a question for you bunkerers:
Do you think beginners/intermediates should work on total strength and then switch to a more hypertrophy based set/rep scheme? It would seem you’d have a lot more potential to grow if you were accostomed to bigger, heavier weights.
[quote]rainjack wrote:
Fulmen wrote:
studgorilla wrote:
Absolutely!! Holding the peak contraction on shrugs and calf-raises is key. Those movements are perfect for that technique and the results are proof.
Agreed, although I only hold it for a second or so.
My calves pretty much grow only when the rest of me fills out.
Try it the DC way - explode the concentric, take 5 seconds to lower,and hold the stretch for 15 seconds.
Nothing short of brutal. [/quote]
I did calves the DC way for the first time this week.
RJ is right, there is nothing like it.
Shaking and feeling like quitting after about the 7th rep.
Also just started incorporating his extreme stretches even though I don’t DC. Definitely excruciating but his track record proves they are well worth it.
[quote]zephead4747 wrote:
a question for you bunkerers:
Do you think beginners/intermediates should work on total strength and then switch to a more hypertrophy based set/rep scheme? It would seem you’d have a lot more potential to grow if you were accostomed to bigger, heavier weights.[/quote]
It won’t hurt. Many bodybuilders have started off as powerlifters or at least trying to get as strong as possible. Look at Ronnie, Franco, Jackson, Levrone, and Corimier to name a few. Each were beasts when it came to lifting heavy weights and there physiques are a good reflection of that.
It’s not uncommone for pro bodybuilders to be doing bench presses with 500 pounds. Point is being strong if used properly will help you as a bodybuilder you just have to pick the right routine for growth and lift those heavy ass weights.
[quote]zephead4747 wrote:
a question for you bunkerers:
Do you think beginners/intermediates should work on total strength and then switch to a more hypertrophy based set/rep scheme? It would seem you’d have a lot more potential to grow if you were accostomed to bigger, heavier weights.[/quote]
I think everyone should spend a several years getting strong before worrying about ‘hypertrophy’ routines.
This is my post from another thread where i was talking about the same topic:
But I’m sure you know, many and I’d say most guys who get into “bodybuilding” start with shit like 5-split routines and such when they are 14 years old and weigh 120lbs. That is simply not the fastest much efficient way to get strong when your starting out. So many gym-goers just do the old “emulate the pros routine and I’ll get big like them” mentality.
Wrong answer, these guys should train for performance (strength and power) and then when they are advanced enough worry about all these “mass gain hypertrophy” plans.
Young guys, I see it in my gym all the time, are trying to a million sets per bodypart to get big etc etc. And thats a great way to train, PROVIDED YOU HAVE A SOLID STRENGTH BASE TO START FROM.
And thats why these football players get stronger faster than teenagers who just get into lifting. Because they train for power and strength for several years, whereas Joe fraternity boy starts out doing hypertrophy or high rep crap when he’s using frickin’ baby weights I think anyone who wants to get big quickly, needs to FIRST spend some serious time getting strong, training primarily for strength and power. Then they should worry about symmetry and hypertrophy.
Its hard to really induce hypertrophy on your chest when you has to use 135lbs to even hope for 10-12 reps.
I’d like to reiterate a few years. This is what it takes to build real strength. I’m not talking about a CW 12 week program. Or some specialization crap.
[quote]Corkonian wrote:
Hello Bunkerer…ers
I have a gasp bodybuilding question !
I only started lifting weights 1 year ago, so by no means am i ready to compete locally yet, but thats what i hopefully aim for.
I asked CT how long should one bulk for, and he said it depends on a variety of factors… anyone have any other answer ??
It IS my 1st one, i did strength for 8 months the 1st 4 months were a write off 
So as it is my 1st one should i just keep going for a while or is there some setup for guageing when to go and stop etc.
Cheers[/quote]
You need to go as long as you need to in order to reach your goals (e.g. don’t stop until 18" arms). Once you reach your goal, begin cutting. Just remember, you better bulk up to a weight where you DONT have to worry about losing muscle. You will lose muscle when you cut, so be wise in choosing your weight goal.
If you get too much fat along the way, cut back on the calories and throw in some low to mid intensity cardio. Just use your head about it.
[quote]zephead4747 wrote:
a question for you bunkerers:
Do you think beginners/intermediates should work on total strength and then switch to a more hypertrophy based set/rep scheme? It would seem you’d have a lot more potential to grow if you were accostomed to bigger, heavier weights.[/quote]
If you’re eating ENOUGH, you will grow no matter if its based on strength or hypertrophy. Another point on that is that beginners/Intermediates should only worry about getting ENOUGH calories and protein.
However, it would be wise to focus on getting your strength up in the beginning. It takes big muscles to move 400lbs and up. Just remember, enough calories and protein is key.
Fuck worrying about fat, carbs, etc. It’ll get you nowhere as a beginner.
[quote]rainjack wrote:
Fulmen wrote:
studgorilla wrote:
Absolutely!! Holding the peak contraction on shrugs and calf-raises is key. Those movements are perfect for that technique and the results are proof.
Agreed, although I only hold it for a second or so.
My calves pretty much grow only when the rest of me fills out.
Try it the DC way - explode the concentric, take 5 seconds to lower,and hold the stretch for 15 seconds.
Nothing short of brutal. [/quote]
Wow, my calves burn from reading that. Thanks bud.
Just make sure you don’t get cute and try to point your toes once when you finish.
I did that and almost died of muscle spasms/cramp/I dunno wtf but it burnt so bad.
[quote]GetSwole wrote:
Just make sure you don’t get cute and try to point your toes once when you finish.
I did that and almost died of muscle spasms/cramp/I dunno wtf but it burnt so bad.[/quote]
Did that last night when eating (Leg day is on Fridays). Shit sucks.
Here’s the new topic for the newblets to read:
How to gain mass? Discuss.
I’m sure we’ll all agree, but usually it takes more than one person to get it through people’s heads. To get mass, do this:
Eat Alot (4+ big course meals)
Sleep Alot (even take daytime naps)
Lift Consistently
EAT PAST FULLNESSS
Don’t count shit (let the scale+mirror tell you if you’re not eating enough/too much)
Realize that shit doesn’t happen quick. Be in it for the long term.
[quote]Fulmen wrote:
Here’s the new topic for the newblets to read:
How to gain mass? Discuss.
I’m sure we’ll all agree, but usually it takes more than one person to get it through people’s heads. To get mass, do this:
Eat Alot (4+ big course meals)
Sleep Alot (even take daytime naps)
Lift Consistently
EAT PAST FULLNESSS
Don’t count shit (let the scale+mirror tell you if you’re not eating enough/too much)
Realize that shit doesn’t happen quick. Be in it for the long term.[/quote]
ALways try to add weight to the bar or add another rep more than last week.
First, I’d like preface the discussion that we aren’t just talking about gaining muscle.
I want to clarify that we are talking getting freakishly muscular and large AS FAST AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE <–which I feel is a key point.
I like the quote, I don’t remember who said it but:
“Don’t eat when your hungry, eat when your not full”.
This isn’t rocket science, if you want to get big as possible as fast as possible without turning into an utter fatass…follow Dante’s wisdom:
Eat like 300lber, lift like a 300lber, do cardio (the good 'ole low intensity stuff so preserve muscle) like a 130lber.
That will lead to getting big, strong, and assuming you kept up with your cardio and your carb timing, you won’t be some lardass.
[quote]GetSwole wrote:
First, I’d like preface the discussion that we aren’t just talking about gaining muscle.
I want to clarify that we are talking getting freakishly muscular and large AS FAST AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE <–which I feel is a key point.
I like the quote, I don’t remember who said it but:
“Don’t eat when your hungry, eat when your not full”.
This isn’t rocket science, if you want to get big as possible as fast as possible without turning into an utter fatass…follow Dante’s wisdom:
Eat like 300lber, lift like a 300lber, do cardio (the good 'ole low intensity stuff so preserve muscle) like a 130lber.
That will lead to getting big, strong, and assuming you kept up with your cardio and your carb timing, you won’t be some lardass.[/quote]
No doubt about it. It also gives me a good laugh when I hear people talk about their “snacks” which are peanuts and such, and mine is a little 8-10oz steak.
[quote]GetSwole wrote:
First, I’d like preface the discussion that we aren’t just talking about gaining muscle.
I want to clarify that we are talking getting freakishly muscular and large AS FAST AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE <–which I feel is a key point.
[/quote]
No shit, who would have it anyother way.
[quote]austin_bicep wrote:
GetSwole wrote:
First, I’d like preface the discussion that we aren’t just talking about gaining muscle.
I want to clarify that we are talking getting freakishly muscular and large AS FAST AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE <–which I feel is a key point.
No shit, who would have it anyother way.[/quote]
The fuckers we are trying to keep out of this thread lol.
[quote]Dave.F wrote:
lol well when cutting its best do have your steak early on in the day because its very slow leaving the stomach and its digestion rate is around 6 hours you wont have it digested before bed! Read some of CT’s latest articles he states that he only eats beef in the mornings while later in the day his protein is derived from fish and chicken!
Personaly I eat it for dinner as well but lately Ive read some article that sugest i should do otherwise![/quote]
/Quick side rant.
That quote is from another thread…AHHH!!! the idea behind the concept from CT is understandable but the way this guy closes just reeks of him rethinking everything as soon as he reads something…
Think for your self a little freakin’ bit.
I would WANT steak in me before bed.
mmm…anabolic state…
And yea, I hate people spouting out shit like human copy-machines.
[quote]Fulmen wrote:
And yea, I hate people spouting out shit like human copy-machines.[/quote]
Polly want a cracker?
[quote]Fulmen wrote:
zephead4747 wrote:
a question for you bunkerers:
Do you think beginners/intermediates should work on total strength and then switch to a more hypertrophy based set/rep scheme? It would seem you’d have a lot more potential to grow if you were accostomed to bigger, heavier weights.
If you’re eating ENOUGH, you will grow no matter if its based on strength or hypertrophy. Another point on that is that beginners/Intermediates should only worry about getting ENOUGH calories and protein.
However, it would be wise to focus on getting your strength up in the beginning. It takes big muscles to move 400lbs and up. Just remember, enough calories and protein is key.
Fuck worrying about fat, carbs, etc. It’ll get you nowhere as a beginner.[/quote]
Yup, that was my view on it. But I know just about nothing when it comes to bodybuilding. So I figured I’d shoot the question at you. Thanks for th multiple speedy responses guys.