Signs You Might Be Ego Lifting – New Mailbag!

Which type of bicep curl is best if you want to grow your biceps?

How do you know if you are applying progressive overload and pushing yourself, or just ego lifting? And what's the point of accessory exercises?

We collected ten questions from our Instagram account and the StrengthLog Subreddit, to create a really interesting and fun episode for you today.

See the timestamps below for all questions.

Timestamps:

• 02:30 - Question 1: What old-school strength training practice has been discredited by research, but you still sort of believe and/or practice? Even though you know it's not evidence-based?
• 05:50 - Question 2: What exercises do you feel guilty about not doing because you never really want to?
• 12:55 - Question 3: If you could go down a weight class in powerlifting but don't want to lose too much strength, how would you plan to lose around 5 kg from now until a competition in September?
• 15:30 - Question 4: Are there any disadvantages to using a belt when deadlifting with lighter weights?
• 19:00 - Question 5: What is the best way to maintain a diet that provides a caloric deficit and, at the same time, helps me avoid being hungry? And how should I think about calories from fruits?
• 23:30 - Question 6: I've started to feel a slight pain in the front of my shoulder after doing dumbbell presses, rows, and military presses. Any tips on how I can adjust my technique or training to prevent this?
• 27:20 - Question 7: We know sleep is great for recovery, but do you have any tips and tricks for someone who has trouble falling asleep?
• 31:10 - Question 8: Is there any risk of wearing down or damaging your teeth while doing heavy lifts repeatedly week after week and year after year, often biting down hard?
• 34:25 - Question 9: How do you know if you are truly applying progressive overload and pushing yourself, or just ego lifting?
• 38:00 - Question 10: How important are accessory lifts really? If the goal is strength, what is the benefit of putting together a workout with both bench press and dumbbell press, plus isolation exercises for the arms and shoulders, for example?

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