Using weight when training

[yamfriend]

Sometimes when I do stuff related to Sasuke or any other exercise helping me with Sasuke-related things (pullups, rope climbing, even something similar to the Jumping Bars), I try doing it with my backpack on, which is usually about 20-30 pounds. However, I have trouble doing so even with this amount of weight. Do you think that it would be better for me to start doing pullups with less and gradually add more over time or should I continue with what I'm doing except more often?

Also, not that I have these things, but has anybody tried training with any amount of extra weight on any of these Sasuke obstacles?

Slider Jump
Salmon Ladder
any forms of the Cliff Hanger
Log Grip
Arm Rings
Jumping Spider (+Spider Walk)
Sextuple Step (I figure that extra weight=less agility)
Heavenly Ladder
Body Prop
Curtain Cling
Pipe Slider
Jump Hang
Warped Wall
Wall Lift
Lamp Grasper
Devil Steps

...Yeah, basically any Sasuke obstacle EVER.

[Oti]

Don't add weight until you can do eight or so bodyweight pull-ups with perfect form. PERFECT form. That means full range of motion, too. From there, add weight until you can only do eight. If you can ever do a ninth one, add more weight.

No, I don't use weights when I practice the obstacles. I dunno why.

[yamfriend]

I can usually do between 8 and 12 pullups like this on a good day (that is, without any extra weight), though I've only done about 4 or 5 or so with my backpack on. I guess that it's too heavy for me to do well for now, so I'll try doing them with slightly less weight for a while until I can do as many as you say. Thanks for the advice!

YAY!!! 100 posts! ;D

[Oti]

The reason it varies is most likely due to being warmed-up or not (mine vary because of that, at least). I recommend doing one or two slow, controlled pull-ups first, then resting for a few minutes, then starting the workout. It seems to help a little.

Four or five pull-ups with weight isn't bad, and it really depends on what you want to use for a number. I used to use the "if you can do more than five reps, add weight" rule, but I've switched to eight recently because that's what Bruce Lee used (most of the time).

So, depending on what you want to do, you may or may not be ready for more weight anyway.

[zbch]

Semi-on-topic: What are people's opinions on wide-grip pullups? I always feel like the most natural movement is an inch or two outside shoulder width, so that's what I do, but I've heard people rave about wide-grip (which personally I find feels a bit dodgy on the shoulders). Opinions?

[Oti]

Wide grip works the lats more, but too wide reduces your range of motion, which means you gain less strength from the exercise, and, as you said, causes shoulder strain.

You do yours slightly wider than shoulder width, I do mine slightly wider than that. It's just comfortable for me, like yours is for you.

I've recently included some wide grip stuff, though. I feel my lats are lacking strength, which is why my chin-ups are so far ahead of my pull-ups.

[colindesu]

I've transitioned to doing all of my workouts with 10lbs extra attached. It's gotten to where I don't feel the difference at all.
I certainly don't use a lot weight every time I train upper body.
Maybe one day out of the week, I'll do a couple of sets with a lot of weight attached. (70-100lbs)
You don't want to go too high with the weight or that will start causing your shoulder problems.
But like Oti said, you need to make sure you've got your basics down first.
Feel confident with your own weight first.

[Oti]

I disagree about the shoulder comment. Using weight you're ready for shouldn't cause problems. People have chinned and pulled with hundreds of pounds and their shoulders are just fine.

[colindesu]

Yeah, I guess that's true. If you wanna go high with the weight, make sure you're ready. But I'd stick around the 70-100/120lbs range. Any higher than that, and I'd say use a machine so the weight isn't pulling down on your joints. You have to train hard AND smart/safe.

[Oti]

I disagree with that as well. There's no reason to limit yourself with free weights just because you're doing well. Machines are no where near as beneficial as free weights, assuming the athlete is in good condition (where as rehab patients, for example, should stick to machines if they need to).

Also, how do machines not "pull down on your joints"? The strain from a lat pull-down machine with a lot of weight will be just as strenuous as the strain from a weighted pull-up or chin-up.

Instead of effectively crippling yourself like this, you should train smart by being careful and using only the weight you know you can use. When it comes time to test your one rep maximum, you should add weight very slowly, using several sets consisting of one rep.

[colindesu]

lol For maxing, of course you would use free weights. And I'm not saying machines are better than free weights. That'd be a lie. Free weights work your stabilizers and gives you an over all better workout. I'm also not saying you're wrong. I'm just throwing in my opinion just as you are. Every man can train how he wants. So keep up whatever works for you and you feel comfortable with! Good luck with training.

[Oti]

But you just said we shouldn't use free weights above 120 lbs. Maybe you just meant for pulls and chins, but still, that's ridiculous. There's no reason to switch to a machine just because you're strong.

I just thought it was a bad idea and it will prevent you from ever reaching your full potential. Train like that if you like, but I wouldn't recommend it to others. There's no need.

[colindesu]

Ohhhhh no no no. I was just talking about chins. You need more than 120lbs for free weights for other exercises lol....I mean to say I dont use 120lbs EVERY time I add weight for CHINS. When you max out, of course go as high as you can and reach your potential.

A misunderstanding.

[Oti]

But your statement above

Any higher than that, and I'd say use a machine so the weight isn't pulling down on your joints.

Makes no sense, for chins or any other exercise.

[colindesu]

If you're wanting to do a WORKOUT of several SETS with high weight for chin/pull ups, it'd be wise to use a machine instead of attaching 180lbs to yourself. It gets ridiculous after a while with so much weight hanging from you.

[Oti]

That still doesn't make sense. If you can't do your workout with the weight you're using, the problem is not the weights themselves. You need to lower the weight you're using.

[colindesu]

Na man you're not understanding what I'm saying. I don't know how to explain it better either lol....I gotta get to studying.

[obakemono]

I think his point is that hanging a large amount of weight from yourself for extended periods of time puts a lot of strain on your bones and joints. It's nothing to do with strength.

[Oti]

I understand that, but if you're really at the level of strength and you're ready to use that weight, it is safe.