"You Look Big And Strong": The Encouragement Thread

[Gary Gibson]

You know what to do.

[Monster]

My girlfriend has 100% supported me with everything SS--diet, home gym, routine, etc. She also recently started the program.

My chiropractor strongly encouraged me to get into lifting: "You're plenty flexible, what you need is increased strength, not more flexibility. I squat all the time and you should squat too."

So I started SS.


A week ago I had lunch with a woman I hadn't seen for a couple months. As soon as she put eyes on me, she said, "You look strong." Lifetime first.

Several people have mentioned, "You look healthier."

Others have said in various ways I look better.

No negative comments. If I did hear them, of course I would crush the person. (The only way out would be if they promised to start SS.)

[NKT]

I have, on at least three occasions, seen people's jaws drop open in shock when they saw me after a couple of months of lifting and GOMAD. I guess putting on 35lb of mostly muscle is a dramatic change. All of the comments were positive after they composed themselves. Zero negative comments so far.

[Carlos Daniel]

Apart from grandma and grandpa telling me I'm getting "too" strong, I've had mostly encouragement. And there is whole "you're taking steroids", which I take as an utmost compliment.

Someone I haven't seen in a while, the director at the lab I used to work at:

-"You look bigger! what have you been taking?"
Me: -"3 liters of milk a day, mostly"

10 minutes later:
-"say, this milk you taking... is it by any chance spiked with testosterone?"

That and a couple other people, asking me if I'm taking steroids. One of them asked it insistently, three times, which made my grin that much wider.

[51M0n]

I got a nice back-handed comment from my uncle who told me I 'looked like Tarzan, drank like Jane" (in reference to my drinking a mocha).

[ColoWayno]

Family Member: "You're... big".

Ironically, this was after I had lost weight after I had just gotten started (and not really doing the program). I'm sure my shoulders and butt were bigger which is what they noticed.

[Scrofula]

I recently saw a bunch of relatives after a while (ranging from a few months to a couple of years). Several of them independently commented on the change in my appearance, even though my bodyweight hadn't changed much. The change had been gradual, so I hadn't actually realized that I looked noticeably different in regular clothing. The lack of eating and training over the course of that vacation actually cost me an annoying amount of strength and weight, but I've gained most of it back.

I've also gotten questions about my strength training from grappling partners. Apparently I'm harder to armbar now.

[simonsky]

from schoolmates who didnt see me during the summer:

"you got fatter"

[ColoWayno]

If one of you would look at my log (or say you did) and comment on how awesome my chin up sessions have been, I would write about it here.

[ColoWayno]

Ooh Colo...
Your chin up sessions are awesome. Your getting soooo big and soooo strong. I can visualize your massive muscles flexing and rippling with each rep. Your wife is such a lucky woman ;-)

I think this says it all. Thanks for noticing GVA.


wait.... my spider senses are tingling... somethings wrong....

[broseph]

In surgery, sleeping patients often need to be repositioned on the OR table.

Often, patients in need of surgery (read: unhealthy) are typically rather large.

When someone calls for "moving help" and I show up, they usually say things like "Oh good, you came." or "I was hoping you were available."

I love being the go-to people lifter.

Same goes for being the designated kid-thrower at the beach or pool. Although sometimes I think it might look a little creepy throwing strangers' children.

[ILiftAlone]

My friends and family have all either been supportive or not really shown any interest, but never has anyone been discouraging. The only time I've recieved negative comments are when people ask me what I've been eating.


After seeing a family member I hadn't seen in about 7 months, their response was "You literally look about double the size you were since the last time I saw you".

My girlfriend while laying in bed one night "Your muscles seem so much bigger all of a sudden".

My good friend who I don't get to hang out with that often: "Dude you look way bigger, you been hittin the weights?"


Its cool to hear comments like this, but its even cooler to set a PR.

[fnet]

Last year, I took this photo as a joke about me sleeping at work for my Facebook profile pic. I received many comments about the size of my arms. People were asking if I was selling tickets to the gun show, etc. Some of the comments came from folks who knew me back when I was the classic 98 LB weakling. I change my profile pic often, but I always come back to this one because I was so pleased by the responses.

[LudwigVan]

I saw some people earlier this year that hadn't seen me since college, which was 3 years and about 50 pounds ago. The first thing the dude said when I walked in was, "Wow, when did you eat a whole other person?" That's one of my favorite comments.

[thersites]

One of the funny things I've gotten from a few people I didn't see for a couple months is "have you lost weight?" I had gained about 15-20 pounds depending on when the question was asked, not all of which was lean gain. What they saw was that I looked fitter and leaner (everything grew faster than my waist) even though I was actually a little fatter than when I saw them last. The funny thing is when you tell them that, no, I've actually gained X number of pounds. People are so focused on fat loss and confused about the difference between fat and weight, that this is just outside of their frame of reference and requires a bit of thought or education.

Now my wife notices, and fortunately she likes the changes. She also likes that I'm doing something that gives me satisfaction. She actually lifted with me a couple of years ago for about 5 or 6 months, doing squats, DL, bench, & press, and understands the satisfaction of being stronger, so this is one way in that she is not typical.

My extended family isn't close, so I haven't seen any of them for over 5 months. Some of them express shock or even concern when I tell them I weigh almost 250 pounds. I've always been the beefiest (I'm really broad shouldered, but my brother is & my dad was fairly tall and slightly built) in the family, but they have no experience with this kind of weight other than with obese people. I get a kick out of updating them as the weight climbed (I've leveled off of late).

I'm waiting to go to the doctor and have him tell me I need to lose weight, but I know that going in, and take a sort of perverse pleasure in this sort of exchange.

In the end, I'm happy with the changes, and that is what matters most in terms of encouragement.

[milosz]

I'm generation three in the family construction business - recently told my dad I was going to take out a shelf in the warehouse/office to clear up nine feet of wallspace, thus allowing me to install a power rack from Rogue. We're sort of cramped on space as it is, but he's totally cool with it. I figure I can squat and bench in the rack, drag a Prowler out to the parking lot and deadlift/OHP wherever I can find the space.

[Michael Liao]

Wearing my dark Maui Jim shades, I watch in amazement at how many secret admirers --of the feminine sort -- glance over, not knowing I'm admiring them as well, secretly... Again & again, thanks Coach Rip!

[Jamie J. Skibicki]

My girlfriends friends are the artsy type and all are small. SHe said she would never date a jock or afrat guy, of which I'm both. SHe was talking to a few of them about me and they said I was "all muscally". SHe said she loved it.

They further questioned her about it, and what was the best part of dating someone like me. Her response "hip drive".

[PVC]

My girlfriends friends are the artsy type and all are small. SHe said she would never date a jock or afrat guy, of which I'm both. SHe was talking to a few of them about me and they said I was "all muscally". SHe said she loved it.

What does you being musical have to do with anything?

[Jamie J. Skibicki]

Muscally = having muscles.

[Patrick]

My office is mostly young women around 30 who don't have any real interest in athletics, much less lifting, and who think I'm a little crazy to lift heavy weights... the kind of person to whom a 20 rep set is the only safe way to do any lifting of any kind. We were all sitting and working and someone walked in and said they heard our office has a gym and that I could show them where it was. The guy asked "do you lift?" and without turning around one of the girls said "of course he does, look at him." That was pretty great.

[drecar]

all very cool stuff. for me it was when my 8 year old son looked up at me and said, dad, you are very strong, (referring to a 315lbs squat). he has seen me struggle from the time i first squatted the empty bar.

[PVC]

Muscally = having muscles.

I was joking. "Muscally" is one letter away from "musically". It's quite hilarious.

[Patrick]

all very cool stuff. for me it was when my 8 year old son looked up at me and said, dad, you are very strong, (referring to a 315lbs squat). he has seen me struggle from the time i first squatted the empty bar.

Now THAT is badass.

[simonsky]

unlike some of you i dont have any starting pics to compare myself. our family doesnt even have a camera and my cellphone has none so i dont usually see my digital image self. the skinnier one is for my freshman id pic and the second one is two years after for my junior id pic. (got into serious/proper strength training at least 7 months leading up to the second pic) the first time i saw these a tear fell out from my right eye. not so on the left, probably because i'm right handed. and the encouraging thing is, when i show it to my p90x doing , bodyfat watching friends, all of them said i am fat. one said i look like a thug. and one said it's gross << this on'e my favorite, it makes me proud the most

[Dastardly]

I like the "Thug" comment, because even from the headshot alone, you look a lot stronger on the right hand pic.

[hbriem]

A couple of years ago I was in Spain, walking with my wife along the beach promenade along with lots of other people. A little ahead I see a couple, obviously bodybuilding/fitness types looking slightly anxiously around. Suddenly the girl points at me and says to her boyfriend (in my native language, Icelandic): "let's ask that guy, he lifts". Then they came up to me and asked, in English, if I knew of a place where they could buy supplements. A pretty amazing coincidence since I hadn't met any Icelanders for a couple of weeks. I was able to help out although I don't use any supplements myself.

[Rorschach]

Good stuff, though I now have a mental image of two bodybuilders frantically throwing clothes out of a suitcase shouting "WHAT? I THOUGHT YOU PACKED THE CREATINE! OH MY GOD!"

[SamGriffin]

Good stuff, though I now have a mental image of two bodybuilders frantically throwing clothes out of a suitcase shouting "WHAT? I THOUGHT YOU PACKED THE CREATINE! OH MY GOD!"


ahahahhahahaha

[hbriem]

That was almost precisely what I was thinking. What? You can't go on a two week holiday without supplements? The supermarkets and restaurants are full of lovely, fresh, locally produced food. Who needs supplements.

[LeonidasfromSparta]

The comments I've received vary from: you are getting fat, to: are you taking steroids? To be honest, I've gained some belly fat too, so obviously there were some complains from my girlfriend.

[MazdaMatt]

To be honest, I've gained some belly fat too, so obviously there were some complains from my girlfriend.

Not necessarily "obviously"... my girlfriend has told me she's happy that I'm bigger around the middle. She's actually really happy with the changes I've made, she just wants me to stop talking about the gym so much :p

[NolanPower]

All my friends call me fat and its ruined my deadlift because my gut gets in the way of getting down to the bar. I need to go do the p90x and get sweet abz0rs

[Marotta]

Most people I know have said something positive, when my friends want to know anything about getting stronger they come to me first.

My parents on the other hand tried to sit me down and tell me I'm fat (I'm 13% body fat, joined a new gym and they tested me). I told them not to ever bring it up again.

[MazdaMatt]

Most of the positive encouragement I get actually comes second hand - My girlfriends friends tell her and she passes it on to me :)

[homerj742]

My massage therapists asked for and viewed videos of my lifts. She told me her 3 year old son said I was stronger than his daddy.

If this was the animal kingdom, I would become the new alpha male of that herd.

Awesome for me, soul crushing for him.



(*note - I'm really not THAT strong, still have a long way to go!)

[Monster]

My massage therapists asked for and viewed videos of my lifts.

She wants more than a video from you.


She told me her 3 year old son said I was stronger than his daddy.
The fact that she asked to see the videos and mentioned her son's statement are blatant indicators of attraction and that she's currently dealing with a beta. But you already knew that.


If this was the animal kingdom, I would become the new alpha male of that herd.
It is and you are if you want it.


Awesome for me, soul crushing for him.
Evolution is a bitch.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Evolution is a bitch.

Too bad the lesser male has already succeeded in reproduction. Humans have really fucked up evolution, haven't we? No more survival pressure.

[Mr.City]

One of my girlfriends complimented me on my squat ass.

My grandmother and my mum have commented on how my upper back has become bigger and broader.

A girl who works at the check-in counter at my gym remarked on how large my chest has become.

One time I was playing basketball and the teams were being assembled. The leader of one of the teams pointed at me and said, "I'll take the big man."

[TrackJunkie]

Too bad the lesser male has already succeeded in reproduction. Humans have really fucked up evolution, haven't we? No more survival pressure.

I feel like an idiot for entering into the pseudo-scientific bullshit that is pop-evo-psych, but in the realm of pop-evo-psych, aren't beta males good people to have around? Doesn't a society want as many of them as possible? Aren't they the providers who are supposed to support the children of alpha males' exes?

[homerj742]

Originally Posted by homerj742 View Post
My massage therapists asked for and viewed videos of my lifts.
She wants more than a video from you.


She told me her 3 year old son said I was stronger than his daddy.
The fact that she asked to see the videos and mentioned her son's statement are blatant indicators of attraction and that she's currently dealing with a beta. But you already knew that.



If this was the animal kingdom, I would become the new alpha male of that herd.
It is and you are if you want it.


Awesome for me, soul crushing for him.
Evolution is a bitch.

This made me LOL like crazy.

I sent her a few more vids and she mentioned holding her breath as she was watching, not being able to imagine how heavy it is.

[Marotta]

This made me LOL like crazy.

I sent her a few more vids and she mentioned holding her breath as she was watching, not being able to imagine how heavy it is.

She is in no way talking about the barbell

[Beltshumeltz]

unlike some of you i dont have any starting pics to compare myself. our family doesnt even have a camera and my cellphone has none so i dont usually see my digital image self. the skinnier one is for my freshman id pic and the second one is two years after for my junior id pic. (got into serious/proper strength training at least 7 months leading up to the second pic) the first time i saw these a tear fell out from my right eye. not so on the left, probably because i'm right handed. and the encouraging thing is, when i show it to my p90x doing , bodyfat watching friends, all of them said i am fat. one said i look like a thug. and one said it's gross << this on'e my favorite, it makes me proud the most

I would like the thug comment more. But I like "gross" too. Isn't it funny how we derive pleasure from such comments?

I agree with someone who posted earlier (here or elsewhere) about enjoying accusations of steroid use. It is actually one of my GOALS to be asked whether I use them. And one of my dreams to be straight out accused of using.

By the way, since your right picture is a little square, it reminds me of a headshot you'd see on a character selection screen on a fighting videogame, and I would definitely pick the scary guy on the right :)

[Beltshumeltz]

That was almost precisely what I was thinking. What? You can't go on a two week holiday without supplements? The supermarkets and restaurants are full of lovely, fresh, locally produced food. Who needs supplements.

Creatine is unlike some other supplements, in that once you stop taking it, you'll quickly lose a couple of pounds of water weight (held in your muscle) which will make them deflate a bit. And then you have to do a few days of "loading" with it to get back on track, consuming 4-5 time the usual quantity to load your muscles with it. AFAIK.

[simonsky]

One of my girlfriends complimented me on my squat ass.

My grandmother and my mum have commented on how my upper back has become bigger and broader.

A girl who works at the check-in counter at my gym remarked on how large my chest has become.

One time I was playing basketball and the teams were being assembled. The leader of one of the teams pointed at me and said, "I'll take the big man."

i would applaud to this if you are at most 6 feet tall



I would like the thug comment more. But I like "gross" too. Isn't it funny how we derive pleasure from such comments?

I agree with someone who posted earlier (here or elsewhere) about enjoying accusations of steroid use. It is actually one of my GOALS to be asked whether I use them. And one of my dreams to be straight out accused of using.

By the way, since your right picture is a little square, it reminds me of a headshot you'd see on a character selection screen on a fighting videogame, and I would definitely pick the scary guy on the right :)

the sad thing is they keep asking how i got big but the advice comes and goes through their heads. oh yeah one actually said i look like bobby lashley though i'm not as big as him and more asian.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:LNFgu3VJMBQINM:http://gamingring.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/BobbyLashley.jpghttp://www.startingstrength.com/resources/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=365&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1277630128

[Monster]

I sent her a few more vids and she mentioned holding her breath as she was watching


shortness of breath --> the tension she's feeling......as she.....approaches....



...not being able to imagine how heavy it is.


That's a good one.


"not able to imagine" --> can't stop thinking about it



If she's a massage therapist, she probably knows a bit about tantra.


Just sayin'.

[Beltshumeltz]

i would applaud to this if you are at most 6 feet tall




the sad thing is they keep asking how i got big but the advice comes and goes through their heads. oh yeah one actually said i look like bobby lashley though i'm not as big as him and more asian.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:LNFgu3VJMBQINM:http://gamingring.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/BobbyLashley.jpghttp://www.startingstrength.com/resources/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=365&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1277630128

You're right, now that I look closely, he doesn't look as asian as you.
(wtf kind of remark was that guy making!)

[simonsky]

You're right, now that I look closely, he doesn't look as asian as you.
(wtf kind of remark was that guy making!)

now i don't know if you are sarcastic or not.

[homerj742]

shortness of breath --> the tension she's feeling......as she.....approaches....





That's a good one.


"not able to imagine" --> can't stop thinking about it



If she's a massage therapist, she probably knows a bit about tantra.


Just sayin'.

Also mentioned finding a few "quiet minutes to watch the videos" meaning she didn't want her husband to see, as his entire life's accomplishments were to be easily crushed by a 45 second video.

[Monster]

also mentioned finding a few "quiet minutes to watch the videos" meaning she didn't want her husband to see, as his entire life's accomplishments were to be easily crushed by a 45 second video.

lmao

[Bahadur]

Real quick: We live about 20 minutes away from my in-laws. And when I say in-laws, I mean ALL my in-laws. You see, my 2 brother-in-laws (with their wives and children) all live in the same "compound" with my father/mother-in-law. Its an extended joint family system (those of you familiar with the sub-Continent will understand).

In any case, my brother-in-laws are only 3 and 5 yrs older than me. However, whenever anything heavy needs to be picked up or moved, my father-in-law (older guy, around 70) will bypass them and ask if I could help. This includes moving and planting a sapling, lifting heavy boxes from the garage, or lifting the pool equipment.
The kicker was on a Caribbean vacation last year when he panicked snorkeling and needed assistance swimming back to the boat, he yelled for me, and not his grown sons, to come help and rescue him.

This wins me lots of points with the wife, needless to say.

[Bahadur]

Real quick: We live about 20 minutes away from my in-laws. And when I say in-laws, I mean ALL my in-laws. You see, my 2 brother-in-laws (with their wives and children) all live in the same "compound" with my father/mother-in-law. Its an extended joint family system (those of you familiar with the sub-Continent will understand).

In any case, my brother-in-laws are only 3 and 5 yrs older than me. However, whenever anything heavy needs to be picked up or moved, my father-in-law (older guy, around 70) will bypass them and ask if I could help. This includes moving and planting a sapling, lifting heavy boxes from the garage, or lifting the pool equipment.
The kicker was on a Caribbean vacation last year when he panicked snorkeling and needed assistance swimming back to the boat, he yelled for me, and not his grown sons, to come help and rescue him.

This wins me lots of points with the wife, needless to say.

[Bahadur]

Fuck. Duplicate post, my bad.

I guess this SS really works! Don't even know my own strength and inadvertently posted twice!!

Thanks Starting Strength!

[Jamie J. Skibicki]

"Its an extended joint family system "

Can you explain this for those of us not familiar with the sub continent.

[Bahadur]

"Its an extended joint family system "

Can you explain this for those of us not familiar with the sub continent.

I meant joint family system. Essentially, the parents, their adult children and grandkids all live under the same roof. The grandparents watch the grandkids, and when they get too old to care for themselves, the adult children will care for their parents. In this case (as in many instances) both sons live under the same roof with their parents. Obviously, the brothers get along well, but this is all dependent on how well the sister-in-laws get long. If there are any issues that develop, its usually with daughter-in-laws who can chafe at the arrangement, for obvious reasons.

This of course is certainly not for everyone but they make it work because they have ample space to house essentially three whole families (everyone has a 'wing' in this cavernous mansion of theirs) and thus allow for a fair degree of privacy. There are pluses and minuses to the situation, but if it works, then its great. Cousins growing up together and getting to know their grandparents, etc. etc.

[Gary Gibson]

I meant joint family system. Essentially, the parents, their adult children and grandkids all live under the same roof. The grandparents watch the grandkids, and when they get too old to care for themselves, the adult children will care for their parents. In this case (as in many instances) both sons live under the same roof with their parents. Obviously, the brothers get along well, but this is all dependent on how well the sister-in-laws get long. If there are any issues that develop, its usually with daughter-in-laws who can chafe at the arrangement, for obvious reasons.

This of course is certainly not for everyone but they make it work because they have ample space to house essentially three whole families (everyone has a 'wing' in this cavernous mansion of theirs) and thus allow for a fair degree of privacy. There are pluses and minuses to the situation, but if it works, then its great. Cousins growing up together and getting to know their grandparents, etc. etc.

I like it!

As the Depression deepens I think we'll see a return to this more economical arrangement in the West. I also think old-fashioned apprenticeship will replace the four years of getting a degree from a diploma mill.

And I hate to do this but...

sons-in-law
daughters-in-law

There. I feel a little bit better.

[FatButWeak]

Holy Shit! Gary's a closet grammar nazi!

I like the sound of the family living together thing. Whether we realize it it or not it's a very conservative and traditional form of "social welfare;" it's also a very libertarian form of social welfare, as everyone is there voluntarily and takes noone else's resources to take care of their mini-society/ duties/responsibilities. Freedom and small government lovers should rejoice!

Big government prefers policies that weaken the family unit, since weaker families abdicate more of the social responsibilites to the government, and wherever the people turn over their responsibilities to the government, they also turn over some of their freedom, most apparently in the form of dollars.

What's the sub-continent?

[Gary Gibson]

Holy Shit! Gary's a closet grammar nazi!

I like the sound of the family living together thing. Whether we realize it it or not it's a very conservative and traditional form of "social welfare;" it's also a very libertarian form of social welfare, as everyone is there voluntarily and takes noone else's resources to take care of their mini-society/ duties/responsibilities. Freedom and small government lovers should rejoice!

Big government prefers policies that weaken the family unit, since weaker families abdicate more of the social responsibilites to the government, and wherever the people turn over their responsibilities to the government, they also turn over some of their freedom, most apparently in the form of dollars.

What's the sub-continent?

I'm about as anarchocapitalist as they come. I also have no problem with socialism as long as it's voluntary. To quote my boss, "We call this voluntary socialism 'family'." You choose your associations and to whom you share the resources for which you've worked. Most of us automatically help out our close relations by nature.

[Jamie J. Skibicki]

The problem with this system is the lack of mobility. I've moved 3 times in 3 years for work, each time making more. I would have moved again, but it's hard to get people to look at your resume across the country sometimes.

[Bahadur]

What's the sub-continent?

Sub-continent implies India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

And no, its not ideal for mobility purposes, but that's the point. One critique of post-modern society is that we are too mobile, and because of that we don't have a chance to develop close-knit communities. These leads to social alienation and isolation, manifest by all our personal neuroses and anxieties.

Just sayin, is all.

[Gary Gibson]

Sub-continent implies India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

And no, its not ideal for mobility purposes, but that's the point. One critique of post-modern society is that we are too mobile, and because of that we don't have a chance to develop close-knit communities. These leads to social alienation and isolation, manifest by all our personal neuroses and anxieties.

Just sayin, is all.

You are very smart and I am sending you a friend request.

[Bahadur]

You are very smart and I am sending you a friend request.

Aw Shucks. *kicks at ground and blushes*

Wait, you aren't coming on to me, are you?

Interracial homoeroticism aside, anyone else have tales to regale us about impressing the shit out of others?

[TrackJunkie]

Apparently some of my friends were impressed that I was able to pick up and move a recliner across their apartment on my own recently.

[TomF]

And no, its not ideal for mobility purposes, but that's the point. One critique of post-modern society is that we are too mobile, and because of that we don't have a chance to develop close-knit communities. These leads to social alienation and isolation, manifest by all our personal neuroses and anxieties.+1 Most things of value take a long time, and personal investment. Relationships no less than anything else.

A stanza of Wendell Berry's wonderful poem Stay Home:


I will wait here in the fields
to see how well the rain
brings on the grass.
In the labor of the fields
longer than a man's life
I am at home. Don't come with me.
You stay home too.

[Patrick]

There's a road that leads to where I work that's lined with old trees that are falling at an alarming rate. A big wind storm hit the other day and it knocked over a medium-sized tree, which cut off the road. There's a gas station just up the road and I saw a couple of the mechanics looking at the tree and commenting on how this was messing up traffic. I've taken my car to them a few times so I kind of know them and we started chatting. At one point someone said "lets move it" and so we did... we just went and pushed the tree off the road. A few cars were backed up watching on the street but didn't turn around -- maybe because of optimism or maybe because of spectacle.

When we got the tree off the road we got a chorus of horn honks and cheers, lots of comments from windows as people drove past.

Two lessons: trees are heavy and mechanics have strong freaking hands.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Two lessons: trees are heavy and mechanics have strong freaking hands.

I will never again leave the house thinking that I probably will not learn anything on a given day.

[Patrick]

I will never again leave the house thinking that I probably will not learn anything on a given day.

Those lessons came from my "obvious facts that are obvious" file.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Those lessons came from my "obvious facts that are obvious" file.

Obviously. :D

[MazdaMatt]

I was pretty happy with myself a couple weeks ago when camping... a buddy of mine and I hacked a downed tree in half and decided to carry out half of the tree at once. He tried to act tough and pick it up, struggled for about 2 minutes then fell over. I put it on one shoulder and walked up the hill out of the forest. He is 2 inches taller and about 60-70lbs heavier than me and works a very laborious job (I'm a computer engineer, ie, not labor).

[Ian Kovtunovich]

I had a not huge practical application of strength last weekend, but it still felt good. We bought a new dining table for our new dining room, which came needing assembly, of course, and was in a box about 48" wide x 80" long, weighing 140lbs. Store warehouse guy said they could roll the box out to the car, but couldn't help us get it onto the car, to which I dismissively replied that it was not a problem. Leaned it sideways against the car, and easily slid it up onto the roof. Once home, I dragged it off the car, hand trucked it around back, and hauled it the rest of the way inside by hand. While not exceptionally heavy, it was rather awkward, and I'm sure that a year ago, I would have either needed help with this task, or WAY overexerted myself trying to move it, and wound up with a sore back or some shit.

Moving heavy shit is quite rewarding.

[MazdaMatt]

Moving heavy shit is quite rewarding.

As a formerly scrawny bastard, I fully agree. The most satisfying things to lift are often the ones that don't even make you grimmace... instead you pick it up, move it, put it down and say "oh, that was easy".

[Bahadur]

I had a not huge practical application of strength last weekend, but it still felt good. We bought a new dining table for our new dining room, which came needing assembly, of course, and was in a box about 48" wide x 80" long, weighing 140lbs. Store warehouse guy said they could roll the box out to the car, but couldn't help us get it onto the car, to which I dismissively replied that it was not a problem. Leaned it sideways against the car, and easily slid it up onto the roof. Once home, I dragged it off the car, hand trucked it around back, and hauled it the rest of the way inside by hand. While not exceptionally heavy, it was rather awkward, and I'm sure that a year ago, I would have either needed help with this task, or WAY overexerted myself trying to move it, and wound up with a sore back or some shit.

Moving heavy shit is quite rewarding.

The most rewarding part of this story was the part where you "dismissively replied it was not a problem". It implies a general disdain for their overtures of assistance. Kudos to you.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

As a formerly scrawny bastard, I fully agree.

Heh heh, me too! Doubly rewarding from this perspective, I think.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

The most rewarding part of this story was the part where you "dismissively replied it was not a problem". It implies a general disdain for their overtures of assistance. Kudos to you.

There is something deeply satisfying about rendering offers of help moot. It's as if, by becoming more useful, and thus making potential helpers useless, your relative usefulness in such a situation automatically doubles.

I'm also a fan of giving strength demos at parties by casually picking people up. I find this both humorous and enjoyable. It's the simple things.

[jimuk80]

Have only been doing this about 2 months but my fiance said "My god your getting those neck thingys!" She meant traps. Also this isnt a compliment as such but my body shape is changing dramatically & when I went shopping for a new shirt recently I found myself struggling to find anything that fits across my back and shoulders.

A complete hassle but it showed something is happening.

[gamedog]

There's a guy I bump into a work from time to time. He works on the web team downstairs, and I've known him for years. I'd not seen him around for a few weeks, and we ran into each other in the hall yesterday. The first words out of him mouth were "Man, you are HUGE!" Of course, he's rather small in stature, a young man from India, weighing in at a buck twenty soaking wet at 5'6" but still, I took it as a great compliment.

[Alex Willess]

I was finishing my last little stent of two weeks training in Nevada for the 90's small Marine Corps. One person kept saying I was fat but everybody else came to me when heavy shit needed lifting. Many asked me what kind of lifting I did to get big and when it came to loading up the 7-ton (big dump truck type vehicle) with 50lb-80 lb packs and sea bags I just started tossing them up one by one about 10 ft high, of the 100 packs I am sure I did at least 25 and this was a group of about 15 Marines.

[Kyle Aaron]

Not me, but my wife.

She was the Asian grocery store, buying a 25kg (55lb) bag of rice. The store clerk said, "Wait here, I will get a guy with a trolley to take it to your car."

"That's okay," my wife said, shouldering the bag, "it's not far to my car."

Wide eyes followed her out of the store.

She doesn't work out for strength, mostly does body pump and stuff like that - but even that gives her a heap more strength than the typical sedentary person. A 55lb bag on the shoulder for 100 yards or so isn't going to impress anyone here, but it impresses the general public a lot.

[Kate]

"That's okay," my wife said, shouldering the bag, "it's not far to my car."
Wide eyes followed her out of the store.


Nice.

At the beach yesterday, my SIL and niece said my arms looked "toned." :)
Also yesterday: When Brother, SIL, and Niece saw the retaining wall I built last fall (4 courses of 8"x8" pressure-treated lumber*, at the top of a steep hill which is all clay & shale & tree roots) and the stone path I'm working on now (each 18"x24" piece of bluestone weighs 60 pounds), Brother called me "the earth-mover" and Niece said "no wonder you're jacked." :) :)

Lovely antidote to the guys at Home Depot who keep asking me if I'm "sure" I can handle loading bags of paver sand and gravel into my car. (Yeah, it happened again.) I was starting to wonder if I looked terribly frail. Guess not.

------
* Correction: 6"x6" pieces of lumber (8 feet long). D'oh!

[Jamie J. Skibicki]

Kate, maybe the guys were hitting on you? Try to get away from the register so they can get you number or something.

[gzt]

Indeed, they may want to load up her trunk, as it were.

[Bahadur]

Indeed, they may want to load up her trunk, as it were.

Wow.
Well done sir. Well done indeed.

[Kate]

Kate, maybe the guys were hitting on you? Try to get away from the register so they can get you number or something.

That's a nice thought, but they're a lot younger than me. They're probably bored, or just wanting to be helpful. Can't really fault 'em for that -- and if they're trying to be chivalrous, well, that's kinda sweet.

I just get puzzled by remarks like "ask the checkout clerk to call a stock guy, and he'll load up the car, and you won't have to lift a thing." Um... but you just saw me climbing halfway up the big shelves, so I could reach the bags of paver sand (looking for bags that haven't ripped open), and you saw me loading bags onto the trolley cart, and I'm wearing work boots, jeans, and T-shirt, and I've got my work gloves on, so clearly I've got a project going on, so... does it look like I don't want to lift a thing? :confused: Or do most women in those places not want to lift anything?

Dunno. Not a big deal, and I'm not offended; just a little puzzled and, like I said, wondering if I was looking frail. I can't completely trust my own perceptions in that regard.

(You know what *is* offensive? At Lowe's, the only work gloves for women -- or for guys with small hands, for that matter -- are gardening gloves. Lightweight, pink or flowered gardening gloves. At Home Depot, I can at least get sort-of heavy-duty work gloves. Not super-heavy-duty, like some of the men's gloves, but decent. I should maybe stock up on those. When I'm hauling rocks and bricks around, the fingertips wear out pretty fast.)

Er, where were we? Oh yes, The Encouragement Thread. Carry on. :)

[Bahadur]

While I do favor stories regarding personal strength, pardon me if I go all bodybuilding.com on you guys:

Went over to our neighbor's house on Friday, just after having worked out. Apparently while the neighbor and I were talking music and bands, his wife commented to my wife on how muscular I looked (my wife commented that the tone implied she has a crush on me). She then proceeded to ask my wife if I could get her husband to workout with me, "Not for anything vain, just for health reasons".

[homerj742]

Also mentioned finding a few "quiet minutes to watch the videos" meaning she didn't want her husband to see, as his entire life's accomplishments were to be easily crushed by a 45 second video.


lmao

Went in for an appointment this weekend. The one hug minimum has been increased to two. Found that she had marked my competition in her calendar. Because she likes to think about me lifting heavy things.

Then suggested I schedule an appointment every 2 weeks. You know, cause she just can't get enough me.

[Gary Gibson]

Went in for an appointment this weekend. The one hug minimum has been increased to two. Found that she had marked my competition in her calendar. Because she likes to think about me lifting heavy things.

Then suggested I schedule an appointment every 2 weeks. You know, cause she just can't get enough me.

We all know where this is going.

Good job!

[Monster]

Went in for an appointment this weekend. The one hug minimum has been increased to two. Found that she had marked my competition in her calendar. Because she likes to think about me lifting heavy things.

Then suggested I schedule an appointment every 2 weeks. You know, cause she just can't get enough me.

Pretty soon she'll need to come and see one of your training sessions.

[homerj742]

We all know where this is going.

Good job!

Probably nowhere, considering we're both married! LOL

but the fantasy is nice :p


Pretty soon she'll need to come and see one of your training sessions.

She will be anticipating the showering portion....as will I.....*bow-chika-bow-wow*

[drewcarroll2]

When I started working out again 2 months ago I couldn't really see any definition or anything anywhere. Now I have veins in my forearms and shoulders and biceps and I can actually see my muscles. Not to the degree that I would prefer, but it is a work in progress. But everyday I see an improvement somewhere so I just keep pushing to get stronger.

somebody said to me the other day, "you know, elliot goes to the gym everyday but he doesn't look like you, you actually look like your strong."

That was nice!

[tdwaffle15]

Got my first "Are you using steroids?" on Saturday, which I'd consider a pretty big milestone.

[homerj742]

We were talking about cooking. She said her kids don't always eat everything. I said just call me, I'll take care of it. She said she'd love to have me over and feed me. Feed me what????.....To be continued.

[Briks42]

We were talking about cooking. She said her kids don't always eat everything. I said just call me, I'll take care of it. She said she'd love to have me over and feed me. Feed me what????.....To be continued.

Not even joking, you are going to bang this broad. Wives, husbands, whatever, its gonna happen.

[homerj742]

haha, I'm just taking some benign things and turning them into something more. Just for the sake of being a jackass.

[gamedog]

haha, I'm just taking some benign things and turning them into something more. Just for the sake of being a jackass.

... I don't think you realize how many people are living vicariously through you right now LOL

I know I am!

ROFLMFAO!

[fnet]

Me too.

[Chewie_jrc]

haha, I'm just taking some benign things and turning them into something more. Just for the sake of being a jackass.

Nah dude thats how it starts. My co-worker started off just jabbing me in the arms and shoulders. Then it progressed to her massaging them for a few moments ("I just like how big your shoulders are"). Now we're going out for drinks tomorrow after work ("ya know, we only hang out at work and it would be good to get to know each other more...as friends"). She has a boyfriend of 4-5 years. I've read this book before.

I'm not judging, just sayin'. I dont mind hookin up with people's girlfriends, but I draw the line at fiance/wife. Call me old fashioned.

[homerj742]

... I don't think you realize how many people are living vicariously through you right now LOL

I know I am!

ROFLMFAO!


That's because I leave out the parts where she talks about her husband and kids. Or perhaps she's just testing my alpha male-ness, to see if I'd back down. I haven't....

[Ian Kovtunovich]

That's because I leave out the parts where she talks about her husband and kids. Or perhaps she's just testing my alpha male-ness, to see if I'd back down. I haven't....

Perhaps a test is in order. You should kill and eat her husband, and see how she reacts.

[Jamie J. Skibicki]

Ian,

Excellent idea. And you pretend to be a liberal.

[tertius]

Ian,

Excellent idea. And you pretend to be a liberal.

Cannibals can be liberal too.

[GVA-66]

Perhaps a test is in order. You should kill and eat her husband, and see how she reacts.


NO NO NO...he must kill and eat the children and enslave the husband. A true alpha male would eliminate the husband's progeny. A goal of the alpha male is to ensure his genetic legacy; can't have another guys kids competing for potential resources. Even if you don't want kids, they are a pain in the ass and have a nasty habit of interupting copulation at critical moments, so do away with them first. Killing and eating the adult male outright is a waste of good potential slave labor; even if he is a skinny weak fucker, you can likely get some work out of him. And when she is not in the mood, well, let's just say you have options if you are so inclined.

[homerj742]

Perhaps a test is in order. You should kill and eat her husband, and see how she reacts.

Test? What the fuck, dude? This has been the plan since the day her healing hands first caressed my muscular back.

[rpbrown]

NO NO NO...he must kill and eat the children and enslave the husband. A true alpha male would eliminate the husband's progeny. A goal of the alpha male is to ensure his genetic legacy; can't have another guys kids competing for potential resources. Even if you don't want kids, they are a pain in the ass and have a nasty habit of interupting copulation at critical moments, so do away with them first. Killing and eating the adult male outright is a waste of good potential slave labor; even if he is a skinny weak fucker, you can likely get some work out of him. And when she is not in the mood, well, let's just say you have options if you are so inclined.

This post wins the part of the thread related to homerj's escapades! +1 mole of internets

[Bahadur]

I'm not judging, just sayin'. I dont mind hookin up with people's girlfriends, but I draw the line at fiance/wife. Call me old fashioned.

This made my day.

[GVA-66]

mole of internets

Had to google that. Glad I did cause I got a chuckle out of the below picture from this site: http://ten23.org/?p=1

Is that your site rp? More importantly, that your pussy?

Gotta say, nice balls on that pussy. Here kitty kitty kitty...want some cream?

http://ten23.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/brentballs1.jpg

[TrackJunkie]

Cannibals can be liberal too.

After all, what else is Obama-care about if not eating babies and the elderly?

[tertius]

After all, what else is Obama-care about if not eating babies and the elderly?

Exactly!

[homerj742]

NO NO NO...he must kill and eat the children and enslave the husband. A true alpha male would eliminate the husband's progeny. A goal of the alpha male is to ensure his genetic legacy; can't have another guys kids competing for potential resources. Even if you don't want kids, they are a pain in the ass and have a nasty habit of interupting copulation at critical moments, so do away with them first. Killing and eating the adult male outright is a waste of good potential slave labor; even if he is a skinny weak fucker, you can likely get some work out of him. And when she is not in the mood, well, let's just say you have options if you are so inclined.

This had me LOL'ing big time.

[rpbrown]

Had to google that. Glad I did cause I got a chuckle out of the below picture from this site: http://ten23.org/?p=1

Is that your site rp? More importantly, that your pussy?



Nah, I'm just into science and junk. Getting a Ph.D. in it.





STAND BACK, I'M GOING TO TRY SCIENCE.

[Thyge Riisgaard]

On topic:

Friend, who I've 'worked-out' with from time to time: How's the training coming along?

Female friend interrupts: Have you SEEN his shoulders lately?!

[LimieJosh]

Last weekend I went away with a group of about 20 people to a beach house, about half of them I barely knew. Saturday afternoon I dont know where I was when the food came out, but when I did appear one of the guys who was new to me brought me a plate and said "I figured with that physique you need a lot of food so saved this for you." It felt a bit gay, but i patted him on the arse and thanked him anyway.

[OITW]

My village is down to two pubs. At the village festival last weekend I was eagerly sought out for the annual tug-of-war by the Royal Oak. Needless to say, we hammered the Prince of Wales' Feathers in two straight pulls. Was new to me to be the guy everyone wanted on their team.

[homerj742]

My village is down to two pubs. At the village festival last weekend I was eagerly sought out for the annual tug-of-war by the Royal Oak. Needless to say, we hammered the Prince of Wales' Feathers in two straight pulls. Was new to me to be the guy everyone wanted on their team.

That's pretty badass. Good job man.

[gamedog]

and when she is not in the mood, well, let's just say you have options if you are so inclined.


roflmfao!

[Rorschach]

My village is down to two pubs. At the village festival last weekend I was eagerly sought out for the annual tug-of-war by the Royal Oak. Needless to say, we hammered the Prince of Wales' Feathers in two straight pulls. Was new to me to be the guy everyone wanted on their team.

Castor? :D

[WatsupHannity]

I feel like an idiot for entering into the pseudo-scientific bullshit that is pop-evo-psych, but in the realm of pop-evo-psych, aren't beta males good people to have around? Doesn't a society want as many of them as possible? Aren't they the providers who are supposed to support the children of alpha males' exes?

I find it amazing that 95% of dudes on internet message boards are alphas dissecting the fate of those hapless, pathetic betas.

[Rorschach]

People on the internet are pretty badass.

[OITW]

Castor? :D

Indeed. Quite the internet sleuth, are we?

[Rorschach]

Indeed, been drinking in Peterborough, but even my knowledge of pubs isn't quite that extensive. ;)

[OITW]

Next time you're coming up this way, drop me a line in advance, first round's on me.

[vivek]

last year (my first run through the program before i sabotaged it and fucked it up) i got this-

"are you on steroids?"
"what the fuck? you grew. how the fuck did you do that?"
"you know, my cousin/brother/friend has been trying to put on weight for years, what did you do to gain that easy?"
from my kids "daddy is the strongest daddy."
from the wife "if you are going to buy new clothes, then i do i get to pick them out?" (answer: no)
and (from a female at workk)- "i like the thickness".

good shit.

[Rorschach]

Next time you're coming up this way, drop me a line in advance, first round's on me.

Absolutely, as long as we can agree not to mention politics. :D

[laser]

Went on trip last weekend with a bunch of people I hadn't seen since right before I started SS 5 months ago. When I arrived at the meeting point, one of the girls ran over to me, felt my arms, squeezed my pecs and shouted, "Wow! You looked jacked!"

[MazdaMatt]

Did you feel her arms and squeeze her pecs, too?

[homerj742]

Did you feel her arms and squeeze her pecs, too?

He could've atleast gotten to second base on that trip. unless he's holding back on us.

[homerj742]

This morning, she emailed me to confirm our appointment for tomorrow. She used her personal email address as opposed to her work email address.


Things are really heating up! lol

[fnet]

This morning, she emailed me to confirm our appointment for tomorrow. She used her personal email address as opposed to her work email address.


Things are really heating up! lol

I hope for your sake you're not typing this up on your home computer and you don't accidentally leave your browser window up and your name's not Homer because it would be a long stay at couch city if your wife should happen to read this. I hope for my sake that my wife doesn't catch me with my pants around my ankles with a loaded tube sock in my hand as I fantasize about the naughty physical therapist.

[homerj742]

You gotta give me more credit than that. :)

Oh and the real reason she emailed me from her personal address is because she just got a new blackberry, and that's the account she had it setup with. I eliminate these parts for the sake of entertainment.

[fnet]

I know its all done with tongue firmly planted in cheek ;)
Still, a guy can dream...

[gamedog]

I know its all done with tongue firmly planted in cheek ;)
Still, a guy can dream...

Or "tongue firmly planted between her cheeks" ;-)

[MazdaMatt]

That was a stretch, but I'll let it slide.

[homerj742]

That was a stretch, but I'll let it slide.



That's what she said.

http://craignj.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/steve-carell-as-michael-scott.jpg

[MazdaMatt]

Okay, that was even more of a stretch... i don't get it.

[ChrisGibbons]

Don't do it man.

Physiotherapists are like preying manti - she will fuck you and then ruin your life by blackmailing you with pictures of the whole escapade.

She did the same thing to me.

She also told me she used to be a man.

That ought to kill it. Now, you can all put down your tube socks, (unless you like that) and go back to lifting. Please?

[fnet]

That ought to kill it. Now, you can all put down your tube socks, (unless you like that) and go back to lifting. Please?

I thought I was lifting...Doing some heavy pulling and grip work.

[MazdaMatt]

The little pink dumbbells don't count as lifting. We've been over this.

[ChrisGibbons]

I'm trying to come up with a witty reply, but typing is difficult because my keyboard is covered in jizz and crusty tube socks.

[homerj742]

So no new stories from the massage therapist, but, this is a legit one:

Mom asks my sister's bf how much he weighs

Sister's BF: "Oh, about 205..."

Mom: "really?!! My son weighs the same, but looks so much bigger than you!!"

Sister's BF: "........"

Me: LOLZ

[Bahadur]

So no new stories from the massage therapist, but, this is a legit one:

Mom asks my sister's bf how much he weighs

Sister's BF: "Oh, about 205..."

Mom: "really?!! My son weighs the same, but looks so much bigger than you!!"

Sister's BF: "........"

Me: LOLZ

I think I recall that you are of East Asian descent; am I wrong?

The reason I ask is because Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi mothers have a bizzare fixation on men being 'thin', alteast most of them. I know from experience. Every time my parents come into town they complain that I'm 'trying to look like a muscleman' or 'or you trying to be a wrestler?'. They'd much prefer that I weigh around 170 lb instead of the 205 I'm at now (I stand around 5'11''). They fully believe I'd do better by jogging for miles on end like my father, as opposed to lifting.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is this: Are you sure she wasn't complimenting your sis's BF for being thin?

[homerj742]

My mom has always hated the fact that I was skinny, and has been ecstatic that I've gained weight. Everytime I go to visit her, she mentions multiple times how happy she is that I've finally put on weight and "look like a man". She believes men should be "big and strong". She doesn't know it, but she's a fan of 70sbig :lol

She also cooks extra food in anticipation for my visits.

[dunedain]

Once my gf was giving me a shoulder massage and commented on how she was having problems because they were "so big".

Another time her little brother was rolling past me in a wagon on a slanted part of their porch, so I stuck my leg out and sent him back to the top. I quote "oh my god, when did your legs get so big?". In the same day, she looked at my reflection in their window and said "hmm, your arms have gotten bigger".

Finally, I was chilling with some people by a fire, and this one dude asked me how much I weighed. I told him ~160 (aka, still a skinny bastard), and he wouldn't believe me because I was "too big to weigh that".

I can't wait to weigh 200lbs if this is what I get at 160!

[drewcarroll2]

I saw myself in the mirror, and was surprised by the tapered look I am getting. It was really awesome to see that, even if it is just me noticing. I am sure my wife will dig it when I get back home.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

I met some friends for drinks last night for a friend's birthday. I got there after everyone else, and they were out on the back patio at this bar. I was walking through the back door onto the patio, and someone saw me, so I stopped and raised my glass, and everyone turned around, six or eight people, and all of a sudden they were all kind of laughing, like "holy shit," and saying things like "oh my gawd, you're HUGE!" None of them are into strength training, but they're pretty much all very strong rock climbers, very fit cyclists, or otherwise super active, and all people I respect very much. Most of them take me to school in most aspects of fitness, and it feels good to get props for my strongs.

[pu239]

What he said: "You're looking well."

What I heard: "Dude, you're huge."

Still waiting on the first real comment, but I'm enjoying hearing about the positive feedback you are getting.

[slowjoe]

My favourite was:

"Did you used to play professional sport?"

[Mr.City]

I've been told I look like a football player. My brother-in-law, seeing me after a year of SS, said, "aw man, you been hitting the weights."

[tremorviolet]

Got a deep tissue massage and the masseuse said I had insane rhomboids.

This guy at the gym complimented my squat and I googled him to discover that he's ranked third nationally in his weight class in masters Oly lifitng and his dad competed in the Olympics for Hungary. So that was very cool.

And my (rowing) team was taking a group pic this morning and someone said "do a [tremorviolet]" and everyone did a bicep pose. :)

[drewcarroll2]

^^That is sick that people refer to you with you SS.com handle. I might start having people do that for me as well........lolz

[Ian Kovtunovich]

^^That is sick that people refer to you with you SS.com handle. I might start having people do that for me as well........lolz

That raises the question: how come drewcarroll1 never posts on here? And is there a drewcarroll3? The mind boggles.

[tertius]

^^That is sick that people refer to you with you SS.com handle. I might start having people do that for me as well........lolz

Dude, there are many, many people who know me primarily by my various internet handles. Because I'm a dork.

But sadly, I've never been given big & strong encouragement, primarily because I'm not big and strong. Though the GF has recently said my legs were "meaty". So there's that.

[drewcarroll2]

That raises the question: how come drewcarroll1 never posts on here? And is there a drewcarroll3? The mind boggles.

This is because there can be only one, and he is number 2 sir, lolz

[tremorviolet]

^^That is sick that people refer to you with you SS.com handle. I might start having people do that for me as well........lolz

Eh, they don't really call me "tremorviolet", I just didn't wanna put my real name. But it's kinda goofy that I'll whip out a double bicep pose so frequently everyone associates it with me.

[drewcarroll2]

I SAID they will and do call you "tremorviolet" in real life.

Don't you ruin this for me, don't you fucking do it sir.

[Bahadur]

I SAID they will and do call you "tremorviolet" in real life.

Don't you ruin this for me, don't you fucking do it sir.

Uh, I think tremorviolet is a dame. So it would be "Ma'am."

And I think that's pretty frickin' cool. I would have assumed that SS would be EXTREMELY beneficial for a rowing team. Deadlifts and squats seem like a good fit for the sport.

[tremorviolet]

Uh, I think tremorviolet is a dame. So it would be "Ma'am."

And I think that's pretty frickin' cool. I would have assumed that SS would be EXTREMELY beneficial for a rowing team. Deadlifts and squats seem like a good fit for the sport.

Yeppers, definitely female. :)

Yeah, I think the lifting has improved my overall strength, particulary the cleans. But I do have to keep working on my cadio which I think impacts my gains. I've been kinda stalled out on my lifts for a while.

[Nic Kirkland]

Yeppers, definitely female. :)

Yeah, I think the lifting has improved my overall strength, particulary the cleans. But I do have to keep working on my cadio which I think impacts my gains. I've been kinda stalled out on my lifts for a while.

True. I don't know about the particulars of rowing and your situation, but SS ideally would be used at the beginning of any offseason for an athlete looking to improve performance by getting stronger.

[the-junk]

I've now had 2 people in the last week tell me I've put on a belly. Which means SS and eating 4500 calories a day is working. I just feel like my stomach fat is overshadowing the rest of my body which has grown as well just not as fast as my belly. I have grown from a 168 lbs kid at 5'11" to a 200 lbs man (fat man). All my lifts improved dramatically especially my bench which is now at 210 lbs for 5 reps. I guess I just need someone to tell me to keep lifting and eating and to stop worrying about some belly fat I can get rid of later. I'm not going to get that from anyone outside of the SS community because they all think I'm crazy. I'm just feeling a little down is all, so I thought I would post here to see if it's a common feeling in the SS community to sometimes second guess why you're doing this and wonder if it's worth it eating an insane (gross) amount and wondering if everyone is looking at your gut all the time. Maybe I'm just being a pussy. Yeah probably am. Screw it.... I'm going to McDonalds right now.

[Dragar]

don't worry, happens to all of us, and i'm sure most of us feel bad about it at some level at least

[MazdaMatt]

I was again told that I am getting fast yesterday by the same 110lb asian girl at work. She's been trying to use the treadmill to get a "ghetto booty" for ages and amazingly it still isn't working... funny that.

The frustrating part is that she's asian. Therefore she automatically knows how to deep squat. :)

[Dastardly]

Asian (as in chinese/japanese) have some of the flattest backsides going.

If she wants to achieve anything she should put on a fuckload of weight and squat till the sun goes down. You should explain this to her.

Most "ghetto booty's" tend to be just a jiggly mass of fat anyhow.


I was again told that I am getting fast yesterday by the same 110lb asian girl at work. She's been trying to use the treadmill to get a "ghetto booty" for ages and amazingly it still isn't working... funny that.

The frustrating part is that she's asian. Therefore she automatically knows how to deep squat. :)

[MazdaMatt]

Most "ghetto booty's" tend to be just a jiggly mass of fat anyhow.

Not mine! Two hemispheres of pure squat-induced awesome.

Yeah, i've explained it to her and she's still eating mangos for lunch and working the treadmill for 4 hours a week.

[tertius]

I was again told that I am getting fast yesterday by the same 110lb asian girl at work. She's been trying to use the treadmill to get a "ghetto booty" for ages and amazingly it still isn't working... funny that.

The frustrating part is that she's asian. Therefore she automatically knows how to deep squat. :)

Just put her in high heels all the time. It'll help. And it's more likely to work than trying to get her to squat.

[Bahadur]

Just put her in high heels all the time. It'll help. And it's more likely to work than trying to get her to squat.

And make sure to take lots of pictures.

[I.am.the.Creator]

Asian (as in chinese/japanese) have some of the flattest backsides going.

If she wants to achieve anything she should put on a fuckload of weight and squat till the sun goes down. You should explain this to her.

Most "ghetto booty's" tend to be just a jiggly mass of fat anyhow.

So you prefer hard muscular asses? A fine ass SHOULD consist out of jiggly masses of fat. A muscular ass achieved by training will most likely be inferior to a nicely shaped fatty one. Fat gives it that nice soft squishy feeling and volume. Hmmmmm.

[MazdaMatt]

So you prefer hard muscular asses? A fine ass SHOULD consist out of jiggly masses of fat. A muscular ass achieved by training will most likely be inferior to a nicely shaped fatty one. Fat gives it that nice soft squishy feeling and volume. Hmmmmm.

Saggy fat ass is not for me, sorry. Just enough fluff to keep it soft and pinchable, plenty of muscle to keep it perky.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Saggy fat ass is not for me, sorry. Just enough fluff to keep it soft and pinchable, plenty of muscle to keep it perky.

Such a connoasseur!

[MazdaMatt]

Such a connoasseur!

...which is why when the girlfriend tells me to kiss her ass... I do. :)

[tertius]

Saggy fat ass is not for me, sorry. Just enough fluff to keep it soft and pinchable, plenty of muscle to keep it perky.

This statement indicates to me that you don't know Ghetto Booty proper.
Which is fine, you're in Canada, these things are to be expected.

[MazdaMatt]

This statement indicates to me that you don't know Ghetto Booty proper.
Which is fine, you're in Canada, these things are to be expected.

No, no... we have plenty of sloppy fat chicks here, too.

[drewcarroll2]

When viewed from the side, a good ass should have that initial "curve in" at the lower back and a nice rounding, alomst like and s curve, and then the legs should start. When viewed from the back there should be an obvious round look and there should be nice little crease, separating the ass from the Top of the legs. This is essential. And none of it should be cellulite fat nastiness. It should be nice and smooth and round and soft and firm and bouncy, not jiggly. And when you hit it from behind it should rebound just so. Goddamnit. I miss my wife!

[tbennett]

Not to derail the fascinating direction this thread has gone in :-P

but yesterday as I was bending over to pick up our 1 year old (and was shirtless, just out of the shower post-workout), my wife exclaimed to me "JESUS, honey, when did your chest get that big?"

I looked at her confused and noted that she's seen me shirtless on a daily basis for the last 6 months (since I started SS), and now all of a sudden she sees something different? LOL And she was looking at me from the side and I was bent over at the waist, I wouldn't have thought that that was an ideal angle for viewing pecs ;-)

[tertius]

No, no... we have plenty of sloppy fat chicks here, too.

This just proves my point.

[MazdaMatt]

And she was looking at me from the side and I was bent over at the waist, I wouldn't have thought that that was an ideal angle for viewing pecs ;-)

Gravity was just pulling on your moobs. :p


Last night the girlfriend was idling rubbing my back so i took off my shirt to make the best of it and she says "wow, you've got rippling back muscles". I asked "are you sure it isn't just rippling fat" so she gave it few pokes and assured me otherwise :)

It is nice that the ripples on my back are no longer from my ribcage and spine.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Gravity was just pulling on your moobs. :p


Last night the girlfriend was idling rubbing my back so i took off my shirt to make the best of it and she says "wow, you've got rippling back muscles". I asked "are you sure it isn't just rippling fat" so she gave it few pokes and assured me otherwise :)

It is nice that the ripples on my back are no longer from my ribcage and spine.

Nice. My wife proclaimed something to the effect that my back has biceps now. Burlz.

Regarding the "when did you get so big" anecdote above, my wife also occasionally exclaims out of the blue that I am huge, despite seeing me daily. She likes to hug me super tight around the neck and then pick her feet up off the ground and hang from my neck to stretch her back, too, which is funny and satisfying, being strong enough to be furniture (and probably dumb enough, too).

[tbennett]

Gravity was just pulling on your moobs. :p


LOL - well-played, sir.

This is actually a common theme - a few weeks ago she complained that my "boobs" were getting bigger than hers. This, with only a puny 212.5x3x5 bench (at 6'0 and 210). I don't think I have moobs :-P but my pecs have always had some size from having done hundreds and hundreds of pushups back in the day.

Of course, I pounced on this opening and told her that she could increase her chest size if she were to pick up SS as well, but she wasn't biting. Alas.

[Dastardly]

You forgot "the gap"

The "gap" is what makes a nice ass. Even fairly skinny girls look alright if they have the wide hips and "the gap". But nice big thighs & ass combined with "the gap" is sublime.




When viewed from the side, a good ass should have that initial "curve in" at the lower back and a nice rounding, alomst like and s curve, and then the legs should start. When viewed from the back there should be an obvious round look and there should be nice little crease, separating the ass from the Top of the legs. This is essential. And none of it should be cellulite fat nastiness. It should be nice and smooth and round and soft and firm and bouncy, not jiggly. And when you hit it from behind it should rebound just so. Goddamnit. I miss my wife!

[tertius]

You forgot "the gap"

The "gap" is what makes a nice ass. Even fairly skinny girls look alright if they have the wide hips and "the gap". But nice big thighs & ass combined with "the gap" is sublime.

So that's what they mean when they say "Mind The Gap".

[Ian Kovtunovich]

You people are obsassed.

[I.am.the.Creator]

Saggy fat ass is not for me, sorry. Just enough fluff to keep it soft and pinchable, plenty of muscle to keep it perky.

You lack some serious ass knowledge. A proper ass consist of an ample amount of fat and should be round of shape. Also refered to as ''The Apple Bottom''. What you're describing is just a pure mess and not visually appealing at all. Visit www.assmatrix.com (http://www.assmatrix.com). What SS is to barbell lifting form, this site is to the form a lady's booty.

http://indosplace.com/index_files/BIGbria122.jpg.jpg

Any futher discussion about how an nice ass should look like is now irrelevant because of me supporting my argument with this picture.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Any futher discussion about how an nice ass should look like is now irrelevant because of me supporting my argument with this picture.

Whatevs; they clearly just Photoshopped the cellulite off that can. Unrealistic.

[MazdaMatt]

Clearly this is as cultural as a mosque on ground zero. Though she's a hottie and I'd drink sizzling bacon fat to see that ass bouncing on my lap the sag down her lag is a bit much.

And yes, in reality if it sags that far, its chunky and has cottage cheese celluite. Show me a pic that hasn't been shopped (every pic of any model with proper lighting shopped, accept it) then we'll talk.

[Carnivroar]

This forum needs an official booty thread.

[MazdaMatt]

This forum needs an official booty thread.

I really hate to say that I somewhat disagree... I'm all for stretching the integrity of the forum with rediculous conversations, but a booty thread is just a little too bb.com for my likes. We can all google for our own pr0n. This is the interwebz afterall.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Let's start a thread about barbell training, where we could, like, ask questions about how to do it right, and then, you know, like, Mark Rippetoe or someone could comment with helpful information. We could post up videos of our squats and stuff, and he could be like "your knees need to come forward" or "have you read the book?"

[tertius]

Let's start a thread about barbell training, where we could, like, ask questions about how to do it right, and then, you know, like, Mark Rippetoe or someone could comment with helpful information. We could post up videos of our squats and stuff, and he could be like "your knees need to come forward" or "have you read the book?"

Dude. No one would go to that forum.

[Carlos Daniel]

Let's start a thread about barbell training, where we could, like, ask questions about how to do it right, and then, you know, like, Mark Rippetoe or someone could comment with helpful information. We could post up videos of our squats and stuff, and he could be like "your knees need to come forward" or "have you read the book?"

Nonsense!

[bowdirk]

Let's start a thread about barbell training, where we could, like, ask questions about how to do it right, and then, you know, like, Mark Rippetoe or someone could comment with helpful information. We could post up videos of our squats and stuff, and he could be like "your knees need to come forward" or "have you read the book?"

use the SEARCH function!

-bowdirk

[Patrick]

I lost some grippers in a move a while back and purchased replacements recently that I had shipped to my work. They arrived today and I got them out and started monkeying with them -- the temptation is just ridiculous when they're sitting on your desk. Over the course of the afternoon about a half dozen folks came around and picked at least one of them up and tried to squeeze them. Mad workplace respect for closing a CoC 1.5 on demand throughout the day. (Though, to be honest, it's a lot harder than I remember it being.)

[Ian Kovtunovich]

use the SEARCH function!


Never heard of it.

[Scrofula]

use the SEARCH function!

-bowdirk
Never heard of it.

startingstrength.com/resources/forum/search.php?do=process&query=SEARCH+FUNCTION (http://www.startingstrength.com/resources/forum/search.php?do=process&query=SEARCH+FUNCTION)

[Monster]

This forum needs an official booty thread.

Big Booty Bitches FTW.

[homerj742]

Updated massage therapist via email about my competition results (per her request). She responded by telling me how proud she was, and that she was honored to be a small part of it. She mentioned she will watch the video clip when she gets a free second (aka when hubby isn't around?, I think so).

[Thyge Riisgaard]

Teammate: "Have you lost weight?"

Me: "No, I've gained like 20 pounds since you saw me last"

Teamate: "Well, you look better"

[Smiling Jack]

My job is mostly at a desk, but sometimes I'm called on to help the guys with repairing the wrecks we buy and renovate.

This week I was asked to get a load of roofing shingles up a twenty foot ladder to the roof. Those things weigh 85 pounds per package. No one was eager to do it.

"C'mon," my boss says, mocking me. "You lift weights. Should be easy for you." I wanted to strangle him right there.

Well, I loaded it over my shoulder and started climbing. Was very heavy, and by the time I got to the top of the ladder my heart was beating madly from the effort. Somehow or other I managed to dump the package on the scaffold.

Well, from that instant the guys' atitude changed. New respect for me. "You know I don't give compliments, but that was something."

:)

[tertius]

My job is mostly at a desk, but sometimes I'm called on to help the guys with repairing the wrecks we buy and renovate.

This week I was asked to get a load of roofing shingles up a twenty foot ladder to the roof. Those things weigh 85 pounds per package. No one was eager to do it.

"C'mon," my boss says, mocking me. "You lift weights. Should be easy for you." I wanted to strangle him right there.

Well, I loaded it over my shoulder and started climbing. Was very heavy, and by the time I got to the top of the ladder my heart was beating madly from the effort. Somehow or other I managed to dump the package on the scaffold.

Well, from that instant the guys' atitude changed. New respect for me. "You know I don't give compliments, but that was something."

:)

Yeah! That's the job the roofers give the young cocky guys on the team. Good for you for exceeding their expectations.

[Carnivroar]

My mom yesterday:

"You got fat! What've you been doing?"

And she sees me everyday haha.

[Dastardly]

You should've started sobbing and yelled "I haaate you!!"

[simonsky]

funny shit last night,,,

when i sleep i usually curl my shorts up because we dont have AC and its so hot.

and then my dad walked by me as i was sleeping and he said that why are my thighs so big and asked whether its bad for my health. his tone sounded like i got elephantitis or my legs got hit by the black plague or something.

i mean they were not really big , just a mere 15inches around. ( yeah i measured them big whoop wannafightaboutit?)

to my dad's defense he doesnt know anything about exercise and doesnt even exercise or care about looks and shit.

[I.am.the.Creator]

Whatevs; they clearly just Photoshopped the cellulite off that can. Unrealistic.

Every photo that appears in a magazine is shopped to some degree. But she's a natural, her body is tight and she still looks amazing without it.

Some candid pictures
http://indosplace.com/index_files/bria-fitting.jpg

http://indosplace.com/index_files/BIGbriamyles-atlantadymes-indosplace.jpg.jpg

http://indosplace.com/index_files/BIGbriamyles-atlantadymes-indosplace2.jpg.jpg

And a video for all you horndogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ2TBvfzbKE

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Back on topic here: Went to see some friends today who I haven't seen in several months. First thing one of them says is, "Ian, it's been a long time, and the first thing I'm noticing is that you're huge." Gratifying; I was wondering if they'd notice.

[Carnivroar]

My mom called me fat again today. :D

[Mr.City]

Don't you weigh around 175?

[gzt]

funny shit last night,,,

when i sleep i usually curl my shorts up because we dont have AC and its so hot.

and then my dad walked by me as i was sleeping and he said that why are my thighs so big and asked whether its bad for my health. his tone sounded like i got elephantitis or my legs got hit by the black plague or something.

i mean they were not really big , just a mere 15inches around. ( yeah i measured them big whoop wannafightaboutit?)

to my dad's defense he doesnt know anything about exercise and doesnt even exercise or care about looks and shit.
15? Are you sure you measured right? My calves are bigger than that.

EDIT: my wife's thighs are bigger than that, too.

[Carlos Daniel]

15? Are you sure you measured right? My calves are bigger than that.

EDIT: my wife's thighs are bigger than that, too.

My arms are bigger than that and they are not exactly huge.

If it's 25 inches, well, that's really something.

[Carnivroar]

Don't you weigh around 175?

176 :mad:

[Dastardly]

My arms are bigger than that and they are not exactly huge.

If it's 25 inches, well, that's really something.

Mine are 25 inches, and they dont look spectacular yet.

[simonsky]

15? Are you sure you measured right? My calves are bigger than that.

EDIT: my wife's thighs are bigger than that, too.

oh yeah that was wrong that was my arms.

[Carlos Daniel]

Mine are 25 inches, and they dont look spectacular yet.

mid thigh or proximal (near the glutes)?

[Carnivroar]

christ, I thought I was at bb.com for a second.

[simonsky]

bb.com big whoop wannafightaboutit?

[Dastardly]

mid thigh or proximal (near the glutes)?

At the widest point of the thigh. Right up near the glutes if would be narrower. The wide bit is where the thickest part of the adductors, rectus femoris & hamstrings are.

[homerj742]

hot-ass blonde chick who I thought was checking me out when I started working here, is DEFINITELY checking me out. She thinks I don't see her, but I doooo!

[Carnivroar]

One of my friends said I got taller as soon as he saw me yesterday for the first time in months.

I know he meant "fat" but whatever. :P

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Saw a friend out at the food carts at lunch. She asked what I was getting, and I told her a double cheeseburger. She said "a big man can eat a double cheeseburger!" I told her that "a full-size adult male needs a double cheeseburger!" I like referring to myself as a full-size adult male because, in the words of both Jack Nicholson and the judge in 'A Few Good Men', I think I've earned it.

[william jackson]

some of the townies were telling people i do steroids.
it never gets old.

[Carnivroar]

Saw another friend today on my way to the gym, some cute chinese girl whom I haven't seen in months, she was all like "omg you changed! Your cheeks look fuller!" :D

[Dastardly]

she was all like "omg you changed! Your cheeks look fuller!" :D

Another veiled fatso comment me thinks. (did you have food in your mouth?).

[gzt]

Caught up with some peeps from college, several noted I was like huge these days.

[Carnivroar]

Another veiled fatso comment me thinks. (did you have food in your mouth?).

Her left breast.



I wish. :(

[ColoWayno]

Carnovroar has to store nuts in his cheeks to keep from going catabolic.

[RobertFontaine]

Am I sophomoric for reading this thread?

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Am I sophomoric for reading this thread?

No, but you are definitely sophomoric for posting on it. Tsk, tsk!

[Ian Kovtunovich]

Carnovroar has to store nuts in his cheeks to keep from going catabolic.

I thought he had to store nuts in his cheeks to keep getting paid.

BUUUURRRRRRN!

[RobertFontaine]

alrighty then here is my contribution....

528

[RobertFontaine]

and just to prove it...


http://www.ironscene.com/videos/1040_julia_zaugolova_squat_278.5_(613) (http://www.ironscene.com/videos/1040_julia_zaugolova_squat_278.5_(613)

[Carnivroar]

carnovroar has to store nuts in his cheeks to keep from going catabolic.

loooool

[drewcarroll2]

and just to prove it...


http://www.ironscene.com/videos/1040_julia_zaugolova_squat_278.5_(613) (http://www.ironscene.com/videos/1040_julia_zaugolova_squat_278.5_(613)

lol, none of the spotters looked like they would have been able to help her much.

[Marotta]

Just got back from a cruise, the other two families mine was seated with at dinner didn't think I could look like I do at my age, and two brothers from the one family that were late 20'sish said they'd watch for me on ESPN2.

[the-junk]

I gave away 120 pounds worth of hex dumb-bells today to someone for free. It felt good, telling myself in my head these aren't heavy enough for me anymore. I hope it's not long before he feels the need to get rid of them soon also. I'll never be that weak again, so why keep them around right!!!

[homerj742]

and just to prove it...


http://www.ironscene.com/videos/1040_julia_zaugolova_squat_278.5_(613) (http://www.ironscene.com/videos/1040_julia_zaugolova_squat_278.5_(613)

Incredible!

[Dastardly]

I gave away 120 pounds worth of hex dumb-bells today to someone for free. It felt good, telling myself in my head these aren't heavy enough for me anymore. I hope it's not long before he feels the need to get rid of them soon also. I'll never be that weak again, so why keep them around right!!!
Because light dumbells are really useful for accessory work and rehab?

[the-junk]

Because light dumbells are really useful for accessory work and rehab?

Really?? I always use things like front squats, push-ups, and pull-ups for assistance work. Just sayin. I used to use dumbells when I could barely even bench one plate now i'm pushing two plates for reps.

[MazdaMatt]

...till something goes pop at least... but when something went pop for me, i just held various sized plates... a bunch of dumbells aren't that important.

[gamedog]

Because light dumbells are really useful for accessory work and rehab?

Plus they make good door-stoppers. You can also beat an intruder to death with one if you're our of shells for your Remington. And you can do farmer's walks with them... The list goes on and on really. I wish somebody would give me a set of those for free.

[toddmr]

A top-caliber competitive bench presser gave me a program that includes dumbbell flye/bench and hammer curls when I told him about the elbow problems that have plagued my bench press. I can't do those exercises with a barbell or with a front squat.

[Ian Kovtunovich]

A top-caliber competitive bench presser gave me a program that includes dumbbell flye/bench and hammer curls when I told him about the elbow problems that have plagued my bench press. I can't do those exercises with a barbell or with a front squat.

No barbell hammer curls? :D

I was talking to one of the engineers at work the other day, and realized that he was staring at my arms. I didn't even think they were that big, but I guess they're bigger than his. Slide-rule jockeys!

[Dastardly]

A top-caliber competitive bench presser gave me a program that includes dumbbell flye/bench and hammer curls when I told him about the elbow problems that have plagued my bench press. I can't do those exercises with a barbell or with a front squat.

Ive heard this from every powerlifter too, seems to be the traditional method for a benching day. Bench, flyes & hammer curls.

Hex dumbells are also useful for use as push up handles, or for "renegade rows". Shit like this:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL4Ygzz20gk

or this:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n0QfcVXLug

[drewcarroll2]

Today I crushed my goal lifts for the week.

Front squat, cleaned from ground to shoulders:
165lbsx5x3
bench
210x5x2, 210x3+2
dead
345x5 (hook grip, no chalk, belt, etc)

I felt awesome today.

[Dastardly]

I thought this thread was about when other people notice you look big and strong.


Today I crushed my goal lifts for the week.

Front squat, cleaned from ground to shoulders:
165lbsx5x3
bench
210x5x2, 210x3+2
dead
345x5 (hook grip, no chalk, belt, etc)

I felt awesome today.

[Carnivroar]

My mom's still calling me fat. Everyday.

[Bahadur]

Went to a wedding reception last weekend. I could not fit in ANY of my old, tailored suits I had. None. They actually wouldn't fit around my shoulders and back. Ended up going with a linen sports coat that I shoe-horned myself into (still WAY to tight). Was too tight to actually take off during the reception and dinner. Needless to say, while my wife was impressed, she was also pissed because thats more money to upgrade my wardrobe.

Everyone talks about new pants, but no one mentions all the $$ to get fitted for new suits and jackets.

[misspelledgeoff]

Fuck man. You ARE 180# after all. What do you expect her to say?


My mom's still calling me fat. Everyday.

[Squatson]

fuck man. You are 180# after all. What do you expect her to say?

burn!

[Carnivroar]

Shut up you guys! :'( One day I'm gonna be this ripped.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u248/foxysheri/Blog%20Pics/blogwolfpack.jpg

[Carlos Daniel]

Shut up you guys! :'( One day I'm gonna be this ripped.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u248/foxysheri/Blog%20Pics/blogwolfpack.jpg

Is it just me or are those guys wery much not ripped? Even for people that dig the 90's small look, those guys look like crap. I looked like that when I started lifting.

[tbennett]

BOOYAH!

Went to a presentation at work the other day. Present were two docs I had trained under about 5 years back, plus one of their residents who had worked with me just last year (her internship year). All three are female. The two docs are the same age as me (40), the student is ~10 years younger.

Presentation went fine enough, when it was over I had to ask one of my old teachers about a paperwork issue I'd been having with a national accrediting organization, I wanted to see if they'd had to deal with it as well.

Before I could even get the conversation started, one of them (who is a dead ringer for Jennifer Tilly, sexy husky voice and all) said "Geez, Ted, what have you been doing? Have you been going to the gym?" She then proceeded to feel my bicep (in front of the other ~20 people at the presentation) and then my *chest,* and she told the other two "Come here, feel this. My gosh!" And they did :-)

I actually blushed, shocked as I was, and then lamely said "Hey, if I did that to you, I'd go to jail!" They giggled but made no apologies. My old student squeezed my shoulder and "Yeah, you've gotten a lot bigger! You need to drag my husband to the gym with you."

Wow. Just....wow.

[gzt]

Is it just me or are those guys wery much not ripped? Even for people that dig the 90's small look, those guys look like crap. I looked like that when I started lifting.
Sigh. I'd bet if my fat were stripped off, that's about what I'd look like. I've got a weak upper body. Well, my yoke looks a lot better. But my arms and chest are probably about like that. Honestly, they look okay, except for the extreme lack of yoke. Well, the two on the left look okay. The two on the right look lame.

[JEP]

tbennet,

You're more than just a piece of meat. How does it feel to have your ideas belittled in the workplace by matriarchal women who only have eyes for your body? You need to learn to stand up for yourself to gain the respect of your co-workers.

P.S. - Did you charge them? Lookin's free, but touching should cost 'em.

[Paul Sousa]

Wow, can this thread get any gayer? Rating the guys bodies on a Twilight picture? Seriously?

[MazdaMatt]

I just scrolled past that part.

Good work, Bennet. Next time give them the wink-n-pec-flex like the guy in the yellowpages commercial at the salad stand.