[Drew]

Something I’ve been considering also..

My initial thoughts are that your shoulder press poundages will be down a fair bit after two chest based movements, especially an incline.

So may make more sense if chest is something you want to target more than shoulders.

Ultimately the only way to know is to try it for a decent period and see?

[Drew]

Watson is terrible imo, the pain it causes my knees is unbearable.

Cybex is the gold standard for hack squats! But they’re not cheap

[Drew]

I would personally avoid.

Carrying excess muscle isn’t a great look for MMA, look at the best in the world- style bender and Khabib, they’re in shape but not really carrying much size.

Being pumped and/or overstimulated ie through ephedrine, androgens etc will only cause you to tire out quicker.

[Drew]

Journals are usually regarded more important for dissertations etc.

I would cast a wide net and read as much as possible from recent literature

[Drew]

Appreciate that @hilly

Re-examining my leg workouts after your feedback also

[Drew]

@hilly @jimmytonk1

What sort of kcal do you think for training and non training days?

I’m aiming for 2,300 NTD and 2,500 TD with a 40/40/20 split?

Thanks again

[Drew]

@hilly

Thanks so much for your voice message, very useful!

I don’t foresee bodybuilding for a few years yet, maybe in 2-3 years naturally.

I definitely need to bring the legs up, I tore my knee cartilage severely 3 times in the past so have been limited (holding back more mentally than anything).

Appreciate the detailed feedback and direction on strategy.

[Drew]

@jimmytonk1

Thanks for your reply! I agree leaning out for a bit would be a wise move now.

I was in decent shape before lockdown, but the time off did effect me composition wise.

Glad you see my goals as realistic and obtainable

[Drew]

What helped me-

Focus on getting stronger, constantly improving execution and training harder every single time.. over how many sets your doing per body part a week.

The body part sets per week studies (Isratael et al) were conducted in an environment where people weren’t pushing super hard to failure. So I don’t really think about ‘optimal’ sets per week.

Just my approach tho

[Drew]

Same as Joe, for rugby.

I remember clearly the coach taking me to the side and saying that ‘for your style of rugby, you’re going to have to hit the weights’.

Had little direction but started then at 16.

[Drew]

Thanks for the feedback..

Will look at incorporating both in the future ?

[Drew]

How do you find balancing the BJJ with lifting? Have you been doing the BJJ long?

Will be following!

[Drew]

100% agree with Oscar!

Choose exercises that are safe to train very hard alone.

Ie rather than barbell bench press (impossible to go to failure alone), choose Dumbells or machine/Smith presses

Training intensity comes with time and experience. I’ve found focusing on consistency, accuracy and effort over time is key. The intensity will improve but the mind and body need to be conditioned.

[Drew]

Brain Games switch off is good for a relaxing effect.

I think you need to assess this though, is the agitation affecting daily life? Relationships? Maybe what you’re doing could be reviewed

[Drew]

I’m definitely going to look into a black background, thanks @megansylvester