Professor X: A Request

Training Bodybuilding
703

hey prof. X

why is it that when i do dumbbell press, i can rep the 100 lb dumbbells for 6-8 but i cant simply get them up myself, i have to have someone help me with that first initial rep up so i can get my form key to start the full ROM.

im not sure if its cuz im so tall, longer arms than most people i dont know, i see my friend do it, but hes also only 5’8… and im 6’3 :stuck_out_tongue:

i also have this problem with shoulder press too, if i get that FIRST rep up with some help, im blowing the reps away, but that first rep up i cant seem to get it because of the huge ROM i have to get it up above my head for the pressing movement…

hopefully thats not confusing lol…

704

[quote]Chi-Towns-Finest wrote:
NigelJay wrote:
Chi-Towns-Finest wrote:
lewhitehurst wrote:
Hey X,

I have been skimming through this thread. Basically, your last post sums it up as far as the supplement stuff, IMO. I am looking at the questions being asked and the basic problem is it appears most of the guys on here have never really learned their bodies and how they react and that simply takes time. No major analysis, no breakthrough supplement, no amazing workout routine; just time.

There comes a point where you know what your body needs and when it needs it. Hell, the ONLY time I use supplements with any consistency is when I am dropping weight because protein powders make it easier for me to keep track of my calories and how much protein I am getting in.

Other than that a multi-vitamin, liver tabs (old school) and fish oil caps when I remember to buy any of these things is it.

As an aside, maybe you can see if someone can lock the thread to prevent these guys from worrying themselves to death with overanalysis. :slight_smile:

Good post.

I agree with your comment on using supplements as a means to drop weight – I never understood the appeal of taking products such as BCAAs or any amino acid for that matter when you have a calorie surplus. Although, I do take whey protein, creatine mono, and fish oil consistently.

I second locking the thread!

Just to clarify–because I’m currently using a BCAA supplement that’s somewhat pricey–you’re saying that someone in a caloric surplus is getting enough BCAA’s from their diet? If so, is it a supplement that should be used when cutting weight, or something that just isn’t necessary? Thanks very much.

I’m aware that many whey proteins now include BCAAs, ON’s gold standard comes to mind. Also, I’m not saying that you get BCAAs directly from your diet – Amino acids just are not that critcal when you’re getting enough protein and a proper balance of macronutrients. In my honest opinion, the only time I would spend money on amino acids is to maintain muscle while I am cutting weight.
[/quote]

ON’s Gold Standard is actually the kind of whey that I’m currently supplementing with (the chocolate mint flavour is delicious!), so based on that and the other points you’ve made, I think I’m going to take your advice and save my money on BCAA purchases until next spring when I’m cutting down. Thanks very much for the reply.

705

Hey Professor, you think it’s possible to cram down enough food in the day to fulfill the protein requirements of a 200 lb., 5’9" dude without using protein supplements?

I eat tuna, chicken, steak, or any other kind of protein source at every meal. I’m eating out of the college cafeteria right now, so I’m limited to what I can eat… only in the sense that I don’t know what I’ll be eating from day to day (except for tuna, raw veggies, fruit, and some form of red meat), because otherwise I have a technically unlimited amount of food.

You think hitting 300 to 400 grams of protein in a day is reasonable without protein supplements?

706

[quote]NigelJay wrote:
Chi-Towns-Finest wrote:
NigelJay wrote:
Chi-Towns-Finest wrote:
lewhitehurst wrote:
Hey X,

I have been skimming through this thread. Basically, your last post sums it up as far as the supplement stuff, IMO. I am looking at the questions being asked and the basic problem is it appears most of the guys on here have never really learned their bodies and how they react and that simply takes time. No major analysis, no breakthrough supplement, no amazing workout routine; just time.

There comes a point where you know what your body needs and when it needs it. Hell, the ONLY time I use supplements with any consistency is when I am dropping weight because protein powders make it easier for me to keep track of my calories and how much protein I am getting in.

Other than that a multi-vitamin, liver tabs (old school) and fish oil caps when I remember to buy any of these things is it.

As an aside, maybe you can see if someone can lock the thread to prevent these guys from worrying themselves to death with overanalysis. :slight_smile:

Good post.

I agree with your comment on using supplements as a means to drop weight – I never understood the appeal of taking products such as BCAAs or any amino acid for that matter when you have a calorie surplus. Although, I do take whey protein, creatine mono, and fish oil consistently.

I second locking the thread!

Just to clarify–because I’m currently using a BCAA supplement that’s somewhat pricey–you’re saying that someone in a caloric surplus is getting enough BCAA’s from their diet? If so, is it a supplement that should be used when cutting weight, or something that just isn’t necessary? Thanks very much.

I’m aware that many whey proteins now include BCAAs, ON’s gold standard comes to mind. Also, I’m not saying that you get BCAAs directly from your diet – Amino acids just are not that critcal when you’re getting enough protein and a proper balance of macronutrients. In my honest opinion, the only time I would spend money on amino acids is to maintain muscle while I am cutting weight.

ON’s Gold Standard is actually the kind of whey that I’m currently supplementing with (the chocolate mint flavour is delicious!), so based on that and the other points you’ve made, I think I’m going to take your advice and save my money on BCAA purchases until next spring when I’m cutting down. Thanks very much for the reply.[/quote]

No problem bud, train hard!

707

[quote]TheBigV wrote:
Hey Professor, you think it’s possible to cram down enough food in the day to fulfill the protein requirements of a 200 lb., 5’9" dude without using protein supplements?

I eat tuna, chicken, steak, or any other kind of protein source at every meal. I’m eating out of the college cafeteria right now, so I’m limited to what I can eat… only in the sense that I don’t know what I’ll be eating from day to day (except for tuna, raw veggies, fruit, and some form of red meat), because otherwise I have a technically unlimited amount of food.

You think hitting 300 to 400 grams of protein in a day is reasonable without protein supplements?[/quote]

Hey I am not the professor, but I can tell you offhand that will come down to intention. If you make it your business to eat enough meat, you can. Second, while protein is important, I firmly believe that carbohydrates will play just as big a role - if not bigger - in your recovery and muscle growth.

I’m not sure if I am in the minority here, but I take in 1-1.25g protein/over 2g of carbs per pound of bw each day. That works for me, any T-men have a similar diet? Anyways, I’m sure you have plenty o’ oat bran available at your cafeteria. Personally, I would pay more attention to my carb intake.

Just some food for thought.

708

[quote]Chi-Towns-Finest wrote:
NigelJay wrote:
Chi-Towns-Finest wrote:
lewhitehurst wrote:
Hey X,

I have been skimming through this thread. Basically, your last post sums it up as far as the supplement stuff, IMO. I am looking at the questions being asked and the basic problem is it appears most of the guys on here have never really learned their bodies and how they react and that simply takes time. No major analysis, no breakthrough supplement, no amazing workout routine; just time.

There comes a point where you know what your body needs and when it needs it. Hell, the ONLY time I use supplements with any consistency is when I am dropping weight because protein powders make it easier for me to keep track of my calories and how much protein I am getting in.

Other than that a multi-vitamin, liver tabs (old school) and fish oil caps when I remember to buy any of these things is it.

As an aside, maybe you can see if someone can lock the thread to prevent these guys from worrying themselves to death with overanalysis. :slight_smile:

Good post.

I agree with your comment on using supplements as a means to drop weight – I never understood the appeal of taking products such as BCAAs or any amino acid for that matter when you have a calorie surplus. Although, I do take whey protein, creatine mono, and fish oil consistently.

I second locking the thread!

Just to clarify–because I’m currently using a BCAA supplement that’s somewhat pricey–you’re saying that someone in a caloric surplus is getting enough BCAA’s from their diet? If so, is it a supplement that should be used when cutting weight, or something that just isn’t necessary? Thanks very much.

I’m aware that many whey proteins now include BCAAs, ON’s gold standard comes to mind. Also, I’m not saying that you get BCAAs directly from your diet – Amino acids just are not that critcal when you’re getting enough protein and a proper balance of macronutrients. In my honest opinion, the only time I would spend money on amino acids is to maintain muscle while I am cutting weight.
[/quote]

Just to let you know that all whey protein supplements contain BCAA’s. There are no added amino acids. It’s all a part of their natural amino acid profile, so there’s no need to get ON’s protein. ON’s protein is actually not that effective compared to other proteins that’s I’ve found, both quality and price-wise.

709

[quote]guitarlifter wrote:
Chi-Towns-Finest wrote:
NigelJay wrote:
Chi-Towns-Finest wrote:
lewhitehurst wrote:
Hey X,

I have been skimming through this thread. Basically, your last post sums it up as far as the supplement stuff, IMO. I am looking at the questions being asked and the basic problem is it appears most of the guys on here have never really learned their bodies and how they react and that simply takes time. No major analysis, no breakthrough supplement, no amazing workout routine; just time.

There comes a point where you know what your body needs and when it needs it. Hell, the ONLY time I use supplements with any consistency is when I am dropping weight because protein powders make it easier for me to keep track of my calories and how much protein I am getting in.

Other than that a multi-vitamin, liver tabs (old school) and fish oil caps when I remember to buy any of these things is it.

As an aside, maybe you can see if someone can lock the thread to prevent these guys from worrying themselves to death with overanalysis. :slight_smile:

Good post.

I agree with your comment on using supplements as a means to drop weight – I never understood the appeal of taking products such as BCAAs or any amino acid for that matter when you have a calorie surplus. Although, I do take whey protein, creatine mono, and fish oil consistently.

I second locking the thread!

Just to clarify–because I’m currently using a BCAA supplement that’s somewhat pricey–you’re saying that someone in a caloric surplus is getting enough BCAA’s from their diet? If so, is it a supplement that should be used when cutting weight, or something that just isn’t necessary? Thanks very much.

I’m aware that many whey proteins now include BCAAs, ON’s gold standard comes to mind. Also, I’m not saying that you get BCAAs directly from your diet – Amino acids just are not that critcal when you’re getting enough protein and a proper balance of macronutrients. In my honest opinion, the only time I would spend money on amino acids is to maintain muscle while I am cutting weight.

Just to let you know that all whey protein supplements contain BCAA’s. There are no added amino acids. It’s all a part of their natural amino acid profile, so there’s no need to get ON’s protein. ON’s protein is actually not that effective compared to other proteins that’s I’ve found, both quality and price-wise.[/quote]

Thanks for the info, I named ON’s gold standard because it was the first one that came to mind. Anyways, it would be a lot more helpful if you recommended a protein with better quality/price instead of just pointing that ON’s lacking.

710

[quote]Joelsopher wrote:
hey prof. X

why is it that when i do dumbbell press, i can rep the 100 lb dumbbells for 6-8 but i cant simply get them up myself, i have to have someone help me with that first initial rep up so i can get my form key to start the full ROM.

im not sure if its cuz im so tall, longer arms than most people i dont know, i see my friend do it, but hes also only 5’8… and im 6’3 :stuck_out_tongue:

i also have this problem with shoulder press too, if i get that FIRST rep up with some help, im blowing the reps away, but that first rep up i cant seem to get it because of the huge ROM i have to get it up above my head for the pressing movement…

hopefully thats not confusing lol…[/quote]I’m the same height and have a similar issue. The highest weight I can lift alone when doing a decline db press is 65 lbs. I can throw up 80’s for 10 reps easy, but if I can’t get that help on the first one I just collapse and drop the weights. My form is solid at the higher weights, it’s just getting the weight up there.

711

[quote]Joelsopher wrote:
hey prof. X

why is it that when i do dumbbell press, i can rep the 100 lb dumbbells for 6-8 but i cant simply get them up myself, i have to have someone help me with that first initial rep up so i can get my form key to start the full ROM.

im not sure if its cuz im so tall, longer arms than most people i dont know, i see my friend do it, but hes also only 5’8… and im 6’3 :stuck_out_tongue:

i also have this problem with shoulder press too, if i get that FIRST rep up with some help, im blowing the reps away, but that first rep up i cant seem to get it because of the huge ROM i have to get it up above my head for the pressing movement…

hopefully thats not confusing lol…[/quote]

If you can’t get the first rep up by yourself but can get the other reps just fine it means your ROM is too small. If you can’t get a weight up the first time by yourself, you shouldn’t be using it.

I’m 6’2 and I routinely kick of 120 lb DB’s for my shoulder presses and have no issues because I am strong enough to handle that weight.

You just need to go lighter, it has nothing to do with your arm length or your height, it’s a strength issue.

712

Question re diet for the big man.

Do you following the latest on PERI WORKOUT nutrition, is terms of spiking insuline pre workout instead of afterwards?

Also, did you end up dieting down? I remember a tread about you beginning fat loss diet, but never heard anything since.

GJ

713

[quote]waylanderxx wrote:
Joelsopher wrote:
hey prof. X

why is it that when i do dumbbell press, i can rep the 100 lb dumbbells for 6-8 but i cant simply get them up myself, i have to have someone help me with that first initial rep up so i can get my form key to start the full ROM.

im not sure if its cuz im so tall, longer arms than most people i dont know, i see my friend do it, but hes also only 5’8… and im 6’3 :stuck_out_tongue:

i also have this problem with shoulder press too, if i get that FIRST rep up with some help, im blowing the reps away, but that first rep up i cant seem to get it because of the huge ROM i have to get it up above my head for the pressing movement…

hopefully thats not confusing lol…

If you can’t get the first rep up by yourself but can get the other reps just fine it means your ROM is too small. If you can’t get a weight up the first time by yourself, you shouldn’t be using it.

I’m 6’2 and I routinely kick of 120 lb DB’s for my shoulder presses and have no issues because I am strong enough to handle that weight.

You just need to go lighter, it has nothing to do with your arm length or your height, it’s a strength issue.[/quote]Maybe the decline isn’t helping, but when I do my max weight that I can lift on my own I can do over 20 reps per set at that weight. I just don’t get it. My form looks good, but I have to be doing something wrong.

714

X, what do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a fireman.

715

[quote]Colonel Matrix wrote:
Joelsopher wrote:
hey prof. X

why is it that when i do dumbbell press, i can rep the 100 lb dumbbells for 6-8 but i cant simply get them up myself, i have to have someone help me with that first initial rep up so i can get my form key to start the full ROM.

im not sure if its cuz im so tall, longer arms than most people i dont know, i see my friend do it, but hes also only 5’8… and im 6’3 :stuck_out_tongue:

i also have this problem with shoulder press too, if i get that FIRST rep up with some help, im blowing the reps away, but that first rep up i cant seem to get it because of the huge ROM i have to get it up above my head for the pressing movement…

hopefully thats not confusing lol…I’m the same height and have a similar issue. The highest weight I can lift alone when doing a decline db press is 65 lbs. I can throw up 80’s for 10 reps easy, but if I can’t get that help on the first one I just collapse and drop the weights. My form is solid at the higher weights, it’s just getting the weight up there.

[/quote]

What I do is push up the dumbbells as I lay back on the bench.

This allows me to begin from the extended position, much like with a BB.

It took a bit of practice, but solved the problem for me.

716

X, what’s your current (for leaning out slowly) and past (for maximum size) carb intake look like as far as sources and amounts? I know you’ve talked a lot about protein, steaks and whatnot but unless I’m forgetting I don’t think you mentioned carbs much.

717

[quote]Colonel Matrix wrote:
waylanderxx wrote:
Joelsopher wrote:
hey prof. X

why is it that when i do dumbbell press, i can rep the 100 lb dumbbells for 6-8 but i cant simply get them up myself, i have to have someone help me with that first initial rep up so i can get my form key to start the full ROM.

im not sure if its cuz im so tall, longer arms than most people i dont know, i see my friend do it, but hes also only 5’8… and im 6’3 :stuck_out_tongue:

i also have this problem with shoulder press too, if i get that FIRST rep up with some help, im blowing the reps away, but that first rep up i cant seem to get it because of the huge ROM i have to get it up above my head for the pressing movement…

hopefully thats not confusing lol…

If you can’t get the first rep up by yourself but can get the other reps just fine it means your ROM is too small. If you can’t get a weight up the first time by yourself, you shouldn’t be using it.

I’m 6’2 and I routinely kick of 120 lb DB’s for my shoulder presses and have no issues because I am strong enough to handle that weight.

You just need to go lighter, it has nothing to do with your arm length or your height, it’s a strength issue.Maybe the decline isn’t helping, but when I do my max weight that I can lift on my own I can do over 20 reps per set at that weight. I just don’t get it. My form looks good, but I have to be doing something wrong.

[/quote]

Give weighted dips a shot if you don’t have a spotter on decline.

718

[quote]Professor X wrote:
peck191 wrote:
Professor X,

If you don’t mind me asking, what is your opinion on deadlifts (for those seeking total body development, not powerlifting)?

Thanks

I think deadlifts are great. I just don’t do them. I prefer T-bar rows for back training over deadlifts. I have deep concerns for avoiding a back injury.[/quote]

Prof X,

I know this post is OLD. Like 4 years old. But why exactly do you avoid deadlifts? An old injury? Fear of a back or biceps injury?

Do you feel that deads are more dangerous and just not worth the risk?

719

[quote]waylanderxx wrote:
Joelsopher wrote:
hey prof. X

why is it that when i do dumbbell press, i can rep the 100 lb dumbbells for 6-8 but i cant simply get them up myself, i have to have someone help me with that first initial rep up so i can get my form key to start the full ROM.

im not sure if its cuz im so tall, longer arms than most people i dont know, i see my friend do it, but hes also only 5’8… and im 6’3 :stuck_out_tongue:

i also have this problem with shoulder press too, if i get that FIRST rep up with some help, im blowing the reps away, but that first rep up i cant seem to get it because of the huge ROM i have to get it up above my head for the pressing movement…

hopefully thats not confusing lol…

If you can’t get the first rep up by yourself but can get the other reps just fine it means your ROM is too small. If you can’t get a weight up the first time by yourself, you shouldn’t be using it.

I’m 6’2 and I routinely kick of 120 lb DB’s for my shoulder presses and have no issues because I am strong enough to handle that weight.

You just need to go lighter, it has nothing to do with your arm length or your height, it’s a strength issue.[/quote]

I disagree with this only because the first rep helps potentiate the nervous system. The first rep will be worse than the second for most cases (CT just wrote about this in a recent thread). Though, I doubt it will make up for a 15 lb. deficit…

720

Prof. X, as a dentist (or along those lines I believe) have you noticed any back or hand issues? I’m seriously considering going to dental school over med school but I keep hearing about how most dentists develop chronic lower back or hand issues and I’m wondering if this would be exacerbated for those of us who work out a lot

721

[quote]Chi-Towns-Finest wrote:
TheBigV wrote:
Hey Professor, you think it’s possible to cram down enough food in the day to fulfill the protein requirements of a 200 lb., 5’9" dude without using protein supplements?

I eat tuna, chicken, steak, or any other kind of protein source at every meal. I’m eating out of the college cafeteria right now, so I’m limited to what I can eat… only in the sense that I don’t know what I’ll be eating from day to day (except for tuna, raw veggies, fruit, and some form of red meat), because otherwise I have a technically unlimited amount of food.

You think hitting 300 to 400 grams of protein in a day is reasonable without protein supplements?

Hey I am not the professor, but I can tell you offhand that will come down to intention. If you make it your business to eat enough meat, you can. Second, while protein is important, I firmly believe that carbohydrates will play just as big a role - if not bigger - in your recovery and muscle growth.

I’m not sure if I am in the minority here, but I take in 1-1.25g protein/over 2g of carbs per pound of bw each day. That works for me, any T-men have a similar diet? Anyways, I’m sure you have plenty o’ oat bran available at your cafeteria. Personally, I would pay more attention to my carb intake.

Just some food for thought.
[/quote]

I am also not X, but if all you care about is protein then I’ve gotten close to 400g of protein in a day from nothing but chicken breasts. However, nutrition for building muscle takes more than just protein, you’ll also need to exceed your caloric requirements.

Summary:
Calories in > calories out = weight gain.
Protein in > protein out/degradation = most of your weight gain should be muscle. This is assuming you train hard and have met requirement number one: calories in > calories out. You can end up losing weight/muscle from high protein diets if your caloric intake is too low.

722

[quote]The Austrian Oak wrote:
Professor X wrote:
peck191 wrote:
Professor X,

If you don’t mind me asking, what is your opinion on deadlifts (for those seeking total body development, not powerlifting)?

Thanks

I think deadlifts are great. I just don’t do them. I prefer T-bar rows for back training over deadlifts. I have deep concerns for avoiding a back injury.

Prof X,

I know this post is OLD. Like 4 years old. But why exactly do you avoid deadlifts? An old injury? Fear of a back or biceps injury?

Do you feel that deads are more dangerous and just not worth the risk?[/quote]

I actually remember him posting something about this, he said he got up to 3 plates for reps…and quit due to feeling it more in his lower back then anything or something along those lines. So I’m guessing t-bar rows felt better for total back development and thus kept doing those.