In the 70's/early 80's it was about looking like a classical Greek statue. Now it's silly. The "top" guys take a combination of drugs that has them gaining without doing anything but eating. Seriously.
They don't even lift, bro.
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In the 70's/early 80's it was about looking like a classical Greek statue. Now it's silly. The "top" guys take a combination of drugs that has them gaining without doing anything but eating. Seriously.
They don't even lift, bro.
I do admit that I miss the purity of 70's bodybuilding. I don't really follow the sport now except for the big shows (the Olympia and the Arnold Classic), and even then it's mostly out of morbid curiosity. Mostly.
However, I've been into weightlifting since I was a kid so I'm always going to want to keep tabs on the sport, no matter how nuts it gets. I fully expect to see one of these fuckers explode on stage one day with all the shit they're on.
I started lifting weights a few months ago starting with just the bar since I was incredibly weak and have made a ton of progress, but I'm a bit concerned. I feel like I'm doing pretty well overall, my squats keeps improving steadily (up to 100lbs weights now) but my bench press has kind of plateau'd for going on three weeks. I can't seem to get past the 50 lbs point. It's like I can barely get three good sets at that weight. I dropped back down to 45 and worked my way back but it almost feels like I've hit a sort of wall with it. Any suggestions?
edit: just talked to kidnemo and the bar itself weight like 45 pounds, so it's more like 145 squats and 95 bench press. I don't feel so bad anymore lol
Back when things were different It took me around three weeks to move from 65 pound dumbbells to 70 on my bench. How many sets/reps? What lifts? Are you going to failure, or picking a number and going for it? Are you doing barbell or dumbbell presses?
I got better results with dumbbells than I ever did with barbells. Works those stabilizing muscles, you can't cheat with your dominant side, and you don't need a spotter (imo)
Also, I'm finally in the condition to move past bodyweight exercises and start lifting heavy things again. Feels fucking great, man.
I'm gonna try to mix it up and see if dumbbells work better. Been using weights on an olympic bar. I do three sets to failure, and I'm happy with the weight if that happens between 8-12 reps. I increase the weight by 5lbs once I've hit that target a couple of times to see if I can handle it. It's been pretty steady progress until now.
I like aiming for 4-6 reps (and resting 2 minutes between sets), but everyone is different. I'd recommend at least trying the dumbbells. You can go to full for real failure without worrying about choking yourself out with the bar.
Or without worrying about asking Joe Sweatsocks for a spot.
Chaz McHardbody?