Kafka

Just checking in here guys, after the advice I received here I just jumped back under the rack and squatted 105kg or 5. The idea that a lot of it comes down to a lack of confidence really resonated with me. You identify with yourself and say 'okay I'm Sam, and I can squat 225; and that's all.'' So it just took me getting out of my comfort zone really. Got the first set fine, good depth. Second set, shoes slipped out on the 5 rep and spotter saved my back; took shoes off and squatted 105 for five with no problem. All I can say is that while I going back to the rack, I can't wait either!!

Irish European checking in!

Thanks for that link Dleffe! I've had some success with a 5x5 routine before so I'm gonna go with that. The only con is the minimum amount of workout days. I realise for some people getting into the gym three times a week is an achievement within itself (an it is), but I can afford to be in there atleast four times due the freedom college timetables can award. I might consider an upper/lower split twice a week or a push, pull and legs split with an emphasis on 5x5 when approaching the compound lifts. Have any of you guys found success with 1x1-3 reps?

Thanks for the encouragement guy and girl! I know there's an element of rest to be taken into account, without a doubt, but how many times a week do you think I could get away with squatting? I'm more familiar with the bodybuilding routine and recovery regulations, but power lifters seem to be training more often. Id like to squat in atleast 80 % of my 1RM if possible, with one lighter day to focus on slow movement and solid form.

It's funny because everything else is going up as planned. I'm thinking of trying a some three rep sets in order to get used to squatting heavier, or working on some supplementary exercises / breathing. To be honest, I don't mind the struggle, just being there lifting is the high point of my day!

Recently started following a strength based programme with an emphasis on the big three. I've positioned to a low bar squat and dialed back the weight to work on my technique for the last month and a half; and the gains have been progressive. My only issue is that now that I'm squatting 105 kg (231 lbs), I can't get past it. The regular power lifters say once you get past 100 a lot of it's mental. What do you guys think? Bodyweight 74 kg; 5'11.

Ride on, sound advice man

After reading your comment, This is Seth, I've given alot of thought to what my training/diet has consisted of so far, and I've decided I want it all. I don't want to be exactly skinny ripped/nor massive(doesn't work too hot fo 5'9ers), but I want to be fit and strong. So, the protocol I'm considering is focused on gaining strength via two full body workouts per week, 2 days calisthenics and 2 days of sprinting. Also, because as I can't tolerate 5-6-14 meals a day, IF appeals to me greatly. I'm going to train fasted so as to prevent as much fat gain as I can, and 3 months from now I'm going to be somewhere very different from where I am now. With regards to diet, I'm juggling between the thought of eating minus eating to maintenace or +500 tdee on training days and -100 TDEE on non training days. What's most important now for me is to focus on the actual training and getting stronger, rather than getting lost in the small details! Any advice/criticism are more than welcome.

http://instagram.com/p/iRJh2juJtz/ also one shot of my back. Quite happy with back growth

Just checking in with an update of my progress thus fat. I've been sort of silently following the nerd rebellion but the community is really keeping me dedicated. . . . These are taken after a somewhat dirty cheat day, so I'm a little bloated. Wondering if my bf has gone too high and if I should try a mini cut? My squat is at 85 kg/deadlift 80 kg(still relatively new to the move) bench 65 kg and barbell row at 60 kg. my main goal is to increase my lifts and then see the expected mass gains. Began at 148 lbs, now at 154 lbs. Id like to continue bulking, but am uncomfortable with a belly coming

Thanks for the replies guys!! I can't afford the gym right bow(Irish guy studying in Poland for a semester) so I'm working with my bodyweight and a chin/Pull up bar. Think I could even set a decent bass of mass before I return home and use my college gym in Febuary? Excited to do this now! Gonna calculate my fat/carb and protein requirements.

Do you think 14-15? I'm reading alot online which says it would be more optimal to bulk at 12 percent, because cutting now might be a more difficult process with fewer calories each day. What so you guys think? Should I cut a little further? I have a history with a body image distorted so sometimes I really can't tell objectively where Im at weight wise. Yikes

There's a photo of me by the way, I'm 150 lbs at 5'9. Very interested in calisthenic training, eating as clean as possible and laying a foundation of strength I can actually use!

Hey guys, I found NF in Febuary and started to train consistently. Since then I've lost some fat and gained a little muscle. Now, I'm just wondering if y'all think I'm at a viable bodyfat percentage to start putting on some muscle? I don't have abs, but I think it might be more a by product of not that much muscle?

I'm a Waterford lad!! However, I'm in Beijing right now, but will be back come Late August! If anyone should see this, let's get the movement going!