***** All things Fitness *****

[penguinz]

2022 getting and staying fit thread!

[penguinz]

[wazu]

Good work, penguinz. You should use this guys head for the photoshop.

[Rain Man]

Okay, I'm not going to post a picture of myself now.

[penguinz]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Okay, I'm not going to post a picture of myself now.

Pussy!

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by penguinz

Pussy!

You would acknowledge my legs with an approving nod, though. My legs make women swoon, or at least that's what my wife says. Running mountain races for years had a lasting impact on them.

[scho63]

Originally Posted by penguinz

Is that your date from Grindr?

[loochy]

Originally Posted by penguinz

There's my strong muscle bear 😘

[Clyde Frog]

Spoiler!

Originally Posted by Bearcat

I've thought about form checks lately (which I never do, really) on a few things including squats , so will definitely do that sooner than later. I've been doing RDL lately and know something isn't quite right... I lose tension in my hamstrings, probably from rounding my back and maybe also not bending my knees. Squats feel good, but checking technique is just something I should do more often, really.



Yeah, you got me there, it's not something that's even crossed my mind. I didn't invest in weightlifting shoes when I was a beginner squatter not terribly long ago and haven't given it a second thought since. On top of that, I've been using a couple plates under my heels due to long legs and probably lack of mobility (probably makes it even dumber that I haven't looked into lifting shoes).

I was just testing that out and seems like I could probably do away with the plates, too, definitely don't feel like I'm on my toes like I was a while back.

Already researched some shoes before going to the gym earlier and will probably pull the trigger on a pair tonight... I saw some options ranging from like 10mm left to 20+, and a lot of feedback from others saying they've trained people who immediately saw big benefits/PRs from lifting shoes... might be the first time in a while that I'm excited for leg day.



I don't think I'm reaching that point, but have been toying with volume lately... at the very least, I tend to run out of time over three workouts, but my body has told me a time or two that it's happier not adding more arms (they're happier with two days off in between if I hit them hard) or possibly not adding another day where I do heavier squats. So, I've been doing some lighter stuff on a 4th day, but haven't been running myself ragged.




Didn't think about that part. It's something I concentrate on when I'm going heavier, but could definitely be slacking on that part when I'm doing full ROM. I've also been stretching quite a bit more lately... the glute/hip on the shitty side is definitely tight, so with a standing desk, it's easy to get stretches in here and there during work... and I've read up on a few stretches that target muscles I'd never think about.



I might try bringing Bulgarian split squats back... my knees didn't like them when I first started consistently lifting (and it's the only thing that's ever felt uncomfortable for my knees), but that was ~4-5 years ago.

Those are generally the types of movements that get put aside as time is running out at the gym, so will definitely make it a point to add something along with the RDLs.


Great stuff, really appreciate it! If all it takes is new shoes to fix my squat and aging hip, I'll owe you a few beers!

Sounds like you’re already dialed in and just need a few tweaks to unlock some big progress.

Form checks are a game changer. Good on you for leaning into that. If RDLs feel off, it’s probably your hinge or your knees staying too stiff. Try softening the knees a bit and really pushing your hips back. Lock that in and the hamstring tension will follow naturally.

Stoked to hear you're jumping on lifting shoes. You’ll feel way more stable and upright, especially with longer legs. First session in them is gonna hit different.

Sounds like you’re already being smart with volume too. Backing off when your body asks for it is what keeps you lifting long-term. That fourth day for lighter or technique work is a good compromise. Keeps things moving without burning out.

The low back and hip soreness after training is classic fatigue posture. Probably just a bracing drop-off when things get heavy or deep. Good move stretching more during the day. Tight hips steal power, and it adds up fast.

Glad the post helped. Can’t wait to hear how those shoes feel. And..I'm Always down for beers (on the weekends).