View Full Version : Am I Crazy...I Need Advice.
I always followed hardcore bodybuilding, support and respect everyone who dedicates their lives to it, but I am not one of those.
I have to go to college and then after that, work. I don't get home until about 8.30pm having left the house at 7.30am that morning. That's 13 hours!!!
Unlike other people I can't rely on timing because of my shedule but I was wondering if somebody could give me some advice to ease my mind.
My goal is not to look like Wrath or Ronnie Coleman or Jay Cutler anyway, and I certainly have no intensions of competeing one day. Instead, I just want to live a healthy lifestyle, maybe a few pounds of muscle here and there, but nothing monstrous or freaky, just enough to look good.
Can someone please tell me that I don't need to dedicate my life to this and think about lifting every second of the day or worry about what time I should have dinner. Instead, can somebody tell me..."you dont need to go over the top about this if your not looking for freaky muscles just enough for the ladies, instead, relax and work as hard as you can".
Cheers.
G Diesel
01-15-07, 1:24 pm
I always followed hardcore bodybuilding, support and respect everyone who dedicates their lives to it, but I am not one of those.
I have to go to college and then after that, work. I don't get home until about 8.30pm having left the house at 7.30am that morning. That's 13 hours!!!
Unlike other people I can't rely on timing because of my shedule but I was wondering if somebody could give me some advice to ease my mind.
My goal is not to look like Wrath or Ronnie Coleman or Jay Cutler anyway, and I certainly have no intensions of competeing one day. Instead, I just want to live a healthy lifestyle, maybe a few pounds of muscle here and there, but nothing monstrous or freaky, just enough to look good.
Can someone please tell me that I don't need to dedicate my life to this and think about lifting every second of the day or worry about what time I should have dinner. Instead, can somebody tell me..."you dont need to go over the top about this if your not looking for freaky muscles just enough for the ladies, instead, relax and work as hard as you can".
Cheers.
You just told yourself... Why do you need anyone else to reassure you? Moderation and balance is a good thing. I'd say it is safe to assume that you can assure yourself of some average results considering you are willing to make an average effort, much like could be expected in any other endeavor in life. You get out what you put in. Peace, G
In terms of nutrition, that is key for growth. Since you are gone for the majority of the day, try planning out your meals ahead of time.
I've been needing to do this recently and it has worked greatly for me. For instance, this morning I cooked 4 chicken breasts for the day and put them in a plastic bag in the fridge so I can just microwave em. Plan your carb intake (when ya getting your oats?), and your supplements. Maybe it would work for you to measure out your whey into little plastic bags and take them with you, so when it gets to be time to have your shake, just bust out the little bag and you've got it all there.
TheNaturalG
01-15-07, 1:38 pm
Guys like Ronnie Coleman don't get that big accidently. If you don't wanna get that big you won't. However if you wanna reach your goals as fast as possible then yes you have to dedicate yourself to a bodybuilders lifestyle.
i know guys that get up at 4:30 in the morning, train, work hard for 9-10 hrs then go home and deal with the family. the point is if there is a will theres always a way.
BeastofBurden
01-15-07, 2:10 pm
Well if your doubting yourself or you just want to put a couple lbs of muscle on and thats it and go party and "relax" as you said.. well thats all dandy and fine.. but this forum may not be the place for you. Not to say we won't give you advice, anyone here will gladly help you with any goals you have. Just don't expect for a lot of the same lax attitude you have about lifting, everyone here should have a PASSION for throwin steel..
And as you said, "Am I crazy?", you may not be. And that's something you need to be anything in this game, you can't be too sane..
One's physique is usually reflected by the time put into building it, how serious you are about dieting, training etc. We all have busy schedules, it's really time management that separates the men from the boys. If ya wanna tap into your true potential, put the work in. If it doesn't matter to ya, then so be it. Not everyone is gonna have the same goals.
the bull
01-15-07, 2:13 pm
bro, trust me, its not that easy to get big, you can put in 1000% effort in the most ideal conditions and still never get anywhere. you are going to get out what u put in.
HELLYEAH60
01-15-07, 4:20 pm
Hey Brotha, listen im kind of in the same situation as you. As a soldier in the Army, and a full time college student i really do not have a lot of time either. Its all about adjusting your lifestyle to fit the specific needs you have. My day starts at 0530 and im not finished with everything i have to do sometimes until 1930 (thats 730 pm for you civilians) you just need to adjust and maintain what you have set set forth to do. there is no easy solution, its just asacrifice you need to make. I can do it so can you. MENTAL TOUGHNESS
okiron247
01-15-07, 8:15 pm
Guess what. I work two jobs, go to school, and have a family. Its all about adapting to your environment, like having a good supply of supplements and food to take along with you to class. I know I'll never get as big as Wrath, but I still live it. Good luck.
College is tough; the hours, the work, the expen$e$. You want to lift? You're paying in fees for a gym/rec center? Do it, but hone it down to bare bones basics ie bench, deads, squats - get in a good warmup high rep set, 90 secnds rests (or less) get in 3-6 sets maybe they aren't maxes but it's fast, yer done in, more'n likely less than 45 min. You may not even have broken a sweat but you did lift. Cardio? Fast walking between classes? Clean eating? You probably have to hunt for it but you can find it and a break from studying; search 'n learn BB nutrition tips etc. Make your choices, chicken wings or BB wings. Squeeze in whatever Animal/BB living where/whenever you can, make it routine and you'll get some gains and once you're out in the world you'll be ready to expand your lifting if you chose.
man in black
01-15-07, 11:17 pm
You don't want to be a freak? Don't worry about it. Me neither. I'll never compete, but I work out as hard as I can. Eat right 95% of the time, get my sleep, take my supps and go from there. I'm not a pro, and I enjoy a couple of beers once or twice a week, and often when it comes time to deciding between a workout, or hitting the river for steelhead or whatever, I'll choose the steelhead often. Point, is you ain't gotta be a slave to the lifestyle to get benefits. You get out what you put in, and I take pride in working my diet, workouts and all that around my schedule, which includes standing duty, taking flights at all hours of the day, and an an hour a day in the truck driving back and forth. I'll never be a freak, but I do pretty well with what I have, and I don't let the gym take over my life so much that I miss out on the other things that are important to me-flyfishing, hunting, etc....
Jeff
The Wanderer
01-16-07, 1:44 am
Darren, try to remember what this forum is all about. This site is for the hardcore lifters and the people who are trying to achieve their ideal physique. If all you want is a body to impress the ladies, then thats very easy to do. You just have got to take into consideration, this is a site that was primarily intended to for powerlifters and bodybuilders that wanted to share their knowledge and learn. As a finishing touch, it won't be too hard for you to get that ideal physique for you, watch what you eat and how your lifting. Best of luck bro. Peace
Guys like Ronnie Coleman don't get that big accidently. If you don't wanna get that big you won't. However if you wanna reach your goals as fast as possible then yes you have to dedicate yourself to a bodybuilders lifestyle.
the most truthful statement i have ever heard, it takes tremendous amounts of dedication, sacrifice, and unbelievable lifetime warrior like tenacity to be like Ronnie Coleman. People need to realize that it takes a lot of hardwork to look like Ronnie or Jay Cutler.
...ita all about timing...faith...will and dedacation. We all have timing issues...kids...wives...girlfriends.....jobs...its all how hard you work..how much you want it.....
if you will it to happen...look into the mirror and see something different than what is staring badk at you...and you want that vision..then make it happen....or do something different...we all here want what we vision so friggen bad...we train like animals...eat like there is no tomorrow...and spend more on sups than any hobby or even girlfriends....this is a solid group of animals....we have what I term as...Animal Spirit...get it...live it....or move on bro...its that simple.....
It takes having to be a little crazy to intentionally hurt yourself everyday. That's essentially all we do... cause bodily pain in hopes we'll build ourselves back up bigger and stronger.
I know I'll never be as big as any pro or most of the amatuers, but I'm gonna still bust my ass. Even with my bad genetics, I'm going to give it my all. That's the only way I know how to live. Nothing less than perfection will satisfy me... I'm never satisfied....
Alright, I'm not going to get on you because you're not hardcore into this lifting thing. You're here, aren't you? That means you want to learn. Hey maybe you get some advice from someone on this Forvm and you hit the gym hard one day, and you get the "iron bug".
As far as your goals, yeah... relax, I don't see what you're stressed out about in the first place. Like you said, you don't have a competition coming up anytime soon, so what's the stress for? I did the same thing though when it comes to work, same hours. I'd be up at 6:30am, leave at 7:15am and wouldn't get home until 8:15pm. I'd still get to the gym before it closed at 10pm though.
If you can't get to the gym after work, and you still want to live a healthy lifestyle, I suggest you read and read a lot in the Diet section:
http://forum.animalpak.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6
Gain as much information as you can about your diet. If you're not going to be able to train each day at least be on top of your diet. Your body and physique can change just by being on top of your diet. If you want to get maximum results I suggest getting to the gym whenever you possibly can. If you've got any other questions hit me with a PM.
I always followed hardcore bodybuilding, support and respect everyone who dedicates their lives to it, but I am not one of those.
I have to go to college and then after that, work. I don't get home until about 8.30pm having left the house at 7.30am that morning. That's 13 hours!!!
Unlike other people I can't rely on timing because of my shedule but I was wondering if somebody could give me some advice to ease my mind.
My goal is not to look like Wrath or Ronnie Coleman or Jay Cutler anyway, and I certainly have no intensions of competeing one day. Instead, I just want to live a healthy lifestyle, maybe a few pounds of muscle here and there, but nothing monstrous or freaky, just enough to look good.
Can someone please tell me that I don't need to dedicate my life to this and think about lifting every second of the day or worry about what time I should have dinner. Instead, can somebody tell me..."you dont need to go over the top about this if your not looking for freaky muscles just enough for the ladies, instead, relax and work as hard as you can".
Cheers.
Firstly: No, you don't have to be obssessed, but it helps.
second:
"I have to go to college and then after that, work. I don't get home until about 8.30pm having left the house at 7.30am that morning. That's 13 hours!!!"
So? 13 hours? That is a short day for some of us, so don't expect any sympathy here. Not to be too much of a dick, but many of us, including yours truly, bust ass for more than the standard 9-5 and still tear it up in the gym. It is a matter of planning and focus, and by no means impossible. However, I guess It may be too much for you if you aren't crazy like me.
Thirdly: This sounds pretty close to complaining, and that won't get you far here. Pray Machine doesn't see this, cause he would likely fucking BITE you.
If you want it, you go and get it. Nothing stops you, nothing stands in your way. This doesn't mean that I spend every waking hour thinking of 'getting big'. I have set up a routine and a lifestyle with that in mind, and on off days I don't really pay it too much mind, I just sort of get on with life, and take my supps and eat my meals at the right times in the right amounts. It doesn't take a lot of attention after the initial planning. You just plan, execute, assess, and revise. No biggy.
Question yourself and your goals, try to figure out how you can be consistently motivated while not missing them. Bodybuilding is most probably not your sport, so what about boxing or MMA? That'll keep you ripped, but not necessarily big.
Finally,though, I have a question: Why the middle ground? Mediocrity is really hard to strive for, and that is not sarcasm, it is sincere. The kind of focus and intensity good athletes cultivate does not easily lend itself to halfway or 'just enough for the ladies'; it tears through shit like that and emerges bloody and pissed, looking for something to strangle. What you want is tantamount to Sisyphus' punishment!!!
karmazon
04-21-07, 7:59 pm
you dont need to go over the top about this if your not looking for freaky muscles just enough for the ladies, instead, relax and work as hard as you can
happy?
You just told yourself... Why do you need anyone else to reassure you? Moderation and balance is a good thing. I'd say it is safe to assume that you can assure yourself of some average results considering you are willing to make an average effort, much like could be expected in any other endeavor in life. You get out what you put in. Peace, G
G said it best....
And we have the same 168 hour week, it comes down to...how bad do you want to meet and exceed your goals! ? ?
Sounds like you are on the right path...no need to "live" in the gym to be healthy and have some good muscle tone...
ANY HELP YOU NEED, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
Pokoritel
04-22-07, 1:46 am
I am not thinking about weights 24/7 nor do I spend my time in the gym all day. I am just like you man. I go to college and work. Only thing that seperates me from everyone else is that after work, studying, and school I unleash hell at the gym. What you put out is what you will get. You want to be big and powerful then you need to train that way. If you wanna be average then just train average. Other then that this forum will always be here to give advice. Good luck
you dont need to go over the top about this if your not looking for freaky muscles just enough for the ladies, instead, relax and work as hard as you can
happy?
I personally am disgusted by people who want "just enough [muscles] for the ladies." That's essentially the same mentallity of the frat boy getting alcohol just so he can get a lady hammered... All in the hopes of getting a piece. Is it all about sex? Don't we have a tad bit more pride AND honor than this?!?!
ironshaolin
04-22-07, 1:51 pm
I got the perfect plan for you: the get jacked with 2 workout days plan. Yes, even with the most hectic lifestyles, most people can put in 2 days. The workout only takes about an hour or so, but its intense and must be approached as such. It follows this:
Squats: 2-3 warmups, one set of 20 with your 10 rep max
*superset*
dumbell pullovers: 1 light set of 20
Stiff leg deadlifts: 1 set/15 reps
*superset*
Dumbell pullovers: 1 light set of 20
Bench presses: 2-3 sets/ 6-8 reps
Bent BB rows: 2-3 sets/ 6-8 reps
Military press: 2 sets/ 8-10 reps
Basics, basics, basics. If you're looking for some basic size, do basic excersises. Theres no arm workouts, but they get enough stimulation through everything else. The 20 rep squats is the core of this program. After you're warmed up, put your 10 rep max on the bar, and do 20. Sound tough? it is. Here's how its done. After your initial 10, instead of racking it, pause at the top and breathe deeply. Do another 2-3, maybe 1 is all you get. Then just keep pausing at the top, taking a few breaths and continue until you hit 20. You have to tell yourself that quitting is not an option, you will make 20 reps, and you will. After this, you will be incredibly shot so crawl onto a flat bench and do 20 reps of light DB pullovers, think of it as more of a recovery excersise. Now here's the big kicker: you MUST add 5 lbs every workout. If you absolutely cannot make 20, stay that weight for the next workout until you can. Then some basic movements with 6-8 reps, and you should feel jacked. Once you get to the size you want to be, stop increasing the weight and use it as a maintenance.
This program is a 2 day a week program, like monday/thursday or wednesday/saturday. On the second day of the week, you can do incline or close grip benches instead, and sub pullups for BB rows. It seems almost too simple to work, but the key is in the combination of excersises and the steady increase in weight.
As for diet, simple. On the 2 days you workout, take in MASS calories. eggs/oats, chicken/rice, beef/yams, sandwiches, shakes, and alot of milk. On off days, make sure you have protein at every meal and you can do fine with 3-4 solid meals supplemented with 2-3 shakes throughout the day. Eat a plentiful breakfast, pack some chicken and rice for lunch, have a steak for dinner. Most people don't have trouble getting in 3 meals, just make sure they all have protein and use shakes to make up the difference. Now you only have 2 days in which you really need to force calories into yourself. Also, try to drink as much milk as possible while on this program.
Hope that might help a bit, good luck bro.
Shaolin with all due respect I think you got way too deep into it. I'm with karmazon and G, and I think this thread has gone on too long. What do you need convincing for that you don't need to be obsessed? For something you don't wanna put too much time into, you sure do worry about it a lot. So you don't wanna be a freak, so what? You have all the fuckin elbow space in the world to make a mistake if you don't care about looking amazing...eat decent and go to the gym when you feel like it, it's really not a big deal. You're probably already average or slightly above so you don't need to work that hard, just some basic maintenance work. Just don't let yourself go overboard and you'll be fine. Seriously, asking someone "convince me I don't need to work hard"?.... if you don't care about it that much, which you've clearly stated.....then that in itself should end the problem. You've answered everything yourself already.