My Fitness Journal

[Lift2Live]

Interesting but, I just don't agree. There is a reason that BB's lift in higher rep ranges than powerlifters. The differences in rep range are what cause the strength or size gains. They aren't proportionate to each other or sure, i'd just do single and doubles all day.

[gcs118]

I agree with Bob on this one. Lifting for strength is lower reps, and I think yields denser muscle. Higher reps like bodybuilders create hypertrophy, or that burning sensation, which add size, but not necessarily strength or dense muscle.

[Firehawk]

Well then you are both flat out wrong. Powerlifters don't just train singles and doubles all day long.

According to the logic you both are presenting here, powerlifters would still be twigs but with solid muscles. Do i really need to post pictures?

[gcs118]

LOL. They gain muscle mass, but they don't specifically train for it like bodybuilders. It's simply a side effect, not the main goal.

[Firehawk]

It most definitely is a Goal because the more muscle you have when you train low reps, the stronger you can be. They all know that the heavier the weight they can lift, the more muscle they are going to build. It's common sense. There's only so much density in a muscle that can be achieved before the muscle has to actually grow and get bigger.

You don't put muscle on without getting stronger. Why would you lift a bunch of light weights and expect big muscle gains? That makes zero sense to me.

Strength is the key to Muscle Growth.

[gcs118]

I understand what you're saying, but I'm questioning the training methods then. This is what I'm thinking: powerlifters want strength, priority number one. They lift heavy, lower reps for the most part. Bodybuilders want to look good - they care only about building muscle, not strength, priority number one. They lift lighter and more reps.

Do you see where I'm coming from? The two training methods are pretty different. Yes, I know they both end up the same in the long run, stronger with more muscle, but one has to be better than the other for certain goals. No, I don't have experience or even scientific knowledge to back what I'm saying up, but it's just what I've observed and come to know so far.

PS - You got PM Dave.

[Firehawk]

Bro i can't believe you don't see it. You are saying it over and over but you aren't really seeing it.

"They care only about building muscle, not strength". Bro, how do you grow muscle without getting stronger? You don't.

So why not train for strength if strength makes you grow? If you still think I'm wrong, then you don't believe that muscle growth is the result of your muscles getting stronger. And if that's the case, then i ask you, why do muscles grow?

[gcs118]

I know muscles grow as you get stronger. I know training for strength makes you grow (I have seen this in myself). My point was that PL's and BB's have different goals and training styles. I mentioned earlier though, I realize that their end results are really very similar - added strength and added muscle. I think I may have started to defend a different position here about goals and whatnot, rather than muscle growth and strength.

[.V.]

One thing being missed here - look at the really big body builders. The "light" weights they lift for more reps are pretty damn heavy. Nobody is going to get big by lifting 5 pound curls. Yes powerlifters are stronger. And they are big too, just not shaped the same or quite as hypertrophied - but, show me a powerlifter who couldnt change his set/rep scheme and be a bodybuilder - there isn't one. Same for bodybuilders - hell we all want to be bigger and stronger. Some just prefer size over strength, others strength over size. So what - just pick up the weight, but it down, when you can't do any more - go take a nap.

[Firehawk]

A powerlifter wouldnt' have to change his rep scheme to do a Bodybuilding competition since he's already as big or BIGGER. All he'd have to do is cut down and look purdy.

Doesn't work in reverse though. You won't see a Bodybiulder winning powerlifting meets.

I challenge you to go to irongame.com and look at those guys in any of those videos and then tell me they aren't as big as bodybuilders. No, the truth is they are BIGGER lol.

Maybe Luke could chime in on the strongman, but I don't think they do tons of volume either lol and look how big AND STRONG they are? Looking through Luke's journal doesn't look like he's pounding and pounding his muscles into submission does it?

[gcs118]

No more arguing in my journal lol

[/debate]

[Firehawk]

Whos' arguing?

[gcs118]

Originally Posted by Firehawk

Whos' arguing?

Fine lol end of discussion because this is about me and my lifts

[/discussion] !

[gcs118]

LEGS, Saturday, February 19, 2005
Squats 6 x 45 lbs, 6 x 135 lbs, 6 x 225 lbs, 4 x 280 lbs, 4 x 290 lbs, 2 x 300 lbs, 2 x 310 lbs
Seated Calf Raises 6 x 45 lbs, 6 x 90 lbs, 6 x 115 lbs, 6 x 135 lbs
SLDLs 6 x 135 lbs, 6 x 210 lbs, 6 x 220 lbs, 6 x 230 lbs
Dips BW x 4, BW+25 x 4, BW+25 x 4
Hanging Leg Raises BW x 8, BW+40 x 8, BW+40 x 8
Side Bends 6 x 100 lbs

Notes: Squats went pretty easy, until 310. I almost didn't make rep 2 at 310. Otherwise went up well. SLDLs still feel light. Should not have done dips, arms were shaking, dunno why. Wanted to go heavy, but not today. Threw in some abs to finish it off. I hate being in the gym so long.

[Life]

Originally Posted by gcs118

LEGS, Saturday, February 19, 2005
Squats [i]I hate being in the gym so long.

Me too.

Good stuff on those SLDLs...