Training for the Look, No Interest in Strength

Training Bodybuilding
1

I’m about to rejoin the gym after a year or two out. Last time i was there i was doing ok but approach wasn’t structured enough, this time i’m planning on following a program.

My goal is to look good, and increase general fitness. I have NO interest in strength, other than the realisation that the best way to acomplish my goals MIGHT BE strength training. (I know this is looked down upon sometimes, for some reason. But i’ve no interest in looking HUGE, or breaking records with weights, i just want a bit more size around the shoulders/chest, and less BF. ((yes i did, will train legs))

Body type is pretty classic mesomorph, edging towards the ecto end of the spectrum.

My friend (a powerlifter) has recomended the 531 program. Thoughts? My initial thoughts upon studying it is that it might not be suitable for a begginer like me, especially one not interested in strength.

I fully realise that diet is equally or probably more important that training, especially given my goals. My questions are about training as i’m more confident i know what i’m doing with diet :slight_smile:

2

Read Chad Waterbury articles.
His approach is not on the powerlifting nor high volume side.

My 2 fav :

I’ve made HUGE progress fallowing his advices.
And by dieting, too :wink:

Mat’

3

[quote]chamelious wrote:
My goal is to look good, and increase general fitness. I have NO interest in strength, other than the realisation that the best way to acomplish my goals MIGHT BE strength training. (I know this is looked down upon sometimes, for some reason. But i’ve no interest in looking HUGE, or breaking records with weights, i just want a bit more size around the shoulders/chest, and less BF. ([/quote]

The discussion of not training for strength is done by more advanced lifters, who have already built a decent base of size and strength. Trust me, it’s not something you need to worry about if you’re just getting into this. For beginners, trying to improve your strength levels (while actually stressing the muscle, not just throwing weights) is one of the best indicators that you’re making progress.

Also, you don’t have to worry about “looking huge”, millions of people have spent years trying to accomplish that and failed, you’re not going to accidentally stumble upon the magic formula.

As to a program, pick any decent one (there are zillions on here), and stick to it religiously. Don’t look for something else every couple of weeks or you’ll just walk around complaining how all the programs are garbage.

S

4

I also dont care for strength either, it has equal importance as balance, speed/acceleration, and endurance- they are all part of the toolbox, but none are priority for me. I am all about how i look, but it doesnt mean i dont want an athletic body to go with it.

Every “body” is different, so no one can really see what program will fit you best. I would personally do moderate volume (15-18 sets) workouts, split body programs, and focus only on form and stimulation of the muscles. Learn to increase volume to a comfortable level, then focus on intensity (a lot of people tend to do the other way around, but my ‘body’ actually broke what i thought was my limit in volume this way, and i can do all sorts of methods for intensity now).

5

[quote]chamelious wrote:
I have NO interest in strength, other than the realisation that the best way to acomplish my goals MIGHT BE strength training. (I know this is looked down upon sometimes, for some reason. But i’ve no interest in looking HUGE, or breaking records with weights, i just want a bit more size around the shoulders/chest, and less BF. ((yes i did, will train legs))
:)[/quote]

Maybe I’m just being a dolt or boorish, but if I had these sort of goals, why would I go to a bodybuilding forum?

“Hey, guys who are interested in getting huge, I don’t want to get huge but I was hoping that I might get some training tips from you guys.”

It just doesn’t make sense when there are so many alternatives. There’s a conditioning forum on this website, just as example.

6

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:

[quote]chamelious wrote:
My goal is to look good, and increase general fitness. I have NO interest in strength, other than the realisation that the best way to acomplish my goals MIGHT BE strength training. (I know this is looked down upon sometimes, for some reason. But i’ve no interest in looking HUGE, or breaking records with weights, i just want a bit more size around the shoulders/chest, and less BF. ([/quote]

The discussion of not training for strength is done by more advanced lifters, who have already built a decent base of size and strength. Trust me, it’s not something you need to worry about if you’re just getting into this. For beginners, trying to improve your strength levels (while actually stressing the muscle, not just throwing weights) is one of the best indicators that you’re making progress.

Also, you don’t have to worry about “looking huge”, millions of people have spent years trying to accomplish that and failed, you’re not going to accidentally stumble upon the magic formula.

As to a program, pick any decent one (there are zillions on here), and stick to it religiously. Don’t look for something else every couple of weeks or you’ll just walk around complaining how all the programs are garbage.

S
[/quote]

^^this

I’m a massive noob compared to Stu, but I can vouch for getting stronger and focusing on the mind-muscle connection. Since I’ve started doing that, I’ve made lots of gains.

Also, I used to change programs all the time - I only started making good progress when I stuck to the same program, week in, week out.

So, as a beginner, I can testify to the truth of Stu’s advice.

7

Pretty classic mesomorph :slight_smile:

8

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
Also, you don’t have to worry about “looking huge”, millions of people have spent years trying to accomplish that and failed, you’re not going to accidentally stumble upon the magic formula.
[/quote]

If I had a nickel…

9

[quote]Tankman4411 wrote:
Pretty classic mesomorph :)[/quote]

That caught my attention too. I am now wondering what it means.

I am also wondering why the “bodybuilding” forum seemed like the best place for a thread about avoiding it.

10

WHO THE FUCK RATED THIS SHIT?

11

[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
WHO THE FUCK RATED THIS SHIT?[/quote]

I DID!

WANNA FIGHT?

12

[quote]Anus Bleach wrote:

[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
WHO THE FUCK RATED THIS SHIT?[/quote]

I DID!

WANNA FIGHT?[/quote]

This thread definitely deserved a rating! The OP spent like three paragraphs writing about how he wants to lift weights but not get strong (???), and then the first response was from someone recommending Chad Waterbury routines. If that’s not gold, I don’t know what is.

13

[quote]Anus Bleach wrote:

[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
WHO THE FUCK RATED THIS SHIT?[/quote]

I DID!

WANNA FIGHT?[/quote]

I DO

And when its time for the rape I have no fear…I know your anus is clean

14

[quote]The3Commandments wrote:

[quote]Anus Bleach wrote:

[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
WHO THE FUCK RATED THIS SHIT?[/quote]

I DID!

WANNA FIGHT?[/quote]

This thread definitely deserved a rating! The OP spent like three paragraphs writing about how he wants to lift weights but not get strong (???), and then the first response was from someone recommending Chad Waterbury routines. If that’s not gold, I don’t know what is.[/quote]
x2

15

[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:

[quote]Anus Bleach wrote:

[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
WHO THE FUCK RATED THIS SHIT?[/quote]

I DID!

WANNA FIGHT?[/quote]

I DO

And when its time for the rape I have no fear…I know your anus is clean[/quote]
You’re TOO good at this O_-

16

[quote]chamelious wrote:

I have NO interest in strength
[/quote]

I’ve never understood why people say this and then immediately follow it with “I want to add some size”. My understanding of bodybuilding is that in order to build muscle you need to increase the weight moved or the amount of reps performed (overly simplified) am I totally wrong? Isn’t that getting stronger?

17

ONE THING YOU NEED TO KNOW OP, IS AT THE END OF THE DAY IN REGARDS TO BODYBUILDING OR POWERLIFTING OR WHATEVER, PROGRESSION IS WHAT MATTERS.

THAT IS ALL.

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[quote]spar4tee wrote:

[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:

[quote]Anus Bleach wrote:

[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
WHO THE FUCK RATED THIS SHIT?[/quote]

I DID!

WANNA FIGHT?[/quote]

I DO

And when its time for the rape I have no fear…I know your anus is clean[/quote]
You’re TOO good at this O_-[/quote]

Ive won the internet 5 times sine my rookie year in 08.

19

[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:

[quote]Anus Bleach wrote:

[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
WHO THE FUCK RATED THIS SHIT?[/quote]

I DID!

WANNA FIGHT?[/quote]

I DO

And when its time for the rape I have no fear…I know your anus is clean[/quote]

Omg I was THIS > < close to milk shooting through my nose as I read this.

20

this is fucking halarious