A couple general Workout questions

[TBAN1418]

So I've begun to work out on a regular basis, I wanna get stronger, not much else to is,so I just got some general questions :thumbsup:

1) I've been doing sets of 12 at a slow steady pace, do I want to be doing liek 6 reps or whatever and using more weight? or stick with this?

2) The Shoulder press, or military press as some call it, I seem to be particuraly bad at this machine, I can do 50 pounds like 10 times then im done! How much can you guys do?

3) I'm gonna begin taking creatine, I read bigDman's guide on it and found it very useful! But he mentioned something about taking it in small supplements throughout the day, do you think I should be doing this even on days I don't work out?

4) I was thinking about getting a protein drink as well as the creatine, is this a bad idea? I got the idea that it's okay, but if this is okay I want to take it after I work out right?

Edit: I know you guys get asked this stuff a lot, but theres a lot of threads to look through to find all the answers I want. Sorry in advance

[hitmenrule]

1) There are a lot of arguments about sets and reps, most people feel six reps is good for strength, I say go with a mix and do what works for you.
2) I have really messed up shoulders so I have a hard time doing this exercise, but a lot of people seem to be weak on it.
3) No comment.
4) It is a very good idea to take protein drinks, especially after a workout, just drink lots of water.

[Dose]

1) stick around 10-12 reps
2) try doing it with dumbells
3) when you first start taking it you load it and take several servings throughout the day. after 5 days of doing that, you only need to take it once or twice during the day, even on days you dont workout
4) protein shakes are a very good idea, not only after you workout, but as a way to get more protein and calories into your body

[TAITERSALAD31]

i agree with dose..... try doin your entire workout with dumbbells..... you work the large muscles along with the smaller stabilizing muscles.... as far as the creatine and protein go.... they can only help you.. but with the creatine... take it for 2 months and take a break from it for two months... the protein you can take as long as you want

[bigDman]

So I've begun to work out on a regular basis, I wanna get stronger, not much else to is,so I just got some general questions :thumbsup:

1) I've been doing sets of 12 at a slow steady pace, do I want to be doing liek 6 reps or whatever and using more weight? or stick with this?
You cant just do all the same amount of reps for every exersize everyday... If you do all higher reps (more then 3) then you never get teh benfit of working with real heavy wieghts. If you do all low reps(less then 3) you will tax your central nervous system and end up overtraining
2) The Shoulder press, or military press as some call it, I seem to be particuraly bad at this machine, I can do 50 pounds like 10 times then im done! How much can you guys do? get of the machine and do it free weight

3) I'm gonna begin taking creatine, I read bigDman's guide on it and found it very useful! But he mentioned something about taking it in small supplements throughout the day, do you think I should be doing this even on days I don't work out? you should take 2.5 grams before workout and 2.5 grams after . On off days take in 5 grams throught the day

4) I was thinking about getting a protein drink as well as the creatine, is this a bad idea? I got the idea that it's okay, but if this is okay I want to take it after I work out right? Good idea. Take it after you workout. Protein is more important then creatine

Edit: I know you guys get asked this stuff a lot, but theres a lot of threads to look through to find all the answers I want. Sorry in advance


answeres in bold

[BuckWyld]

1) I've been doing sets of 12 at a slow steady pace, do I want to be doing liek 6 reps or whatever and using more weight? or stick with this?


It depends on a few factors, if you are under ~16 years old you should not be working out with weights that don't allow at least 12 reps. If you are older than 16, I would suggest changing the number of reps you do from time to time i.e. sometimes do heavier weight/fewer reps sometimes lighter weight/more reps.


2) The Shoulder press, or military press as some call it, I seem to be particuraly bad at this machine, I can do 50 pounds like 10 times then im done! How much can you guys do?


The numbers on the weight stacks of nautilus type machines does not have a connection with anything other than the other numbers on the same machine. 50 lbs on a machine by a different company may be heavier or lighter, 50lbs on a different machine by the same company maybe heavier or lighter depending on the maintenance, and they all could be heavier or lighter (although they are generally lighter) than acutally lifting 50lbs in the form of a dumbbell or barbell. Therefore what I (or anyone else) can lift on the machine in our local gym does give you any useful information.


3) I'm gonna begin taking creatine, I read bigDman's guide on it and found it very useful! But he mentioned something about taking it in small supplements throughout the day, do you think I should be doing this even on days I don't work out?


You can take creatine every day, no need to cycle or load.


4) I was thinking about getting a protein drink as well as the creatine, is this a bad idea? I got the idea that it's okay, but if this is okay I want to take it after I work out right?


There is no problem with taking creatine and protein, although it seems like you are just starting out and probably you do not really need to worry about suppliments at this time.

[Diesel4958]

Start hitting the free weights. Take creatine only if yu are going to work hard. I'd recommend getting a solid base first. "Slow and steady"?? Be intense about workouts do all movements controlled but solidly.

[TBAN1418]

Thanks a lot guys, this answered a lotta my questions =)