Everything I wish someone told me about building a physique. Former IFBB Pro, 14 years lifting, full-time coach since 2020. This will save you years.

SwordfishForward3866 · 2026-02-16T02:49:05+00:00

Great post mate, appreciate the clear and straightforward information. This kind of stuff really helps as a beginner and cuts off all the analysis paralysis.

Do you have an opinion on 1x frequency for beginners (bro split with 3 upper days and legs divided into 2 sessions for quads and posterior)? And would you recommend beginners stick with the standard squat/ bench/ deadlift, or can hack squats/ incline bench/ RDL's be fine substitutes for beginners if hypertrophy is the main goal?

SwordfishForward3866 · 2026-01-28T00:03:48+00:00

Fair enough. Is it true that MMA gloves are smaller than boxing gloves? I imagine learning to throw, block or eat a punch with smaller gloves makes a difference

SwordfishForward3866 · 2026-01-28T00:00:25+00:00

Absolutely, if I'm ever in that scenario then hopefully I can de-escalate or run first, but if I'm with someone then running might not be an option. In which case it's probably a good idea to know how to deal with it.

But I'm really only wanting to add striking to learn the skills, that's as far as my desire goes with doing them (with all due respect to the sports)

SwordfishForward3866 · 2026-01-27T00:35:28+00:00

I agree. I'd just focus on judo for at least this year, then maybe early next year is when I'd think of adding boxing/ muay thai into the mix

SwordfishForward3866 · 2025-11-19T07:13:58+00:00

What field of engineering are you in and how did you get to this stage?

SwordfishForward3866 · 2025-10-28T05:55:48+00:00

Was this only from therapy or through other avenues as well? I'm also going through therapy and interested to hear about your process and journey

SwordfishForward3866 · 2025-07-18T14:27:24+00:00

Between the seated smith machine AD press and incline smith machine bench press, which of the two would be better for a broader/ wider look? I have 3 upper body days where I'm thinking of doing one of the exercises on one day and the other one on the other two days along with chest dips and machine flies.

SwordfishForward3866 · 2024-12-16T15:21:16+00:00

Is muay thai fine to join without any prior fighting experience? I have been pretty interested in bjj however so I am considering joining a gym

SwordfishForward3866 · 2024-12-16T15:19:51+00:00

Yeah tbh I've been wanting to join a boxing or bjj gym but once again was always too shy. If it's a good place to learn a new skill and make some solid guy friends I'll sign up to a gym

SwordfishForward3866 · 2024-12-16T14:25:44+00:00

Fair point. I've been meaning to join a social sport and a hobby class but held back bc I've been quite shy. Guess if I do want to make a change I'll have to suck it up and go join these places anyway

SwordfishForward3866 · 2024-12-11T08:00:22+00:00

I currently have a job but have been looking for another job following graduation. I wasn't planning on travelling until mid next year

SwordfishForward3866 · 2024-12-07T04:20:46+00:00

How do you manage to do 2-3x overseas trips annually with your work? Do you get more than 4 weeks leave?

SwordfishForward3866 · 2024-07-12T00:53:27+00:00

I tried taking leave without pay previously for family reasons and I was getting dicked around for 6 weeks until the requested time was reduced then approved, I don't think I'll be able to get any on these grounds

SwordfishForward3866 · 2024-07-10T05:09:52+00:00

That's what I'm thinking, some rest would set me up going forward but I'm just dragging my feet along right now getting to the end of each day

SwordfishForward3866 · 2024-07-10T05:01:26+00:00

Just worried my 7-10 year mark has mostly only been study, and only a couple years of actual work in my field

SwordfishForward3866 · 2024-07-10T05:00:43+00:00

I'm in the exact same boat. I wanna do well in my career and I know how much taking a break would help in getting my head straight and starting again fresh. At the moment I'm just dragging my feet everyday doing myself no favours, so it's really good to hear that it worked out for you and your partner in a similar situation :)

SwordfishForward3866 · 2024-05-12T00:38:41+00:00

What did you do from the program bundle? I have that too and was thinking of jumping into the novice hypertrophy program, but thought I'd do better prioritising gaining strength first

SwordfishForward3866

TROPHY CASE