Grr. I’m stagnating at the gym. I’ve been using the weight machines, and my biceps seem to be stuck at five or six reps of 60 pounds each. The goal is to do 12 reps of something for motion, or fewer reps if you’re going for muscle size. I’d been slowly progressing since January, but for the past two-plus weeks, I’ve been unable to lift more than the above amount for the above number of reps.
I want muscles, dammit.
Well if it’s any consolation I definitely notice that your arms are bigger, and doing 60lbs., well that’s why I guess. So heavy! I have bicep envy.
Then again, I hear using the machines makes it easier to lift heavier weights. Also, I’m doing 15 reps of 15lbs. without a machine. I guess I’m going for definition or something. That’s it! Next time I’m doing 6 reps of 25lbs dumbells because, dammit, I gave up my drag career years ago and I could use the beefy arms now ;) .
In terms of plateau-ing, I’ve been feeling that way with my weight. However according to this ideal weight calculator http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/iwc I’m spot on for someone who is male and 5’10″.
But then why do I have a tummy? Maybe that’s the anorexia talking.
Some of us are simply cursed with ectomorphic bodies.
I’ve had two personal trainers guarantee a more muscular David. Both gave up and said that my genes were stacked against me. So I remain skinny with a belly.
Possible tactics: switch to another curl that hits your biceps a bit differently for a couple weeks, then return to see if it marshals some combined benefit; more days rest between biceps work; more protein in your diet; work fewer muscle groups per session. Underarm pull-ups, or lat pulldowns toward your chest, would hit your back first, but your biceps secondarily.
It was clear from your first post on going to the gym that you’d set yourself up for patience issues. Not a critique, an observation! Many of us have been there. Remember you’re trying to start an exercise habit for life; the progress will happen.
We need progress pictures…
Variety is always key when it comes to the gym. Plus there are other things you can do to help you improve your bicep curl besides doing a bicep curl. Other bicep excercises is an obvious one, but you could also work on your triceps, forearm, and shoulder muscles to give the biceps a little rest.