Justin Arnold
02-06-2011, 11:01 PM
I understand this could be debated quite a bit, but at least let me explain where I'm coming from so it doesn't sound like such a stupid question.
I remember hearing or reading somewhere that in certain lifts, there is a disproportionate gain in strength in the initial stages of mass-gain due to the increased circumference of the muscle belly pulling at the attachment points at a more favorable angle. (please let me know if this is BS)
Assuming that is true, and someone were in the early phases of getting strong, would it make more sense to focus mostly on strength gain at first? or mass-gain then switch to a focus on strength once the size is there? Which approach would lead to a certain strength goal (such as 2xBW squat or 1.5BW front squat) sooner?
I'm 31, 6'2" and right at 200lb, with somewhere under 10% body fat. I don't "look" very big for weighing that much. (this is a matter of perspective I guess. Compared to a rugby player I'm small.. compared to all the people I've been climbing with for 10 years I'm a monster). I have no idea how to determine whether I have "long femurs" or whatever other anatomical differences will effect strength. I've only been lifting for about a year, and IMO, pretty damn weak. Since highschool I've always been active, but that's usually meant Bouldering or running. My long-term goals are 2xBW ass-to-grass squat, 1.5xBW front squat, BW press, and 2.5xBW pull. I'm off by 20-25% on most of these. I've messed around with starting strength & 531, and seen decent gains, but I can't help but feel I should be getting stronger more quickly than I am (novice effect). I've been looking at West Side for Skinny Bastards as an option, but wonder about recovery with the seemingly crazy volume when you add the bouldering. Seems like it's geared toward Highschool athletes with all of that testosterone floating around. Gant's EZHybrid is another option, though I need to spend some more time comparing.
Any thoughts are appreciated,
Justin
I remember hearing or reading somewhere that in certain lifts, there is a disproportionate gain in strength in the initial stages of mass-gain due to the increased circumference of the muscle belly pulling at the attachment points at a more favorable angle. (please let me know if this is BS)
Assuming that is true, and someone were in the early phases of getting strong, would it make more sense to focus mostly on strength gain at first? or mass-gain then switch to a focus on strength once the size is there? Which approach would lead to a certain strength goal (such as 2xBW squat or 1.5BW front squat) sooner?
I'm 31, 6'2" and right at 200lb, with somewhere under 10% body fat. I don't "look" very big for weighing that much. (this is a matter of perspective I guess. Compared to a rugby player I'm small.. compared to all the people I've been climbing with for 10 years I'm a monster). I have no idea how to determine whether I have "long femurs" or whatever other anatomical differences will effect strength. I've only been lifting for about a year, and IMO, pretty damn weak. Since highschool I've always been active, but that's usually meant Bouldering or running. My long-term goals are 2xBW ass-to-grass squat, 1.5xBW front squat, BW press, and 2.5xBW pull. I'm off by 20-25% on most of these. I've messed around with starting strength & 531, and seen decent gains, but I can't help but feel I should be getting stronger more quickly than I am (novice effect). I've been looking at West Side for Skinny Bastards as an option, but wonder about recovery with the seemingly crazy volume when you add the bouldering. Seems like it's geared toward Highschool athletes with all of that testosterone floating around. Gant's EZHybrid is another option, though I need to spend some more time comparing.
Any thoughts are appreciated,
Justin