Muscle Gain Forum

FlexNewb wrote: ↑Sun Mar 16, 2025 9:37 pm Shoulder tweak from bench— hurts to lift my arm! Ice or heat? I’m freaking out—don’t wanna lose my gains!

FlexNewb, ice first—24-48 hours—then heat if it’s still tight.
I strained my trap last year—rested 5 days, kept legs active. Gains stayed put.

FlexNewb wrote: ↑Sun Mar 16, 2025 9:13 pm Clicking shoulders here too! 65 lbs feels heavy—
should I stop or push through? Scared of injury.

FlexNewb, clicking’s often scapular positioning—pull your shoulder blades down and back.
Fixed mine that way. Don’t push if it hurts—lighten up.

Stalled lifts scream overtraining! Hit a wall at 405 deads—took 5 days off, came back stronger. Rest is gold.

FitFamTom wrote: ↑Sat Mar 15, 2025 4:29 am My elbows flare out crazy on bench—hurts my shoulders.
Is that a newbie mistake or just me?

Elbow flare’s a big one, FitFamTom! Tuck ‘em at 45 degrees—protects your shoulders and boosts power.
Practice with light weight first.

FitFamTom wrote: ↑Sat Mar 15, 2025 4:19 am What’s a deload even mean?
I’m stuck at 135 deadlift and scared to lose gains.
Someone explain please!

FitFamTom, deload’s just lighter weights for recovery—say 50% of your max for a week.
I prefer switching programs—went from 5x5 to Madcow and hit new PRs.

Ok, I’m lost—too many programs! What’s the difference between StrongLifts and Starting Strength? I just want to get bigger, not powerlifting or anything. FitFamTom, StrongLifts is 5x5 (5 sets, 5 reps) with 3 lifts per workout—simple and balanced. Starting Strength is 3x5, more technical, heavier foc ...