Checking the ego at the door!
Ever since I became interested in bodybuilding and weight training I’ve read a lot of articles, books, checked out web pages, had numerous forum memberships etc. All of this has given me a fair amount of knowledge on what works and what doesn’t. But the funny part is, that every now and then I have to go back a few paces, look up some old info in books or dig deep in my brain to find solutions to problems I already know the answer to!
The past weeks (or months maybe) I’ve subconsciously been caught up in a weight game - like if I were saying to myself: "You throw on some more weight on that barbell … I’m gonna make those legs grow by going heavier for each time" - that’s not smart and it certainly doesn’t do the trick for me. Instead it just leaves my bode drained of energy and maybe even with sore joints. What DOES work for me, is going a little lighter on the weights but with much more focus on the feeling - or what is called mind-muscle connection. So that’s what I did today, and my legs are TOAST! 
Today I also started on Muscle Tech’s "Cell Mass Hardcore" which is the first time for me. I’ve heard so much good about this product, so I’m hoping for some gains.
I wish you all a top notch weekend - right up there were you can only say: "It doesn’t get any better than that!" LOL
May 17, 2008 at 10:48 am
The "How much can you bench" syndrome: Lifting to the point of diminishing gains, in order to throw more weight on the bar. I find myself in that rut every so often too. Sore joints and potentially an injury later, I realize what has happened. Nice write up Nic!
May 17, 2008 at 11:32 am
Hey, wishing you a top notch weekend, too!
At 45 my joints are not always my friend, but I still enjoy hitting the gym. My current routine employs a variety of set-rep schemes, but, yeah, nothing that has instantly transformed me into a 1970’s Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Oh, well, such is life!
May 18, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Hey Nic! I love that you wrote about the mind/muscle connection!! SO important!! If you can put yourself ‘into’ your muscle…BE the muscle that you are working….you can effect the outcome of the training SO much more!!
I have been using the Quantum theories when doing training!! Its amazing!!
PS…where is that picture at?? I love the architecture in the background!! Very cool!!
May 18, 2008 at 8:42 pm
mind/muscle connection is very important….but my training partner can not grasp that concept! Example, we will be doing a set of lat pulldowns or pullups and I ask him if he is feeling it. His answer…"ummm, right here in my bicep and a little tricep…ohh…and some front shoulder too." "WHAT?!" I have to constantly change his weights and think of new ways to do exercises to MAKE him "feel it" where it needs to be felt…no puns please! ROFL. There is nothing like getting that full stretch at the bottom of a squat and exploding up huh? Man, I wanna squat right now thinking about it!
May 19, 2008 at 4:32 am
Make a connection is the trick. Some people never get that concept. I dont care what I am doing if I dont feel it where I am suppose to it just aint worth it.
PS Whats for dinner?
May 20, 2008 at 9:26 am
Great post Bro!! Yes mind and muscle connection go very closely together like Hand and member connection….. in preforming the perfect Bulldog! Once you have felt the throb of a Growling Bulldog….there is no turning back! A teacup is just never the same….. and a wristwatch ….well just feels silly….lol Now Docking….. thats special in it’s own way….lmao Keep on Keepin Bro!
Real Men Have Mass!
May 20, 2008 at 10:03 am
Mr. BA: Exactly! Glad to hear you know what I’m talking about
Curt: IF you ever find a secret recipe for a quick fix to get Arnold-size - give me a holla! LOL
THE STORM!: Thanks
About the picture, the scenery is actually an old ruin - part of an old Danish castle. A pretty cool place.
Mike: LOL - that’s a perfect example of a newbie attitude! Good thing he’s got a wise teacher
Steph: What’s for dinner??? Something spicy and hott…
NB: LMAO - I KNOW you’ve got the connection, bro! Someday we’ll have to do a Siamese twin version of the flaming torch! LOL