Newbie Alert - Introduce myself and a question or two. - UK-Muscle Body Building Community

oldbloke · 03-07-2005, 03:53 PM

Hi folks,

Newbie here so I hope this is in the right section. :-/

I started weight training about eight weeks ago and my main objective was simply to get fit following my involvement in a serious RTA some three years ago and also becoming a certified and unfit old coffin dodger. :-)

One thing that would be helpful to me outside of the gym, is a list of bodybuiding acronyms and their meanings. For example, what does “HPTA” mean and will my “HCG” ever wilt? If anyone knows of a list anywhere, I’d be very grateful.

Moving on, I’ve read quite a bit about steroid use and decided they’re not for me at this time however, I am curious about “steroid replacements” like the products listed here; http://www.monstersupplements.com/steroid_replacements2.htm. Does anyone here have any comments or advice about these products? Any info or opinions would be very welcome.

Regarding my own training, for the moment I’m training about four to five times a week. I tend to train two muscle groups per session ie: shoulders/back, arms/chest with minimum leg work as I’m short and already own quite stocky and strong legs. However, I’m thinking of switching to one group per session and maintaining my usual four sets of ten reps for each exercise. I also do around three cardio sessions a week of running on the treadmill for forty minutes to an hour, or do the real thing on sea front promenade near where I live.

Right, well thanks for ‘listening’ and here’s to a long and happy time shifting great lumps of cast iron about.

Best regards,
Mike.

Jock · 03-07-2005, 05:52 PM

Hi mate and welcome to the forum.

Good to see you have made that big decision to lead a healthier lifestyle, that is however the easy part, achieving and maintaining results in this game is not easy and requires a lot of dedication and commitment to achieve even modest rewards. However once you do see these results, you will become hooked and want more. BB (thats abbreviated 'bodybuilding') is quite literally addictive.

Bodybuilding is riddled with steroids, no-one on here will pretend otherwise, most professional BB'ers are are on most year round and the IFBB (the top BB'ers) are on ridiculous amounts of gear. BUT and I cannot emphasise this strongly enough STEROIDS DO NOT EQUATE INSTANT RESULTS. Results in bodybuilding are down to excellent nutritional and training habits, correct supplementation and adequate amounts of rest, you can take as many roids as you want but if the above aren't in place then you will never make any kind of real progress. Steroids help A LOT but will only (thats why they are used) they amplify good habits not make up for poor ones.

'Steroid replacements' are also known as 'pro-hormones' and are designed to mimic real steroids. They are 'legal' under UK and US law and therefore heavlily marketed in turn very expensive and overhyped. The general consensus is (and I happen to agree) is that they are a waste of time. If you take pro-hormones you are risking all the same side-effects of real steroids but getting a fraction of the results, some will disagree but I would say that you're better off saving your money and buying some food or supplements. To be honest you aren't ready for either PH's or steroids you will need a solid year behind you before you should consider either.

With regard to your training you should be aiming for 3 sessions a week concentrating on the largest muscle groups (Legs/Chest/Back) I find it easier to train a large muscle group with a small one eg.

Monday: Chest + Biceps
Wednesday: Legs + Triceps
Friday: Back + Shoulders

Base your training around the harder compound lifts (squad/deadlift/bench press) do these first and move on to smaller easier exercises afterwards.

Quote:

with minimum leg work as I’m short and already own quite stocky and strong legs

Please do not fall into the trap of neglecting legs. They are the largest muscle group in the body and a failure to train them regulary will hinder your results.

You should look to be doing 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps, once you are confident with your technique and form you can move on to heavier weights using sets of 4-5 with reps of 4-8.

Here is a link to a list of all steroid abbreviates and slang:
http://www.uk-muscle.co.uk/showthrea...ighlight=slang

The very best of luck mate,

Jock

DB · 03-07-2005, 08:54 PM

damn jock.... great reply

firemansam · 03-07-2005, 09:18 PM

Good reply Jock.

Where did you copy and paste it from LOL

Timmy Smooth · 03-07-2005, 11:55 PM

Hello Oldbloke.

oldbloke · 05-07-2005, 05:23 PM

Hi folks, thanks for the replies…

Jock, I think I’m already addicted as I feel odd if I miss a training day. :-)

I’m aware that the sport is filled with steroids, I did a few months training in my twenties and was surrounded by pals and other guys, all of whom were taking “gear”. One pal had 24” biceps, he used to take 6 tabs a day and go for one injection per week.

In my case, I’m not actually looking to get “huge” for the sake of it; my primary goals are fitness and strength. I have taken your advice about the sessions; yesterday I trained chest and biceps and I’ve taken today off. I’m going to swap the other two days around, train back and shoulders tomorrow and finish off with legs and triceps on Friday.

Yesterday’s bench press, I managed four sets of ten reps with 25kg either side + the bar (Olympic) so I’m told that’s 25 + 25 + 20 (bar) = 70kg. Judging by others in the gym, that seems fairly respectable for a newbie, ‘spesh an old fart like me. My short term target is 4 sets of 10 reps at 100kg targeting similar gains on all areas of my training. I can squat around 110kg – 140kg depending on a good or bad day but I’m not sure what to aim for with legs. I’m also continuing with three lots of cardio per week, usually jogging or treadmill for at least 40mins.

One thing I’m curious about is the “no pain, no gain” mantra. :-) Apart from a lingering, strained ligament injury in my right shoulder I never feel any pain whatsoever, I simply run out of strength or power. I can’t help wondering if I’m doing something wrong? :-/

Cheers and thanks again,
Mike.

Ps.. Why won't this board allow me to use graphical "Smilies" ??

Tuna_boi · 05-07-2005, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldbloke

Hi folks, thanks for the replies…

Jock, I think I’m already addicted as I feel odd if I miss a training day. :-)

I’m aware that the sport is filled with steroids, I did a few months training in my twenties and was surrounded by pals and other guys, all of whom were taking “gear”. One pal had 24” biceps, he used to take 6 tabs a day and go for one injection per week.

In my case, I’m not actually looking to get “huge” for the sake of it; my primary goals are fitness and strength. I have taken your advice about the sessions; yesterday I trained chest and biceps and I’ve taken today off. I’m going to swap the other two days around, train back and shoulders tomorrow and finish off with legs and triceps on Friday.

Yesterday’s bench press, I managed four sets of ten reps with 25kg either side + the bar (Olympic) so I’m told that’s 25 + 25 + 20 (bar) = 70kg. Judging by others in the gym, that seems fairly respectable for a newbie, ‘spesh an old fart like me. My short term target is 4 sets of 10 reps at 100kg targeting similar gains on all areas of my training. I can squat around 110kg – 140kg depending on a good or bad day but I’m not sure what to aim for with legs. I’m also continuing with three lots of cardio per week, usually jogging or treadmill for at least 40mins.

One thing I’m curious about is the “no pain, no gain” mantra. :-) Apart from a lingering, strained ligament injury in my right shoulder I never feel any pain whatsoever, I simply run out of strength or power. I can’t help wondering if I’m doing something wrong? :-/

Cheers and thanks again,
Mike.

Ps.. Why won't this board allow me to use graphical "Smilies" ??

Missed this thread..Welcome to the board mate.

70kg bench for a newbie is respectable i reckon.

Graphical smilies are for queers ( and roid devil)..:smoke:

Jock · 06-07-2005, 06:43 PM

Quote:

One thing I’m curious about is the “no pain, no gain” mantra. :-) Apart from a lingering, strained ligament injury in my right shoulder I never feel any pain whatsoever

Aching in the muscle is not an accurate indicator of muscle hypertrophy. As long as you train with enough intensity and get plenty of rest + fluids plus eat well then you should grow no problems.

NikiE · 06-07-2005, 07:32 PM

Nice one Jock...everytime someone new joins you always have the best info and advise for them!! keep it coming...im sure evyeryone will agree!!.

DB · 06-07-2005, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikiE

Nice one Jock...everytime someone new joins you always have the best info and advise for them!! keep it coming...im sure evyeryone will agree!!.

yeah agree jock is the king of welcoming..

keep up the great work matey :beer1:

Jock · 06-07-2005, 10:47 PM

Awww you lot are too kind.....

Thanks

**hackskii** · 06-07-2005, 11:01 PM

Nice advice from Jock.

I just looked at some of those supplements and boy are they expensive.

I like V12 by Sans Nutrition. It is kindof pricey but good stuff, less than half the price of that GH IGF-1 stimulator stuff that was on that site.

Diet is very important too.

03-07-2005, 03:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
oldbloke Newbie Trainer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 16	Newbie Alert - Introduce myself and a question or two. Hi folks, Newbie here so I hope this is in the right section. :-/ I started weight training about eight weeks ago and my main objective was simply to get fit following my involvement in a serious RTA some three years ago and also becoming a certified and unfit old coffin dodger. :-) One thing that would be helpful to me outside of the gym, is a list of bodybuiding acronyms and their meanings. For example, what does “HPTA” mean and will my “HCG” ever wilt? If anyone knows of a list anywhere, I’d be very grateful. Moving on, I’ve read quite a bit about steroid use and decided they’re not for me at this time however, I am curious about “steroid replacements” like the products listed here; http://www.monstersupplements.com/steroid_replacements2.htm. Does anyone here have any comments or advice about these products? Any info or opinions would be very welcome. Regarding my own training, for the moment I’m training about four to five times a week. I tend to train two muscle groups per session ie: shoulders/back, arms/chest with minimum leg work as I’m short and already own quite stocky and strong legs. However, I’m thinking of switching to one group per session and maintaining my usual four sets of ten reps for each exercise. I also do around three cardio sessions a week of running on the treadmill for forty minutes to an hour, or do the real thing on sea front promenade near where I live. Right, well thanks for ‘listening’ and here’s to a long and happy time shifting great lumps of cast iron about. Best regards, Mike.

03-07-2005, 08:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
DB UK-Muscle Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: SW London Posts: 11,762	damn jock.... great reply __________________ Affiliate of Bulk Supplements Direct Discount Code= BSD290 UKBFF southcoast 2008, O80kg Champion

03-07-2005, 09:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
firemansam Gym Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wales Posts: 112	Good reply Jock. Where did you copy and paste it from LOL

03-07-2005, 11:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
Timmy Smooth Banned Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Camden, London, via Cardiff. Posts: 2,794	Hello Oldbloke.

05-07-2005, 05:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
oldbloke Newbie Trainer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 16	Hi folks, thanks for the replies… Jock, I think I’m already addicted as I feel odd if I miss a training day. :-) I’m aware that the sport is filled with steroids, I did a few months training in my twenties and was surrounded by pals and other guys, all of whom were taking “gear”. One pal had 24” biceps, he used to take 6 tabs a day and go for one injection per week. In my case, I’m not actually looking to get “huge” for the sake of it; my primary goals are fitness and strength. I have taken your advice about the sessions; yesterday I trained chest and biceps and I’ve taken today off. I’m going to swap the other two days around, train back and shoulders tomorrow and finish off with legs and triceps on Friday. Yesterday’s bench press, I managed four sets of ten reps with 25kg either side + the bar (Olympic) so I’m told that’s 25 + 25 + 20 (bar) = 70kg. Judging by others in the gym, that seems fairly respectable for a newbie, ‘spesh an old fart like me. My short term target is 4 sets of 10 reps at 100kg targeting similar gains on all areas of my training. I can squat around 110kg – 140kg depending on a good or bad day but I’m not sure what to aim for with legs. I’m also continuing with three lots of cardio per week, usually jogging or treadmill for at least 40mins. One thing I’m curious about is the “no pain, no gain” mantra. :-) Apart from a lingering, strained ligament injury in my right shoulder I never feel any pain whatsoever, I simply run out of strength or power. I can’t help wondering if I’m doing something wrong? :-/ Cheers and thanks again, Mike. Ps.. Why won't this board allow me to use graphical "Smilies" ??

06-07-2005, 07:32 PM	#9 (permalink)
NikiE UK-Muscle's Top Babe Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ilfracombe! Posts: 1,524	Nice one Jock...everytime someone new joins you always have the best info and advise for them!! keep it coming...im sure evyeryone will agree!!.

06-07-2005, 10:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
Jock LEAGUE LEGEND! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: UK Posts: 3,082	Awww you lot are too kind..... Thanks

06-07-2005, 11:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
hackskii UK-Muscle Moderator Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Sunny Southern California U.S.A. Posts: 24,337	Nice advice from Jock. I just looked at some of those supplements and boy are they expensive. I like V12 by Sans Nutrition. It is kindof pricey but good stuff, less than half the price of that GH IGF-1 stimulator stuff that was on that site. Diet is very important too.