829
830
831

FitnessDo You Even Lift? (self.TheRedPill)

submitted by [deleted]

[deleted]


[–]globst 241 points242 points  (62 children)

Can attest - my life changed rapidly for the better after lifting.

I then added meditation to the mix (concentration + insight) and things got even better. Do both.

[–]crespo_modesto 30 points31 points  (40 children)

How long did it take you to figure out meditation? What's the feeling you get, I'm trying, probably just impatient. Like "is it working?" haha

[–]globst 90 points91 points  (21 children)

I've been meditating on and off for almost 8 months now.

I only seriously got into practice about 4 months ago after researching meditation options to deaths.

I finally came across (what I believe so far to be) the best resource out there for meditation. A book called The Mind Illuminated.

It reads like a university textbook - splits meditation into 10 stages. Each stage can take many weeks / months to master so you only need to read it bit by bit - master then move on to the next stage.

In a nutshell - there are two main forms of meditation in Buddhism. Concentration and Insight.

Concentration is focus on a single point object (I do the breath). So in this case whenever I have a distracting thought and as soon as I notice it I force a return back to the breath. It's taken me about 3-4 months to get a solid 20/25 minutes in the morning and night. You can often feel something immediately after a sit but the feeling wears off after a few minutes. I started feeling a more day to day change around 4/6 weeks in. I just find myself thinking about things less and when you think about things less (especially negative emotions) you feel much better. Other people noticed around the 4-6 week, keep getting comments on an apparent happier disposition and more of a IDGAF mentality.

However concentration does not bring insight into your emotions (this is what mindfulness/insight meditation is about). So these days I still get angry (or whatever emotion), just less often and the anger lasts far less. To truly let go one has to have insight into their emotions. The Mind Illuminated seems to follow a structure where you master concentration first before moving onto insight. I'm not there yet so I don't have any input on this.

So in summary 4-6 weeks to feel generally happier and ruminate less - but also its taken me about 4-6 weeks of consistent practice to look forward to meditating and make it a part of my everyday life.

[–]whuttupfoo 32 points33 points  (13 children)

Up your concentation time to 45 minutes a day to reap the benefits of deeper concentration states. What’s more important is the amount of time you stay concentrated on your breath without breaking focus. A beginner typically can hold attention for around 5 to 30 seconds at time. Let’s call this a “mental rep” speaking in terms of the gym. Every rep you do, gets you closer to holding that concentration longer even just for 2 seconds more. Increasing your meditation session to 45 minutes allows you more room to increase that length of concentration to 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and beyond.

And that solid concentration without breaking focus produces euphoric pleasure, akin to drugs and orgasms. The longer you spend in these euphoric states, the more it’ll persist outside of meditation and into your daily life. Imagine walking around high throughout the day without the mental fog and sluggishness of drugs. The benefits you can get from being in that state is fucking mind blowing. Read the appendix section on The Mind Illuminated on the Jhanas to get more info on these states.

[–]thewhitefox7 10 points11 points  (6 children)

I do not mean to berate you, but I am sure that you haven't even had glimpse of Jhana, neither did author of 'The Mind Illuminated'. Buddhist scriptures have both merit and danger of speaking of things very clearly and in very classified way. This can pose danger, as some intellectualist can try to stretch their own experience in order to reach the classification of Jhanas. It's fitting of a square peg in a round hole, in order to glorify your ego 'that you have made it'. By the way that the Jhana Appendix is written in that book and by the way you write:

Imagine walking around high throughout the day without the mental fog and sluggishness of drugs. The benefits you can get from being in that state is fucking mind blowing

I can clearly see that you have no idea what you are talking about. Neither does the author, because he focuses on completely irrelevant aspects. He just lowers the bar of what Jhana means, to be able to cross it - not by his work, but by skweing the definition of that experience. It's not something that you analyze and compare aspects of your experience with the definition, to finally reach half-assed conclusion 'Yup, that must have been it, I'm badass.' If someone put you on fire, you would not consider ‘I wonder what degree of burn it will produce, hmm…’ – the experience is simply overwhelming. You also cannot analyze it afterwards – the memory of the experience is faint in comparison to the experience itself. Keep looking. Don’t trust some bozo from the book, rely only on your own experience. Watch some Jiddu Krishnamurti on yt, he knows what he is saying.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can analyze it afterwards. The impossible part is putting the experience into words. There are just no words sufficient for such states.

If someone put me on fire I could tell you about the pain it caused me. But I would not be able to sufficiently do the pain justice in my description of it.

Also you say "Don't trust some bozo, use your own experience"... and then go on to recommend some bozo on youtube instead??? Come on man.

[–]DayGameChirality 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Watch some Jiddu Krishnamurti on yt, he knows what he is saying.

This. I can't imagine getting into spirituality and not exploring with this guy.

load more comments (4 replies)

    [–]NYComrade 2 points3 points  (2 children)

    I notice a pressure behind my forehead and a pleasurable feeling throughout my head when I lock my focus solely on my breathing. Is that normal and what causes this?

    [–]thewhitefox7 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Increased neuronal activity in cerebellar cortex responsible for sensing your own body, you could observe it on MRI. It's analogous to the situation when you are writing some important test, when you can feel greater tension in your frontal part of the brain. This is normal and desirable.

    [–]PsychedelicDentist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    When you hear hippies talking about the "third eye", that's partly what they are referring to. And yes it's normal, it gets more and more intense

    load more comments (3 replies)

      [–]KBeer01 2 points3 points  (1 child)

      Mind Illuminated

      Thanks for the recommendation, just bought it.

      [–]abhishek9129 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      This is exactly similar to Vipassana, 10 day of sitting and 12 hours of meditation everyday. I did it, tons of all over body pain for 3-4 days. Then from 7-10 days, i reached 'the flow', incredible feeling and super present. Obviously cant put into words.

      Similar Changes

      IDGAF VIBE, More productive, ZERO Anger, Joyful feeling, very creative and energetic throughout the day, getting pussy's wet from 10ft away

      I will be going soon for another retreat.

      [–]crespo_modesto 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      meditation options to deaths

      Not sure how to interpret that, hope you're alright.

      20/25 minutes

      Dang. I heard it takes about that long.

      I just find myself thinking about things less

      This isn't similar to that feeling when you lift and you just feel at ease after a bit.. I don't know if that's endorphins(or if endorphins only happen when you run).

      but also its taken me about 4-6 weeks of consistent practice to look forward to meditating and make it a part of my everyday life.

      Alright... another thing to add to the ol' bucket list haha

      [–]globst 5 points6 points  (0 children)

      Dang. I heard it takes about that long.

      The book recommends building up to 45 minutes in a single session to see more benefits. I'm not there yet, however the means to get there are addressed in the chapters (how to overcome dullness/boredom).

      This isn't similar to that feeling when you lift and you just feel at ease after a bit.. I don't know if that's endorphins(or if endorphins only happen when you run).

      It's a similar feeling. When you constantly over and over and over many sessions force yourself back to the present (your breath) this eventually starts to spill over into your day to day life. It's like I'm doing a task and more present to the task (instead of my mind wandering all over the place).

      Alright... another thing to add to the ol' bucket list haha

      Good - I do thoroughly recommend the book.

      load more comments (1 reply)

        [–]teeekuuu 6 points7 points  (1 child)

        Start with an app called “Mindfullness” some good guided meditations there. Good stuff, I listen to it at work if I get a chance, or right after my morning jog.

        [–]Lion-Slicer 4 points5 points  (2 children)

        For me, it has helped with worrying about the future. When you meditate and a thought pops into you head, you neither label it good or bad but just release the thought and go back to the breath (present)

        Now when I have a particular worry about a future event, I do the same thing effortlessly because you are training your brain to do this. So the more you meditate, the better you get at doing this.

        [–]crespo_modesto 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Yeah that's the plan/goal I'm in the worry/over-analyze/paralyze phase right now

        Thanks

        [–]FELLSGUD 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Meditating helps you realize that you are not your thoughts, and you don't have to be controlled by them.

        [–]Ferocious245 3 points4 points  (1 child)

        Its a wonderful feeling. It almost makes you want to cry at the joy of life. You feel present, very aware of your surroundings. And your focus is entirely on your breath and your body. Every cell in your body feels like its bursting with life energy and you love every breath you take. And at the same time, you're conscious of all your tense muscles and you consciously loosen them up, and sit in a very postured yet relaxed position. Focusing on the breath, while simultaneously aware of everything around you, even if your eyes are closed. Its like you have a third eye just watching everything. Its like, your surroundings change. You saw them before you were in a meditative state, but you werent really seeing them. After meditating and achieving presence, the tree looks fucking amazing. You might smile just because. You might touch the tree, and love the feeling of it. An inner joy rises from deep inside you and you feel light. Thats what meditating feels like.

        [–]crespo_modesto 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Every cell in your body feels like its bursting with life energy

        Haha. Read that in Morgan Freeman's voice.

        Well I definitely don't feel this. Still trying to get past that "thoughts come up, push them aside phase" it's curl up into a ball and cry.

        [–]OfficerWade 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Just go with the flow. Don’t fight yourself. There’s no special way to meditate except by staying honest with yourself. If you feel disease, anxious, depressed, scared just stop and realize you’ve been able to get in touch with those feelings. Use them to build a framework for your life. Don’t indulge them don’t try and intellectualize them or get caught in the motions.

        [–]SpecialSpnk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Dl insight timer. It's great. I can definitely attest to both lifting and meditation. I am becoming a fucking machine and loving it

        [–]FELLSGUD 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        One way to approach it that works for me:

        Think of it like you're working out a mental muscle, your "attention" muscle. For 5 minutes (in the beginning) place your focus entirely on your breath. In and out. In and out.

        Every time you find your attention moves to something else (any random thought, could be an itch, your job, that cashiers ass in the yoga pants, etc. ) consciously bring it back to the breath. In and out. You've now done one "rep".

        The more reps you do, the better you get at it. So the next time you find yourself thinking negative or anxious thoughts, you can more easily shift the attention off the thought and into the present moment, where you are at your most relaxed and creative.

        It's a spectacular way of managing stress and creating a happier, healthier life. It goes much deeper than this, but 5 minutes of breath meditation a day is a good starting point.

        [–]crespo_modesto 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        5 minutes sounds reasonable. I like the rep analogy

        [–]blacklightsleaze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        One upon a time when my grand grand grandfather used to sheep grazing and chilling in the sunny field under some tree, thinking about nothing, because there was not much to think about. He was basically unintentionally doing meditation.

        How days life is intense and you have to think about a whole bunch of stressful shit and do a lot of planning for future which is very exhausting. So you need to sit, chill and think about nothing for some time and you will feel better afterwards. Of course its easier said than done.

        load more comments (4 replies)

          [–]Endorsed ContributorAuvergnat 12 points13 points  (8 children)

          Way to hijack the post's message to talk about another topic..

          Look I do meditate and do enjoy the benefits, but don't you even compare it to the importance of lifting. Being physically strong is the very essence of masculinity. It's the deepest foundation. It's the main regulator of the male hormone. Your physical health, your mental health, your sex life, your social status, your game... All rely on a solid foundation of physical strength.

          Physical strength is your system's firmware. Meditation is an add-on to your browser.

          [–]mejakejohnson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          Oh the beauty that a beast with brains can offer 😌

          [–]Heizenbrg 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          Also Yoga, never gets enough praise on here

          load more comments (9 replies)

            [–]Nwandaa 108 points109 points  (27 children)

            Was an assiduous lifter and in great shape before a devastating motorcycle accident at 21 in which, amongst other injuries (broken ribs and shoulder, collapsed lungs, removed spleen), I broke 4 vertebrae. I've been dealing with back pain on a daily basis ever since. I tried to get back to the gym as soon as I could, about 2 years later, but my body just wasn't the same and therefore quit shortly after. My chronic back pain is a bitch, but it's nothing compared to the inadequate form i am now in and the way I see myself in the mirror after years of not lifting. I am now ready to try again, well aware of the fact that it is gonna take double the effort for half the results. Good post OP, needed the extra motivation. And guys, if you are healthy and pain-free HIT THE GYM NOW, value your phisical state and honor it by killing those weights.

            [–]Flesh_Pillow5 45 points46 points  (2 children)

            Look into fasting as a healing modality, also optimise your diet, research research research, much brotherly love to you man. We have your back albeit existentially.

            [–]Nwandaa 17 points18 points  (1 child)

            I will. Been coping with the pain in the wrong ways for too long.

            [–]Flesh_Pillow5 11 points12 points  (0 children)

            I've seen some interesting things about stem cell injections, give it a year or two for scientific research to build up more. Just keep fighting man! Through the dark times and the light.

            [–]daringdeviljackass 9 points10 points  (5 children)

            Dont know yoir attitude towards it but prescribed or self prescribed PEDs (steroids) seem like a viable option. Some like deca, primo, eq can improve joints and soft tissue, while all of the main ones will help with bone healing and general recovery. Either way, stay strong.

            [–]Nwandaa 4 points5 points  (3 children)

            I live in Europe, so I do believe those are not legal. Thanks for the input tho

            [–]StrongerFasterBigger 26 points27 points  (1 child)

            They’re not legal in the USA either lol

            [–]daringdeviljackass 14 points15 points  (0 children)

            Relevant username, checks out

            load more comments (1 reply)

              [–]UncleChido 7 points8 points  (7 children)

              You don’t have to stress your body if you’re injured. It would exacerbate your injuries. Try going light with the weights and seek intellectual gains too.

              [–]Nwandaa 3 points4 points  (6 children)

              I guess my mistake was the eagerness to get back to my old regime, without really taking into account the fact that my back is never gonna be the same. I'll approach it differently this time around.

              [–]UncleChido 1 point2 points  (0 children)

              You already have a good foundation, as you were lifting before. Light weights would definitely work. Good luck mate.

              load more comments (5 replies)

                [–]hash_bang22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                Not even 30, but in a similar boat. Chronic back pain which surgery could only alleviate, not eliminate. That's been my excuse for the last 5 years and my body is paying the price. I'm only getting older. Now's the time. Thanks for that extra push bro.

                [–]matrixtospartanatLV 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Here’s some motivation for you.

                https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LQNFWnwxCzM

                Also, check into using kettlebells as therapy using ballistic exercises while strengthening tendons, muscles, and connective tissues.

                [–]OlanValesco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Hey, I've had chronic pain for 11 years. Started lifting last year and my bench is up to 335, deadlift somewhere around 440-445. Every single gym session sucks. Doesn't get better. Every treatment people suggest is terrible and doesn't work, and everybody thinks they're a medical wizard with the magic opinion.

                Don't care what other people say; listen to your body. If something hurts in a bad way, don't do it. I don't squat because of my chronic pain. The last time I did, it took 5 weeks to return to base levels of pain. That said, look into wraps and stuff. Wrist wraps are the only way I can bench and shoulder press.

                One more thing about "don't do it if it hurts": sometimes working a joint/muscle is what it takes to heal it. Before I started lifting, I had a shoulder injury that had been hurting for 9 months (not related to my chronic pain). After about 3 months of lifting, my shoulder was fine.

                Anyway, if you need someone to talk to about chronic pain life, you can message me.

                [–]DonPaettyz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Ex rider here (crotch rocket), no accidents thank goodness. But I have been suffering from back pain from lifting. Try buying an inversion table. It tractions your spine since you hang from your feet upside down. People swear by this treatment after years of chiro etc. Good luck

                load more comments (5 replies)

                  [–]bounty9 33 points34 points  (10 children)

                  In addition to getting bigger muscles, lifting slims the face, revealing cheekbones, jawline, etc and has other effects on attraction

                  [–]Yabadababoobs 4 points5 points  (6 children)

                  How though? Lifting doesn't change how your fat is distributed.

                  [–]FELLSGUD 24 points25 points  (4 children)

                  Losing fat makes jawbone more defined, and increased muscle growth around your entire body means your jaw muscles as well (total broscience but a lot of bros have attested to it).

                  [–]iamanalterror_ 1 point2 points  (3 children)

                  muscle growth around your entire body means your jaw muscles as well

                  No, you get that from chewing gum, a.k.a. exercising your jaw muscles. There is a gum called Mastiha gum which is apparently good for a jaw workout

                  [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

                  I think the logical answer is simply that people who lift are more conscious of their health and make choices that lead to less fat on their body.

                  I honestly think if stuff like that worked, we would see it recommended more, because every dude I know wants a killer jaw.

                  [–]phenethyljammin 7 points8 points  (0 children)

                  Lifting increases testosterone which reduces fat percentage and increases lean muscle mass. It does alter fat distribution by removing fat from the stomach area, face and other areas.

                  load more comments (3 replies)

                    [–]extreme_aardvark 45 points46 points  (8 children)

                    Inspiring. I’m a short motherfucker though, 5’4. Can’t help it, so you can bet your ass I own that shit.

                    Must lift more.

                    [–]Ardgarius 59 points60 points  (4 children)

                    Be as wide as you are tall my bro

                    [–]Yabadababoobs 15 points16 points  (0 children)

                    But make sure its not fat so you are not a circle.

                    [–]throwawaaay87 13 points14 points  (2 children)

                    Picturing a 5’4x5’4 person made me laugh my ass off.

                    [–]TheBunBun54321 9 points10 points  (0 children)

                    I couldn't help but picture that dead 'Ugandan Knuckles' meme haha

                    load more comments (1 reply)

                      [–]ozenmacher 4 points5 points  (2 children)

                      I am 5'5". Same boat, I mountaineer and stay very lean. Very large legs/thighs and strong glutes are VERY attractive to woman. I keep my upper body lean and strong, not bulky. It really slims your figure, while still be strong, and "enhances" your height.

                      [–]possessedmokey 17 points18 points  (6 children)

                      I have built a decent gym in a building on my property. Problem solved I can still lay in bed naked with said hot woman and work out for an hour. Lifting was the best decision I have ever made. I'm short thanks to my short parents. So I can't go up I go bulk. I can out lift the vast majority of people I know. Except a few power lifter friends. Nothing is better than picking up a female and Fucking her against the wall.

                      [–]NoJobs 8 points9 points  (1 child)

                      Also built gym in my basement. Definitely worth it

                      [–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

                      Shit, I'm taking up 1/3 of a one bedroom flat with my Olympic half rack/bench/barbell. Definitely worth it.

                      [–]Builtspill 1 points1 points [recovered]

                      Tall guys are jealous of the short range of motion. That's what they always say when seeing a short dude out-lift them. Also in sports/fights you have a bowling ball center of gravity.

                      [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                      . Also in sports/fights you have a bowling ball center of gravity.

                      Can definitely confirm. 5'9 and 180 lbs, sparr with alot of bigger guys. Taller guys are more often than not easier to take down

                      [–]possessedmokey 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                      This is true. In bjj no one can get me in an arm bar lol.

                      [–]Scandinavianredpill 16 points17 points  (3 children)

                      Great article, you get addicted to how you feel working out - as you say, it's not just physical. On top of that everyone will view you differently if you are big, I have seen the change. People say they don't care - but if you are very intelligent and got great size you will instantly get admiration. You will have something few have.

                      [–]lastdumra 30 points31 points  (3 children)

                      The mentality change from the hormones can not be said enough.

                      [–]Yabadababoobs 21 points22 points  (2 children)

                      It has a side effect for me, whenever I'm done lifting I wanna suck some nipples, have no idea what kind of fucked up subconcious shit I have.

                      [–]HumbleRedPillStudent 9 points10 points  (0 children)

                      This comment is made funnier by your username......yabadaba, my friend! (o)(o)

                      [–]GanksGriefersForFun 28 points29 points  (9 children)

                      Going to the gym is my pilgrimage. It's not home, it's not work. Nobody has any control on my time but me. The iron church.

                      This resonates with me. Every other part of your life is timed, tested and judged. Lifting you can take at your own pace, with or without a shirt on, with or without music, stretching and lifting at your pace. It requires you to schedule free time, yes, but it's freeing - Like meditating.

                      [–]Yabadababoobs 18 points19 points  (5 children)

                      My gym don't let me remove any clothes, I would kill to feel my balls dangling when I deadlift.

                      [–]EdmondDaunts 5 points6 points  (1 child)

                      Get a home gym. Bottomless squats feel very odd at first.

                      load more comments (3 replies)

                        [–]Buchloe 3 points4 points  (2 children)

                        Dost thou even lifteth, brethren?

                        [–]ApexmanRP 12 points13 points  (0 children)

                        "Lifting is a discipline."

                        This should be your first line.

                        [–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (1 child)

                        I love the way I look. I MADE this.

                        I like this but it can cut both ways. If you’re walking around 30-60 pounds overweight you made yourself this way. That bag of doritos wont kill you today. Nor will the one tomorrow, but keep that up and all those shitty snacks you’ve been eating for years will compound to the fatass who sits in his lazyboy when he’s 40 watching wheel of fortune and jeopardy nightly. Alternatively that barbell you lift today wont make you the walking fuck factory people admire, nor will the dumbbell you lift tomorrow. But given time and discipline you will be a commading presence before you know it.

                        [–]UncleChido 9 points10 points  (1 child)

                        I sometime read (here on TRP) a comment about lifting. it has stuck with me since as I’ve discovered it to be so true. It goes;

                        It not really about getting muscles but at the same time it is. It’s about the confidence which you get from lifting which also is the effect of growing muscles.

                        It’s definitely something every man should do. Keep lifting. No excuses.

                        [–]Yabadababoobs 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                        Its pure hormones, I was feeling far better even after my first work out ever, I definetely didnt get any bigger that day lifting an empty barbell but I felt deep inside I was worrying about stupid shit whole my life.

                        [–]Zepode1 11 points12 points  (0 children)

                        If the people around here who always ask “why lift?” can’t get any spark of motivation to go lift from an anthem like that, they are hopeless.

                        Lifting, unlike many things in modern society, is better than drugs.

                        [–]meektakeL 124 points125 points  (2 children)

                        In other news, the sky is blue.

                        [–]stoicgorilla 33 points34 points  (0 children)

                        Everybody isn't at the same level, starting from the same place. What's old news to you is brand new to another. I enjoyed his post and rereading The Iron. Great stuff.

                        load more comments (1 reply)

                          [–]Greek-God-Brody 8 points9 points  (1 child)

                          I remember one of my workouts a few weeks back. Had depressing / suicidal thoughts that day in my head. No way I would skip my workout. And I didn't. Had one of my best workouts ever. Left it all out there. Pure focus. Achieved a triple PR that day (Flat Bench Press, DB Military Press, Barbell Curls).

                          Walked out of the gym feeling the world is mine.

                          The gym is my safe haven. Truly a powerful antidepressant.

                          [–]anabolic92 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                          Can relate to this.

                          Hard to explain but it is like everything else stops mattering when I'm training.

                          The problems are there, but they are not causing pain/depressive thoughts anymore but anger to push a little further.

                          [–]thunderbeyond 12 points13 points  (0 children)

                          Wholeheartedly agree.

                          A year ago I was poor and starting out. I couldn't afford to go to the gym so I started BWF. I got gains, but when I'd saved some money I got myself to the gym.

                          I had never been to a gym to lift before. I didn't know what to expect, and why everyone on the RP subs kept saying to lift.

                          Starting with just the bar was humbling, but I kept with it. Now I'm a regular, and the muscle definition is clear. I feel strong. I am strong.

                          I don't talk to others at the gym, but now I get respect from the bigger guys there who have seen me progress. I might lift half of what they can, but I'm there 3x week without fail.

                          I know I get more respect in the workplace and in social circles than when I was a skinny fucker. Having a physical frame indicates to others that you have self-respect and are disciplined. Those qualities alone will separate you from 70% of your peers.

                          [–]BaelorsBalls 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                          This is what I like to see on TRP

                          [–]manwithoutwire 40 points41 points  (21 children)

                          Hmm. Lifting is great and all, I'm 5'8" 200 lbs of solid muscle. I think we're starting to transcend above "just lift bro". You gotta stretch, meditate, do yoga and do MMA in addition to lifting. No one cares about some solid bodybuilder/ powerlifter / strongman /crossfitter anymore you got to have a solid foundation in all areas of the fitness spectrum.

                          [–][deleted] 22 points23 points  (3 children)

                          Pairing with martial arts is great (I practice judo). Pairing with cardio is great...I run 2.5 miles 3x's, small investment with great return. Yeah, I totally agree about the fitness spectrum....lifting and running are the base, though.

                          And esp. at my age....man, the foam roller is a freaking godsend.

                          [–]GutShot9 1 points1 points [recovered]

                          I've heard references to foam rollers a few times. What are they and what are they used for?

                          [–]ghiimly 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                          You roll your tense muscles on them to loosen them up. If your lower back is sore/overly cramped from deadlifting way to much, roll it laying down on top of it with the foam roller on your lower back and go back and forth. Usually hurts like a bitch if you over work muscle groups and don't stretch often. But if you properly do your warm ups and stretches you'd be less likely to use them. Of course, you can also use it even if they aren't tensed just to release some of the tension on them/lactic acid build up after a workout, etc.

                          [–]Trowawayantifap28 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                          Thats is like saying to a homeless guy with no education that he has to become astrophysicist in 3 month. you have to start slow and with something. Hitting the gym is an easy first step.

                          [–]quasimoto_1 16 points17 points  (10 children)

                          Lol no cares about mma and yoga . Just have a good body . No one cares how you got it.

                          [–]That_Deaf_Guy 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                          Not true, MMA and yoga will also help in other areas of life. Plenty of posts on this sub about how it can help, look into it.

                          [–]Throwaway-242424 1 point2 points  (3 children)

                          Martial arts give you a sort of self-confidence that even extensive lifting can't really replicate. Other men will also give you respect if they know you're able to fight, similar to the respect you get from being jacked. Also if you're going to do cardio either way, might as well use the time in a worthwhile fashion.

                          load more comments (5 replies)

                            [–]Heizenbrg 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                            How are you 58 200 and I'm 5'7' 140? Are you fucking massive

                            [–]anabolic92 1 point2 points  (2 children)

                            5'10 around 190 lbs pretty lean.

                            Agreed, there is a moment where you have to do more than lifting. I personally added:

                            • MMA: Guys with less muscle and even maybe fatter than me have better resistance in the ring. Most of it because carrying too much muscle can be bad at fights if you don't know how to fight.

                            • Sauna: I cannot express how I feel after Sauna+cold shower, during the Sauna I try to meditate somehow, and after the cold shower I just lay. I leave the gym with a sensation of relax/peace I cannot express.

                            Stretching is something I'm missing, sometimes I struggle to fucking fasten the car's belt if it's tiny and flexibility when kicking on MMA.

                            [–]Collegia_Titanica 17 points18 points  (0 children)

                            Thanks for the post, needed this.

                            [–]officerkondo 16 points17 points  (0 children)

                            Lifting weights is a good idea? Who knew?

                            [–]tempolaca 8 points9 points  (0 children)

                            Also, don't forget leg day

                            https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-05-leg-critical-brain-nervous-health.html

                            [–]All_is_Dust 1 points1 points [recovered]

                            Can a fupa wielding neckbeard achieve much by lifting? More specifically, do I need to need the fat and bulk up or can I convert what I have to something better?

                            [–]Final_Pantasy[🍰] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                            Lift and eat at a caloric deficit. Use a calorie calculator to figure out how much you burn on a daily basis and subtract 500 calories. Adjust calories lower if you aren't losing atleast 1 lb a week after a month (You will lose a lot your first month). Track calorie intake to a T. Try to get 160+ grams of protein a day at minimum.

                            [–]valentinoroscoe 9 points10 points  (0 children)

                            Start lifting and stop eating and get ready for your life to change.

                            [–]All_is_Dust 1 points1 points [recovered]

                            I miss typed my question. What I mean is as an obese man, do I need to lose weight first and then move into lifting? Or a combination of the two? Or just go straight into it? I've just discovered a 24hr weight lifting gym 5 minutes from my house.

                            Thanks for the responses men.

                            [–]valentinoroscoe 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                            We know what you asked. Diet and lift. Start tomorrow.

                            [–]zuixihuan 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                            Would you feel comfortable walking shirtless down Main Street tomorrow?

                            This is seriously underrated. I have ripped my shirt off just after a workout and walked around Manhattan in NYC, Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, Hongdae in Seoul, and plenty more crowded places.

                            It's the best feeling to have the sun on your back, while packs of girls check you out and giggle like schoolgirls to each other when they see your muscles and audacity.

                            [–]red_matrix 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                            The Iron and The Soul is required reading, and should be read monthly. Damn, that should be on the side bar.

                            [–]boxxybebe 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                            The Iron Church would be such a dope gym name

                            [–]nananaNate8 9 points10 points  (4 children)

                            I literally can't function if I don't get a lift in, rest days are torture but necessary. Plus you get manly callused hands, I had betas complain when shaking my hand that's it's so rough but women love it. The gym is so addicting I even got certified as a personal trainer so I can spend more time in the place I love and help stuggling adults gain confidence in their bodies.

                            [–]zuixihuan 10 points11 points  (0 children)

                            The calluses are the best. You can give women a massage and back scratches at the same time.

                            [–]kimokos 2 points3 points  (2 children)

                            You could do PPL and on the 7th day do core workouts.

                            [–]nananaNate8 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                            I currently do pull push legs rest because I deadlift for pull and back squat for leg day. I think the rest day is mandatory so I can go heavy more often

                            [–]tonikroosofficial 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                            Yeah, on Thursday I won't renew my swimming membership. I paired swimming with MMA but even tho I'm losing fat, I'm also losing a ton of muscle. Gonna keep MMA and pair it with lifting next month and see if my results will get better.

                            [–]SeratoninRising 1 points1 points [recovered]

                            Lifting, augmenting walking/sitting posture and relearning verbal/non-verbal language has done wonders for me.

                            Hot ass fucking women are noticing me now. My SMV has obviously increased. The increase almost feels exponential vs linear.

                            A few things I still need to work on:

                            • Warm and cold approach.
                            • Learning how to stop caring about the increased negative attention from other men (insecure alpha strangers + beta strangers, friends and family).
                            • Meditation (probabbly ties into the above point).

                            Tying back into OP's post ... lifting consistently is one of the main pillars of TRP. Start today.

                            [–]123questions321 2 points3 points  (3 children)

                            For those that lift and have pretty good muscle on them, do you feel pretty alpha in the room and or confident just naturally when around a group of people ?

                            [–]liberty1127 3 points4 points  (1 child)

                            I feel like the fucking man no matter who's around. Even guys who are bigger. Everyone can tell how much more confidence you have, its like an aura.

                            I went to the casino this weekend with my buddy and I wore the tightest shirt I own and I had women looking at me left and right. I got a few numbers and flirted while at the bar and playing roulette. It's a good feeling. I'm 5'11 195lbs roughly and like 12% bf.

                            [–]hazaraMoghul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                            I am a buff nurse. I get alot of attention and respect from nurses and doctors.

                            But i also study higher degree. In class with other students i dont feel alpha. Just normal.

                            [–]ImALoneWolfBaby 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                            8 months in, being tall is a pain in the ass but have gone from 158 to 175 and still slowly gaining. Just hate how lonjg it takes to show when you are tall. I am hoping to be 200 by early next year. With that said the health benefits alone are great, the discipline it builds that transfer to other parts of life and it does feel good/lift confidence.

                            [–]jadenrick9 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                            I’ve been going to the gym more and more. I don’t go everyday but I go often. My confidence has increased a fuck ton. I feel more comfortable in my body and feel happy, I’m still not attractive or anything but what keeps me determined is that I can eventually get closer to my ideal body image.

                            [–]seanwilliams35 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                            Great post. I have battled with self confidence many times, but never after a lifting session.

                            [–]_nein_danke 2 points3 points  (8 children)

                            Can I use swimming as a way of doing this? I swim fast and a fair amount too, never slack and am always motivated to go. It's getting me a great physique etc. Just wondered if I am okay to carry on with this rather than actual lifting?

                            [–]HerefortheTuna 1 point2 points  (2 children)

                            I just added swimming again and damn it helps. But it’s a supplement to my routine.

                            [–]_nein_danke 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                            Can push-ups and body weight exercises count for this?

                            [–]HerefortheTuna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                            Sure but I would at least try the gym for a few months. If you really give it a college try you will kick yourself for not starting to lift sooner (I did)

                            [–]suitcasecity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                            It’s a different stimulus for the body. Look at a lifters body and look at a swimmers body, see the difference? Also i can bet that competitive swimmers can outlift the average gym goer too.

                            [–]Throwaway-242424 0 points1 point  (3 children)

                            Swimming is good exercise but it is not going to give you the same physique gains as lifting.

                            [–]_nein_danke 0 points1 point  (2 children)

                            I'm a lifting noob. When people say lifting what are the basic things they're talking about?

                            [–]redd_reality 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                            Somedays, the only thing that holds me together is my ballz to the wall, mean as fuck lifting session. All of my anger, dissatisfaction etc is released into the ether and what's left is a calm, controlled, better looking, better feeling version of myself.

                            Take care of lifting and I'd even venture to say that the rest of your life will seem to 'fall into place' a heck of a lot better and faster. It's geometric growth once you start down the physical fitness path. First is the physical world, which then paves the way to the emotional, spiritual and mental.

                            [–]happy_withoutem 2 points3 points  (1 child)

                            I'm totally convinced of the benefits and virtues of lifting. My problem is I just DON'T LIKE IT.

                            I still push myself and get my workouts done, but I don't find any of the perks other people mention experiencing, other than liking the way I look in the mirror when I come out of the shower.

                            I don't feel great after I'm done. I don't find that it takes my mind off anything. I don't find that my insomnia goes away. And I haven't found that my attitude towards it changes as time goes by. I simply don't enjoy it at all no matter how much I do.

                            What should I do?

                            [–]Throwaway-242424 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                            Keep lifting. Find a program with relatively low volume and frequency so you can keep your gains and continue improving while giving you time for other pursuits. Have you tried martial arts? That's usually the #2 physical activity advised on TRP.

                            [–]JcHgvr 6 points7 points  (2 children)

                            lifting reduces bone density

                            I think you got it the wrong way around

                            [–]U-94 2 points3 points  (1 child)

                            I have a lifelong chronic addiction to heavy metal, hard rock and similar genres....I need my toxic fix of music/adrenalin while exercising daily.

                            [–]BatPotato15 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                            Do you pick things up aand put them down ?

                            [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                            I lift again... but still waiting for the not hating it to kick in

                            [–]ManSoldWorld 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                            Two twin girls - one is average, the other looks toned and fit. Otherwise identical. Who do you pick?

                            Both...all jokes aside, good post.

                            The gym is very much a mental thing as it is a physical one. It's a question if you want to better than you are now, and if you want to be better than what you were yesterday, etc.

                            [–]green_tea_bag 1 point2 points  (4 children)

                            He's right. Used to lift and wasn't ever really 'big' but definitely ripped and lean. Made a difference for sure. Women showed up without much effort. Dropped off later, after one of those turned out bpd, and dragged me away from my routine. Am skinny again. I see the difference in my life absolutely. Starting up again, knowing what I can achieve.

                            One addition to this: if you're issue is that you are under the weight you want to be, you need to eat much more food than you do now. You might need to double or triple your daily calorie intake if you actually expect to gain muscle. Otherwise, by lifting you will get stronger but not necessarily bigger muscle.

                            [–]room_303 1 point2 points  (2 children)

                            dragged me away from my routine. Am skinny again

                            Did she drag you away for years?, diet/protein can sustain gains even when not lifting.

                            load more comments (1 reply)

                              [–]meaningintragedy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                              I agree that lifting is awesome because of so many reasons (170kg/105kg/190kg here), but its effect on women is so overrated. Of course they like to squeeze your triceps and prefer big guys, but it's 5% top of game as far as my experience goes.

                              [–]drmzboii 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                              Thanks for a kick in the ass today!

                              [–]perkam 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                              Stop inspiring me.

                              I know I'm just going to let myself down again.

                              [–]WhiteGhosts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                              20 year old me thought fitness wasn't needed

                              23 year old me realizes the stupidity of that thought and has started to fitness. Currently on my first cut :/

                              [–]Kurush559 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                              Same goes for a martial art.

                              To the guys that don't lift/fight - lift and do a martial art for ONE YEAR and you won't even have to THINK about 'being an alpha.' Those activities will do it for you.

                              [–]Senior Endorsed ContributorRian_Stone 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                              Was funny. Back in the day when the military offered me SSRIs for anxiety, they did... Ok. Was like I could still feel it, the way you could hear someone yelling in another room with the door closed.

                              When I hit the iron (and it was to the point where I was doing failure ever set, don't do this) it went away.

                              I almost miss it, a great incentive to hit the gym

                              [–]Goodest_Boy_In_Town 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                              I've been lifting and gaining muscle, but I don't feel confident and sexually virile. I feel sexually broken from years of porn and fetishes. No matter how much I lift I still feel like a boy, not a man. Never gonna stop lifting, but it's not the answer to all your problems. You need discipline in all areas of life. I'm not even sure I want to 'pound' women, I feel more sexually submissive than I want to. I really have to kick porn and get out more... Fuck

                              [–]ajbrooks192 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                              "I love lifting because i love walking into a room and instantly being the alpha" if you genuinely believe this is true then you need to go back to practising the blade m'lord

                              [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (4 children)

                              Eating healthy is by far the most important part of working out. Cut out processed sugar too.

                              Lifting won't do shit if you're still eating fast food 5 days a week.

                              [–]GutShot9 1 points1 points [recovered]

                              Lifting will do a lot even if you you drink every night and eat garbage. You'll just never get a low body fat % and your gains won't be as efficient.

                              load more comments (1 reply)

                                [–]Adeus_Ayrton 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                                swolestation eh ? I guess you learn something new everyday :)

                                [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

                                DYEL? I used to shake my head at the "meatheads" that had this as their mantra. DYEL, bro? I thought it was stupid and unnecessary. Some of you do, too.

                                I certainly did....but now I hear DYEL and hear "Do you do the bare minimum of what it takes to be a man?" (manual laborers mostly excluded, some dudes leave it out there on the job)

                                Sitting here enjoying my pump, about to get back to work having lifted.

                                This past weekend, I was dancing in the streets with this hot London chick, every bit of 6'2". I'm about 5'8". After half an hour, I stared right at her tits, made mad eye contact, and said "You're tall, but an A cup at best." She blushed and yammered....

                                I didn't close, but do I even lift? You bet your ass I do. I'd never have gotten away with that in my former 44 years on this planet. Not once.

                                [–]Thunderfin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                Unfortunately I had to take a break due to a L5/S1 injury. I also wasn't seeing really any visual gains.

                                [–]CalmPassenger 0 points1 point  (5 children)

                                I've been lifting for a few months now but it's pretty hard to find a program that actually does make you more attractive. Most of the simple barbell programs focus on strength but not much info on how to improve your shoulder to waste ratio and fill yourself in. I've noticed myself getting stronger but I'm more feminine shaped now because mostly my ass and thighs have grown and my waste is getting wider than my shoulders.

                                [–]suitcasecity 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                Most beginner programs are barbell because thats the right way to build a lifting base. Your body has to gain a relatively minimal amount of strength before you can focus on hypertrophy without risking damage

                                [–]Throwaway-242424 0 points1 point  (2 children)

                                Are you doing your big 4 upper body movements as well as lower body?

                                [–]cheltman 0 points1 point  (4 children)

                                What if gain g muscle goes against your mission? Say you wanted to be a marathon runner, looking like Arnie isn't going to help. You can be toned and athletic but is that still the same?

                                [–]Throwaway-242424 0 points1 point  (3 children)

                                Obviously the exercise requirements of someone wanting to pursue high level athletic competition will vary from the requirements of your average dude who just wants to generally improve themselves, but there is virtually no sport where the top competitors aren't advised to do some form of resistance training. Even pro golfers are hitting the iron hard nowadays.

                                [–]cheltman 0 points1 point  (2 children)

                                You can train and still be lean and strong but it seems like everything is advising that you train to get big. I'm trying to work out if training is the most important thing or being big is the most important thing.

                                [–]Throwaway-242424 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                                If you don't have any specific goals, getting bigger is going to make your life better.

                                Again, someone who is seriously into marathon running has their own specific goals.

                                [–]Spurs_Up 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                                I grew up playing sports but I never lifted weights. Now I'm in my mid twenties and I'd like to go to the gym but I don't really know how to lift i.e. Gym etiquette, proper technique, good workout plan etc.

                                I'm terrified of going to the gym and looking like an idiot in front of everyone

                                [–]architectofself 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                                I did not play sports and never lifted weights. I'm going to be 40 in less than a month and was also apprehensive for the same reasons. The first 3 times I planned to go with a friend fell through because he bailed.

                                I realized I was being a bitch and went by myself anyway. Each trip I made a point of introducing myself to one guy that appeared to know his shit and ask for advice on anything. When I did my first ever set of deadlifts it appeared as though a guy was pointing out my terrible form to his friend. So I went up and asked him to tell me what I was doing wrong.

                                The next day during my last set on the bench, I worked to failure but didn't have a spotter. I rolled the bar off myself and when the guy next to me noticed, he said call for a spotter next time. We chatted a bit and he offered some friendly advice.

                                I do IT consulting on the side, and one of my clients is a physical therapist I used to see for a pinched nerve. When I showed up to set up their computers I was greeted by the same guy that I met following my bench fail. He's an olympic weightlifter, physical therapist, and a personal trainer. He's now my personal trainer until he leaves town in a few weeks.

                                So in closing; just fucking go already.

                                [–]Cautionbadex 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                Can never get form right, but my preferred form of exercise is the bike, easiest thing to do, nice to take in scenery, lost a shit ton of weight quickly with just 2.5 hours a day for 30 miles or so. Miss doing that distance and time now in a huge city though, bust still keep biking.

                                [–]2dfx 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                                And how about those of us who can't lift currently for medical reasons?

                                [–]LukesLikeIt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                Just make sure you lift with good form and not waste years of hard work.

                                [–]EdmondDaunts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                You forgot the post deadlift shits.

                                [–]rejjiesnortssnow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                Can anyone recommend any good workouts to start off? Preferably using dumbbells, as I have some in my house.

                                [–]Shaman6624 0 points1 point  (3 children)

                                Thing is Im 5'10 that's below average for men in my country and my wrists are about the width of a bottle of beer, my genetical ceiling is quite low . I still love lifting but I know I'll still not be the biggest guy in the room often.

                                [–]auosie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                Lift for yourself and set goals, if I haven’t started lifting 4 years ago to relieve myself or stress and other things I don’t know where I would be today. It won’t be easy at first all of you can do it. Fuck others opinions at the gym go out there get it done and lift some iron hole everyone has a great day!

                                [–]Snowbattt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                                I've been in a happy relationship for over a year now.

                                But I still lift. I still rock climb and I still do martial arts. You could say I do the latter two purely because I enjoy them which is true, but lifting is extremely important to me even though I find it boring because it just gives me so much confidence to know I'm no longer that skinny, toothpick-armed, weakling little fuck I used to be as a teenager but that I'm a tall, muscular guy now. In no way bodybuilder-type, but enough muscle to have people notice it and to not hate the image in the fucking mirror any more.

                                A year or two ago, I ran into one of my former bullies. Back then, that fucker had a "normal" body and I was, as I said, a fucking skeleton with some skin on it. He bullied the fuck out of me back in the days calling me a weakling and a fucking Holocaust survivor, pushing me around and shit. Nothing I could do back as a weak kid. Today this guy has an average body at best. Not really fat or skinny, but not really in shape either. When he saw me, I could see he recognized me and he was fucking shocked that I was now a muscular looking motherfucker that could demolish his fucking face right there. I could see the shock in his eyes and he just awkwardly said hi. It felt so good, the look on this cunt's face.

                                That's all that counts when it comes to lifting: feel good in your own skin. Not just to attract the ladies, but just because it just makes you feel good overall.

                                load more comments (78 replies)