Don’t listen to the big guy or the guy with a limp, listen to the guy lifting more weight than you
A few tips:
- When you are hungry eat REAL FOOD! Even if you are dieting, and you know you are going to succumb to temptation, make sure you eat REAL FOOD with a significant Protein content.
2.If in doubt, TRAIN LESS! It’s way too easy to add an extra exercise here and there, before you know it your workouts are too long. Keep them to less than 75min. Compound exercises rule.
3.Want to add a new exercise to your routine? Then jusify your choice, evaluate over a period of 2-3months and review it’s effectiveness.
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Keep a food log, whether looking to gain or lose weight.
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Keep a training log. Record reasons for changes in routine and results. Record bodyweight weekly. Record injuries (and treatment), analyse your log when an injury ocurrs- did you change your routine recently? Does an injury recurr after the same period on a certain exercise (Zeb and bench press anyone?)
Old Dax
Read T-mag every day
Okay, a more serious tip than my last one…
Start slow, be patient, figure out how your body works (everyone is a bit different) and never ever quit.
2 tips:
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You cannot grow if you do not eat.
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The big, heavy excercises will undoubtedly be more worthwhile than the puny little ones. I have seen new trainees achieve incredible gains in strength and lean body mass by incorporating the big three movements (squat bench deadlift-- ESPECIALLY DEADLIFT) into their progams. Do not neglect the deadlift.
My biggest mistake starting out was reading Muscle and Fitness-type magazines that promised 20" arms by doing a bunch of isolation stuff.
READ quality, research-based information. READ everything that you can from well respected men in the field. Once you have established a solid knowledge base, you can start producing your own thoughts and theories relating to your body.
T-Mag is the ultimate site to READ from, and www.johnberardi.com is the best site for exclusively nutritional information.
I would also recommend these books:
Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier (muscles and exercises), Theory and Application of Modern Strength and Power Methods by Christian Thibadeau (theories and programs), and The Book of Muscle by Ian King (basic and comprehensive).
In closing, I would say to continue educating yourself throughout your journey. That is what makes it fun and challenging.
P.S. Use Biotest supplements!
If you just started, are not in middle adulthood, and not as fat as, erm, some fat guy, then eat. Diet doesn’t mean shit to you, you can eat so much crap and as long as you work out, you won’t become a lard arse. Ahhh yes, the newbie metabolism is through the roof.
In other words, get training NOW, and learn about diet after that.
Work your backside! Strong hamstrings are one of the most important aspects in strength and speed.
And a big upper back will make you look huge. And I’m not talking about just pull-ups and rows. Check out these 3 great articles from Christian Thibaudeau to make yourself huge.
The Power Look @ Strength Training, Bodybuilding & Online Supplement Store - T NATION
The Big Back Stack @ Strength Training, Bodybuilding & Online Supplement Store - T NATION
Triple Threat @ Strength Training, Bodybuilding & Online Supplement Store - T NATION
Thanks to all who offered a tip!
The winner (chosen randomly) is samuelm704!
Three free T-shirts are on the way!