Just throwing one up

smoundzou
 
When I say bodybuilding, I'm refering to anyone who trains strictly for an aesthetically pleasing body

How gay is that?

JMBS

smoundzou
 
When I say bodybuilding, I'm refering to anyone who trains strictly for an aesthetically pleasing body

How gay is that?

I'm not sure I understand your question......... Aren't you in preping for a naturural contest?  FYI.. If so, the judges aren't going to be judging how much you squat or deadlift.. Only how how well developed and balanced your muscle structure is..

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing

 

Smoundzou is 100% right.

When it comes to bodybuilding the size of your muscles win, it doesn't matter if you have never squatted in your life or if you can only squat 135. If you have the best symmetry, genetics, low bodyfat and hypertrophy of the qualifying contestants then you're a winner.

In bodybuilding no muscle is more important than another. A biceps curl is just as important as a deadlift.

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

Take 2 guys, both 6'0" tall, 200 lbs.

Guy 1 has 6% bodyfat
Guy 2 has 15% bodyfat

Both lift regularly and diet properly.  I'd bet that Guy 1 can squat more.

I'm not saying that it's a necessity to squat in order to get a good physique (although I'd go as far as to say that frequent squatting would make a good physique even better), but ask any athletic looking, ripped guy how much he squats, and he PROBABLY will tell you a high number. 

It's just a trend I noticed in a lot of the critique my physique photos.  A lot of the guys that look like they still need a lot of work in order to get that big/lean look most likely have a weak squat.  The guys that have the good physiques that most on here are working towards, can squat a lot of weight (aka they are very strong).

It's just something I noticed.

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

smoundzou

JMBS

smoundzou
 
When I say bodybuilding, I'm refering to anyone who trains strictly for an aesthetically pleasing body

How gay is that?

I'm not sure I understand your question......... Aren't you in preping for a naturural contest?  FYI.. If so, the judges aren't going to be judging how much you squat or deadlift.. Only how how well developed and balanced your muscle structure is..

My bad.  I thought a couple days ago it was determined lifting for looks alone was homo.  Thanks for straightening me out.

Maybe theyre not necessary and you can get big without them.  But for the natural trainee, squats are just going to get you there faster.

They make your core stronger.  When your core is stronger you move more weight in other exercises.  When you move more weight you overload.  When you overload you gain size.

Not to mention added hormone release.

To me squats are the natural lifters steroids.

working on explosive phase
vertical: 35
weight: 206

Big 3: 300/440/515

Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.

LoL.

Yeah a lot of people do think that way, oh well, f*** them.

Smoundzou isn't one of them though, he's unbiased when it comes to training and sees things from different perspectives.

Nothing wrong with being close minded though, some methods really are kick ass and work for virtually everyone. It's just a matter of preference.

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

Smound just threw a pitch that was too good not to swing at, if you know what I'm sayin'!  ;)

brihead301


Take 2 guys, both 6'0" tall, 200 lbs.

Guy 1 has 6% bodyfat
Guy 2 has 15% bodyfat

Both lift regularly and diet properly.  I'd bet that Guy 1 can squat more.

I'm not saying that it's a necessity to squat in order to get a good physique (although I'd go as far as to say that frequent squatting would make a good physique even better), but ask any athletic looking, ripped guy how much he squats, and he PROBABLY will tell you a high number. 

It's just a trend I noticed in a lot of the critique my physique photos.  A lot of the guys that look like they still need a lot of work in order to get that big/lean look most likely have a weak squat.  The guys that have the good physiques that most on here are working towards, can squat a lot of weight (aka they are very strong).

It's just something I noticed.

that really has nothing to do with the point I was trying to make...
 
I'm with you on the part about squatting certainly helps develop both strength and Mass, if the diet is in order.. I person can squat all day long and get strong as hell and even get significant strenth gains on most other lifts, but if their diet isn't in check they're not going to gain much size.. if any.
 
On the other side of the coin, If the diet is in check a guy can get huge by doing leg, presses, ext, smith work, along with ham and calf work and not necessarilly have anywhere near the strength of a true power lifter.
 
Where I strongly dissagree is, being able to visually determine by one's physic if they squat or not.  The only way to really know is to actually see said person hop under a bar...
 
We've all seen guys that look like they can lift a house but can't.. then we've seen the guys who look like they would struggle with 155lbs and can easily rep out 255lbs..
 

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing

 

smoundzou

brihead301


Take 2 guys, both 6'0" tall, 200 lbs.

Guy 1 has 6% bodyfat
Guy 2 has 15% bodyfat

Both lift regularly and diet properly.  I'd bet that Guy 1 can squat more.

I'm not saying that it's a necessity to squat in order to get a good physique (although I'd go as far as to say that frequent squatting would make a good physique even better), but ask any athletic looking, ripped guy how much he squats, and he PROBABLY will tell you a high number. 

It's just a trend I noticed in a lot of the critique my physique photos.  A lot of the guys that look like they still need a lot of work in order to get that big/lean look most likely have a weak squat.  The guys that have the good physiques that most on here are working towards, can squat a lot of weight (aka they are very strong).

It's just something I noticed.

that really has nothing to do with the point I was trying to make...
 
I'm with you on the part about squatting certainly helps develop both strength and Mass, if the diet is in order.. I person can squat all day long and get strong as hell and even get significant strenth gains on most other lifts, but if they're diet isn't in check they're not going to gain much size..
 
On the other side of the coin, If the diet is in check a guy can get huge by doing leg, presses, ext, smith work, along with ham and calf work and not necessarilly have anywhere near the strength of a true power lifter.
 
Where I strongly dissagree is, being able to visually determine by one's physic if they squat or not.  The only way to really know is to actually see said person hop under a bar...
 
We've all seen guys that look like they can lift a house but can't.. then we've seen the guys who look like they would struggle with 155lbs and can easily rep out 255lbs..
 

but this guy could easily get big if he wanted to.

working on explosive phase
vertical: 35
weight: 206

Big 3: 300/440/515

Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.

JMBS


Smound just threw a pitch that was too good not to swing at, if you know what I'm sayin'!  ;)

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

smoundzou


If the diet is in check a guy can get huge by doing leg, presses, ext, smith work, along with ham and calf work and not necessarilly have anywhere near the strength of a true power lifter.
 
Where I strongly dissagree is, being able to visually determine by one's physic if they squat or not.  The only way to really know is to actually see said person hop under a bar...
 
We've all seen guys that look like they can lift a house but can't.. then we've seen the guys who look like they would struggle with 155lbs and can easily rep out 255lbs..
 

^ This. Excellent point. I agree.

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

Call me Mighty Casey.

Seriously, I am having the best day of my life.  Truly pathetic that it would happen while staring at a computer screen.  I have never laughed so hard.  What a wonderful world!  :)

RollingStone


Maybe theyre not necessary and you can get big without them.  But for the natural trainee, squats are just going to get you there faster.

They make your core stronger.  When your core is stronger you move more weight in other exercises.  When you move more weight you overload.  When you overload you gain size.

Not to mention added hormone release.

To me squats are the natural lifters steroids.

I have not arugued against that.. I'm farily sure dozens of studies have proved that doing heavy squats release GH and help increase test production.. As far as getting stronger faster.. YES..
 
As far as adding mass.. not necessarily.. Adding mass in going to primarily depend on diet. I can gain mass repping out 225lbs on bench press 2 days a week.. if my diet is in order.. but I'm probably not going to gain much strengh out of it..

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing

 

IBB.. sorry for jacking your thread.. ur looking good!

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing

 

JMBS


Call me Mighty Casey.

Mighty Casey.

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

I'm sorry too IBB.

LoL, I am not tripping.  For my self I noticed more of a change incorp squats into my routine and sticking with them..  But I mean a guy who is 6% at 200 and a guy at 12% at 200.. the leaner guy is usually the stronger guy lb for lb.. I mean there is more muscle..  Not always though.  I lift kinda weird anyway.. I never fully extend always start from the bottom of the lift etc..  I don't shoot for strength and I have no clue what my one rep maxes are, I don't even want to know. 

As for what smound is saying... Body building is a life style, Your going to get there regardless...  Just takes dedication with the lifting and eating habits..  My friends and I are convinced squats are important in excelerating the process though.   To each their own though!   Honestly though.. I think i am going to look freaking awsome in 3 more years! lol!! I am such a rookie!! only trained for 3 years.. 2006 - 2009.. Really really excited to see what I look like in my late 20's hehehehe.  


Keep watching my boys :) Wait till this next winter hehehe.

IBendBarbells


LoL, I am not tripping.  For my self I noticed more of a change incorp squats into my routine and sticking with them..  But I mean a guy who is 6% at 200 and a guy at 12% at 200.. the leaner guy is usually the stronger guy lb for lb.. I mean there is more muscle..  Not always though.  I lift kinda weird anyway.. I never fully extend always start from the bottom of the lift etc..  I don't shoot for strength and I have no clue what my one rep maxes are, I don't even want to know. 

As for what smound is saying... Body building is a life style, Your going to get there regardless...  Just takes dedication with the lifting and eating habits..  My friends and I are convinced squats are important in excelerating the process though.   To each their own though!   Honestly though.. I think i am going to look freaking awsome in 3 more years! lol!! I am such a rookie!! only trained for 3 years.. 2006 - 2009.. Really really excited to see what I look like in my late 20's hehehehe.  


Keep watching my boys :) Wait till this next winter hehehe.

That was basically what I was trying to say....
 
I just look at a few different forums with "critique my physique" sections.  And I found a common trend like I said.  The big, ripped dudes usually have high squat numbers in thier stats.  The guys that are either flabby or really skinny, and have a long ways to go, usually either:
 
a.) are new
b.) don't squat much weight
c.) don't squat at all
 
It's just a common trend I noticed.

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

Don't mean to jack the thread, but we are on the squat subject.  I'm doing 5 reps on HST this morning, squatting 200 lb (my PR is 215 if I'm being generous).  That 200 was brutal for me.  Only 1 of the five reps was down to parallel.  Form didn't break down terribly though.  But I can tell I'm coming up hard and fast to a brick wall.  How do I break through that?  Keep at it with the low reps, or start repping out with lower weight to get a better pump and more form practice.  I LOVE squats but feel like the air bags are about to blow.  What's the ticket?  Thx!

Always full squat.  You will be much better off. 

As always, I am suggesting the book starting strength for an excellent in-depth explanation on how to properly squat (and do all the other barbell lifts too if you're interested).

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

Yeah the starting strength book is a good read. I liked his squat demonstration but every-time I try to explain to my friends to squat like that they claim I'm ignorant, I know nothing or else I'd be huge and ripped, etc. etc. and they insist on doing half squats with their feet parallel.

Which brings me to the question, are your knees at 30 degrees Mark? Are your hips and knees breaking simultaneously? Do you utilize force from your hips to drive the weight up? Hulu squats (I believe that's their name) can help with your form and squat depth. 

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

MVP,
   Sumo squats, maybe?  I know Sumo deads have legs and toes spread very wide.  Is that what you're referring to?  What does 30 degree knees mean?  Is that the V between the legs or the bend in the knee?  I would say feet are slightly wider than hip width, toes are probably each pointed 30 degrees out so 60 degrees between thighs when "in the hole" I guess you call it.  I think hips and knees are breaking simultaneously.  I get the feeling the real struggle is more with lifting trunk to vertical than with the hip drive to straighten the legs.  The top of the concentric seems to be the sticking point.  It doesn't seem like I'm getting stuck in the hole.  I just have to battle at the top to get vertical.  At least that's how it feels.  I'll try to pay more attention to it next time.  I know a vid would be helpful, but I don't know how I'd make that happen.  I'm really not brave enough to ask someone to do that.  But maybe I could ask one of the staff to video it for me.  I'll think that over.  Thx, MVP!  :)

JMBS


Don't mean to jack the thread, but we are on the squat subject.  I'm doing 5 reps on HST this morning, squatting 200 lb (my PR is 215 if I'm being generous).  That 200 was brutal for me.  Only 1 of the five reps was down to parallel.  Form didn't break down terribly though.  But I can tell I'm coming up hard and fast to a brick wall.  How do I break through that?  Keep at it with the low reps, or start repping out with lower weight to get a better pump and more form practice.  I LOVE squats but feel like the air bags are about to blow.  What's the ticket?  Thx!

Keep in mind that the primary goal of HST or any type of hypertrophy routine is to add size, not strength.  That's not to say that you won't have significant strenth gains while doing an HST type routine, if you're following it correctly. If you just started your 5's cycle and you're having a difficult time, its important that the all reps are performed with a full ROM.. so, you'll want to drop the weight down so that your 5th rep is a struggle but not to failure..
 
half the battle of doing, and making a hypertrophy routine sucessfull is doing your homework and caluclating out your 15/10 and 5RM.. before starting the program.   regarding hyprtrophy.. it's far better to drop the weight down and complete the lift instead of struggling with weight that's too heavy and not finishing..

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing

 

30 degrees meaning your toes are out and your knees will follow accordingly.

I agree with smoundzou in regards to hypertrophy being the goal (not strength) meaning it's more important to control the weight, squeeze the muscle, etc. but one of the best ways to add hypertrophy is by adding strength with it. As long as you're in the calorie surplus, increasing calories as you go and adding overload (whether it's through resistance, volume tempo, etc..) you should witness pretty significant increments in hypertrophy and strength both.

In bodybuilding and I think it should be a staple to anyone is making the most important factor in the world your diet. Without a diet, there's absolutely no chance of winning a competition. Make sure that diet is right and the calories are suitable for your climate, metabolism and activity level to name a few and you should do pretty well.

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

MVP


 

In bodybuilding and I think it should be a staple to anyone is making the most important factor in the world your diet. Without a diet, there's absolutely no chance of winning a competition. Make sure that diet is right and the calories are suitable for your climate, metabolism and activity level to name a few and you should do pretty well.

If you're serious about being a natural BBer.. and I mean serious as in Old Navy.. It's a long hard road full of sacrifice and unpleasant times.. If you haven't already.. take a look at some of his prep threads just to get an idea of how much hard work and dedication it takes to be successful..  IMO.. Old Navy doesn't get half the praise he should.. he's a truely incredible athlete..

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing

 

Oh yeah, I definitely agree with you there. OldNavy, Dan and Linda are all incredibly under-looked on this forum. Not to mention they are incredibly nice people.

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant 

MVP


Oh yeah, I definitely agree with you there. OldNavy, Dan and Linda are all incredibly under-looked on this forum. Not to mention they are incredibly nice people.

 
I don't think anyone can argue with you there...
Dan is a walking talking encyclopedia of medicine and weight training..
Linda has what most would consider a perfect body and can probably outlift most of the men on this forum and Old Navy is in a class of his own.. Looks incredible and is in better shape than 99% of the worlds population..  and I would bet that he could train circles around most everyone on this site..

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing

 

Each of the people named have been training for a long time also though.  Anyone consistent in here is going to be on their level regardless. 

I wonder what ever happened to Linda! she was cool as hell! I think Oldnavy comes around still. 


I only do ball squats and bench squats cause I tore ligaments in my knee going down too low.  But they have made my legs look pretty incredible though.  Shooting for hypertrophy so anyway that works best for you stick to it.   BTW if I can't rep something 8 times I don't do it and if I do it 6 times or less I consider it a fail for me.

They mainly post on their "ask an expert" category. I find Dan and OldNavy both updates pretty frequently on there and what they post is pretty much always an enjoyable read.

Mark I agree, if you're serious about competition go over to OldNavys category and ask him a few tips and pointers. You'll be amazed at the response.

ACE-CPT, NASM-CPT, AFPA-Nutrition Consultant