Strength / Weight Training

^
This.

Just had an email. Stronglifts 5x5 Pro version of the app is 50% off for a short time.

Apparently, there is a big upgrade on the way to the app.

Riddle me this S/WT thread denizens: my arms and legs (and recently my shoulders) are covered in prominent veins- when I’m hot they are very prominent (especialy when lifting).

This morning I set out on the bike in 26 degree heat and whilst the vein on my arms were as expected the veins on my legs were furrows- literal sunken channels.

65Km/4 hours later and as I type this, drinking a coffee and having a small cake my legs are back to their normal selves, with distinct veins webbing the surface of my legs.

What gives?

Vascularity gives!

This does not help me understand the state of my legs this morning, please try again

I get that when I slim down. I can impersonate a Dr Who sea monster (the old one) with my neck. I don’t think it is anything to worry about. I remember reading that some body builders like that look.

Sorry, I’m not being clear- why would the veins in my legs have collapsed this morning, is the question?

Hydration?
Temperature?
Blood pressure?

I felt adaquately hydrated, mid twenties, fuck knows

Why would blood pressure be low? Or high, or whatever you are suggesting?

Who would have thought that the birth of your firstborn would lead to 3 weeks of cakes and zero gym attendance. :)

Couldn't help but have a beer when visitors were round or at the end of the day.

Gym this evening. Will be rubbish. Good to start again.

Congrats! :)

and byebye sleep and recovery for a bit, so take it easy.

cake=cyclingfuel

Thinking of getting back on the strong lifts 5x5 routine as my current gym sessions seem to go something like get into the gym see whats free and use that. Days alternating between chest/arms/legs and a lot of core work each time I go.

Would I benefit from going back to the 5x5 routine for a little more structure?

I should add I'm trying to lose a bit of weight at the mo too so keeping an eye on calories and trying not to mindlessly eat.

As a beginner, I thought it was great. Especially over winter when riding less

I've been adding the 5x5 approach to my works outs generally adding a 5kg more weight than I would if I was doing 10 reps. It works really well. I can lift more and I'm noticing more muscle.

There are other options - Starting Strength and Mike Matthews BSL. I have looked at both of these and, although similar to SL, they do differ. Might be worth a look.

I like SL for the simplicity and structure but, currently, I’m struggling to find any time for weights.

On the weight loss front, I have lost over 10lbs in 10 weeks - sensible eating to the most extent but still with enough beer to keep me sane. I have started walking - nothing overly strenuous but over 10,000 steps a day and briskly. Apple Watch takes care of the counting but there are loads of step counters. I walked 157 miles last month which may sound a lot but it’s achievable if you put your mind to it. Don’t drive to the shop, park a distance from your destination, walk around the block when tv is crap (almost all the time) etc etc

Are you making progress with your current lifting style? If yes, then why change. If no, then swap it out to something you know does work.

I think having some structure is important, you need to make sure you're always working towards doing 'more' and workouts based on a program make that progression more likely to be happening. 5x5s are an example of that and they tend to be effective at keeping motivation and progression high. If you like it, go for it. If not, there's millions of ways people have got strong and jacked. The key is always working hard and doing more, and you can achieve that without a strict program.

PR update: 80kg overhead press last night and I'm convinced 220kg deadlift is just waiting to be taken. 210kg was smooth and I'm about to take a deload week so very, very excited to hit 5 plates in two weeks time.

Congrats on the PB. 80kg is impressive.

Thanks - I think it's mostly the sensible eating. I tend to cycle everywhere and gym 4-5 times a week, which leaves me starving and prone to eating shed loads once I get home.

That and the calories from beer (which are essentially dead calories) probably explain it.

On the weights front I guess having some structure helps. I've noticed each time I'm going I'm feeling stronger and stronger and it's showing.

Recently I have found that dropping weight has left me slightly weak but I’m hoping to address this with an increase of protein. Energy levels are ok and improved flexibility are the main gains.
Walking seems to work well for me.

Throwback to a discussion a few months ago but I'm currently deadlifting (sumo) three times a week. Wanted to max it out for my birthday at the end of the month so thought I'd put some real focus on it til then. I'll update on how it goes if anyone's interested.

I’m interested. Updates will be appreciated.

Good to have a goal to aim for, best of luck with it.

Practising my sumo, technique is key! My coach is really good though.

Starting to slowly get there, it's a completely different lift from conventional. The setup is a million times more important/critical. I was never to do it at all, so getting to the right form is a step up.

So far only at 100, would be nice to get 140 or so.

I’m still doing Romanian, PB 5X4 today at 130kgs. Sumo is fun tho.

Has anyone an experience of this -

https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/peroneal-tendonitis-stretches

I’m currently suffered quite badly with it and any quick fix options would be appreciated.