - Simple Beginner's
159.2- 16.4% 11/01/2012<dexa scan at 18.3%
140.4- 12.9% 02/21/2013
137.5- 9.9% 03/01/2013 <dexa scan at 6.7%!
155- 12.0% 07/07/2013<slowbulk/recomp/maint?
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06-24-2013, 07:10 PM #7
Just gotta say, LOVE this program for any who are thinking of starting it, do it! I am only 4 weeks in and have seen great results. Also wanted to get on first page
Subbed!
Also OP, note that there may be confusion on Week 5/Test day only because I didn't fully understand it until I saw someone bring it up. Might need to change the wording so everyone understands that you DO increase the weight for the next cycle of the lifts that you complete on test day, and DO NOT increase the weight of the sets you failed on test day.
I only bring this up because the way it is worded, I was under the impression if you missed one lift by a couple reps, ALL excerises stay the same weight, which is not the case.
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06-24-2013, 07:34 PM #8
tential,
Thanks for keeping this topic alive and i like the new additions you've made.
For anyone looking to start this program,do it!,it works!How to figure out your 10rm starting weights,
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=133395553&p=928710923&viewfull=1#post928710923
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06-24-2013, 08:41 PM #9
in on new thread
400LB: December 6, 2012
350LB: April 1, 2013
300LB: June 15, 2013
Current: 263
Lost: 132
Currently Cycle 5 of AllPro Beginners
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06-24-2013, 08:51 PM #10
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06-24-2013, 09:17 PM #11
I'm going to start this tonight and I'm excited about it. It'll be a change from my 4 day Tom Mutaffis split routine. Quick question: Does it matter whether the overhead presses are done standing up or sitting down? Or does it come down to personal preferences?
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06-24-2013, 10:22 PM #12
I'm on my third week of this program and I like it!
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06-24-2013, 11:02 PM #13
About to start this program tomorrow, read through probably 20 pages and definitely going to go through 3 or 4 cycles and see how well I gain. I do have a few questions.
Say I'm on week 3 or 4 and I'm supposed to get in 11 or 12 reps each set. What if I hit failure at 9 reps, should I lower the weight for my second set or should I continue with the same weight no matter what?
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06-24-2013, 11:39 PM #14
- Join Date: May 2013
- Location: Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (Great Britain)
- Posts: 236
- Rep Power: 195
.. in on first page!!
Great new re incarnation of the thread.
Big thanks for the how to videos will be a real help you noobs like me just starting the program.
Frank FFLast edited by FrankFF; 06-25-2013 at 07:26 AM.
MWF
Running in Ironman Wales Triathlon 2014 in aid of the Macmillan cancer charity.
http://www.justgiving.com/frank-williams2
Be generous.
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06-24-2013, 11:52 PM #15
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06-24-2013, 11:52 PM #16
- Join Date: Dec 2012
- Location: Devon, United Kingdom (Great Britain)
- Age: 49
- Posts: 177
- Rep Power: 147
In.......
Cycle 5 here, and going strong!
Tential: Agree on IV. Plus the ab section seems to have some cardio stuff mixed in with it. But apart from that, great job and like the addition of videos!
For the newbs: Just show up. Move some iron. Put in the time. Eat enough food.... it'll work just fine. Don't expect to look like Arnie in a week, though!
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06-25-2013, 02:31 AM #17
How much rest should i have between sets?
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06-25-2013, 02:45 AM #18
Always had a question regarding the progression philosophy behind this program.
Assuming that you aim to increase the weights by 10% on each lift after every successful 5 week cycle, that would mean that as you progress through the program cycle through cycle, the amount of absolute weight you add between each successful cycle increases.
Say your 10RM squat is 100LBS for the first cycle.
Assuming you hit all reps for 5 weeks, you move to 100x1.1 = 110LBS for the second cycle. That's an increase in 10LBS.
For the 3rd cycle, it would be 110x1.1 = 121LBS, which is an increase in 11LBS.
So my point is...as the trainee starts to reach higher 10RM weights such as 200-300+LBS for a lift, wouldn't the increase in weight between each cycle be too much? I'd find it hard to always progress with a 10% increase as a guideline, especially since it is compounded.
Not bashing or doubting the program, as it is already proven to be effective. Just curious as to what everyone's opinion on this is.My Lifting Log: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=154479513
Quest to strength, one training session at a time
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06-25-2013, 03:18 AM #19
^^ the program is for beginners.. i think if you can do heavy weights, beyond the definition of a 'beginner', then this program is no longer applicable, and you need to move on to more advanced programs.
Last edited by noobydooby; 06-25-2013 at 03:28 AM.
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06-25-2013, 03:27 AM #20
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06-25-2013, 05:00 AM #21LBS - BF Date Comment
185.2- 23.8% 02/01/2012<started cardio/ate better
175.4- 19.9% 04/04/2012<added weights 2/w
168.6- 18.6% 09/04/2012<added extra day. Now 3/w weights
166.6- 18.5% 10/02/2012<started IF w/Cal deficit and BCAA's+FastedTrain
165.4- 18.0% 10/09/2012<started All pro - Simple Beginner's
159.2- 16.4% 11/01/2012<dexa scan at 18.3%
140.4- 12.9% 02/21/2013
137.5- 9.9% 03/01/2013 <dexa scan at 6.7%!
155- 12.0% 07/07/2013<slowbulk/recomp/maint?
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06-25-2013, 05:14 AM #22
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06-25-2013, 05:16 AM #23
In! Still loving AP. If my fat ass can do it everyone reading this questioning themselves about starting needs to stfu and lift.
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06-25-2013, 05:18 AM #24
- Join Date: Dec 2012
- Location: Devon, United Kingdom (Great Britain)
- Age: 49
- Posts: 177
- Rep Power: 147
My take on this is that at the beginning, you should just stick to 10%. However, after you are 4-5 cycles in, you know the lifts, you know how your body copes with the lifts, etc, etc. If you think a 10% increase will result in a guaranteed fail in the next cycle, why not bump it up by 7.5% or 5%? As your experience increases and the load increases and the 10% jumps become bigger then I think you should use your best judgement.
A complete newb to the routine should just do the programme as written. Once you've lived it and breathed it for a while..... then you can tweak it IMHO.
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06-25-2013, 05:58 AM #25
So I'm going to go ahead and do a small cut (about 10 pounds) even though I'm not all that muscular yet; I really don't feel comfortable continuing to bulk at this BF %, I'm about 5'8'' and 170 pounds. So my maintenance is 2500 calories, should I be taking in about 2100 in order to cut? Can anyone on a similar calorie diet help me figure out what I should be eating for breakfast lunch and dinner?
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06-25-2013, 06:03 AM #26
.
In on 1st page!
Question in regards to rounding weights:
For example, my bench is currently at 65kg and for next cycle I am moving up the required 10%. Now 65kg + 10% is 71.5kg.
I know I round down to 70kg for my heavy day but for the medium and light days do I minus the 10% & 20% off 71.5kg or 70kg?
Thanks in advance APers.
Going into 4th cycle, loving it! Should've clarified this sooner but ah well.Pursuing NZ Aesthetics.
RIP Zyzz, gone but not forgotten brah.
My log: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=148951783
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06-25-2013, 06:14 AM #27
Page 1!
The floundering has ended.
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06-25-2013, 06:19 AM #28
IIII versus IV: This is because "IV" is an abbreviation for Jupiter in Roman times. (Probably this question will be asked every page since no one will look back and see that it is answered)
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06-25-2013, 06:30 AM #29
- Join Date: Mar 2008
- Location: New York, United States
- Age: 33
- Posts: 249
- Rep Power: 244
Two questions:
1. Do the days you do the different workouts matter? Could I do my heavy day Wednesday and light day on Monday?
2. I don't have the flexibility to do the stiff legged dead lifts. I can maybe go down a few inches at most before my back starts to round. If I leave them out will it be a big deal? If not, what should I do?
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06-25-2013, 06:35 AM #30
Yes, noobie to the program in on1st page.
Running a cut on 1800 cals for the first 2 cycles. Hoping to cut 15lbs and jump into cycle 3 on a slow bulk. Got two workouts in on the program and loving that I actually break a sweat routine. Feels like I am training more than resting(although I really needed the longer rests near the end of my stronglifts run).
Plan on 3 mile runs 2 days a week and a spin class with the wife on non lifting days, just to get a little extra calorie burn while cutting.2/20/2012 288 LBS
9/4/2012 172 LBS
10/31/2012 156 LBS
12/2012/ rotator cuff repair
2/2013 back in gym
6/18/2013 187 (not so clean bulk)
7/6/2013 177.8
7/20/2013 175.2
Goal: 165 by end of august
All Pros Beginning routine C1 Week 5
Beginning Cycle 2 7/27/2013
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