Advice on bodybuilding

[slinky]

It would be so much more productive and proper to teach a new trainee how to properly do squats and various types of deadlifts, benches, presses, pulldowns, rows, curls, dips, close grip benches, basic calf work and proper abb work than to spent time on a myriad of isolation work.
Squats and deadlifts REALLTY need to be emphasized as upper body developement will be seriously hindered if these movements are not done correctly and hard.

In fact as far as upper legs are concerned one NEVER needs to do anything besides squats and stiff leg deadlifts.

AMEN!

I firmly believe that a woman's best interest (in weight training) would be to concentrate on compound and multi-joint exercises (Oly-lifts).

I had been performing the "typical bodybuilding" like training for some loooong years. Sure, I had seen some strength and LBM gains; but nothing, nothing like what I have had via the primary compound and O-lifts. My strength gains have been steady and the accompanying LBM has been a very welcome addition. And now, throw in strongman-style training? That just sealed the deal.

Bee: I believe it possible. I have. But I had already been training for some years. A training partner isn't only good for a spot, but good for encouragement. And when you have a very knowledgable partner, they're also good when form is a question.

I do perform O-lifts while alone; but I had my BF, who's very well versed in Oly-technique, watch over my form and help me with the technique in the beginning. But you know, I hate to deadlift alone. Why? I find that my BF's encouragement and critical eye is very helpful. And vice versa.

So, it boils down to how comfortable you are with your form and abilities. If not very, then do look for a training partner. Or at least, look around for some good spotters. Someone who you regularly ask to spot may also be looking for a training partner. Just a thought.

Gosh, good luck to you in your preparations for your first BB show in September!

 

[BeeUnique]

Oh, I am not entering in a show in September.....I WISH! I am going to watch.

I need to do some research on Oly lifts.

I am trying to get my husband to lift with me, just hard to get him to commit on a regular basis.

 

[JJFigure]

I lift by myself. My PLer helps me with my form on a couple lifts at his training center, then I go off on my own and train by myself at my own gym. I have a hard time finding spotters who will KEEP THEIR HANDS OFF THE BAR - even when I give them explicit instructions, so I gave it up. The only lift I really worry about is bench press, and since that's one of the lifts I really want to improve this summer, I'll have to either find an acceptable spotter in my own gym, or start training with my PLer on max effort bench days.

I prefer to train alone though - no one getting in my way and I can keep my own pace, which is pretty rapid. Even when I train with my PLer, we both go off and do our own workouts and are just available to spot or form check each other.

 

[BeeUnique]

I would much rather train on my own. I don't have to worry about keeping up with someones schedule, vice versa. By looking at your avatar JJ, you give me hope I can train alone!

 

[valerie]

What a good thread you got going here. Hey Bee I also lift alone and really prefer it. Although if I had some of the good folks on this board around... But alas in my area no way!!!!!

Even so I have made enough good gains to be competitive in my division in bb. As long as you have the basics down and have developed the mind muscle connection you should be just fine. Don't forget the great vids that spatts put together on the training board. Good luck and remember that the only limits we have are those we put on ourselves-valerie

 

[Sassy69]

I've been lifting alone most of my life too - only time I've had someone working with me cnsistently was during prep for my 2nd comp. This trainer was a f*(#&*#&@. This goofball overtrained me and I have a nice issue with tendonitis now. At least when you are on your own, you are forced to pay attention to what you are doing, but you are also more likely to LISTEN to your body. But you also have to keep yourself motivated. That's never really been an issue for me -- its such an awesome high to get in the gym & see what I can do each day!

Sounds like you are off and running!

 

[BeeUnique]

Well you all certanily have me pumped to train myself. I think I can get the hubby to assist on those tougher lifting days too.
I kinda feel free being on my own!
I mentioned to one trainer about HIIT and he was like "what is that??" I said, you should know this, your a trainer. I think trainers and doctors should constantly be doing research because info is always changing and there is alot of it out there....

Now, about changing up. Should I do different excercises on each body part each week or can I do the same excercises and completely change routine every 6-8 weeks? I am not real good reinventing new excercises.......