I had the same problem when i first hit the barbell section, it is much better when you have a spotter to help you balance it.

Later stage, i hit the smith machine where i start to get the feeling of using the barbell. This means that i know which muscle to use to incline, bench etc. I started off with lighter weight to grab the feel. Once i`m confortable with that feel, i add the weights.

what darklight say is very true, u can always hit other machines. I am using dumbell now, i think it is harder than the barbell. alternatively, i will use the machine sometimes. Now, i prefer cable machines, it gives a good feel on the entire chest.

@Darklight,
Sorry to hijack your thread . By the way, I always do isolation exercise at the very end. Is it correct/okay? I usually start with compound exercise first which are the incline (want to pump upper), bench, decline, then cable at the end for isolation (incline, middle).

Btw, this may sound stupid. I am NOT (edited 1:35pm 1/7/08, typo )into bulking to super huge, I prefer ripped with a bit of mass. I am just wondering am i eating enough and training enough. Would really appreciate your feedback

I saw that you've been to fitness first curve, are u still going there? Besides, you mentioned those machines are in KG? I didn't know it, i just do saja haha. No wonder the 80 (total plates) is heavy enuf to lift me up when i dont pull it .
Thanks

This post has been edited by Sp00kY: Jul 1 2008, 01:36 PM

Ooops sorry, I am not into super huge. Typo error sir hahaha..perhaps i was too tired last night. I posted that when i was working. I dont wan super huge and i prefer ripped and of course with a bit of mass

agree and i understand what you are trying to say, maybe i shud observe my training + diet and change accordingly, currently i am hoping to add in a bit more size than my current only. ty

I am still uncertain on the diet thingy. well, perhaps i have a phobia of putting on too much weight, i was once 90kg+ haha.

Eat every 3 to 3.5 hours with high protein meals right? well, as mentioned my concern is still the carbs. Should the calories come from carbs/protein. hmmm.....ok, when u mean bulk clean means taking more carbs but preferably lo GI carbs? Yeah, malaysia has a lot of nice food and it's the unhealthy type
Besides, what are the different training for bulk and cut? Bulk = heavy but less rep? and cut = light but more reps?
TY for the advise for a noob

This post has been edited by Sp00kY: Jul 1 2008, 03:36 PM

So the difference comes from the diet and cardio training?

wow 24 reps!!! isnt it super tough?
Btw, I still havent find out my 1RM yet...hmmm

Dark, can u give some insight on strength and mass training? I am currently working on ~20 sets per muscle group per time..(HVT)

so i should be continue my training as it is . I realized when i stop certain exercise for a few weeks. I can do much heavier after that. That is why I am trying to find more varieties..

most importantly, i like hvt, i like the pain. thanks mate

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Added on August 21, 2008, 2:01 pmhey, mind explaining the concept/method for width and thickness oriented training for back?

This post has been edited by Sp00kY: Aug 21 2008, 02:01 PM

thank you. What do you mean by varying the grip??

a lot of new terms to me, wait let me google and learn more

1 month ago i cant, now i can la...but yeah it doesnt matter as long as u gain....my inner quad is growing...

This post has been edited by Sp00kY: Aug 28 2008, 12:36 PM

dude, glad that you are back...i've grown quite a lot from HVT too and i like it, but i think i`m stuck now...lats arent growing and poundage are kinda stuck too....need some advise..

yeah, i don't squat ATG, cant take it, injured knee once...better not take the risk..

i do agree less rest = more productivity, i try to finish my workout (18-24 sets) within 1 hour too and its awesome when i really sweat, i rest 20~30 secs between each set ranging from 10~12 reps..

can give me some comments based on my journal?

I`m still doing split-body workout: chest, back, legs, and adding in arms and shoulder if i have the time (in 1 week).

i remember u telling me that horizontal movements is for lats thickness and vertical is for width. so is single db rowing and pendlay row consider vertical?

ur training partners growth is scary..and great

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Added on November 25, 2008, 8:07 pmsorry, any comments on dieting for bulking and cutting? both 6 meals a day?thanks

This post has been edited by Sp00kY: Nov 25 2008, 08:07 PM

hey dark, thanks for the comments on my journal (sorry for replaying late).

It is really useful and i will be keeping and eye on your journal for some inspirations too!!

I am a bit lost on what to do at times and i like your teaching as well as ur style(HVT).....i've tried 5X5 but it din worked for me, i love the sore from HVT....
(btw, i replied ur questions in my journal too!)
thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG, 55kg? what's ur stats now if u dun mind?
what do you for your abs? abs gets used to exercises pretty fast and lost effectiveness pretty fast too, hence i always have to change my abs exercise!

that is how i workout too! I prefer instinctive than planned workout!

Hey darkie, got the video of wide-grip lat pull down?Thanks in advance...

oh man, shoulder press more than bodyweight? that is freaking scary...i can barely press 30kg i guess..

darky, i have weak shoulders, and hence ditch isolation exercise such as lateral raise etc. i feel like the joints are cracking when i`m doing isolation exercise. Hence, i change my shoulder exercise to upright row and db shoulder press. what do u recommend?

thanks

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Added on December 11, 2008, 1:28 pmi hope that i can hit 400lbs too hahaha..but i seldom do deadlift but i have tried that day and i managed to deadlift for 115kg......super happy with it...but only managed for 2 reps, almost black out trying for the 3rd rep....HVT HVT!!


This post has been edited by Sp00kY: Dec 11 2008, 01:28 PM

Noted, will include side and lateral raise in my workout!

wow, it seems that everyone has gotten the "HVT" !!!
I have been doing it since i've read this too Wuahahah...
good luck guys!

noobcake: I have tried to superset 3 sets only..i cant go more than that...its burning like hell..3 sets means:
Biceps+triceps, biceps+triceps,biceps+triceps..
i did this whole thing for 3 times, so total is 3 X 3 = 9 sets of biceps and triceps..guess what? I`m dead after that