How much can you...

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 12:05 PM

... bicep curl w/ a dumbell?

I need a point of reference. I mean a clean, slow curl through the whole range - elbow rested against thigh, body erect... no cheating!

Be honest.

I can only manage 70lbs. very clean and honest 2-3 reps.

**P-funk** · 10-29-2006, 12:07 PM

curious, why do you want a point of reference for a sinlge joint exercise (that you probably shouldn't be doing 2-3 reps on anyway)??

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

curious, why do you want a point of reference for a sinlge joint exercise (that you probably shouldn't be doing 2-3 reps on anyway)??

I don't do 2-3 reps on an isolation movement. I'm just curious about what you big guys are curling.

ReproMan · 10-29-2006, 12:12 PM

Never really payed attention. By the time I get to curling in my routine my biceps are already thrashed from everything else.

**P-funk** · 10-29-2006, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimSnow

I don't do 2-3 reps on an isolation movement. I'm just curious about what you big guys are curling.

haven't done curls in months, so I wouldn't know.

viet_jon · 10-29-2006, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

curious, why do you want a point of reference for a sinlge joint exercise (that you probably shouldn't be doing 2-3 reps on anyway)??

flossin his numbers!!! i think jim is quite proud of himself.

but numbers mean nothing really. BB'ers shouldn't care.

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 12:20 PM

Geesh,

I know it's about "full body" movements. I absolutely agree!

You guys haven't walked into a gym, fresh, picked up a heavy dumbell after warm-ups, and curled.. just to see?

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viet_jon

flossin his numbers!!! i think jim is quite proud of himself.

but numbers mean nothing really. BB'ers shouldn't care.

Numbers really do mean nothing! Actually, my numbers become "insignificant" as my experience increases and my body grows.

I'll be the guy walking into a gym, when I join, getting all the benefits from fully utilizing 225lbs. on the BP instead of showing off with a half-assed max. But, you need to measure yourself from time to time with the numbers - even if it's a "loose reference". I chart those on a spreedsheet. It's just info, and I'm always strict in form... so yes, to that degree, it matters.

**P-funk** · 10-29-2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimSnow

Geesh,

I know it's about "full body" movements. I absolutely agree!

You guys haven't walked into a gym, fresh, picked up a heavy dumbell after warm-ups, and curled.. just to see?

I just never gave it much thought. Doing a heavy bicep curl really gets me no where.

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

I just never gave it much thought. Doing a heavy bicep curl really gets me no where.

Funk,

Try it, just for fun. Let us know what the results are.

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viet_jon

flossin his numbers!!! i think jim is quite proud of himself.

but numbers mean nothing really. BB'ers shouldn't care.

I don't actually consider myself a "bodybuilder". I'm mixing powerlifting and "bodybuilding", and distance bicycling.

To me, it's all just "exercise".

No alterior motive, I'm just curious. I don't belong to a gym... so I have little reference. Is a 70lb. DB Curl good for my size?

BTW - Yes, I'm proud of myself.

StanUk · 10-29-2006, 12:56 PM

I would say 70lbs seems like a decent amount for your size, but its a hard thing to judge really. Its more than I can do, but the only curls I do at the moment are hammer curls and I only do 2 sets a week.

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StanUk

I would say 70lbs seems like a decent amount for your size, but its a hard thing to judge really. Its more than I can do, but the only curls I do at the moment are hammer curls and I only do 2 sets a week.

Probably impossible to judge without a judge. I don't do concentration curls. I tried them a couple of weeks ago with a set of fixed DBs I use for flies. I don't even know what a hammer curl is. I assume the DB is turned 90 degrees? I tried that once, all it did was "feel very un-natural".

mike456 · 10-29-2006, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimSnow

Probably impossible to judge without a judge. I don't do concentration curls. I tried them a couple of weeks ago with a set of fixed DBs I use for flies. I don't even know what a hammer curl is. I assume the DB is turned 90 degrees? I tried that once, all it did was "feel very un-natural".

very un-natural? lol it is the most natural curl to me

Fireplug · 10-29-2006, 01:39 PM

Don't know what I could do being fresh. Isolation movements are always at the end of my workout. I tend to do sets of 8 to 10 of 45 to 50 pound dumbbells. I would think that 70 would not be too hard to do for one rep.

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireplug

Don't know what I could do being fresh. Isolation movements are always at the end of my workout. I tend to do sets of 8 to 10 of 45 to 50 pound dumbbells. I would think that 70 would not be too hard to do for one rep.

I dunno. I haven't compiled enough info to draw a "curve" for specific movements. I can do 45lbs. 12 reps easy. 70 is tough.

I do a 275BP 9 reps now. 340 once. I expected more.

This is much about nothing. I'm new to this... just establishing some basic reference points. I just thought it would be interesting, and fun, to see some results from this topic.

zootroid · 10-29-2006, 04:04 PM

I can clean curl 50lb dumbells in each arm for one rep. Although, I'm the size of a toothpick ;p

AKIRA · 10-29-2006, 05:13 PM

I used to curl a lot, in reps & intensity, but what I repped against my thigh or a preacher cushion was usually 25-45lbs.

I curled a 135lb BB once years ago with strict form, just once. Every other time I see someone do it, they look like theyre gonna do a "backflip."

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKIRA

I used to curl a lot, in reps & intensity, but what I repped against my thigh or a preacher cushion was usually 25-45lbs.

I curled a 135lb BB once years ago with strict form, just once. Every other time I see someone do it, they look like theyre gonna do a "backflip."

I just checked my records. I have 125X8 BB Curl. Very strict through the movement - cut that in half. A 200lb. BB Curl would be most impressive?

On a preacher cushion, I've never used more than 35 lbs w/ DBs. I love BB Curls on the cushion!

Don't flame me experts... just a whim here. Go ahead, LOL.

swordfish · 10-29-2006, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

curious, why do you want a point of reference for a sinlge joint exercise (that you probably shouldn't be doing 2-3 reps on anyway)??

I agree 100 % with p-funk, I dont think I have EVER EVER done less than 4 or 5 reps for dumbell curls, or any other single joint movement for that matter. these are the exercises in which I would perform 2 or 3 reps on but still not that often..

barbell bench press
incline barbell bench
squats
front squats
deadlifts
military press
push press
cleans,
etc. etc. multi joint movements

to answer your question by ESTIMATE i would say i could do the 60's or so..

i can do the 50s for a set of 6

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 05:41 PM

I just noticed AKIRA, our maxes are similar. BP... you're 10lbs. stronger. DL, you're 20 weaker. I don't have the equipment to Squat heavy - you'll kill me there. I'm joining a gym in January - mainly to focus on my lagging legs.

mike456 · 10-29-2006, 05:45 PM

Jim you have some good fucking genes, your 45, and you been training for 8 freakin months and have great numbers, theres people that are in there 20s that have been training hard for years, and dont have the same numbers as you. Good Job

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordfish

I agree 100 % with p-funk, I dont think I have EVER EVER done less than 4 or 5 reps for dumbell curls, or any other single joint movement for that matter. these are the exercises in which I would perform 2 or 3 reps on but still not that often..

barbell bench press
incline barbell bench
squats
front squats
deadlifts
military press
push press
cleans,
etc. etc. multi joint movements

to answer your question by ESTIMATE i would say i could do the 60's or so..

i can do the 50s for a set of 6

I NEVER said anyone should practice a max or 2-3 rep isolation movement. That's just plain silly.

Can anyone do a 200lb. BB Curl, back planted against a wall? I doubt I could clean a hundred that way.

viet_jon · 10-29-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike456

Jim you have some good fucking genes, your 45, and you been training for 8 freakin months and have great numbers, theres people that are in there 20s that have been training hard for years, and dont have the same numbers as you. Good Job

not to take anything away from Jimsnow, but you have to realize the older you are, the more fully developed you are. I have no scientific data to back this, but from real life experience, I find this true. Someone might swoop in here, and make me look dum.

my dad for instance, is a scrawny little fuk. But he'd kick the shit out of me any day.

mike456 · 10-29-2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viet_jon

not to take anything away from Jimsnow, but you have to realize the older you are, the more fully developed you are. I have no scientific data to back this, but from real life experience, I find this true. Someone might swoop in here, and make me look dum.

my dad for instance, is a scrawny little fuk. But he'd kick the shit out of me any day.

maybe 21-25, but 45? I don't think so, do a search on optimal age for training.

JimSnow · 10-29-2006, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viet_jon

not to take anything away from Jimsnow, but you have to realize the older you are, the more fully developed you are. I have no scientific data to back this, but from real life experience, I find this true. Someone might swoop in here, and make me look dum.

my dad for instance, is a scrawny little fuk. But he'd kick the shit out of me any day.

I don't know what you mean by "fully developed", but mature people like myself have a "tough old bird" look about them. Kind of a "hardness". The flipside is... younger people have a ton more potential for muscular mass than I do!

Albert Beckles won Mr. Olympia at age 53. His matureness gave him the "edge", I think.

I have no genes or aspirations for bodybuilding. Don't count the old farts out, though. LOL

10-29-2006, 12:05 PM	#1
JimSnow Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: NC, USA Posts: 625 Photos: 2	How much can you... ... bicep curl w/ a dumbell? I need a point of reference. I mean a clean, slow curl through the whole range - elbow rested against thigh, body erect... no cheating! Be honest. I can only manage 70lbs. very clean and honest 2-3 reps.
	"Wait 'till you see special photos of my old man butt in April!"

10-29-2006, 12:07 PM	#2
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,425	curious, why do you want a point of reference for a sinlge joint exercise (that you probably shouldn't be doing 2-3 reps on anyway)??
	http://pwtraining.blogspot.com/.....come and see what is on my mind! http://ivonneberkowitz.blogspot.com/....check out Ivonne's new blog! Optimum Sports Performance "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

10-29-2006, 12:20 PM	#7
JimSnow Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: NC, USA Posts: 625 Photos: 2	Geesh, I know it's about "full body" movements. I absolutely agree! You guys haven't walked into a gym, fresh, picked up a heavy dumbell after warm-ups, and curled.. just to see?
	"Wait 'till you see special photos of my old man butt in April!"

10-29-2006, 04:04 PM	#17
zootroid Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 136	I can clean curl 50lb dumbells in each arm for one rep. Although, I'm the size of a toothpick ;p
zootroid Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 136

10-29-2006, 05:13 PM	#18
AKIRA I am Rollo Tomassee.. Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Outside the box Posts: 7,760 Photos: 3	I used to curl a lot, in reps & intensity, but what I repped against my thigh or a preacher cushion was usually 25-45lbs. I curled a 135lb BB once years ago with strict form, just once. Every other time I see someone do it, they look like theyre gonna do a "backflip."
	6' 209lbs (8/16) Bench 360 (11/29) Weighted Pullups 80lbs 3x3 (3/19) Squat 370 Deadlift after herniation 385lbs 3x3 (3/17) NASM certified 2/06 Journal

10-29-2006, 12:12 PM	#4
ReproMan Señor Member Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Stuart, FL Posts: 6,921	Never really payed attention. By the time I get to curling in my routine my biceps are already thrashed from everything else.

10-29-2006, 12:56 PM	#12
StanUk Light weight! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a galaxy far far away Posts: 679 Photos: 1	I would say 70lbs seems like a decent amount for your size, but its a hard thing to judge really. Its more than I can do, but the only curls I do at the moment are hammer curls and I only do 2 sets a week.

10-29-2006, 01:39 PM	#15
Fireplug Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Austin TX Posts: 59	Don't know what I could do being fresh. Isolation movements are always at the end of my workout. I tend to do sets of 8 to 10 of 45 to 50 pound dumbbells. I would think that 70 would not be too hard to do for one rep.

10-29-2006, 05:41 PM	#21
JimSnow Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: NC, USA Posts: 625 Photos: 2	I just noticed AKIRA, our maxes are similar. BP... you're 10lbs. stronger. DL, you're 20 weaker. I don't have the equipment to Squat heavy - you'll kill me there. I'm joining a gym in January - mainly to focus on my lagging legs.
	"Wait 'till you see special photos of my old man butt in April!"

10-29-2006, 05:45 PM	#22
mike456 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,285	Jim you have some good fucking genes, your 45, and you been training for 8 freakin months and have great numbers, theres people that are in there 20s that have been training hard for years, and dont have the same numbers as you. Good Job
mike456 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,285	Journal