Moronic Monday - your weekly stupid question thread

HatersAreHating · 4 months

If I eat a bulking diet and do kegel exercises, will my vagina gain muscle/become tighter? Not trolling, I honestly just was wondering this over the weekend.

FLYBOY611 · 4 months

Can dips be done as negatives as a way of working your up to being able to do a full dip? Kinda like pullups?

Lionhearted09 · 4 months

Lets say me and my clone decide to workout. I do heavy weights where my failure occurs around 4 reps. My clone does lighter weights and also goes to failure which is around 12 reps for him. After a year, what aesthetic differences would you notice between the two?

burnsi · 4 months

Is there much a difference between doing hammer-grip (hands facing each other, semi-supinated) and palms towards you (supinated, underhanded) chin ups? And how/where in terms of rotation of the wrist do different muscle groups come into play?

ladyway905 · 4 months

Will I look stupid walking a 5k? I really want to do one in April but I KNOW I can't run the whole thing.

mylo185 · 4 months

is it ok if my big toe comes off the ground during my squats ?

Dildo_Ball_Baggins · 4 months

I've heard it's best to take post-workout protein as soon as possible upon completing your workout. I'm not 100% sure what the recommended time period is.

My question is, would it make sense to start taking the post workout protein say 20 minutes into your workout, so that the sets you do first count/benefit as much as the sets you do last (closest to the post workout protein intake) ?

I think this would apply more to those who do a mixed workout, say chest and biceps for example. If chest is done first, biceps last, then post-workout protein, would biceps benefit more?

This question is hopefully moronic enough to fit in around here.

HonorableJudgeIto · 4 months

I get that powerlifters are looking to get strong as possible and are less concerned with physique, but what don't they cut some and get rid of some of their the fat? Would the process of getting rid of some of their body fat take away from their total strength?

soicanpostthis · 4 months

I work out at 24 hour fitness and I honestly cannot figure out where and on what barbells I am supposed to do deadlifts....? In the free weights area the only normal barbells I can find seem to be dedicated to bench press stations and squat racks, and these are always in use so I suspect I'd be an ass if I removed a bar from those areas. Is it normal to deadlift with weights from the curl rack?? or would that also make me look like a tool. What do

I'm new to lifting, obviously, and I feel like this really is a stupid question but I just don't know.

purrp · 4 months

What's the big deal about oats? As in, "squatz and oatz". Is it just a meme?

JorusC · 4 months

Are any of the basic lifts dangerous for a pregnant woman to do? Should she reduce weight, or is it possible to maintain a weight routine through the first several months of pregnancy? Have there been any studies on the possibility of miscarriage or premature labor due to the bodily strain?

dusandusan · 4 months

During pullups, my left side pulls more (left-hander) which results in my body/legs getting tilted to the left. How do I deal with this? I can do 6 pullups max.

audacian · 4 months

How can I avoid foot cramps when squatting?

mylo185 · 4 months

Why diffrence does it make if I get my carbs from bread instead of oats ?

GhostlyGirl · 4 months

Does sweating burn calories? I know you lose water weight when you sweat but I don't care about that. Does the biological act of sweating burn calories if I'm doing nothing else at thetime?

Reason I care is that I'll sometimes leave the thermostat low because shivering burns calories and I wondered if it worked the opposite way.

sleepsucks · 4 months

Explain this to me. From reading r/fitness it seems that the best/most recommended advice for losing fat is to do SS/SL and to have a caloric deficit. Aren't I wasting beginner gains if I do SS/SL on a deficit? Is there a better way? I'm a girl trying to lose 15lbs.

eric_twinge · 4 months

[deleted]

themoop78 · 4 months

I always hear about M W F splits, but is 2 days on / 1 day off too aggressive? Specifically for a Push / Pull / Legs routine? Works out to 3 to 4 days off between same exercises. Thanks.

Deathgripsugar · 4 months

Warm up Sets for SS

I do 2 warm-up sets at 50% and 80% of working weight ( one set x 5 reps) for each of my SS exercises, and then 3x5 of the working weight sets.

In my previous system (SL) I never did warmups (just 5min on the treadmill) and was doing fine. Ripptoe has some vague guidelines on warmup sets but for two sets 50% and 80% is where I am at. Is this regular convention or should I do the warmup sets differently?

edit: derp

redeyemoon · 4 months

Does sleeping on my side instead of on my back slow the progress of correcting my computer guy posture? I've come a long way, but still have a ways to go.

Reddittorswife · 4 months

I have a funny looking bruise on my chin from trying to do a chin up on the playground. I think I will pass on that, but am not sure if it is worth it to invest in a bar that goes in the door way.

Are there other workouts that do the same type of thing?

Also any good stories I can make up so I don't have to tell folk I am an idiot who literally jumped into a metal bar.

day_tripper · 4 months

I don't work my traps directly, EVER. I lift very heavy on the major lifts. By not working traps, am I creating a potential muscle imbalance?

eric_twinge · 4 months

When you are eating in a calorie deficit, the body uses what calories it can from your food, and gets the left over from your fat stores, right? And if you eat at too low a calorie deficit, because the body cannot access your fat stores quick enough it resorts to getting calories from your muscles too, yes? So the trick to losing fat whilst keeping muscle is to eat at a 20% calorie deficit with lots of protein, right?

So here's my question. The received wisdom seems to be that losing fat requires a deficit, and gaining muscle a surplus. But if the muscles are demanding energy and protein from the stomach because of resistance training why is that any different from the body normally demanding energy from the stomach? In a small surplus, wouldn't the body utilise what calories it gets from food, and take the extra it needs from fat cells to run itself properly AND build some muscle? Surely the body can't differentiate between energy gained from fat cells and energy gained from food?

ps - this is all under the assumption that more than enough protein is being eaten every day.

bluegloryhunter · 4 months

When doing my 1x5 deadlift set for SS I have been working slowly upwards currently I have to fight for every completion. After each on I release shake out and then pull again (I am going to film this Friday). The question applies to all exercises but I am wondering if I should be operating at or near my 1RM for the 1x5 deadlifts. ( I mistakenly pulled 10lbs heavier than may working set and could not make it) Also what is a good indicator of having a squat which is low enough. I feel like I am cheating a bit but am unsure how to check (other than filming)

jsaf420 · 4 months

If I fail a set, how should I proceed? 3 weeks ago I failed 105lbs press, finished my sets at 95lbs. The next week I did 105 5x3 and struggled. This week I did 110 for 4 reps, then 105 for 5x2. Should I back off to get my reps in or stay heavy and have in complete sets?

Also, my gym is having their own BTTC for some serious cash. Should I try to bloat myself for the before pic, and if so, how? I was thinking a large pizza and 2L of diet soda the night before.

brownmatt · 4 months

Something I've been wondering for a little bit and wasn't sure how or when to ask:

Where did silverhydra come from? And what did fittit do to deserve to be graced with his awesome presence? examine.com continues to blow me away.

Fenris78 · 4 months

How should you decide/gauge the amount of sets and reps you do? I know there are specific plans out there, but if we can put those aside for a minute as a lot of them aren't really practical for me for one reason or another.

So for example on Fitocracy I'll see people do maybe 5 sets, X number of reps with the same weight for each set. I have no idea how to judge what I'll be able to manage, certainly past a couple of sets.

So this morning I did this for DB bench (ignore the specific numbers, I know they're puny):

25 lb x 15 reps (warm up)
50 lb x 9 reps
40 lb x 10 reps
40 lb x 10 reps
35 lb x 12 reps

This felt really good, I absolutely had to give it everything to get that last rep out on the first working set. After that though I know if I tried to do another set with the same weight I'd have probably not managed more than 5-6.

Is there anything wrong with this approach?

danacat · 4 months

This is awkward... but here goes. I have been eating between 1200-1500 calories a day and exercising probably 4-6 days a week, walking, weight classes, yoga and step aerobics. I did really well the first couple weeks and lost 5 lbs really quickly. My friends and I, it is our last semester at graduate school and are doing these once a week dinners. Well it's usually pasta/potatoes/cake/bread, lots of high carb stuff and lots and lots of dairy. I don't cram myself full, but once a week I allow myself to eat things I wouldn't during the week. I have not had a comfortable bowel movement since the first dinner two weeks ago and I don't know if it has something to do with my limited calorie intake, I don't have enough energy to go, or if all the dairy and carbs are backing me up. I eat lots of greens and vegetables and have tried herbal laxative tea, something that normally works but hasn't really. I have used the bathroom but it hasn't been satisfying and I weighed myself yesterday and gained a pound and I think it's because I'm so backed up! What is going on?

Chances · 4 months

How do you count calories properly? The problem I have is going from calories to grams. I am going to eat 2g of protein for every pound I weigh (175) and then eat about the same number of calories in Carbs except on high-Carb day (25% more calories in carbs) and then I don't understand how to calculate fat. So lets say that my BMR times my activity rate is 3200 calories. I have to eat 350g of protein and 350g of Carbs and a number of grams of fat, I need help calculating fat. Can I just read the number of calories on the nutrition panel and get an accurate number of calories?

jwoo0303 · 4 months

Hypothetically, if someone went on a BCAA-only diet, what would happen?

brlito · 4 months

I hope someone reads this.

I'm following this chart, pretty good so far, has some pizza and chicken strips at my brother's birthday thing on Saturday but otherwise keeping my hunger and gym days in check.

But if I go out with my buddies, or out on a date or something and I decided to have a very light meal (say some pita and hummus) and some beers (or scotch & soda), am I gonna be ok? Or is my weight gonna be going up and down taking me on an emotional rollercoaster ride?

kwirq · 4 months

Am I squandering my "newbie gains" by starting Starting Strength while dieting, or will they still be waiting for me after I slim down and start eating more?
That is, are newbie gains related for the beginning period of time of strength training, or the beginning portion of your strength potential?

kaiwolf26 · 4 months

If you walk or run 5 miles do you burn more calories doing either activity?

vampirewknd · 4 months

My bench numbers are completely inconsistent. Why is this? It doesn't matter how much i sleep or when I work out. Each week it's entirely different. I can go from struggling to even do ten reps of 135 to banging out four reps of 210.

[deleted] · 4 months

What is the best value for money whey isolate product, or does it come down to preference - student on a budget (UK)

forresja · 4 months

I know this has become more of a weight-training focused subreddit, but does anyone have any experience with pilates? I have a lower back injury and anterior pelvic tilt and I think pilates might help.

Also it would be in a group class at my university gym where I would almost certainly be the only guy in the room. How do I avoid looking like I'm there to creep on chicks in spandex? I really just want my back to stop sucking.

mylo185 · 4 months

Do I have any control over my physique or can I just add muscle and lose fat and hope for the best ?

audacian · 4 months

is creatine only for people who aren't trying to lose fat?

zkelvin · 4 months

How many calories does a squat burn?

inverseinvitro · 4 months

I had/have several questions but I can only think of one right now: does anyone have any good remedies for a mild ankle sprain besides the usual "Rest Ice Compress Elevate" protocol? I need to recover as fully and as quickly as possible.

KickassKent · 4 months

The Power Clean - is it only really for competitions or should I work it into my weekly routine? I recently learned how to perform it and loved it as it was exhausting and fun. Also if I do add it should it go on squat day or deadlift day? Thanks!

recoombe · 4 months

I'm having some small lower back and tailbone pain when I sit down and kind of flex the psoas a certain way, but it doesn't happen when I'm standing up or squatting with the barbell. I thought about just doing some dynamic stretches or some reverse hypers to help it. Should I consult a physio or see a doctor, or just try the stretches and see what happens?

mylo185 · 4 months

I have been training for nearly 2 years. And have suffered several minor injurys such as joint pain and a few muscle sprains. Nothing too serious. Am I just injury prone or are injurys just part of the game. I strenght train and cycle

jgarfink · 4 months

Sometimes I won't eat for 3 or so hours after my workout. Is this a big problem?

ochizon · 4 months

I rode a really hard 45 mile ride on saturday, and was tired all day after and ate normal throughout the day. Sunday, i rode any easier 45 miles, but my heart rate was through the roof for relatively low output. I ate like an ANIMAL all day after. im lighter this morning than after my post ride weigh in.

WTF IS GOING ON in my body??

Rekilo · 4 months

After each working set of OHP (50kg/110lb) I get a very quick, sharp pain in my forehead and then a second later it's gone. I've never had this happen before with exercise or OHP until the last time I did it.

Has this happened to anyone else? Anyone know what it is? I'll probably go to the doc if it persists over the next few workouts.

Th3R00ST3R · 4 months

I am starting SL today and was going to try the IF approach that goes with the leangains program.

EDIT Some info about me. I am 6'0"ft. and 196.8 lbs as of this morning. I am at about 24% bf. I want to gain muscle and drop the fat % to about 17% as a goal while getting the weight down to about 180. Is this douable with the program and macros below? On the IF, as long as I am within the macros, i don't have to count calories, correct?

Lift Days:

*Protien 220g protien

*Fat 50g

*Carbs 300-350

Non Lift Days

*Protien 220g protien?

*Fat 80g

*Carbs 100-150g

I will be eating about 35% of those pre-workout(about 1 hrs prior) and the majority 60% post-workout (within 2 hrs), then 15% for eve. dinner/snack

Since I am starting today, I have not pinpointed my max on the workouts yet.

Here are the workouts:

Also here's the workouts i will be doing.

Workout A

Squats: 3 x 5

Bench Press: 3 x 5

Deadlift: 1 x 5

Dips (weighted): 2 x 5-8

Workout B

Squats: 3 x 5

Press: 3 x 5

Power Clean: 3 x 5

Chin-ups: 3 x 8

Every Workout / Assistance Work / OPTIONAL

Weighted Sit-ups at a 45 degree angle on decline bench: 3 x 5 Weighted Hyper-extensions: 3 x 8

.

Is this a good idea? Are there any suggestion?

Thanks for your help!

CanIWreckIt · 4 months

I remember Clarence Bass dropping his workout to one day a week and maintaining a good physique.

Is there any science whatsoever on training volume? For example, per week, are 2 days of 1/2 hour workouts equivalent to 1 day of a 1 hour workout?

Is there a minimum or ideal amount of time one should spend working out in terms of days/week & hours/day to see good results?

troublesome · 4 months

[deleted]

sixfeetunder · 4 months

How long does it take to cycle off my pre-workout supps like Jack3d. I'm having 3 doses now with minimal effect. I don't give a fuck about working out without it but I did enjoy the boost the first few times, can I ever get that back?

4 months

[deleted]

audacian · 4 months

Is it true that your DL and squat 1RM should be pretty close in weight? My squat is around 175 right now but my deadlift is 245. Problem?

eric_twinge · 4 months

What weight is the best to start bench pressing on? (Having never done it before). It says start of very low and work my way up is what ive been told, but how low?

Gunnthra · 4 months

I've been cutting for the last 12 weeks and have lost a fair amount of weight while making substantial strength gains. As I understand it, most, if not all of my strength gains, must be attributed to CNS and motor engram development rather than muscular growth. I'm going to cut for another 4 weeks or so and then bulk modestly for an indeterminate period.

My question is: when I begin my bulking phase, won't my muscles now grow at a rate more approximately near their potential rate of growth because of the increase in strength I acquired during my cutting phase?

gwm21 · 4 months

Is fried haddock suitable for my weekly fish meal? Or is that too much fat.

vafada · 4 months

How do i consume 270 grams of protein a day (180 lbs x 1.5 g) to build muscles? 270g seems a lot, a single serving of protein shake is only 24g of protein.

and do i need to consume that much on a cut?

gwm21 · 4 months

Is there any reason to switch up my rep ranges/excercises if I've been doing the same routine for 5 months or so?

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