FT Questions....

[Scott Stevenson]

Scott,

I just completed my first 6 week cycle staying on tier 1. Felt great and didn't feel the need to cruise but obviously did anyway. I am going to step up to tier 2 now but have a question.

Besides lifting I also play hockey and have found that my hip flexors have really taken a beating so far through tier 1. Its not that the workload was a lot or too much, but between using heavier weights plus playing hockey 1-3 times a week they seem to be flaring up more than usual. I know that having a desk job is the reason for this pain in the first place and between stretching and working sets to try to rid myself of this issue it still lingers. So I was thinking of moving up to Tier 2 but keeping legs at Tier 1 for the time being until I can get this issue sorted out. Thoughts?

I also want to try to change up the actual workouts I choose for legs as leg press seems to really be the worst thing for it, and even squats are hurting pretty bad but not nearly as bad as the leg press. I feel like I keep having to resort to Extensions a lot of times and tbh I only like using that for pump sets for the burn and even then I rather do something else to really fire up my legs.

CSA,

Well I hate to say (you knew it was coming), but this is a reason why I don't suggest a program like FT if you're engaging in an athletic pursuit / sport / another physically taxing endeavor. (I'm avoiding the bodybuilding is a sport issue.)

First question: Did you make any gains in size with this Blast?...

What is your intention in doing FT while playing hockey (serious question). Really, this should be a starting point, b/c FT is geared towards someone who is only trying to pursue bodybuilding. It's like a hammer that is really only made for hammering in and pulling out nails.

If you goal is to get better at hockey and look like a bodybuilder, the you might want to start with that in mind and construct from scratch. (You could use FT program principles, if you wanted to.)

But, as you're getting at, if you can''t train the big go to exercises (assuming the ones you're having trouble with are those for you), then you're not going to be able to make gains for legs.

Simplest solution is to:
-Avoid the exercises that hurt. An exercise that's bordering on "injurious" for a Loading set can't really be a "go to" exercise, so ti's not a good Loading set exercise. It's definitely one you'd avoid for Pump sets and MRs.

-Stretch the hip flexors periodically at work - like every couple hours at least - working up to more frequently. Stretch these liberally before training as well.

-Get a standing desk at work if you can

-Try one of those non-conventional chairs, where hips are extended and some of your weight rests on a knee / shin support.)


-Get a good (Oriental) bodyworker, MT or ART person to release your iliopsoas. (It will hurt like hell. )

-S