Learning to be intense - Page 2 - Bodybuilding Discussion on Bodybuilding.net Training Forum

WonderMonkey · 04-13-2005, 08:01 PM

I'm not having a problem with falling into a rut or anything, but re-training myself what intense is. I've only "been back at it" for a few months after years of layoff. I'm re-learning how to push past my comfort zone. For example today during straight bar curls my forearms and biceps where screaming but I could do another rep. Previously I would have ended the set but today I got the other rep and then went for a half rep just to see if I could handle it. Maybe next week that half rep will turn into a full rep, etc.

Etc.

Darkhorse · 04-13-2005, 09:29 PM

I think the best intensity comes from having a lifting partiner to compete with.

WonderMonkey · 04-13-2005, 09:34 PM

Yes that would be the best. Here soon I will be on a schedule and maybe could buddy up with someone that could collaborate on a workout and do it together.

Like ninjas!

WonderMonkey · 05-04-2005, 01:50 AM

I'm happy to say that I am increasing my intensity level every week. What I am able to push to this week wouldn't have happened two months ago, etc. I am getting used to the mental pain and am able to go a bit beyond as time goes on. I'm sure there is an upper limit but I'm working on finding it.

The two biggest areas for me are squats and dumbell presses of any kind. The kind where if you fail you don't have a bar coming down on you so there is no excuse not to go for another rep. Several times already I've "gone for another rep" when I used to have been done and gotten it and then gotten another. I feel this is where real growth occurs.

Darkhorse · 05-04-2005, 06:34 AM

Yeah, I definately hate the ol', "My goal for this set is exactly 8, I could've done a few more, but I just wanted 8."

verbatimreturned · 05-04-2005, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WonderMonkey

I'm not having a problem with falling into a rut or anything, but re-training myself what intense is. I've only "been back at it" for a few months after years of layoff. I'm re-learning how to push past my comfort zone. For example today during straight bar curls my forearms and biceps where screaming but I could do another rep. Previously I would have ended the set but today I got the other rep and then went for a half rep just to see if I could handle it. Maybe next week that half rep will turn into a full rep, etc.

Etc.

same thing happened to me today in the gym it kind of pisses me off when i cant do it so from that it get a little angry at myself and then i make the attempt again and sometimes it works out well in the end

Darkhorse · 05-04-2005, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verbatimreturned

same thing happened to me today in the gym it kind of pisses me off when i cant do it so from that it get a little angry at myself and then i make the attempt again and sometimes it works out well in the end

That's why I always do a little "body english" for the last rep or two. Take barbell curls, if you put alot of weight on there and do 5 perfect ones, put a little cheat in there to squeeze out an extra few reps.

04-13-2005, 09:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
Darkhorse Moderator Rank: Light Heavyweight Experience: 7-10 Years Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: CA Posts: 4,106 Country: Gender:	I think the best intensity comes from having a lifting partiner to compete with.
	Darkhorse's Sig:"The greater the development and strength of the main muscular structures of the body, the greater the size and strength potential of the small areas of the body." - Stuart McRobert Orange County Strength Club

05-04-2005, 06:34 AM	#15 (permalink)
Darkhorse Moderator Rank: Light Heavyweight Experience: 7-10 Years Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: CA Posts: 4,106 Country: Gender:	Yeah, I definately hate the ol', "My goal for this set is exactly 8, I could've done a few more, but I just wanted 8."
	Darkhorse's Sig:"The greater the development and strength of the main muscular structures of the body, the greater the size and strength potential of the small areas of the body." - Stuart McRobert Orange County Strength Club

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04-13-2005, 08:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
WonderMonkey Rank: Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 167	I'm not having a problem with falling into a rut or anything, but re-training myself what intense is. I've only "been back at it" for a few months after years of layoff. I'm re-learning how to push past my comfort zone. For example today during straight bar curls my forearms and biceps where screaming but I could do another rep. Previously I would have ended the set but today I got the other rep and then went for a half rep just to see if I could handle it. Maybe next week that half rep will turn into a full rep, etc. Etc.

04-13-2005, 09:34 PM	#13 (permalink)
WonderMonkey Rank: Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 167	Yes that would be the best. Here soon I will be on a schedule and maybe could buddy up with someone that could collaborate on a workout and do it together. Like ninjas!

05-04-2005, 01:50 AM	#14 (permalink)
WonderMonkey Rank: Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 167	I'm happy to say that I am increasing my intensity level every week. What I am able to push to this week wouldn't have happened two months ago, etc. I am getting used to the mental pain and am able to go a bit beyond as time goes on. I'm sure there is an upper limit but I'm working on finding it. The two biggest areas for me are squats and dumbell presses of any kind. The kind where if you fail you don't have a bar coming down on you so there is no excuse not to go for another rep. Several times already I've "gone for another rep" when I used to have been done and gotten it and then gotten another. I feel this is where real growth occurs.

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