Yeah I really like that term. I just like to lift but have no interest in pigeon holding myself to “strongman” or “powerlifter”. I just enjoy myself and set goals that I find valuable to me
@@almosthollow2070 well I thought that was pretty much the norm. They blend like barbecue and beer. So most people don't workout to be ripped like Blacksmith Andre?
Alan you are a true beauty! In a time where saying anything remotely controversial will inevitably cause people to go off the deep end about how wrong you are, you stick to your principals and say it like it is. I know this might be different, but when I was younger I started biking with my brother in-law and his friends. They were much more fit, and had better bikes. I hated it at first because I just 'couldn't' (in my mind) keep up. Riding with them taught me to just keep a positive attitude (which is incredibly important), and push harder. I learned that the reason I couldn't keep up was that I allowed defeat to enter my mind, and when I was tired I gave up too easily. Something happens when you decide to go just a bit harder when your lazy thoughts are screaming 'stop I'm tired'. The human body is much more capable than most people believe. I gave up lifting for nearly 20 years because of bad shoulders and lower back pain. In the end my posture, muscle imbalance and lifting habits were causing my back pain, and my shoulders although they are bad, got better with exercise. Obviously there are limits here but you are bang on, doing nothing is the worst thing to do. I am trying to pass this type of advice to my kids and other young people. We need to build this next generation up, because the rest of the world seems to be teaching them that they don't have to work hard, and that they should avoid anything that is stressful or 'hard'. Thanks a million!
Just working out for general health, strength, and mobility. Staying pretty consistent with, what could be considered, a "prep phase" the past couple months doing 4-6 days a week. Channels like yours help understand the how's and why's of strength training, muscle building, and body composition for us who workout at home...
An old house wife, trying from Monday to Friday to have strength enough for house wiving, so, maximum 6 kilos (don't laugh please) and a bit of aerobic, at home. Last week I "felt overtrained " so I began with the more difficult and continue lowering down, and guess what I made more repetitions than ever. Thank you Alan.
I may not be your typical follower. I’m 67 year old woman Crossfitter. I started at 61 yrs when I didn’t know the difference between a bar bell and a dumb bell. I need strength and I do Crossfit (modified of course) because it’s fun. I like your how-to vids most because they give details my coaches and trainer don’t.
I'm a recreational body builder. 8 months in. I haven't skipped a day yet even when I felt tired and didn't sleep well or even when I had shoulder pain. I also never did a deload, I only decreased the weight when my form was lacking. I'm still making progress.
I don't powerlift or do strongman. I only used lift for strength and conditioning to better myself for waterpolo and now I primarily train for boxing and general fitness. I track some of my big lifts ( bench ohp squat deadlift cleans and pullups). Your videos help a lot.
I really just been hiking lately tbh but I started watching your vids to learn low bar squat form last year and still follow you because you give quality info and are entertaining.
I just like lifting - typical strength training. I have found that this channel has really taught me new tips, gave me security during injuries, and has made me more effective at what I do. Is it intensely focused on what my goals are? Not necessarily, but I like to think of these videos are providing tools to my arsenal. The more you know, the more you know.
To answer your question... I honestly don't know what to call myself... My training focuses on heavy compound movements primarily with the barbell and my goal is to keep getting bigger and stronger(which keeps happening so I'm happy to be making progress even years later). I suppose "barbell enthusiast" would make the most sense to me. I hit the weights every other day in an upper/lower split, and on my off days I do hiit for cardio purposes.
True about most people undertraining. But watch Nick Best's recent video on the importance of rest. Also his next video about cutting versus bulking and rest. The man is still doing strongman and proper rest is why he can still do that at 52.
I have done a lot of bodybuilding, some powerlifting and now am kind of a hybrid athlete where I sprint, do calisthenics, boxing with a main focus on upping my deadlift numbers. Deadlifting twice a week and squatting twice a week. All the other stuff comes second but it is something I enjoy doing and keeps me fit.
Hi Alan! I think there is one big flaw with the "framing it as over-stressed" thought: first, it does exactly that - framing your training as a form of stress, which ironically makes it a form of stress. Physical exercise is an amazing tool to actually get rid of and deal with chronic stress. In times of stress, think of training as the antidote - taking the edge off, balancing you out. This reinforces the connection that training is good for you can in turn that makes it even better for you.
I'm a martial arts instructor. I like to watch your videos and lift because, outside of matches, generally the bigger guy wins. So I wanna be the bigger guy.
Dig the videos and newish sub. Played rugby at the highest level in the US on a top 5 team in college and then D1 men’s club. Was always a hair too average from an athleticism standpoint so I had to make up for it with work ethic and skill. Definitely over trained and it’s caused major set backs twice. Both times I buckled down doing M W F Sa lift (upper lower upper lower) with 2 20 minute hard runs, and 60 minute runs and stretch on the days between. All with off-season practice every other day. Both times my feet broke with avulsion fractures from ligaments tearing during pretty normal running on a gym floor.
Im a mixed athlete i prefer lifting but need to be fast to get into a program. I flounderd for a year with runing 6-7 days a week programming for myself what i "thought" i was supposed to be doing (intervals, long runs, hills etc) but i was going nowhere and fatigued all the time. I got on a Garmin program and it has me doing similar workouts, but WAY harder, yet only 3-4 days max a week but similar milage. I think before, under my own "program" i was overtrained and it was preventing me from doing harder work by having a constant medium input, and medium recover, = medium results. Its cool to have more days off, doing harder workouts, seeing gains, and not feeling like trash constantly.
I agree with this. You are not likely to accrue enough systemic stress from weight-lifting to push you into legitimate overtraining syndrome. To get that level of training load and strain on your ANS, you pretty much need to be an endurance athlete racking up too many hours at too much intensity. Over-training is very, very real, but it's unlikely you'll experience this from targeting specific muscle groups with sets of resistance training.
I am 54, and I enjoy running. 80-100 miles a month. But a few days a week I lift with the good home weight set my parents got me when I was 15 (I have added plates and accessories since then). I don't particularly enjoy lifting (not like I do running), but I do like the strength I get from it so I do a basic upper body routine a few days a week.
I’m just lifting to lift. There is a difference between soreness and pain. Don’t train if your in pain. Train when you’re sore, your muscles will thank you later.
Started off as a power lifter then now just a fitness enthusiast (strength/running/bjj) I don’t think people are general over training just over reaching and over stressed by life and I do think people over emphasize recovery, it’s more about balance between workouts and life. I do use recovery as a word though for programming just because it’s a convenient word but I lean more on the side of active rest
I'm a 30 year old guy who aims for health, but I would lie if the gains and the looks wasn't part of the motivation. I'm an active dude, but no powerlifter or strongman. This channel has been in my periphery for a while and I just came to the conclusion that most people aren't doing enough. I have been going to the gym for about 2 years, 5-6 days a week. This has really given me great results compared to the programming I had before that. I had a routine that included a lot of "recovery" to prevent "overtraining". I still think I could get better results, not sure how, but I don't believe recovery is my problem. Actually I have started to think that the general person is not mentally capable of overtraining. I thinking that the early signs of real overtraining actually would make the general person to stay how due to "sickness" till they are recovered again. With that said, I am more worried about the injuries the general person could get themself into with to much lifting. Most because I see so many people with bad form (Maybe me included) and the general will to progress to fast with the weights.
2:04 I don't consider myself a powerlifter or a strongman, and I watch your videos on occasion, Alan. I guess you could argue that I'm a powerlifter because I focus heavily on squat, bench, and deadlift but A) They probably make up for 50-66% of all my training B) I don't compete C) I'm not that strong, my 1 rep maxes are 225 on bench, 250 on squat, and 275 on deadlift (I'm 5'6" and weigh 140 pounds)
I'm 34 and have done running, cycling, and bodyweight or calisthenic exercises most of my life, but for past year+ have started weight lifting...so I guess I'm becoming a "barbell enthusiast."
I'm a tired dad with a home gym where I play metal obnoxiously loud and grunt late at night once the kids are in bed. Love the channel for general guidance on lifting and how to defeat that dad bod. God knows I need help 🤣
I'm a kickboxer who mostly does powerlifting-type programs for fun and strength gaining but also somewhat to help with kickboxing. I definitely lift more than I fight but I still don't know if I would call myself a powerlifter based off my maxes alone
I’m a high school rugby player, my main concern is I’ve gotten injuries in the pass still, I love to push myself in the gym. But I’m always scared of re injuring myself and slowing my progress.
I'm a bit late to the party but I try to do 100 24kg KB swings a day at a minimum. At gym for pure cardio I like to ride the assault bike, swim, and row.
Lets be honest here, 99.9% of people don't train hard enough to even need deload weeks. It's impossible to overtrain when you don't break a sweat at the gym and take 10 mins pauses between sets.
I'm just a mechanic that was looking up how to lift properly to strengthen my muscles so I hurt them less at my physical job. It's worked great. I learned the best deadlift from you and figured out how badly I was using my body to pick up heavy things at work. Also now I really enjoy pushing dead cars into the shop.
haha keep it going dude try getting strong at goodmornings and Romanian deadlifts, strong spinal Erectors really helps your lower back when your bent over working under the hood
The *fried CNS* meme will never not be funny, there were people who actually thought you could destroy your nervous system doing a 3x3 on deadlifts lmao
@Calvin Ilkay how can you say you need more volume than 3x3 if volume consists of the weight lifted as well. you're missing half the formula but making conclusions already
I did squats for five consecutive days last week, with various intensities, and they felt amazing. I was actually surprised but I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up
@@manuelnaim9206 I belive that, i learned that our body adapts to every environment you put it into, 7 years ago when i started competing in judo and coach told me to start going to the gym in the morning and have practice on the evening i thought ill die, after few months my body adapted. We are not made of steel, but we arent made of glass either!
I am a 60 year old female. I have a rack and bench in my shop building. I have been lifting using the 5x5 app for almost a year. Occasionally, I row or run. My goal is not to be a “strong man,” but to build bone and muscle and maintain youthful agility as I age. I follow you for your humor and your common sense, straight forward advice. And the beard.
"I am a 60 year old female. I have a rack..." Sorry, but I must admit that I stopped and snickered softly to myself when reading this, before continuing on to the rest of your response ;)
I think Alan is right in that most people at the gym just aren't training very hard, and will never run into overtraining problems. However, there are people that are overtraining and thus not making optimum gains or getting injured because they're not recovering enough.
I suppose programming is paramount to new lifters and competitive alike, one to keep their head on straight and the other to optimize every lift. But myself as a more casual enthusiast in lifting, have had no issues just pushing myself with basic concepts like leg day, shoulder day etc. usually hitting every muscle group at least twice a weak working 6 days a week with 1 rest as usual routine. Squatting 385lb 1 rep max, bench 250, and deadlift 425, at 185lbs myself. Got there through sheer will and hard work in the gym. Following all kinds of guys like thrall, athlene-x, etc for tips and form control. But otherwise flying solo the whole way with no programming
Sorry to hear you got injured, but the fact that you're here at all, says it all. You alone have decided not to give up, unlike so many others who already have. Consider this: when you think of giving up, someone else is still going. Don't fear failure, fear being in the place or situation this time, next year. Good luck. Stay strong.
Hello fellow cyclist. Hip stability is so important on the bike for knee issues. Highly recommend a bike fit if you haven't had one already, some physio's offer it, but a good accredited bike fitter works as well, if not better. Cheers.
None of us like enforcing the link alarm but yah it's not a gym for heavy lifting. Its just for supporting healthy activity levels. That's why I joined a strongman gym even though I work at a planet fitness
@@kooljawss I think the most important are compound movements, particularly bench press and overhead press since climbers almost exclusively so pulling movements. But I also love squats and deadlifts, I just think they're great movements which train the whole body. I'd recommend the channel "hooper's beta" for more specific things, he explains a lot of climbing specific gym exercises
@@kooljawss pull ups, a lot of grip work in different positions that focuses primarily on hanging. A little calf and leg work like squats and calf raises won't hurt just make sure to not get to strong at these sinds you'll carry to much unnecessary muscle. Dips are really handy for mantels and such. I'd also recommend doing some wrist, core, hamstring and rotator cuff work to prevent injury (ALSO MAKE SURE TO DO TIB RAISES). That's about it I think. Oh wait your commend is 3 years old... Well maybe someone else can use the advise.
I am a dude, trying to look like a dude who knows what kind of dude he is. I lift so I can carry all the groceries in at once and impress my wife’s boyfriend.
Not even gonna lie what helps me "recover" from being a "powerlifter" is moving more when I am sore. In my opinion, if I don't do anything when I'm sore I hurt longer than if I'm constantly moving.
I don't compete in anything, I just wanna be strong and reasonably fast with running. I've totaled my body from anorexia and having numbers to focus on other than calories and building a good relationship with food and my body makes it so much easier to keep eating.
but many people that don’t exercise would refer to a bodybuilder as a weight lifter. I think unless you’re aware of the difference between powerlifting, oly weight lifting and bodybuilding ect then you’re none the wiser. Even a lot of gym casuals don’t even know how to define Olympic weightlifting. So I’d say it’s safe to call yourself a weightlifter.
Hi Alan. I'm a 71 year old retired software engineer happy to get back in the gym after all this COVID-19 happiness. My goal is to get in shape to take on more challenging terrain on my dirt bike. Thanks for the videos! -Bill
I watch Alan because he's a no bullshit to the point type of guy. I lift weights, I vary between strength work and bodybuilding but I reccomend Alan's channel to every one I possibly can lol.
Alan is one of the few guys who's actually grown and learned and updated his message accordingly over the years, and he's careful not to dish out advise as gospel because he knows there's a lot we don't know and different equally valid ways to achieve the same goals. That is a sign of a man that is both smart and humble. Most of these fitness youtubers act like they know it all from day one and never change their minds about anything, which inevitably ends up with them mostly saying bro science bullshit.
I'm an overall fitness enthusiast. I like to lift weights, to carry stuff, to run, to cycle and to swim. Sometimes focusing on one thing, other times on another. Just enjoying the process
I’m a so-called “barbell enthusiast” 😁 Just training to stay healthy and active. I first found your channel when I was recovering from a minor back tweak and looking to improve my squat and deadlift form. I really enjoyed your videos and have been a fan every since!
@@jacobtworks I use hook grip for pulls! I think there is actually a fair amount of carryover from climbing that benefits hook grip. Climbing is painful on the hands, so the “pain” from hook grip is easily overlooked. Further, the “half crimp” grip for climbing is basically hook grip just on a ledge and not around a bar
I'm always worried that I'm either over or under training without realizing it! Probably because I was bombarded by videos about overtraining when I first started lifting. Now I just wing it and hope for the best 😂
Hey man, not sure if you ever go through these comments. Just want to say thank you. Got out of the Corps in 2015 and really struggled with PTSD and depression and really did not take care of myself. I found your and Brian's videos and they really inspired me to get back to the gym and take care of myself more. Keep up the hard work man, thanks for helping me to get out.
Im a former fat guy who fell in love with lifting heavy and knowing that i can do things now that i couldn't and i will be able to do even more in the future. I dont compete so i wouldnt call myself a powerlifter or strongman but theyd be kinda close to my training style.
I’m 48, have been lifting since 18 and never call myself anything (out loud), not even a weightlifter. I do it out of a lifelong passion for the feel of the weight. Also, I love the philosophy of your channel even more than the great advice. Thanks!
Going to start primarily referring to myself as a barbell enthusiast
Oh a fellow barbell enthusiast? How do u do sire.
Yeah I only do one dumbell exercise.(side lateral raises).
Yeah I really like that term. I just like to lift but have no interest in pigeon holding myself to “strongman” or “powerlifter”. I just enjoy myself and set goals that I find valuable to me
Could also call yourself a physical culturist, which is the lifters' version of adding esquire to your name.
Same
I’m just here putting myself back together after surgery, chemo and radiation ☢️ ⚡️Thanks for everything
Keep fightin the good fight brother
Keep it pushin man. I wish my patients were as motivated about their health and recovery as you!
Keep fighting brother
attention seeker
@@kkjjjggff2473 you cold magnificent bastard.
I am sexually attracted to the barbell and the sound of iron plates sloshing around at the top of a squat
I am sexually attracted to the sound bumper plates make when you are loading them
I am sexually attracted to Solaire of Astora and to praising the sun.
Praise the sun!
@@soulreaper1461 Barbell enthusiast and dark souls fan?!Where have you been???
@@almosthollow2070 well I thought that was pretty much the norm. They blend like barbecue and beer. So most people don't workout to be ripped like Blacksmith Andre?
“They are sitting on the couch too much”
I feel personally attacked.
*literally sitting on my big and tall camping chair as I watch this*
I felt attacked as well, but i wasnt on the couch, i was eating enchiladas at the table.
Alan you are a true beauty! In a time where saying anything remotely controversial will inevitably cause people to go off the deep end about how wrong you are, you stick to your principals and say it like it is. I know this might be different, but when I was younger I started biking with my brother in-law and his friends. They were much more fit, and had better bikes. I hated it at first because I just 'couldn't' (in my mind) keep up. Riding with them taught me to just keep a positive attitude (which is incredibly important), and push harder. I learned that the reason I couldn't keep up was that I allowed defeat to enter my mind, and when I was tired I gave up too easily. Something happens when you decide to go just a bit harder when your lazy thoughts are screaming 'stop I'm tired'. The human body is much more capable than most people believe. I gave up lifting for nearly 20 years because of bad shoulders and lower back pain. In the end my posture, muscle imbalance and lifting habits were causing my back pain, and my shoulders although they are bad, got better with exercise. Obviously there are limits here but you are bang on, doing nothing is the worst thing to do. I am trying to pass this type of advice to my kids and other young people. We need to build this next generation up, because the rest of the world seems to be teaching them that they don't have to work hard, and that they should avoid anything that is stressful or 'hard'.
Thanks a million!
Just working out for general health, strength, and mobility. Staying pretty consistent with, what could be considered, a "prep phase" the past couple months doing 4-6 days a week. Channels like yours help understand the how's and why's of strength training, muscle building, and body composition for us who workout at home...
I'm a Queens of the Stone Age enthusiast.
An old house wife, trying from Monday to Friday to have strength enough for house wiving, so, maximum 6 kilos (don't laugh please) and a bit of aerobic, at home. Last week I "felt overtrained " so I began with the more difficult and continue lowering down, and guess what I made more repetitions than ever. Thank you Alan.
I may not be your typical follower. I’m 67 year old woman Crossfitter. I started at 61 yrs when I didn’t know the difference between a bar bell and a dumb bell. I need strength and I do Crossfit (modified of course) because it’s fun. I like your how-to vids most because they give details my coaches and trainer don’t.
I'm a recreational body builder. 8 months in. I haven't skipped a day yet even when I felt tired and didn't sleep well or even when I had shoulder pain. I also never did a deload, I only decreased the weight when my form was lacking. I'm still making progress.
I don't powerlift or do strongman. I only used lift for strength and conditioning to better myself for waterpolo and now I primarily train for boxing and general fitness. I track some of my big lifts ( bench ohp squat deadlift cleans and pullups). Your videos help a lot.
Powerbuilding is my area of focus. I just can't choose between going all-in on powerlifting or bodybuilding.. I love them both.
I really just been hiking lately tbh but I started watching your vids to learn low bar squat form last year and still follow you because you give quality info and are entertaining.
Started cycling one year ago and picked up weightlifting to improve performance and aesthetic reasons.
Now I lift more than ride my bike these days!
I just like lifting - typical strength training. I have found that this channel has really taught me new tips, gave me security during injuries, and has made me more effective at what I do. Is it intensely focused on what my goals are? Not necessarily, but I like to think of these videos are providing tools to my arsenal. The more you know, the more you know.
To answer your question... I honestly don't know what to call myself... My training focuses on heavy compound movements primarily with the barbell and my goal is to keep getting bigger and stronger(which keeps happening so I'm happy to be making progress even years later). I suppose "barbell enthusiast" would make the most sense to me.
I hit the weights every other day in an upper/lower split, and on my off days I do hiit for cardio purposes.
True about most people undertraining. But watch Nick Best's recent video on the importance of rest. Also his next video about cutting versus bulking and rest. The man is still doing strongman and proper rest is why he can still do that at 52.
I just go to the gym, walk, and eat food literally that's what I do but I love your personality and no nonsense channel.
I have done a lot of bodybuilding, some powerlifting and now am kind of a hybrid athlete where I sprint, do calisthenics, boxing with a main focus on upping my deadlift numbers. Deadlifting twice a week and squatting twice a week. All the other stuff comes second but it is something I enjoy doing and keeps me fit.
General strength training: Four lifting (mostly barbell, some dumbbell, no machine) days per week, one conditioning, and two hiking
I'm just a 20 year old boxer, I watch your stuff to get better at strength training to be a better boxer really
Hi Alan! I think there is one big flaw with the "framing it as over-stressed" thought: first, it does exactly that - framing your training as a form of stress, which ironically makes it a form of stress. Physical exercise is an amazing tool to actually get rid of and deal with chronic stress. In times of stress, think of training as the antidote - taking the edge off, balancing you out. This reinforces the connection that training is good for you can in turn that makes it even better for you.
I'm a martial arts instructor. I like to watch your videos and lift because, outside of matches, generally the bigger guy wins. So I wanna be the bigger guy.
Dig the videos and newish sub. Played rugby at the highest level in the US on a top 5 team in college and then D1 men’s club.
Was always a hair too average from an athleticism standpoint so I had to make up for it with work ethic and skill.
Definitely over trained and it’s caused major set backs twice. Both times I buckled down doing M W F Sa lift (upper lower upper lower) with 2 20 minute hard runs, and 60 minute runs and stretch on the days between. All with off-season practice every other day. Both times my feet broke with avulsion fractures from ligaments tearing during pretty normal running on a gym floor.
I’m on an at least 40 day consecutive gym streak and I ain’t stopping
I’m part of that general audience. I incorporate some of your stuff in my routines in the gym. More people need to watch this video
Im a mixed athlete i prefer lifting but need to be fast to get into a program. I flounderd for a year with runing 6-7 days a week programming for myself what i "thought" i was supposed to be doing (intervals, long runs, hills etc) but i was going nowhere and fatigued all the time. I got on a Garmin program and it has me doing similar workouts, but WAY harder, yet only 3-4 days max a week but similar milage. I think before, under my own "program" i was overtrained and it was preventing me from doing harder work by having a constant medium input, and medium recover, = medium results. Its cool to have more days off, doing harder workouts, seeing gains, and not feeling like trash constantly.
Nothing special, just a Norwegian dude who likes casual lifting 🤘
I agree with this. You are not likely to accrue enough systemic stress from weight-lifting to push you into legitimate overtraining syndrome. To get that level of training load and strain on your ANS, you pretty much need to be an endurance athlete racking up too many hours at too much intensity. Over-training is very, very real, but it's unlikely you'll experience this from targeting specific muscle groups with sets of resistance training.
For 50 years old and above, these terms are REAL
I'm more generalized currently. I enjoy weight lifting, but due to a lack of gym (and tiny apartment) I'm exploring running/cardio options.
I am 54, and I enjoy running. 80-100 miles a month. But a few days a week I lift with the good home weight set my parents got me when I was 15 (I have added plates and accessories since then). I don't particularly enjoy lifting (not like I do running), but I do like the strength I get from it so I do a basic upper body routine a few days a week.
I’m just lifting to lift. There is a difference between soreness and pain. Don’t train if your in pain. Train when you’re sore, your muscles will thank you later.
Started off as a power lifter then now just a fitness enthusiast (strength/running/bjj)
I don’t think people are general over training just over reaching and over stressed by life and I do think people over emphasize recovery, it’s more about balance between workouts and life.
I do use recovery as a word though for programming just because it’s a convenient word but I lean more on the side of active rest
I can already hear CT Fletcher yelling "f**k overtraining!"
I'm a 30 year old guy who aims for health, but I would lie if the gains and the looks wasn't part of the motivation. I'm an active dude, but no powerlifter or strongman.
This channel has been in my periphery for a while and I just came to the conclusion that most people aren't doing enough. I have been going to the gym for about 2 years, 5-6 days a week.
This has really given me great results compared to the programming I had before that. I had a routine that included a lot of "recovery" to prevent "overtraining". I still think I could get better results, not sure how, but I don't believe recovery is my problem.
Actually I have started to think that the general person is not mentally capable of overtraining.
I thinking that the early signs of real overtraining actually would make the general person to stay how due to "sickness" till they are recovered again. With that said, I am more worried about the injuries the general person could get themself into with to much lifting. Most because I see so many people with bad form (Maybe me included) and the general will to progress to fast with the weights.
I'm a barbell enthusiast who also enjoys abusing myself with all forms of cardio, gymnastic movements, and really any form of physical activity
If I'm feeling weak (have trouble squeezing my hand). I take the day off. In rare instances I taken two weeks off.....Always coming back stronger.
I do powerlifting, cross-country skiing (great cardio) and climbing (great for grip-strength and core).
2:04 I don't consider myself a powerlifter or a strongman, and I watch your videos on occasion, Alan. I guess you could argue that I'm a powerlifter because I focus heavily on squat, bench, and deadlift but A) They probably make up for 50-66% of all my training B) I don't compete C) I'm not that strong, my 1 rep maxes are 225 on bench, 250 on squat, and 275 on deadlift (I'm 5'6" and weigh 140 pounds)
I am a barbell enthusiast. Part time runner and burpees doer. I compete in nothing.
I'm 34 and have done running, cycling, and bodyweight or calisthenic exercises most of my life, but for past year+ have started weight lifting...so I guess I'm becoming a "barbell enthusiast."
21 year old former gymnast and I'm so surprised my sport was an example in the video
i’m a high schooler and i am an athlete i wrestle and i love the content
I'm a tired dad with a home gym where I play metal obnoxiously loud and grunt late at night once the kids are in bed. Love the channel for general guidance on lifting and how to defeat that dad bod. God knows I need help 🤣
I'm a kickboxer who mostly does powerlifting-type programs for fun and strength gaining but also somewhat to help with kickboxing. I definitely lift more than I fight but I still don't know if I would call myself a powerlifter based off my maxes alone
I’m a high school rugby player, my main concern is I’ve gotten injuries in the pass still, I love to push myself in the gym. But I’m always scared of re injuring myself and slowing my progress.
I'm a bit late to the party but I try to do 100 24kg KB swings a day at a minimum. At gym for pure cardio I like to ride the assault bike, swim, and row.
I do strength training for health and fitness. I find powerlifting and strongman interesting, but I'm not necessarily looking to get into that.
Lets be honest here, 99.9% of people don't train hard enough to even need deload weeks. It's impossible to overtrain when you don't break a sweat at the gym and take 10 mins pauses between sets.
I just like lifting weights and eating steak. If I had to categorise, I'd say I was a bodybuilder that also pushes their strength achievements
youtube brought me here I workout for athleticism, want that Davante Adams/Cooper Cupp/JJ type shit
I am a mountain biker that has started going to the gym
I do general and some specific weight training and running. I don't fit a specific category.
General strength training enthusiast here
I train like a powerlifter but I don't identify as one. I identify as poor.
I identify as an American Psycho
Well said, I’m the same way
😆😆😂😂
???????????????????????????????????????????? AAAAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Man, same lol
“I’m over-gained” Dom Mazzetti
I heard gun shots right after i read your comment.
That's impossible.
Leg Day is recovery day
I’m a trying-to-not-look-like-pillsbury-doughboy-without-a-shirt-on enthusiast
I'm just a mechanic that was looking up how to lift properly to strengthen my muscles so I hurt them less at my physical job. It's worked great. I learned the best deadlift from you and figured out how badly I was using my body to pick up heavy things at work. Also now I really enjoy pushing dead cars into the shop.
preach man
Well done
haha keep it going dude try getting strong at goodmornings and Romanian deadlifts, strong spinal Erectors really helps your lower back when your bent over working under the hood
Same. I’m a 48 year old blue collar elevator mechanic and didn’t know that I was lifting things wrong my whole life until a few years ago.
The *fried CNS* meme will never not be funny, there were people who actually thought you could destroy your nervous system doing a 3x3 on deadlifts lmao
if u do bench+deadlift+squat, 3 times per week, each 3x3, after 2- 3 months you will stop progress if natty
@@incorectulpolitic whats your point?
@@rickarderlandsson5906 that you CAN overtrain
@Calvin Ilkay how can you say you need more volume than 3x3 if volume consists of the weight lifted as well. you're missing half the formula but making conclusions already
@@incorectulpolitic that is not overtraining tho my guy
B-but Alan, my legs need a full week to recover before I can hit them again, it's what my bro split dictates!
I hit legs at lest 2-3 times a week twice a day sometimes
I did squats for five consecutive days last week, with various intensities, and they felt amazing. I was actually surprised but I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up
@@Uolverino7036 clarence kennedy squats every day, and work for him.
Me who does bulgarian lite and hits legs every other day 0_o
@@manuelnaim9206 I belive that, i learned that our body adapts to every environment you put it into, 7 years ago when i started competing in judo and coach told me to start going to the gym in the morning and have practice on the evening i thought ill die, after few months my body adapted. We are not made of steel, but we arent made of glass either!
I am a 60 year old female. I have a rack and bench in my shop building. I have been lifting using the 5x5 app for almost a year. Occasionally, I row or run. My goal is not to be a “strong man,” but to build bone and muscle and maintain youthful agility as I age. I follow you for your humor and your common sense, straight forward advice. And the beard.
I love you
love that beard ngl
This is great :D
totally agree, he is rockin the beard....
"I am a 60 year old female. I have a rack..."
Sorry, but I must admit that I stopped and snickered softly to myself when reading this, before continuing on to the rest of your response ;)
I’m a bacon enthusiast... lifting weights is just how I maintain my lifestyle
Bacon is a lifestyle
People call that lifestyle keto
I can relate to this way of thinking
I overtrain for a month then over recover for 11 months every year so I'm an expert on this.
Haha ditto
@@Dinckelburg been there
january i bet
Lmao not huge on weights but right there with you.
"You gotta train before you can overtrain" - David Goggins
Goggins nutthugger crew checking in
"when you think you're done, you're only at 40% of what your body is capable of" - Also Dave Goggins
i love the "you're not over training, your legs just hurt"
Pow, right in the kisser
I cuddle my own nutz, thank you.
I would consider myself a caffeine addict who needs a productive energy outlet.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Exactly
Yes.
Me too
I identify with this way too much
I have a gym in my garage so I’m just that guy that makes loud noises in the garage with music blasting
Ahh we must be brothers!
I'm jealous. I don't have space for equipment, so I have a gym membership.
goals
I think a big problem is people just have shit programming 😂
bingo
on god
@@youtubeuser3316 k
I think Alan is right in that most people at the gym just aren't training very hard, and will never run into overtraining problems. However, there are people that are overtraining and thus not making optimum gains or getting injured because they're not recovering enough.
I suppose programming is paramount to new lifters and competitive alike, one to keep their head on straight and the other to optimize every lift. But myself as a more casual enthusiast in lifting, have had no issues just pushing myself with basic concepts like leg day, shoulder day etc. usually hitting every muscle group at least twice a weak working 6 days a week with 1 rest as usual routine. Squatting 385lb 1 rep max, bench 250, and deadlift 425, at 185lbs myself. Got there through sheer will and hard work in the gym. Following all kinds of guys like thrall, athlene-x, etc for tips and form control. But otherwise flying solo the whole way with no programming
I’m a weak strength trainer because I’m even worse as a bodybuilder.
relatable af
Hey! That's my line!
Maybe you’re just a real human. Like me. I’m never going to squat big numbers.
Cyclist who blew out his knee, went to physical therapy and was recommended deadlifts and here I am, weak but getting there.
Sorry to hear you got injured, but the fact that you're here at all, says it all. You alone have decided not to give up, unlike so many others who already have. Consider this: when you think of giving up, someone else is still going. Don't fear failure, fear being in the place or situation this time, next year. Good luck. Stay strong.
Hello fellow cyclist. Hip stability is so important on the bike for knee issues. Highly recommend a bike fit if you haven't had one already, some physio's offer it, but a good accredited bike fitter works as well, if not better. Cheers.
kneesovertoesguy here on youtube has alot of knee and mobility advice, you should check him out if you havent already
kneesovertoesguy has interessting exercices ideas for knee recovery and strengthening .
I refer to myself as someone that would annoy the staff at a Planet Fitness.
Yeah......same.
Hahaha lunk alarm
None of us like enforcing the link alarm but yah it's not a gym for heavy lifting. Its just for supporting healthy activity levels. That's why I joined a strongman gym even though I work at a planet fitness
I prefer iron enthusiast, sounds way cooler, as in ironing a shirt.
I am a climber, who lifts weights to gain strength and avoid injuries.
Me too! Stopped lifting thinking I would get better at climbing but just got injured! So I'm back in the gym lol
@@shakeysugar4382 what lifts do you recommend for climbers?
@@kooljawss I think the most important are compound movements, particularly bench press and overhead press since climbers almost exclusively so pulling movements. But I also love squats and deadlifts, I just think they're great movements which train the whole body.
I'd recommend the channel "hooper's beta" for more specific things, he explains a lot of climbing specific gym exercises
@@kooljawss pull ups, a lot of grip work in different positions that focuses primarily on hanging. A little calf and leg work like squats and calf raises won't hurt just make sure to not get to strong at these sinds you'll carry to much unnecessary muscle. Dips are really handy for mantels and such. I'd also recommend doing some wrist, core, hamstring and rotator cuff work to prevent injury (ALSO MAKE SURE TO DO TIB RAISES). That's about it I think. Oh wait your commend is 3 years old... Well maybe someone else can use the advise.
General strength training here. I’m the cliched “I just want to stay in shape so my kids can’t beat me in a wrestling match” guy.
I just lift to be a healthy and strong old man some day
Saving a seat for you, bro
Same
Same bro
same waiting for elite athletes to wear out and retire so that I can be strong at age 50 and set some world records
A stay home mom here 🙋🏼♀️ who likes to lift weights and learn about musclesssss 💪🏻 Just for fun
😍
Happily married? 😉
I'm a metalhead who lifts weights. That's why I'm here.
I won't lie. I under train.
I'm a methhead that lifts weights. I'm always training! Like, flat out. All the time!! No fucking time for recovery, i say!!
🤟metal lifting
I had to look twice. I thought that said meathead!!🤣🤣🤣
Hell yeah metal is scientifically proven to make you 666 times stronger
I'm just an overweight average joe trying to reclaim my health and my body image. Your channel and many others have been very informative.
How's it going?
I am a dude, trying to look like a dude who knows what kind of dude he is. I lift so I can carry all the groceries in at once and impress my wife’s boyfriend.
🤣😂🤣😂🤣
Impressed?😂😂😂
same.
Best. Comment. Ever.
- the wife's boyfriend
Not even gonna lie what helps me "recover" from being a "powerlifter" is moving more when I am sore. In my opinion, if I don't do anything when I'm sore I hurt longer than if I'm constantly moving.
Ain’t that the truth though.
Yes brothee
More blood flow = faster healing
facts.
The literally worst thing for my recovery is not moving.
I don't compete in anything, I just wanna be strong and reasonably fast with running. I've totaled my body from anorexia and having numbers to focus on other than calories and building a good relationship with food and my body makes it so much easier to keep eating.
Used to call myself a “weightlifter” as I assumed that it meant I just lifted weights, quickly found out that’s not what that means
It is what means tho
@@mustang8206 weightlifting in the competitive lifting world means you specialize in the snatch and clean&jerk.
@@mustang8206 weightlifting means the Olympic lifts
but many people that don’t exercise would refer to a bodybuilder as a weight lifter. I think unless you’re aware of the difference between powerlifting, oly weight lifting and bodybuilding ect then you’re none the wiser. Even a lot of gym casuals don’t even know how to define Olympic weightlifting. So I’d say it’s safe to call yourself a weightlifter.
@@richardevans8908 As far as I can tell, people who don't train call everything bodybuilding 😂
Hi Alan. I'm a 71 year old retired software engineer happy to get back in the gym after all this COVID-19 happiness. My goal is to get in shape to take on more challenging terrain on my dirt bike. Thanks for the videos!
-Bill
I watch Alan because he's a no bullshit to the point type of guy. I lift weights, I vary between strength work and bodybuilding but I reccomend Alan's channel to every one I possibly can lol.
I second this comment.
Same dude
Amen brother
@Pasta Fazoul He used to have some silly content, but I think he's grown.
Alan is one of the few guys who's actually grown and learned and updated his message accordingly over the years, and he's careful not to dish out advise as gospel because he knows there's a lot we don't know and different equally valid ways to achieve the same goals. That is a sign of a man that is both smart and humble.
Most of these fitness youtubers act like they know it all from day one and never change their minds about anything, which inevitably ends up with them mostly saying bro science bullshit.
I'm an overall fitness enthusiast. I like to lift weights, to carry stuff, to run, to cycle and to swim. Sometimes focusing on one thing, other times on another. Just enjoying the process
Same man. I also do martial arts. Im starting to think that my natural progression is leading me to do an Ironman.
@@volcom05345 damn. That's a very good goal. I've thought about it but first on the list are trail runs
Straight up!
I’m a so-called “barbell enthusiast” 😁 Just training to stay healthy and active. I first found your channel when I was recovering from a minor back tweak and looking to improve my squat and deadlift form. I really enjoyed your videos and have been a fan every since!
I actually run trails, but I was lacking in strength, so I came here.
Caleb - Alan is truly a well of knowledge- You def came to the right place! . #TrainUntamed
I’m a rock climber that just likes squatting and deadlifting
Here here!
Just curious, what grip do you use for your pulls? Does that have any impedance on rock climbing or vice versa?
@@jacobtworks I use hook grip for pulls! I think there is actually a fair amount of carryover from climbing that benefits hook grip. Climbing is painful on the hands, so the “pain” from hook grip is easily overlooked.
Further, the “half crimp” grip for climbing is basically hook grip just on a ledge and not around a bar
Same
@@paulantosy-ott3191 Interesting...I use hook grip too, and Ive felt its made my grip strength a weak point.
I'm not overtrained I'm just under hormoned
I'm always worried that I'm either over or under training without realizing it! Probably because I was bombarded by videos about overtraining when I first started lifting. Now I just wing it and hope for the best 😂
Hey man, not sure if you ever go through these comments. Just want to say thank you. Got out of the Corps in 2015 and really struggled with PTSD and depression and really did not take care of myself. I found your and Brian's videos and they really inspired me to get back to the gym and take care of myself more. Keep up the hard work man, thanks for helping me to get out.
How are you doing today?
Thank you for your service and I hope health and fitness is helping!
thank you for your service sir
“I’m not a strongman, power lifter, or barbell enthusiast! I’m a CrossFit-“
*Deus Vult noises*
Im a former fat guy who fell in love with lifting heavy and knowing that i can do things now that i couldn't and i will be able to do even more in the future. I dont compete so i wouldnt call myself a powerlifter or strongman but theyd be kinda close to my training style.
What’s heavy?
“Huh that seems really low for a yoke”
*starts squatting it*
“What are you going to do, not train?” - Jordan Feigenbaum
I’m 48, have been lifting since 18 and never call myself anything (out loud), not even a weightlifter. I do it out of a lifelong passion for the feel of the weight. Also, I love the philosophy of your channel even more than the great advice. Thanks!
I love the way you described resistance training. We all stuff for some reason, but the reason we stay tends to evolve
It’s the same old conversation, justifying which leg is most important on a 3 legged table.
Not a competitor or enthusiast, just having my life saved by weights.
"The average american..." dude your audience is all around the world! I'm from north africa! And QOTSA rocks!!
he can probably see the viewer statistics and most are probably from usa. ofc he knows its international because its youtube afterall
Same
Grappler who lifts heavy weight so I can move heavy guys on the mat.