I may be quitting

[Grizzly]

I posted this over on ASN and now I'm cutting and pasting it here. I tend to believe I'll get better advice on here considering some of the people who post here. After this added on prelude, it might not be as cohesive, but whatever.

Basically, it's come to the point where I have to make a decision. It's mostly an either/or decision. Either I fight or I build muscles. There is simply not enough hours in the day or enough energy in my body to do both. Hmmmm, maybe I should really look into the methamphetamine thing. LOL I'm leaning towards fighting as I love the sport and, more importantly, I love to train for it. There's just something about beating each other up that is really fun to me.

Anyhow, without further ado, here's the post:

I think I'm going to quit lifting...for the time being. With my current work schedule, it's just not possible. I've decided that I'm going to train MMA full-time. I think I've developed plenty of base level muscularity and strength that a few months off won't kill my fighting style(ground and pound by sheer fact that I'm bigger, stronger and I CAN! lol)

I also think that wrestling, grappling and boxing 5-6 days a week will prove to be more than enough to keep my body in damn good shape. I know my obliques have been killing me all week from the boxing. Plus, I think I'm going to try and get down to about 235-245. Even if I figure myself at an abysmal 20%bf(which it's definitely not) I would be super lean at that weight. In fact, unless I'm actually around 20%, it's impossible for me to get that light without losing a fair amount of muscle mass. Thus, a cessation, or near cessation, of weight training is needed.

I shouldn't say stop totally. I do plan on going Saturdays and, maybe, Sundays, for sure. On Saturday, this would be my plan:

Squats 5X5
Bench 5X5
Rows 5X5
Deadlifts 3X3

I think that will help maintain strength, anyhow.

I've also considered training in the mornings if I can. I would, however, have to keep those very short. This is where I'm looking for your input. I probably wouldn't start this for a month or two, maybe, but here's what I'm thinking:

Tues-

chins- 2 sets
flat- 5X5

Weds-

chins 2 sets
Rows 5X5

Fri-

chins- 2 sets
Cleans 5X3
RDL 3X10

As you can see, it's a very "backcentric" workout plan, but that fits my "style" and I also believe that a "backcentric" workout will develop the whole body, more or less.

What do ya'll think? Any suggestions are much appreciated

[Grizzly]

Oh, I should also add that the Saturday workout would remain the same even if I train in the AM. Of course, this may lead to structural problems with what I've laid out, but that's what you're all here for; to fix it for me.

[toyoda]

Hey griz I have been meaning to talk to you on this very subject, I pm'd you a few weeks back asking why I get so worked in Jui Jitsu. I switched to your program & have been cutting my gym time in half & it is harder to stay away from curls than it is miller lite!!!
I am 28 thought I was in good shape bodybuilding, boxing, kickboxing but latley I have just been feeling worn the fuck out I would like to find a happy medium
wanderlie silva is the look I am going for. Shoot me a pm if you get the time.
I need your advise on some topics, thanks Bratha!

[Grizzly]

Wandy has a decent little physique on him. I'd look like a string bean if I was built like that, so I prefer the Mark Kerr/Coleman at 215-220 look myself.

You don't necessarily have to stay away from curls. They won't kill you, I just don't see the need. I'd also imagine that Silva doesn't do all that many either.

[Bob Smith]

Ya big sissy, get your ass back in the gym!

I think focusing on MMA and severely cutting back on lifting might be a good thing for you. If nothing else, it will give you a mental break from trying to do too many things at once. I think 2-3 very basic workouts per week should be enough to maintain your strength levels at or close to where they are now.

Your Saturday workout looks good. Big movements in a very basic style. Maybe a mid-week workout that is similar, say on Tues or Wed, would be a good addition. Personally, I would skip the 3 short in-week workouts and do one mid-week workout that takes you about an hour or less.

BTW, when are you gonna freakin get some internet at home? Havent chatted with you in ages. All sorts of new developements in my neck of the woods.

[Grizzly]

You are correct. The olympic lifts are great for what I want to do. I'm still toying around with all of this. I don't even know if it'll be feasible. It's a 6 mile bicycle ride, one way, to the place and that'll mean I won't get home until 11:00 which would mean I'd end up sleeping for 5 or 6ish hours a night if I did the am thing. I'll have to see how I feel.

[eleven11]

You only have a small window for fighting, you can always start weight lifting again. Plus it sounds like your not totally giving it up.
I say go for it, we're only young once..............11

[Phreezer]

you should focus on fighting bro.. there is only a small window there for you...the bb thing can wait bro... the mma thing will not.

[Elephant]

Why not train one "lift" per day? It might evem make you stronger.

Or better yet, do nothing but one set of Squats for 20 reps 3X a week. That is bound to keep your basic strength and conditioning up.

Elephant

[Grizzly]

Phreezer and 11, you are both correct. That's sort of what I've been thinking. I can always start growing again when I'm 30, if the need be. It should only be 3 or so years of this "working my way up" crap and then I can do both. Until then, I'll just fight and try and maintain strength as best I can.

I recieved some great advice from my buddy, Monsoon, and after I get the "plan" together, I'll post it and we can see what we think about it.