The Bodybuilders Thread!

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StrontiumDog said:
A question on muscle symmetry as it relates to chest; Can I replace bench press with dumbbell press in stronglifts 5x5? My left pec is larger than my right :( Not sure if this is genetics at play here or whether I have been trying to make the left side work harder than the right.
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I am a very big believer in dumbbell presses and fly's.

Muscle sinks, Fat floats, Chest Fly's
 
Thor187 said:
I am a very big believer in dumbbell presses and fly's.

Muscle sinks, Fat floats, Chest Fly's
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OK, here's a theory as to how this muscle imbalance of mine could have come about:
When I started with stronglifts the weights I was pushing were quite puny for bench press, I didn't bother to use clips to keep the weight plates on the barbell (plus with only one plate on each side clips don't seem that necessary). Ultimately though, if one side is stronger than the other the plates can start to slide off.

Being right handed my right side is stronger, so the left plate would tend to start sliding. I then started to make a concerted effort to keep the bar level. These days I am pretty good at keep the bar level but quite possibly the left side is working harder to achieve this, hence the left pec has grown more. I am assuming that even though now that my left pec is bigger, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is stronger than the right. Am I way off the mark here or does this all sound plausible?

edit: Unless it's some messed up combination of left pec and right arm doing all the work in which case right pec is not getting full stimulated :( FML :(
 
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StrontiumDog said:
OK, here's a theory as to how this muscle imbalance of mine could have come about:
When I started with stronglifts the weights I was pushing were quite puny for bench press, I didn't bother to use clips to keep the weight plates on the barbell (plus with only one plate on each side clips don't seem that necessary). Ultimately though, if one side is stronger than the other the plates can start to slide off.

Being right handed my right side is stronger, so the left plate would tend to start sliding. I then started to make a concerted effort to keep the bar level. These days I am pretty good at keep the bar level but quite possibly the left side is working harder to achieve this, hence the left pec has grown more. I am assuming that even though now that my left pec is bigger, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is stronger than the right. Am I way off the mark here or does this all sound plausible?

edit: Unless it's some messed up combination of left pec and right arm doing all the work in which case right pec is not getting full stimulated :( FML :(
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There is a myriad of reasons that could contribute, what you explained is totally possible because at the end of the day the bottom line is that one Pec compensated more than the other one, how this happened is really irrelevant at this point. What you need to do from here on out is well basically focus more on form/movement ensuring you concentrate more on your "smaller" pec.

Dumbbells does a perfect job for this. Keep in mind most cases "uneven" shaped chest is usually a case where you are lifting slightly more than you can handle and then the chest overcompensated. Exactly how the chest compensated is dependent on on many factors example using more shoulder power from right forcing left chest, or just plain pushing hard left contracting the muscle longer, or the physical structure of your backbone forcing your left side etc.

It's not too a big deal as you can correct this by using dumbbells. I believe Bench will make you strong and dumbells will make you pretty ( Not literally ), but example if I have a client who does not have a lot of gym muscle I will let him do Squads, Bench, military press do "build" more muscle.

See those exercises as your clay you pack on more clay. Now, now we want to shape this clay into a sculpture.

So you need a chisel to carve the clay, and to me dumbels are your chisel it's your tool to transform your very anatomy of the muscle focusing on fibers otherwise overlooked.


NOTE:: The above explanation does not apply to experience gym people. Both dumbels and Bench has it's own unique synergy between them need to be utilized.

However, for someone who just started Squad, bench, military press = MASS, Dumbells = Athlete body

Do not read to much onto that. disclaimers for days.
 
^
Oh%20thats%20nice.jpg
 
Well, the thing is since 2011 she has packed on quite a lot of muscle and dropped body fat. I'd venture a guess that she's looking a bit too muscled and lean for most guys tastes now. Par for the course though for the "fittest woman on planet earth" title, as bestowed upon her by the Crossfit gods.
 
StrontiumDog said:
Well, the thing is since 2011 she has packed on quite a lot of muscle and dropped body fat. I'd venture a guess that she's looking a bit too muscled and lean for most guys tastes now. Par for the course though for the "fittest woman on planet earth" title, as bestowed upon her by the Crossfit gods.
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I like her

MrBuddha said:
The real Thor would not say please, he would just claim her and whack anyone who comes in his way with his mighty hammer!

:p
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I now claim her as mine.
 
These ''stacks'', such as USN's Hyperbolic Mass, claim to have 4.5g of creatine per serving. If this is the case and you use said product, would you guys advocate against using creatine mono so as to avoid overloading on the stuff?
 
I would think it depends.... depending on bodyweight and preference, one might be using way more than 4.5g per day.
 
Just back from the orthopedic specialist and he can not find anything wrong with my knees. Spent about 15min twisting and turning them and even the x-rays came up clean.

He did however see the swelling and discomfort I'm in and sent me for blood tests because he suspects arthritis. (We do have a family history)

Will know on Friday but he said I should definitely continue my weight training as long as I focus on form. The stronger muscles and joint flexibility will lessen the symptoms if it is arthritis.
 
StrontiumDog said:
Are your knee issues preventing you from squatting too heavy?
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Not at all. Actually smashed my PB again last night with zero stability or stiffness issues.

My problems mainly occur when I do extensive cardio or go for longish walks (like shopping with the wife). Then my knees swell up like double the size and can be extremely stiff the next few days. Then obviously I struggle with leg days. Usually just wait for the swelling to subside and I'm good to go again.
 
The swelling sounds bad. I have creaky knees. Was bugging me last squatting session. Have to keep things light until i get back into the swing of 5x5 squats.
 
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