Summer Growth Challenge - Page 2

brent · #41 June 26th, 2004, 03:26 PM

Otto,
Your arms are bigger around than mine! I don't know why you were so hesitant to post a picture. Damn, I'll have to fix this situation here *packing gym bag*...

Notbigenuff · #42 June 26th, 2004, 10:19 PM

Otto,
You are pretty darn impressive (okay, we already knew this, but it's great to have it reaffirmed). Can't wait to see those after pictures!

brent · #43 June 27th, 2004, 12:31 AM

NotBigEnuf,
You did it! That's a great pic of you, thanks for making it you avatar.

ottomun6 · #44 June 27th, 2004, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brent

Otto,
Your arms are bigger around than mine! I don't know why you were so hesitant to post a picture. Damn, I'll have to fix this situation here *packing gym bag*...

Hmmm, I guess that means I'll have to get them even BIGGER!! Has anybody seen my protein drink and gym bag?

Thanks Notbigenuff, I only hope I can stay on a regular workout/eating/resting routine for the next few months. I've already noticed that you and Brent are some pretty big guys already.
Also, that avatar of yours is great! I'm going to be in for a real challenge

BigSteve6ft3 · #45 June 27th, 2004, 10:29 AM

OK, I guess I'm in, too. I've got a busy few months ahead of me, but maybe this will help me be consistent with my workouts. I've already gotten a lot more motivated and inspired since I joined this site.

Stats as of 6/27/04:

6'3", 245 lbs.
18" arms
49" chest
37" waist
27" thighs
17" calves

Goals: Gain muscle, lose fat. Basically, to work out harder and more consistently. I'll be happy with whatever gains I get from this.

And here's a picture, taken Friday.

Notbigenuff · #46 June 27th, 2004, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottomun6

Thanks Notbigenuff...Also, that avatar of yours is great! I'm going to be in for a real challenge

Thanks for the comment on the avatar. I will admit though that even though the picture is not morphed the camera angle does seem to be very flattering...

(and thanks to Brent for suggesting I put one up)

ethernet_jock · #47 June 29th, 2004, 06:56 AM

Ok guys - here it is.... Now I know where I stand (at the end of the line) compared to you guys.... wow.... I've got a long-ass way to go....

6'4"
260lbs

when measuring my various body parts I was surprised to learn that I am fairly symmetrical... I guess that means that I must be training right. Anyhow... I won't post lefts and rights because they are all within 1/4" of eachother...

Biceps - cold (not pumped) and flexed - 16" even

Triceps - 14.75"

Forearms - 13.25"

Neck - 19.25"

Chest - flexed, but not pumped - 46.75"

Gut (stomache, fattest part).... erm.... I'm not even gunna post it... ... Let's just say it's within 1" of my chest size. Obviously losing some fat needs to be a major goal for me.

Waist - 41.75" (yeah I know....)

Quads - 26.75" (to which I attribute my Marin mountain bike)

Calf - 16.75"

NOTE that all these measurements were taken completely "cold" last night after I've had about a 1.5 weeks off for this really crappy cold/flu and for an emergency trip to Dallas this last weekend. I'm almost over it tho and I'm hoping to start again before the end of this week or early next week.

I'm going to give it 6 months.... I can't wait to see some improvement!

:P

brent · #48 June 29th, 2004, 08:37 AM

EJ, I'm sorry to hear that you were sick, it sounds like you've had a crapy time lately. I'm sure it's time for your luck to turn around. As for being sick, don't just rush back in, and relapse. Remember that we are in this for the long haul, and that means staying healthy, and injury free.

Good Luck, I hope you feel better soon.
Brent.

The Magus · #49 June 29th, 2004, 10:43 AM

I must be missing something, but why do you have a seperate measurement for your biceps and your triceps, EJ? I've only ever seen people post their measurements for their arms as a whole...or was that just you measuring your arms a second time, but this time flexing your tris?

And...wow...I'm glad so many people have decided to join in...I think this'll be fun, and maybe even a little inspiring for those who are watching from the sidelines? It looks like all of us have some good bases to work from, too.

I already think we have the message board with the hottest members, but in a few months' time we'll have the biggest members, too!

ethernet_jock · #50 June 30th, 2004, 07:38 AM

Quote:

or was that just you measuring your arms a second time, but this time flexing your tris?

Yeah. Triceps was previously a very weak and under-developed part for me so it's something that I've been hitting hard (along with chest) and wanting to track.

SO yeah - just measured a second time only trying to get a flex out of those tri's. Something about awesome triceps that look like steel cables on a suspension bridge that just stand out from a guy's arm.... that's almost better than biceps to me.

:P

brent · #51 June 30th, 2004, 08:14 AM

EJ, I know what you are saying about triceps. The biceps might be the stars of the arm, but the triceps do the grunt work. There are twice as many fibers in the triceps, as there are in the biceps. That means that you can work then twice as hard, and grow them almost twice as quickly as you do the biceps. They are am amazing muscle group.

ethernet_jock · #52 June 30th, 2004, 08:41 AM

so THAT'S why I've managed to literally go from 150 to about 210 on the sitting dip machine for 8 or 9 reps in only 7 months while only having added about 30 lbs to my preacher curl in the same amount of time. Shit, I can almost dip my own weight now and I'm a long-ass way from curling my own weight.

makes sense.... triceps are cool

The Magus · #53 June 30th, 2004, 10:24 AM

Well, the tris do make up more of the overall size of the arm, so you've got a point. As someone who has had "scrawny" arms, I can see why you'd make them a priority.

brent · #54 June 30th, 2004, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ethernet_jock

makes sense.... triceps are cool

Bi's can be cool too, since they can form a nice peak. To really get them to show themselves, be sure you do your reverse curls, and your hammer curls. That will ensure that your arms will swell up nicely this summer.

ethernet_jock · #55 June 30th, 2004, 08:42 PM

and uhhh... what... exactly are... reverse curls and hammer curls?

If those are a good thing, I'd most definitely like to do them. :P

glammaman2000 · #56 June 30th, 2004, 09:59 PM

reverse curls are barbell curls with your palms facing down(i'd recommend an E-Z curl bar)hammer curls are dumbell curls with your thumbs up(shaft of DB is vertical)they can be done across your body as opposed to straight up&down.hope this helps.

Jace · #57 July 1st, 2004, 04:35 AM

I have a lot of catching up to do! =(

(snap) Bring me a sugar-free protien drink!!!

Get me those 15's while your at it...I need to pump iron and I'm to tired to get up!

jace

brent · #58 July 1st, 2004, 08:11 AM

Gamma,
Thank you for explaining those. I'm terrible at explaining exercises, I'm better at recommending them.

Jace,
You say that you have a lot of catching up to do. Why not post your stats, and start the catching-up process?

Notbigenuff · #59 July 1st, 2004, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brent

Bi's can be cool too....

Gosh, in my book, biceps are the coolest muscle. But I certainly agree with everyone else, for real size and power in the arms you need to develop those triceps. I found that heavy benching really brings the tris up--does wonders for the chest, too!

brent · #60 July 1st, 2004, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notbigenuff

Gosh, in my book, biceps are the coolest muscle. But I certainly agree with everyone else, for real size and power in the arms you need to develop those triceps. I found that heavy benching really brings the tris up--does wonders for the chest, too!

The bench press is my favorite. I do them at 305 lbs. I think that's heavy for now...

traveller · #61 July 2nd, 2004, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brent

The bench press is my favorite. I do them at 305 lbs. I think that's heavy for now...

Brent,

Of course, any mention of exercise poundages catches my eye. Is your 305 lb. bench press on a flat bench with a barbell, or on a machine? Also, how many reps at 305?

An arousing topic...

Traveller

brent · #62 July 2nd, 2004, 01:29 AM

Free weight flat bench, with standard barbell. About 3 sets of 8-12 reps. As standard/boring as vanilla ice-cream.

traveller · #63 July 2nd, 2004, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brent

Free weight flat bench, with standard barbell. About 3 sets of 8-12 reps. As standard/boring as vanilla ice-cream.

It's a nice weight to hit. I only hit 2-4x315 once in a while; my forearms have been hurting lately, so I don't go heavier than 275/295 on the flat bench--typically 1 set of 8 reps--slow down, touch chest (pause, no bounce) and slow up. If I go any higher, on a good day, I first look for someone nearby in the gym whom I feel I can trust to spot me. I have this fear of screwing up benching at above 300 lbs, so I won't lift heavier if I cannot find a decent spotter. I gave up wearing gloves and any type of wrist wrapping. As a result, I feel the barbell dig into my palms when I don't have a comfortable grip, and my forearms ache if my form isn't spot-on perfect.

As an alternative to the flat bench press, I sometimes use the Hammar Strength bench because I don't need a spotter. My max is 4x45's (180 lbs) on each side for 4-8 reps for 2 sets.

When are you going to hit 350?

Traveller

Notbigenuff · #64 July 2nd, 2004, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brent

The bench press is my favorite. I do them at 305 lbs. I think that's heavy for now...

Hey Brent, congratulations on getting into the 300# plus club. I used to be able to bench that heavy a couple of years ago (actually got up to 345 1 time max at one point...those were the good old days *sigh*) but backed off and now am working my way back up.

Keep going there's really nothing quite like seeing three 45 lb plates on each side of the bar and knowing that you can lift it--you'll get a second look or two at the gym when you go for it as well.

And the best part is, as I think I said earlier, the heavy benching really packs on size to the tris and pecs!

brent · #65 July 2nd, 2004, 07:29 AM

I had to find an excuse to share to weight, since I just broke the 300# barrier this week! I will do 3 plates soon (a long-time goal of mine). Then I will back off increasing the weight for a while, and just work on my form for a couple weeks. Then I'll add even more weight...

glammaman2000 · #66 July 2nd, 2004, 02:10 PM

motivational factors for increasing poundages.boredom&fear.sometimes thinking"if i have to lift this same weight 1 more time i'll scream!"helps.&when you have 315lbs.on your chest YOU WANT TO GET IT OFF!i got up to 2 reps at 315,just because i thought i should.now i never have to do it again!

brent · #67 July 3rd, 2004, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glammaman2000

...sometimes thinking"if i have to lift this same weight 1 more time i'll scream!"
...

I was feeling that way for a while too. Increasing my bench has been very motivational. I hope to get to 315 soon!

ethernet_jock · #68 July 6th, 2004, 08:46 AM

Jesus H.... I'd be happy to be able to flat bench over 200.

I already knew that bench was my WORST exercise but seriously.... I hate you guys (well not really... just intensely jealous).

Thanks again for the advice!

Mdlftr · #69 July 6th, 2004, 09:01 AM

Yikes! I'm with ethernet jock-- I'd be happy to flat bench over 200# and not have my shoulder hurt!

315# Yowza!! Love the casual way you mention that Brent...Pretty neat!

Keep up the good work! I'm still plugging away, slow and steady....

Mdlftr

brent · #70 July 6th, 2004, 10:33 AM

OK, my goal for a very long time (at least 15 years now) has been to lift 3 plates? on each side. On the night of the 4th of July, I did it! It was tough, and I only got 6 reps before I needed assistance, but I finally did it.

I didn't know that I was being that casual about it, and remember that I am talking US pounds here (143Kg). I am very happy, and now I will not go any higher for another month; I need to work on my form. I am just totally stoked to have reached this long time goal.

Take care all,
Brent.

? Here in the US, a plate is 45 pounds, and a standard bar is 45 pounds as well, so 315 lbs is 3 * 45 lbs on each side, plus the 45 lbs bar. (45 lbs == 20.5kg)

glammaman2000 · #71 July 6th, 2004, 03:36 PM

here in NY,we were so thrilled,we set off fireworks!!!sincerely,congratulations!we're all proud of you&YOU should be,too!

traveller · #72 July 6th, 2004, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brent

OK, my goal for a very long time (at least 15 years now) has been to lift 3 plates? on each side. On the night of the 4th of July, I did it!

Congrats! I can't wait until you hit 405--4 plates on each side w/bar (~45 lbs).

Do you notice any increase in muscle mass accompanying the increase in your lift poundages?

Traveller

brent · #73 July 6th, 2004, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glammaman2000

here in NY,we were so thrilled,we set off fireworks!!!sincerely,congratulations!we're all proud of you&YOU should be,too!

I heard. I had to drive across the Columbia River to see my local celebration in Van Couver, Washington. Considering ours was the largest celebration west of the Mississippi, your celebration could have been larger, although I live on the left coast! How ironic is that?

I do appreciate NYC's optimism about my bench, as they shot them off about 1/2 an hour before I did it. Now that's optimism!

Thank you for your post, it made me laugh a lot!

brent · #74 July 6th, 2004, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traveller

Congrats! I can't wait until you hit 405--4 plates on each side w/bar (~45 lbs).

Do you notice any increase in muscle mass accompanying the increase in your lift poundages?

Traveller

You posted while I was writing my last post!

I don't notice daily differences in my mass day-to-day, but I can tell my shirts are getting tighter, and my pants are getting looser, my weight just stays around 221/225 range, so I'm sure I'm getting bigger. However, I an going to stay here for a month, and go slower to see if that will make me grow faster.

As for 405, I can't wait, but I will. I am exhausted from getting to 315, in a month I will increase my poundages again, hopefully I can hit 405 around Spet. 4? That's a goal.

ethernet_jock · #75 July 7th, 2004, 09:55 AM

you can put 100lbs onto your bench in only 3 months?!?!??!?!?!

Shit, it's taken me since Nov. to put 70 lbs onto my bench and I thought I was doing "ok". What the hell am I doing wrong?

brent · #76 July 7th, 2004, 06:50 PM

OK, I'm being optimistic, but we all need goals don't we?

traveller · #77 July 7th, 2004, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brent

OK, I'm being optimistic, but we all need goals don't we?

Brent,

If you hit 405 by Sept., then I'd be in awe. Benching 405 lbs. naturally is damn strong.

Traveller

brent · #78 July 8th, 2004, 01:14 AM

I think some people do well going for obtainable goals, and others like me tend to do well reaching for unrealistic goals. I may never reach 400 #s, but if I set a goal to do it by Sept 4, I will put all my effort into getting as close as I can by then. Maybe I will only get to 365, but maybe without that goal I would only reach 345. My point is that I know this goal isn't realistic, but I will still shoot for it.

massingUP · #79 July 9th, 2004, 11:19 AM

Hey all,

I know I've been kinda absent of late, and I figured I'd drop a note here to say hello and good luck to everyone on their summer growth challenges!

As for my relative absence from the board, the last 6 months or so haven't been that great for me, and that was reflected in my lifting. I lost my drive in the gym and fell back into a maintenance routine, and even lost a bit of muscle mass.

But I decided a while ago to try to get my head back into the game, and I started by leaning out a bit for summer. And now I'm just 3 weeks into a seriously periodized routine that I had recommended to me by a trainer buddy out west, and I'm enjoying it so far. Regaining some strength and it felt good to pump out some squats in the 275# range this morning when I was testing my current one-rep-maxes.

Anyways, all this is to say that while I'm not going to be takign part in the Summer Growth Challenge, I'm doing a little summer challenge of my own -- re-committing to some serious bodybuilding practices and goals! And that's certainly a good thing...

-- James / massingUP / getnbiggr

brent · #80 July 10th, 2004, 12:34 PM

MassingUp, I'm sorry the last few months have been so bad for you, I hope it's all over now. Maybe we can have a Fall Growth Challenge starting around Sep. 21? Good to see you back.
Brent.