!!! Team gat new products & new q&a !!!

[ExtremeOne74]

In my personal opinion, ive always felt that wraps and supports actually weaken the body part or joint. Things like deadlift i think it is ok to use, because its so hard to hold on to. But i just personally dont like using them. I dont know if they actually keep the body part or joint from strengthening, its just the way i feel about my own body. I could be(and probably am) completely wrong

There's a difference between using straps to reduce grip failure and knee wraps. What joint are straps ptotecting? None

[ExtremeOne74]

Regarding rom on a preacher curl. So over extending and lowering the weight to full extension could lead to potential strain or biceps tear. So why not increase the rom on the positive portion of the movement? Set the seat low on the preacher bench. Rather then sit, stand with legs straight out behind you with upper pecs resting on pad. Drop your head. Curl the weight all the way up over the top of your head. Pause and squeeze. Obviously the weight needs to be lighter than a regular preacher

[1armlifts]

Regarding rom on a preacher curl. So over extending and lowering the weight to full extension could lead to potential strain or biceps tear. So why not increase the rom on the positive portion of the movement? Set the seat low on the preacher bench. Rather then sit, stand with legs straight out behind you with upper pecs resting on pad. Drop your head. Curl the weight all the way up over the top of your head. Pause and squeeze. Obviously the weight needs to be lighter than a regular preacher

Absolutely!!! Think this was where I damaged my bicep tendon getting that there over extension!!! hit that full contraction and squuueeezzeee it!!!!

[gregmh]

I used to use wraps all the time for dead. Recently, I've just been using chalk. It's nice to see the grip strength rise little by little every week. Also, with future plans of a PL meet, im not sure if wraps would be allowed...and if they are- even better for me with extra strength added to it.

Anyone do farmer carries to strengthen their grip?

I've never done Farmers Carries specifically for grip strength, but I have done towel or ball pull ups or even using fat grips has helped me a lot. I have always worked my way up in weight and only used straps after I fail at a weight because of grip.

Straps. I use them every set for back. It's such a "feel" bodypart. You need to relax your grip and really pull with elbows. Straps make it easier. I prefer an over over grip with deads and straps to reduce risk of bicep tear. But I'm a bodybuilder. Not a pl. Obviously pls should not use straps.

Rom depends on exercise. Something like a curl or press my rom is smaller

Kev dose bring up a good point with using straps for back work to help with feel... I think straps helped correct my rowing movements, allowing me to feel it more

[InfiniteRecomp]

I've never done Farmers Carries specifically for grip strength, but I have done towel or ball pull ups or even using fat grips has helped me a lot. I have always worked my way up in weight and only used straps after I fail at a weight because of grip.

I am right there with you. upgrade the weight carefully, and use straps only on the exercises where the working muscle strength exceeds my grip strength (bb shrugs, bb hacks, deads). I think most 'smart' hobbyists fall into that category. But...

Kev dose bring up a good point with using straps for back work to help with feel... I think straps helped correct my rowing movements, allowing me to feel it more

with this kind of revelation, perhaps I can just strap up for back day and let it ride, might promote more MM connection with whatever I'm pulling. Hmmm....

[gregmh]

[QUOTE=InfiniteRecomp;1471121321]

I've never done Farmers Carries specifically for grip strength, but I have done towel or ball pull ups or even using fat grips has helped me a lot. I have always worked my way up in weight and only used straps after I fail at a weight because of grip.

I am right there with you. upgrade the weight carefully, and use straps only on the exercises where the working muscle strength exceeds my grip strength (bb shrugs, bb hacks, deads). I think most 'smart' hobbyists fall into that category. But...



with this kind of revelation, perhaps I can just strap up for back day and let it ride, might promote more MM connection with whatever I'm pulling. Hmmm....

It's does, or at least did for me... Kinda lets you forget about "holding" the weight and just squeezing the muscle

Also, a big thing that helped it that I would have my wife, press on my lat with just (1) finger... not hard but enough pressure to let em know it was there... Not sure why, but I was able to focus on that spot more

[gregmh]

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=172896271

Lots of stuff to get rid of in this thread

[InfiniteRecomp]

It's does, or at least did for me... Kinda lets you forget about "holding" the weight and just squeezing the muscle
Also, a big thing that helped it that I would have my wife, press on my lat with just (1) finger... not hard but enough pressure to let em know it was there... Not sure why, but I was able to focus on that spot more

Crazy how timing works. I was just watching some Muscle Geek vids last week. He was talking about Lats and how it's hard to get the MM connection going , so one of the exercises he uses/preaches/ teaches, is one arm lat pulls so you can use the other hand to hold the lat and feel.

I'm going to check out your yard sale there, Greg

[InfiniteRecomp]

Side question about straps'n'deads.

If a person were more oriented to bodybuilding -- or say, athletic aestheticism -- are deadlifts a necessary movement? What would your advice be?

1. Nah, you don't need to do much for deadlifts, chum. Do exercises x,y,z and that will work what you need.
2. Yes, do them; but don't go for power. Keep it light-medium and go for form and reps - as long as you feel it and do it safely.
3. Brah, you need 'em. Better practice up.

I ask because the few occasions I've hurt myself were mostly because I added a plate after doing fine and got myself just ever so slightly out of perfect form. My deads are weak sauce.

[Sean26607]

Keep them in the mix. I will tell you, since I've been working hard on deads my back has come up...I also believe this has to do with the wide grip pull-ups that I do about every other day.

[ExtremeOne74]

If you want a thick, dense back deads and bb rows are a must. Look at the bodybuilders with the best backs....Ronnie Coleman, Johnnie Jackson...

If you're hurting yourself you are either using bad form or going too heavy. And why add a full plate when increasing weight? I would go up just 5 to 10 pounds at a time. Believe me. Do that week in and week out and you'll be pulling some serious weight in no time

[InfiniteRecomp]

If you want a thick, dense back deads and bb rows are a must. Look at the bodybuilders with the best backs....Ronnie Coleman, Johnnie Jackson...

If you're hurting yourself you are either using bad form or going too heavy. And why add a full plate when increasing weight? I would go up just 5 to 10 pounds at a time. Believe me. Do that week in and week out and you'll be pulling some serious weight in no time

Oh, sorry, that's what I did. I added a nickel per side. So, I will keep the deads and handle with care, me vs. me, not the tremendous pulls I hear about (my last was 285#x7, then 290# 2nd rep - oops). BB Rows are already in, as are wide-grip and parallel grip pullups (including some weighted). and of course cable rows.

[ExtremeOne74]

Record yourself doing them for a form check. Also incorporate rack deads. As for rep range....one of my favorites was to do 2 working sets. First one for about 6 reps. Second set is lighter and for 12 to 15.

[InfiniteRecomp]

Sounds like a plan, THANKS!

[gregmh]

Keep them in the mix. I will tell you, since I've been working hard on deads my back has come up...I also believe this has to do with the wide grip pull-ups that I do about every other day.

Your back has really improved IMO... and how hard you worked on Dead form to make sure it was perfect

Oh, sorry, that's what I did. I added a nickel per side. So, I will keep the deads and handle with care, me vs. me, not the tremendous pulls I hear about (my last was 285#x7, then 290# 2nd rep - oops). BB Rows are already in, as are wide-grip and parallel grip pullups (including some weighted). and of course cable rows.

Nice call on the pull ups, I start just about every workout with them to warm up and stretch everything out a little. Hanging at the bottom for a second seems to help my shoulders

[Sean26607]

New topic?
Let's talk about the health side. We all know our sport can be far from healthy for some; but what are we doing to help keep our bodies "healthy"?
I hit a Chiro at least monthly, and am trying (key word) to stretch more..I also take chewy vitamins every morning (not that these ones really have much of a benefit to them)

[gregmh]

New topic?
Let's talk about the health side. We all know our sport can be far from healthy for some; but what are we doing to help keep our bodies "healthy"?
I hit a Chiro at least monthly, and am trying (key word) to stretch more..I also take chewy vitamins every morning (not that these ones really have much of a benefit to them)

I try to "HIT" my family doctor as much as possible =)


stretching is one of my downfalls... I think giving blood and checking Blood Pressure are so important and over looked all the time

[InfiniteRecomp]

Nice call on the pull ups, I start just about every workout with them to warm up and stretch everything out a little. Hanging at the bottom for a second seems to help my shoulders

and mid-spine for sure.

New topic?
Let's talk about the health side. We all know our sport can be far from healthy for some; but what are we doing to help keep our bodies "healthy"?
I hit a Chiro at least monthly, and am trying (key word) to stretch more..I also take chewy vitamins every morning (not that these ones really have much of a benefit to them)

re: hitting a Chiro - hanging from pullup bars; that's my chiro. ohhhhhhhh.... feels good!

I try to build or follow routines with an active off day or two per week. First choice, yoga - because I'm not that flexible, and for the stretching and holistic benefits. Some days I'll do something else like mild biking yesterday (exercise bike with iFit app), or something fun-ish like Zumba or Dance game; and some days just nothing at all. Can't push 11 every day, need to pull off the throttle a little now and then, and enjoy. Saturday I sleep in and Sunday it's back to work.

On the nutrition side, I'm fanatical about my superfoods, greens, multivitamin, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink drink; every day and twice when I can, and up to three times while on the road. We only buy wild-caught fish, I spend more for free-range eggs, look for no RBGH/RBST on any dairy (yeah, I may need to cut down on that). More quality foods where we can do reasonable with a large household.

[ExtremeOne74]

Good topic. When I was competing, I was VERY diligent. You cannot grow if you're hurt or unhealthy. Weekly deep tissue massage. Once a month acupuncturist. Twice a month chiro. Daily foam rolling and stretching. Twice weekly ice baths. A wide range of vitamins, minerals, and wellness supps

[gregmh]

Good topic. When I was competing, I was VERY diligent. You cannot grow if you're hurt or unhealthy. Weekly deep tissue massage. Once a month acupuncturist. Twice a month chiro. Daily foam rolling and stretching. Twice weekly ice baths. A wide range of vitamins, minerals, and wellness supps

I take nightly ICE showers, because my kids use all the hot water, doses that count ?

How about digestive aids ? Anyone used them or even green/veggie supplements ?

[InfiniteRecomp]

I take nightly ICE showers, because my kids use all the hot water, doses that count ?
How about digestive aids ? Anyone used them or even green/veggie supplements ?

Victim of ice showers myself. That tankless water heater's been on my list for two years now. Leg press first, though
I switch my shower full cold before I get out, about 30 - 60 secs. More for preparing myself to step out in the cold air that is my house, and I heard it helps close your pores up while they're clean.

My multivitamin drink has a variety of wholefoods/superfoods and extracts. So, yes, and daily. It's important for balance and filling in the gaps.

tried stuff like garden of life and a couple others, just couldn't down a cup of dirt.

Digestive aids: included in the aforementioned beverage (botanicals that help digestion) and a cleanse pill each day (same co.) and I try to get protonz with enzymes in them to reduce that bloaty feeling.

[Represente]

I take nightly ICE showers, because my kids use all the hot water, doses that count ?

How about digestive aids ? Anyone used them or even green/veggie supplements ?

I take Controlled Labs Orange Triad and Greens every day. A lot of benefits in one powder, I love it.

[1armlifts]

I take Controlled Labs Orange Triad and Greens every day. A lot of benefits in one powder, I love it.

CLs greens are tolerable, trying to find a decent tasting greens is a pain.
I need to get better at the basics, stretching, foam rolling and simple supps like enzymes etc.
New setup going in the garage tomorrow and a fresh start, ready to get after it again!

[gregmh]

Victim of ice showers myself. That tankless water heater's been on my list for two years now. Leg press first, though
I switch my shower full cold before I get out, about 30 - 60 secs. More for preparing myself to step out in the cold air that is my house, and I heard it helps close your pores up while they're clean.

My multivitamin drink has a variety of wholefoods/superfoods and extracts. So, yes, and daily. It's important for balance and filling in the gaps.

tried stuff like garden of life and a couple others, just couldn't down a cup of dirt.

Digestive aids: included in the aforementioned beverage (botanicals that help digestion) and a cleanse pill each day (same co.) and I try to get protonz with enzymes in them to reduce that bloaty feeling.

I screwed up and replaced my Water Heater with a standard unit a few years back... I should have sent tankless, but they were just so damn expensive.


I haven't found a good greens drink, I used to take the TSN reds/greens caps, but haven't for awhile. I need to get back in the habit of getting some additional fiber and a green drink

[gregmh]

I take Controlled Labs Orange Triad and Greens every day. A lot of benefits in one powder, I love it.

I'll have to give them a shot, I've always liked CL stuff... Any others you like ?

[ExtremeOne74]

Both a greens supplement and a Probiotics are a must imo. If you cannot process food or are in a constant state of gi distress, do you honestly believe your body is utilizing all that food to grow or even be healthy for that matter? High protein diet creates a very acidic environment. A good greens supplement....and veggies in general, help bring it down. Veggies are very much alkaline. I use trader joe's Very Green powder twice a day. I love the way it tastes and actually eat it dry. But then again I'm not normal

[Represente]

I'll have to give them a shot, I've always liked CL stuff... Any others you like ?

Never tried any others. I just throw in a scoop of the OT and Greens with my protein shake. It masks the flavor of the greens pretty well, so it's not bad tasting like you may think.

[1armlifts]

B use trader joe's Very Green powder twice a day. I love the way it tastes and actually eat it dry. But then again I'm not normal

You sir are not .. but carrying on, I wish there was a trader joes a bit closer. Until then BB.com serves well lol.

[SwollenBeast27]

Hope everyone had a great weekend and watching some football

[Sean26607]

Upcoming new week..new topic?

Free (cheat meals)

What are your guys thoughts on free meals? How often and what? Clean vs dirty? What advantages and disadvantages do you find it provides?