|
2005/02/10, 11:38 PM
First of all thanks to all moderators and members for the great advice and support given here.
As for bench press. I work out on a machine at the weight room my apt. complex has and I was wondering what the correct position was for rest and extention as well as grip width. I either heard or read that some machines aren't compatible for taller people. I'm 6'3" so due to the fact that I'm not abnormally tall I'm assuming that the range of positions that the bench provides will allow proper technique. It's an upright bench and I've heard that when the weight comes down to the chest it should be 2 or 3 inches below your nipples (for lack of a better term) and parralel with them at the top of the extension. Also, what is standard width for grip, as all I can manage with my frame is a bit wider than shoulder width. From what i understand, closer is for tri's and inner chest and wider id for outer chest. Is this correct?
Also, should I worry with creatine? I've used it before and definatly noticed the results as far as never really getting sore even though I work out reaaly hard and being able to get those extra couple of reps in. I'm getting ready to get back into the swing of things (I've been workout free for nearly a year now.....GASP!!!) and I'm naturally muscular......6"3", 240, with wide shoulders and big arms.
So... will I be losing much gain without creatine as long as I eat right and continue to use protein shakes?
Sorry, I know I rambled a bit.
Thanks alot.
|
|
|
|
2005/02/11, 12:14 PM
Its hard to give advice on proper form on a machine like that. don't over analyze the movement, just do it, consistancy is more important. Do what feels natural. But as you stated, yes a close grip will target the tri's more, and a wider (shoulder width or slightly wider) will target the Pecs more.
Creatine..well its good, it helps you with recovery and helps you be able to lift heavier weight. But unless your lifting pretty intensly for your ability, and doing a full body workout, it might not help that much. Really depends on your goals. If your doing a complete body workout (legs esp) then add in some creatine if your interest is in gaining size and strength.
Speeder :dumbbell:
|
|
2005/02/11, 02:35 PM
Thanks for the advice speeder.
I'm definatly interested in gaining size and strength. However when I was using both creatine and shakes before, it became kind of unfriendly on my wallet if you know what I mean. I understand that's the price you pay, but I just wondered how much it would hamper my efforts not using the creatine.
Thanks again.
|
|
2005/02/12, 11:52 AM
If cash is an issue, then spend what money you do have on clean Foods, and good whole foods. If you have the spare cash, go for Whey Protien.
Creatine is good, but without protien to build muscle really is useless. You can gain size and strength without it, however it does help add in that "edge".
Don't fret too much about the Supplements, work out, eat healthy, and good clean whole foods, a protien shake when you can, and when/if you have the money, pick up some creatine then.
Speeder :dumbbell:
|
|
2005/02/12, 12:47 PM
What is your age first off brandon?
Creatine is not a necessity in any way. It is something your body produces daily in the liver with the three amino acids, Arginine, Glycine and Methionine. It combines them to form creatine. Excess creatine merely tops off so to speak our own natural stores.
Diet is your essential, creatine is not. Creatine is but a supplement to a sound diet.
============
Quoting from brandon7:
Thanks for the advice speeder.
I'm definatly interested in gaining size and strength. However when I was using both creatine and shakes before, it became kind of unfriendly on my wallet if you know what I mean. I understand that's the price you pay, but I just wondered how much it would hamper my efforts not using the creatine.
Thanks again.
=============
--------------
If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
|
|
2005/02/12, 08:51 PM
Thanks again speeder. Yeah, I understand that eating right is essential, and I'll be making sure that I'm doing that. Just wanted to make sure that assuming that I am eating right and consuming plenty of protein through just food, if that is possible, that protein shakes would still be more benificial than creatine, if I could only have one or the other.
Also, for bb1fit. I'm 29 years old. I would appreciate your advice on my first question in the first post about form on an upright bench machine, as I've been on and off of this site for a while now and I really value your opinion.
Thanks alot guys.
|
|
2005/02/13, 01:38 AM
Brandon if you do loose weight it will probably be water weight,red meat has creatine in it,how much i dont know but there is some.what are you going to do when this weight machine no longer stimulates your muscles,given the fact the weight stake goes only to 250lbs give or take,you need a Bench Press to make substantial gains.
|
|
2005/02/13, 05:15 AM
Without thinking drop down and do push ups....see wide your arms are Brandon? this is the grip you're going to take on bench press....Given your big/wide built your width will be farther apart...
Creatine is not necessary although it may elp you significantly if you're a 'responder'....
|
|
2005/02/13, 09:23 AM
Thanks menace.
The only thing I was worried about was the fact that this upright machine I use only allows a standard width grip. I just wanted to make sure that it would still work with my frame.
As far as creatine goes, I'm definatly a responder. As I said earlier, When I used it a couple of years ago, I could definatly see a difference as far as getting a couple extra reps in and never getting sore. I mean other than after the first couple weeks. After that I would totally kill my muscles while working out and then a few hours later I would feel as if I hadn't even worked out.
As I said before, I just wanted to make sure that given the choice of one or the other, assuming I'm eating right and getting all the protein I can through food, that protein shakes would be the most beneficial. If I had to choose between them and creatine.
blue77.... I don't know what you mean about weight loss. That was never something I said I wanted. And as far as maxing out the weight on the machine when working out, I'm close to that right now on bench press (still have 4 or 5 plates to go) and I haven't worked out for almost a year.
What I planned on doing was just using one side and arm when I do get to where I need more weight. Several people told me that this is ok to do and that I would still be getting substantial gains as long as I kept proper form, namely bb1fit, whom I completly trust. I'll probably be doing this with the leg press as well.
Thanks again for the advice speeder.
|
|
2005/02/13, 09:25 AM
I mean menace
|
