Some quick questions re: lifting

[silverwex]

Hey guys,

Just some quick questions:

- Should I get an EZ Reverse Curl bar for my bicep workouts? How much more effective are they over the standard barbell bar?

- In the skinnyguy prog. Ellis doesnt state that you perform forearm workouts. My forearms are quite thin so should I implement them into my workout? And, if so, what day (tris chest day, legs day, bicep day?)?

- Im now 157lbs, and have stopped taking creatine for 3 weeks (went off it sunday), will i lose a lot of weight due to me not taking creatine?

- As stated above, im 157lbs, started off at 146lbs. How long since I notice a nice improvemtn in my physique? I havent noticed much at all yet.

- Whats the best way to perform shrugs? What other ways can you work the traps?

Thanks a lot guys!

 

[daffydikless]

research.. During some shoulder exercises and back exercises your traps will be the secondary muscle trained.

As for TRAPS... Shurgs are best though. You can do standing DB and BB shrugs.... seated DB shurgs. 1 Arm DB shrugs. and so on.

if you feel you need to improve yoru forearms, the by all means do some sets of forearm curls.. Dont go too crazy though.

As for the EZ Bar, it sometimes works better because it puts more stress on your biceps rather than your entire arm.

 

[Lifeforce]

"- Should I get an EZ Reverse Curl bar for my bicep workouts? How much more effective are they over the standard barbell bar?"

I don't know. I just think it's more comfortable gripping it rather than a straight barbell. But a barbell is fine to work with, actually I am thinking of going off EZ because my arms grew more with straight bar.

"- In the skinnyguy prog. Ellis doesnt state that you perform forearm workouts. My forearms are quite thin so should I implement them into my workout? And, if so, what day (tris chest day, legs day, bicep day?)?"

Do it on any other day than back day. Deadlits really pump my forearms so training them at that moment is just pain.


"- Im now 157lbs, and have stopped taking creatine for 3 weeks (went off it sunday), will i lose a lot of weight due to me not taking creatine?"

Depends on how much you gained when you went on.


"- As stated above, im 157lbs, started off at 146lbs. How long since I notice a nice improvemtn in my physique? I havent noticed much at all yet."

You wont notice much because you see yourself every day. Pictures is the best way to notice improvement.

"- Whats the best way to perform shrugs? What other ways can you work the traps?"

Don't do them seated, do them standing with either db or barbell. Tilt your head forward a little so it's easier to raise the barbell or dumbells.

 

[7 Virtues]

1. The EZ-curl and reverse EZ-curl would target the same bicep head. A normal (straight) bar bell, tragets a different head. Rotate you wrist. Notice how your bicep moves, contracts. I find the straight bar harder because the bicep is already contracted. Most people use EZ bar just for shear comfort.

2. You don't really need forearm exercises, as they are working when doing other lifting.

3. Yes. Why did you go off of it?

4. Take some pictures of yourself. Take pictures 3 or more months down the road. That's only way for YOU to notice a difference. People who don't see you often (like say every 3 months) will probably be the only ones to notice.

5. www.exrx.net
www.bodybuilding.com

 

[Phrozen]

Don't change anything if you are doing the skinnyguy program. GO through it at least once and adjust after you have some experience. Your forearms are going to be worked when gripping weights for other exercises.

You'll probably lose a little weight from stopping creatine.

Take photos of yourself or take measurements to track progress. Its tough to visually notice changes because they come gradually and you see yourself everyday.

 

[DJBen]

"2. You don't really need forearm exercises, as they are working when doing other lifting."

Frankly, I disagree. A stronger grip is better control, peroid. As far as I know, great grip strength wont cause you any injury at all.

Wrist rollers. Invest in some of them. If not, try this:

Assemble a pair of pliers and a bucket. Fill the bucket with some water. Grip the handle of the bucket with the pliers and do a sort of bicep curl.

If you're wondering how you should grip it, have the handle of the pliers in your hands [duh] and the metal parts on the UNDERSIDE of your hands.

Enjoy.

 

[Jippii]

Originally posted by silverwex

- In the skinnyguy prog. Ellis doesnt state that you perform forearm workouts. My forearms are quite thin so should I implement them into my workout? And, if so, what day (tris chest day, legs day, bicep day?)?

Well look the bicep exercises he outlines are called bicep/forearm for a reason.

One exercise that's worked for me is the Reverse Curl (like normal except you use an overhand grip)

...This is done to concentrate more stress on the brachialis muscle. Developing this muscle will give your arms appearance of having much more mass

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/aaron3.htm

Read it, it's a great article

 

[Alpine]

If your routine includes heavy deadlifts, bent over rows, weighted chins, standing press and shrugs. You will grow ALL OVER.

 

[Duke Togo]

why do people consume supplements without doing research first just because it is in a program someone is making money from?

creatine is useless, why do you want false strength gains? acheive your strength and develope it naturally, the progressive overload rule will be distorted while on creatine. what is someones goal when going on creatine? do they believe there lean mass gains will improve? no.

 

[Jippii]

Originally posted by Duke Togo
why do people consume supplements without doing research first just because it is in a program someone is making money from?

creatine is useless, why do you want false strength gains? acheive your strength and develope it naturally, the progressive overload rule will be distorted while on creatine. what is someones goal when going on creatine? do they believe there lean mass gains will improve? no.

Have you ever used creatine while on a good strenght-training regimen? Who are you kidding? Creatine does help.

 

[DJBen]

What it does, for what it costs, it can suck my knob.

Funny you mention about knocking creatine, when ellis is just handing out information that isnt even as good as the stuff on places like t-mag.

 

[Alpine]

I think creatine is helpful for anyone competing. It does give strength and endurence enhancement.

However, whether it's worth talking for a few pounds bodyweight gain, that you will lose when you come off it, well that's an individual thing.

 

[semag]

1) Straight bar, ez bar, and reverse curl work bis differently.

2) Cycle your creatine if you like it, it's up to you. If the gains help motivate you, and the money helps inspire you, go for it.

3) Upright rows for traps and delts.

 

[daffydikless]

You do realize creatine is naturally produced in your body and it's also found in meat and fish.

So it's not some "MIRACLE" supplement that suddenly was created.