Quote:
Originally Posted by birch
I did SL5x5 for 2 months so don't you think I know enough to be able to do all the exercises? The only one I haven't done is bent over rows, which I'm sure I'll get the hang of.
|
I've no idea, mate. Your form could be precisely perfect on every rep, or you could be a complete mess - lots of people are a mess for a long time. A person with ten years' experience could have ten years of steady improvement, or ten years of repeating each year! If you learned form from Stronglifts, then I would say you probably have the basics right, but have some things to work on.
Years ago in the Army I did lifting for 3 or so years. When I came back to it last year I had to relearn. Then I injured myself, and after recovery have had to relearn again. Our bodies are like that. So even if you were awesome before, you might need a while to get into it now.
The other issue is psychology, motivation. 90% of new gym members give up in the first three months. Here at ausbb.com we've seen a lot of people come and go. A very common mistake people make is to do too much too soon, they really thrash themselves - get sore, have some time off, then some more time off, and before you know it months have gone by and they can't face starting all over again.
Better to ease into things, leave a bit in the tank, so that next time we come to exercise we look forward to it rather than dreading it. Six exercises is a
lot, even if 1 of them is bicep curls. It'd take you a couple of hours to begin with, though you might push it down to 1hr15'. 3 exercises can be done in 30-45' if you work hard.
The best workout is the one you'll stick to. So I always think of it in terms of being hard enough to give you results, but not so hard you'll give up. I know, I know, you'll be the one who never gives up no matter what. I hope so! But we're all human.
I think that, given that we're exercising for a lifetime not just for a year or two, it does no harm to err on the side of keeping it simple and short.
In the end it's up to you. I'm just offering my personal experience, that of people I've worked with, and seen coming and going in the gym. Again, if you have a coach or trainer this is all moot, follow what they say and you'll do well. But if you're on your own, I'd keep it simple: squat, deadlift, bench, all for 2-3 warmup and 3 work sets of 6-8, do that for 3 months then see where you are.
Quote:
|
And yeah I get what you're saying about the cardio stuff. I'll just stick to basic stuff I guess.
|
There is nothing wrong with cardio. It's all about what you can do now and what your goals are. As I understand it, you are a somewhat skinny guy with a bit of a belly who wants to gain muscle and lose fat. For that, one of the best ways to achieve it reasonably quickly is,
- squat, conventional (not stiff-legged or sumo) deadlift, bench
- 2-3 warmup and 3 work sets of 6-8 reps
- do 3x6, next time 3x7, then 3x8, after that add weight and drop reps to 6
- stretch after each workout
- do this three times a week with a full clear day of rest in between
- if you stall, add a set
- on your off days, do something else physical but not really taxing like a brisk walk, a session of indoor soccer or basketball, etc
- eat lots of fresh fruit and vegies, nuts and beans, some meat, fish or dairy every day, and some starchy stuff
- after three months, reassess
This is what I would advise if you were paying me to train you, assuming no significant health or postural issues.
Have a good weekend, and don't throw up on any pretty waitresses.