Thread: Need some training advice

Originally Posted by dougnukem

Do the reps and set numbers seem logical for this?
Wed-Chest
Thurs-Back
Fri-moderate cardio
Sat-Leg/shoulder
Sun-arms
Mon-moderate cardio
Tues-off

Rep and set numbers . . . ? ? ?

Are you leaning more toward strength, or more toward size? That split is fine, although I find it unecessary to provide arms their own day.

Originally Posted by kwajaln

Rep and set numbers . . . ? ? ?

It's all in my journal: Dumbbells in the Desert. But if you really want me to cut and paste, just say the word.

Originally Posted by CowPimp

Are you leaning more toward strength, or more toward size? That split is fine, although I find it unecessary to provide arms their own day.

I would say size, since I'm attempting to to a bulk phase of sorts anyways. I'm pretty limited diet wise since the chow hall serves what it serves and that's all I have to eat. But nonetheless, I'm still going that route.

I would replace that arm day with a core day and grip day.

Originally Posted by Doublebase

I would replace that arm day with a core day and grip day.

I was meaning to ask that. About where a good spot to add exercises for abs would be. And you mean core exercises for abs and lower back I'm guessing? Grip day though? I'm not sure I follow there.

Grip is more for functional strength (if you don't know the term grip, hold a pair of 100 pound dumbbells in your hands for five minutes). I'm all for functional strength, but that may not be a part of your goals whatsoever and would therefore be impractical for you to do. Of course, one could argue that functional strength is never impractical, but opinions will always vary.

No, I was referring to a more functional type strength. What's the point of it, if you can't apply it to your daily needs? I mean sure, it's cool to be able to throw some serious weight around in the gym, but I need strength for my job, and my fatherly duties. Being able to keep up with my son, and hold my baby daughter, you know things like that. So I'm all about any advice that would benefit me in this way. I had just never heard of taking the time to actually work on your grip strength. I figured I was working it by using DBs as my main workout tool.

Originally Posted by dougnukem

No, I was referring to a more functional type strength. What's the point of it, if you can't apply it to your daily needs? I mean sure, it's cool to be able to throw some serious weight around in the gym, but I need strength for my job, and my fatherly duties. Being able to keep up with my son, and hold my baby daughter, you know things like that. So I'm all about any advice that would benefit me in this way. I had just never heard of taking the time to actually work on your grip strength. I figured I was working it by using DBs as my main workout tool.

DBs will help, but there are many indirect and direct ways in which you can work your grip strength. Farmers' walks are excellent, as are double overhand grip deadlifts (going heavy or high repetition; I prefer heavy). Strongman, weightlifting (olympic) and powerlifting are all great ways to gain functional strength. Stick with compound movements and you'll generally be okay. I've just changed my routine around a bit to add in a strongman exercise and an olympic lift. This is gonna be a lot of fun.

I've thought about trying to add some Farmers' walks. I use DBs for deadlifts, but I do them with an overhand grip. I tend to workout with noone in the gym right now, so I'll probably stay away from real heavy ilfting and/or olympic lifts right now.

Yeah, I generally try to stay away from the more advanced olympic lifts because it's a bad idea without a coach of some sort. Don't be afraid to go heavy with lifts though. As long as you do it sensibly you won't have a problem. Just set it up so it's safe (use a power cage for squats, get a spotter for benching, etc.) and you should be just fine. I would also recommend staying away from anything (except perhaps gloves) like belts, shirts, etc. for the sake of functional strength. You don't wear those things around all day, so you shouldn't wear them when you lift either IMO.