Uncharted territory in poundage. | Lifting 101 | Forum

I don't have anyone but my son to brag to and I've got to tell some more people.

I'm not sure what I'm doing right, but I've successfully completed some strict sets with more weight @ three movements than I've ever accomplished.  This happened on all three movements today.  This also happened after a planned, extra, third day off after a tough leg session on Sunday.

Hang Cleans:  130# X 5/5/5/6/5 – five pound increase

Chinups:        Body weight + 30# X 7/6/5  – Two more reps than ever before on first set

Dips:              Body weight + 70# X 7        -  Never tried this much weight before

I owe alot of credit for my progress, which has always been hard for me, to Darrin and others on this site who give out great advice and motivation.

I know the hang clean weight ain't alot of weight, but its a new exercise for me, and it is progress.

Post edited 1:29 pm – June 18, 2010 by gregsfc

Great job on the military press!  Must be nice to see the big plates go up towards the ceiling with nothing but muscle moving them!

I hope to one day put on the big plates on this lift, but it's not an obsession. 

I now work out in a gym but there are very few members there when I'm lifting, and the ones who do come in, seem insecure about their bodies (at least the younger guys are).  I usually try to focus on their progresses, their physical and aesthetic strengths, and how they should always focus on how they are improving; not comparing themselves to anyone else.   Since I'm not really well developed myself, I'm careful not to use a tone that may signify that I think I know best or like I'm preaching anything.  I just simply try to help them understand that I'm not there to prove anything to anybody or out do anyone.  I'm just there to improve my overall health, strength, and mental well being.

The guys and gals over 40 that come in, when they do, I brag to them about my accomplishments and brag on them about theirs; they brag back. We talk about our struggles (weaknesses and prior injuries and such).  With the more mature lifters, it doesn't seem to matter where we are, compared to where we want to be, body type or anything.  We all seem comfortable talking about what we're doing and what others are doing.

Most of the younger guys seem to exude either inferiority or superiority, based on where they think they are compared to everyone else.  There have been a few exceptions to this phenomenon.  For instance, there was a guy in there one day, who I guess was about 48.  He was very big and strong but probably had a little too much body fat than most people strive for (probably 18-20 percent); not too bad for his age and prowess.   Between sets he would stand up super erect and stare down at all us smaller guys with his head downward.  At one point, he even made fun of me moving plates off and back on a sitting calf machine that someone had sabotaged in an upside-down position.  I didn't take offense to this fellow's behavior.  I just thought it odd, and thought that if acting that way helps him; then maybe that's okay.  But I also thought, I wonder if people like him is what makes some of these young beginners feel so insecure.

Hang cleans ABSOLUTELY should work your traps.  Hips and traps are the two biggest areas.  The hip extension followed by a big shrug is what lifts the weight up.  There should honestly be very little arm involved.  And yes, that man, plus the culture of today's society are what make those "youngsters (as I am also one)" so timid.  Honestly confidence would probably help their progress out more than anything.  A "GREAT JOB" now and then would do wonders.

Darrin, This reminded me of a good article for WFN.  I think a good simple article on gym etiquette could do wonders.  If you don't want to do it, I will.  But, it seemed like a good idea to me???

I guess I'll do it, but it will be a little bit.  I am moving apartments all this week :(… I hate moving….  But, at least I have lots of help :)