Comments on: Build Muscle: A Tale Of Two Giant Men And A Look At Appearances

By: Brent Partner

Brent Partner — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:32:04 +0000

I’m squatting around 1.8 x BW on my good days but that can fluctuate down to around 1.6 for lighter sessions. My deadlift is up to around 1.9 but seems to have stalled due to my grip. I’ve never consciously trained my grip but now I will have to. My bench is around 1.2 x bodyweight but I seem to have some serious fluctuations some weeks which I think is a combination of fear (subconsciously uncomfortable with that weight above me even with a spotter) and inconsistent technique. My press lags at around 80% x bodyweight and seems to have stalled. I’m a short, stocky sort of guy so these lifts suit my stature.

I’ve never attempted kettlebell workouts or the more dynamic Crossfit style programs because as a normal human being I’ve been playing to my strengths. I think however I may throw in some six week excursions into these type workouts next year to see if they might help me become more well rounded strengthwise and perhaps assist my present lifts.

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:12:41 +0000

Brent, where are you at on those benchmarks? My squat and bench are way behind.

By: Brent Partner

Brent Partner — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:32:08 +0000

1. I think that in the modern age (post 1980′s) the aesthetic paradigm of bodybuilding has shifted from a display of strength, size and to a degree health to that of a standard of pure size, a degree of definition and not much else. When you look at the greats of golden-age bodybuilding, they for the most part lived long healthy lives, could the same be said for our champions today? I think not. Bill Pearl, one of the greats in my mind, laments the forgotten art of the barbell, the loss of the aesthetic and the predominance of steroids in bodybuilding today and I for one agree with him.

2. I train for strength, so any size I gain is a nice byproduct of the process. I would say having too much muscle is when it impedes what you wish to achieve physically. In my case, besides strength training, I like to be able to run (not Jog) relatively quickly around a track for 400 metres, sprint (not run) for 100 metres, do 3 x 3 minute rounds on a punch bag at a reasonable pace. If I find I am starting to have difficulty doing these things I cut down strength work for three times a week to once a week until I am comfortable doing these things again.

3. I have to go with the old stock standard pre-steroid process of building muscle. Train the whole body and do not waste time with isolation exercises. Try and squat at least twice a week, try and deadlift at least once a week. As a baseline aim to squat at least 1.5 x bodyweight (try for 2), deadlift 2 x bodyweight (try for 3), Benchpress 1.25 x bodyweight (try for 1.5), Press bodyweight (try for 1.25). If you can work your way up to these sort of standards and are eating cleanly and wisely you should be gaining a moderate amount of size. In short do your squats and drink your milk…

By: Mark G

Mark G — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 06:36:23 +0000

@Joel: Your words ring true for a lot of folks. I won’t ever be anything but a scrawny runner, but I have nothing but respect for top bodybuilding pros that work their butts off. You’d be surprised at how hard they work at their craft and how seriously they take what goes into their bodies. Having had the opportunity to see it up close this year, I have a new respect for the top guys. No ‘roids. Just intense dedication/discipline and perfecting the art/science of nutrition. And let’s not gloss over the fact that genetics is one of the biggest factors.

Kill it! (only applies to those who are > 158lbs)

By: Michael Cummings

Michael Cummings — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:38:03 +0000

I used to think the same way (despite being a psychiatrist…you would think I would know better). A couple of years ago I got a very non subtle reminder that things are not always as they appear. A woman who was extremely well muscled was always picking up her kids at daycare the same time as me. Bright red hair, mini van dented (she was always hitting the curb on the way into the parking lot). I assumed she competed in fitness events. I also assumed she was a ditz. After a couple of years, our kids ended up at the same birthday party and we spent an hour or so talking. Turns out she had a PhD and was chair of the psychology department at a local collage. I try to remember that experience every time I am quick to judge someone based on appearances.

By: Mike T Nelson

Mike T Nelson — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:51:40 +0000

Good stuff Josh.

I think everyone likes/loves the “side effect” of training of more muscles, strength and less fat.

There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to look and perform better. If we are not getting better, we are getting worse. I will be better please.

Personally, as Chris talked about, I love the look and performance of the old time physical culturists/ strongman.

They looked awesome and could perform many many different things from balancing on their hands, gymnastics to heavy lifting.

David, hit me up via the contact tab on my blog.
Rock on
Mike T Nelson PhD(c)
http://www.ExtremeHumanPerformance.com

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:13:35 +0000

Good topic! Will do! Gimme a couple weeks, man, I’ll see how I can work this. . . . AND THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:42:02 +0000

I admire bodybuilders for their dedication. Yet I also feel bad for them, because it’s a competition where most people don’t win, and the judging will always have a subjective component to it. And bodybuilders compete on appearance. That has to be tough on the ego.

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:29:10 +0000

you’re not alone. Whether or not they’re accurate, I do think first impressions say a lot about our mindsets.