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Comment by Ancalagon | Hacker News Reader

I’m obsessed with powerlifting. Not only because big numbers get bigger but also the physical changes that occur with a healthy dose of lifting each week. It’s also easy to track lifting stats and there are tons of analysis tools out there if data analysis is something you enjoy.

Also, I’m trying to learn guitar - right now following the Justinguitar.com lessons

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I do powerlifting 3x a week but I don't otherwise view myself as obsessed with it. I don't have a coach, I don't enter competitions. I know my PRs in my head but I don't keep spreadsheets or stats or have any kind of real programming. I don't video my lifts, I don't post about it on social media. I'm just content with getting stronger.

I really don't get obsessed with anything, which might be a fault as that seems to be a trait of people who are really successful in what they do.

On the other hand, it's the one type of exercise I have actually been able to stick with for any length of time. Started about 5 years ago at age 55. So never too late to try it, even if exercise has never been appealing to you.

ditto. I don't have great numbers, my bench is terrible, not even 1.5x BW, but I did manage to get my DL to ~2.5x in a competition, then tweaked my back and now only double overhand, which means my grip tends to go when I get to ~2x BW (my gym doesn't allow chalk, and I don't use straps, so it is what it is).

Do you mind if I ask what you did which restricts your ability to mixed grip? In terms of loading, I would expect your back to be loaded in a similar manner irrespective of the hand position.

I assume you've considered/use hook grip?

somehow mixed grip makes me twist slightly which caused me back problems; after a few tweaks to the lower back, I decided that mixed wasn't worth it (I don't compete anymore). Yes, you are right, I do use the hook grip, since I also do some weightlifting.

Not who you asked but I use overhand hook grip and do conventional deadlifts (not sumo). I find mixed grip bothers my bicep on the underhand side. I also use chalk, and straps for heavy pulls.

I don't understand a gym that doesn't allow chalk.

+1 on this - powerlifting is great due to 1) Rapid, specific initial progress, 2) Highly structured programming (e.g., RPE based), 3) Focus on strength vs. aesthetics is a great way to be more holistic about health & performance, 4) Forcing function on all downstream decisions (diet, sleep, alcohol). Adding +15 lbs on your deadlift can become strong motivation to drive discipline, 5) Drives the importance of recovery/rest on long term progress

I've started going down the rabbit hole with Reactive Training Systems and Emerging Strategies. Been a very satisfying deep dive into all sorts of data, variables, etc. to play with that has me constantly playing around with different ideas. Their free training tracker is just the tip of the iceberg but focusing on RPEs and protocols already feels like a game changer.

Started with Stronglifts 5x5 a couple of years ago and has definitely been one of the best things for me. I don't compete but love seeing the numbers go up.

I am 2/3x more productive on days that I get a powerlifting session in before work. There is no better feeling than overcoming a plateau through hard work and dedication.

one of my favorite parts of powerlifting, opposed to hiit or other fitness lifting, is the lack in physical change. i feel like i look the same but can point to numbers that show im much stronger

True - I guess I am more of a power-builder. Which for those that don't know is powerlifting but also incorporates a lot of bodybuilding-type rep work for aesthetics. You lose some specificity doing this arguably so you're expending energy that would be better spent powerlifting if that was your true goal but this trade off is worth it to me.

When I started stronglifts, I didn't tell anyone and people noticed just from my physique after like ~5 weeks of training. Noob gains are insane and definitely cause physical change.

my clothes haven't changed in size, but I fill them out better, is probably best to describe it!

Good problem to have! I had to start buying new clothes because the old ones were too tight.

For guitar I followed Justin up into his intermediate level stuff but then switched to in person lesson and they made a big difference for me. I think I got lucky with my first teacher though, as I've not really gelled with teachers I worked with later.

I'm obsessed with Strongman style functional lifting.

How much ya bench?

415 (gym), 385 (comp)

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