+ 4 Putting weights down too easily
We're all guilty of it, sometimes more than others. I've been training with an old mate of mine for the first time in about 4 years who has been really pushing me recently, exactly what I needed to prepare for the stage. We're totally different in stature and goals, (he's a strong man competitor, ex powerlifter), and I'd categorise myself as a bodybuilder. We used to train together in our early thirties and although we've always kept in contact, life / kids / work got in the way of us working out together until recently.
The biggest thing I've noticed recently is a change in my attitude. I'm focussed and aggressive when I train by nature, but I do what we all do, 12 reps of this, 6 of that etc. It got me thinking, who gives a shit how many reps, it's just a number isn't it? You did 10, then you put the bar down. I bet you could have done 12. You know what? You SHOULD have done 12.
We put weights down too easily.That's what sorts the men out from the boys in my experience, the men take it to that point of COMPLETE FAILURE on a regular basis, not just when it suits them. We talk about genetics a lot, sometimes it's an excuse. Giving it 90% isn't enough, it's those last few reps that create growth in size and strength. On OR off cycle, that part of out game doesn't change.
Next time you're about to put that dumbbell down, remember, I'm standing behind you screaming "TWO MORE".
Keep pushing.
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Good to hear this. I hit chest and tri's today and went to failure every set of every exercise.. then added weight and go again.
mainly just because i don't want to stop. I don't care if it hurts. I'm trying to make it hurt. I wanna hurt for days. And that's what does it for me. Man on a mission to train insane.
Between the lifting and the cardio I've smashed all the mental barriers and now all that's left is keep doing it. At least i know what I'm made of if i ever really need it.
People see me killing myself each set and respect it too. Fist bumps all around lol.
Only thing I don't like is my face hurting from so much straining, like damn I think I blew my face out lol.
Good post. I don't count, I just lift until I can't.
this exactly what i needed to hear ive been asking myself that question... feel guilty after a set like man i shlldve pushed those two i know i had two more thanx!!
Great reminder to push past the 90% effort and give it your all, after all thats what we are here for... But I also find if I am strugglin to get 6 reps then aiming for 10 is a good thing for me, I aim high and WILL get there , a friend of mine who I used to train with used to laugh at me for counting reps so different minds think differently I guess...
RustyhookerBump
This is a great reminder and something I've been thinking about lately. I train by myself now and that makes it difficult to push extra reps out when you don't have a spotter. I have found though that I can push myself further than I though I could, even without a spotter. I think it's really a state of mind (for the most part) and I am trying to push myself harder and to get an extra rep or two. Great stuff as always SDM. +1
Most of the time I train alone, I prefer it that way. People mess about too much for my liking, sending texts etc etc. gym is for working out, get it done and get out to recharge. Only exception I make to that rule is a small number of people that I know train with the same mentality.
Spotter or not, you know you can always push a bit harder. I know I can. These last 4 weeks I've trained harder than I have in years.
+1, I work out alone as well and it hasn't hurt my 1RM's because I normally ask someone near me to spot me just for that one rep.
Absolutely, I never mind spotting someone personally.
RustyhookerGreat point! I don't see many people now doing the spotting/hollering for added reps. I know i need to take your advice too. Reality check.
I was literally getting screamed at this morning by my mate, "pick the f-ing bar back up". One of the few guys I know who'd ever talk to me like that. Proper old school.
That's a good gut check!!!! I am guilty of not pushing myself to that last rep but no lite time to man up !!!! +1
Normally and especially lately if I can do 1,2 or even 5 more I do it. I usually do that on my last set each exercise. Everything is about breaking the mold and no 2 people are the same when it comes to strength, build, genetics, e.t.c. So when you do your "cookie cutter" routine mix it up a little. I guess that also depends on your goals as well. Since I need to be in a bigger place in less then 10 months I have been attempting to add at least 10 pounds per week to my sets and I don;t give a shit if I cant do a lot. As long as I do at least 1 or 2 I am a happy fucker. So I agree, could you have done 1 more or 2? I bet you can so put your vagina in your pocket and pump that fkn weight.
iv had the same revelation as you a couple of weeks ago while planning out my prep...i started doing all working sets as drop sets to ensure that i dont cheat myself. also with each drop i set a number that i know is just outside(2-3 reps) of where I would normally fail at to help break that mental block. i can say it has certainly helped...mentally i am getting stronger, every workout has the most intensity as possible, and i am sore after ever group that i train, something that didnt always happen before. I think Ali said it..."i only start counting when it hurts"
Sounds like you and I are running things in a very similar fashion. I'm all about super sets, drop sets and intensity. Keeps my BF dropping without having to do too much cardio, (which bores the crap out of me if I'm honest).
I'm changing things up literally every session too, keeps the body guessing and the gains rolling.