Ask the Trainer

Date: 03-01-2012

Question

Hi Looking to buy the York Oly 7 ft bar (2979). But have read a review which says it isn't 20kg? Also states it has threaded/burred ends? Why is this? Do standard olympic plates still fit it? Finally, do the ends spin for Oly training lifts? Thanks Paul

Answer

Hi Paul

Thank you for the message.

With all of our bars we pride ourselves on making the very best product for the price, but more importantly for the correct environment.

The 2979 Bar is a home use Olympic Bar which is designed for the recreational trainer and not the seasoned trainer. If you are looking to perform Olympic Lifts then you will need to look at the 32110 (Men's Bearing Bar) or my preferred option the 32002 (Elite Olympic Training Bar)

Both of these bars have a 28mm Knurled grip (versus the 30mm on the 2979) and have ultra smooth rotation on the sleeves.
If you are performing Olympic Lifts, it is advised that you use Solid Rubber Bumpers as your main weight as this will protect your bar and the floor on which you are lifting on, should a failed lift occur. The 32110 & 32002 bars are made at our US & Canadian office and are made from North Aemrican Steel, which is regarded as the best available.

How much weight are you looking to lift?
Are you looking at performing other lifts other than Olympic Lifts?

Regards,
Tom Haynes

Date: 21-12-2011

Question

I have opened creatine for 18 months is it safe to take it now?

Answer

Hi there

 

I would advise throwing it, as it will have been exposed to damp in the air, which is not ideal.

 

Regards,
Tom Haynes

Date: 21-12-2011

Question

Looking to purchase the above multigym. But can't seem to figure out how you would keep yourself on the bench during a lat-pulldown. There doesn't seem to be a place to put your knees under such as with other similar gyms? Do you know how this works?

Answer

Hi there 

Thank you for your message.

With the York G102 Gym, and with many other gyms, the need to hold your legs down is not required and the stack is not heavy enough.
If you are pulling yourself up on the machine, then I would suggest looking to purchase a York Power Tower and use your body weight instead of the machine. This will give you the most amount of benefit for back development and if you require additional weight, then simply purchase a York Dipping Belt and a weight plates.

 

Regards,
Tom Haynes

Date: 21-12-2011

Question

i got a second hand york 1001, and id like a progam on what way to use it , i kick box for last 3 years and do bjj my cardio is good i am 40 years old do you know were i can find this thank you

Answer

Hi Stephen

If you are a sportman, then I would strongly suggest using free weights, such as dumbells, barbells, kettlebells and medicine balls, along with using your body weight as resistance. With your sport requiring "Functional Strength", using a multigym takes out the need for many of your stabilisers and core muscles to be used, as they would be in your sport.
You need to look at the movements in Kickboxing & BJJ and train these.
With cardio, I would look to adding a circuit based session to your weekly routine in place of one of your cardio sessions. You can get the same "cadrio" benefit from doing high intensity weight sessions as you do from running, and again, your sport is explosive in its nature and not steady state.

We use the term here "Train as you play"

 

Regards,
Tom Haynes

Date: 21-12-2011

Question

Hi Tom I'm thinking of purchasing some kettlebells. Please can you advise what size I should start with?

Answer

Hi there

Without knowing your physical state and and also if you are male or female it hard to be exact, but I will offer a guide:

Male:
16+ Start with a 4kg to get used to the movement as you progress then increase the weights and/or reps accordingly. The key to kettlebell training is to maintain correct form whilst performing the movements. If your form begins to suffer, then the Kettlebell is too heavy.

Female:
16+ Start with the 2kg Kettlebell to get the movements, if this is too light, then choose the 3 or 4kg Kettlebell and proceed. As stated above, correct form everytime is the key to good and effect training.

If you would like more information, please drop me a message through the site and I will reply accordingly.


 

Regards,
Tom Haynes

Date: 21-12-2011

Question

Is creatine bad for you?

Answer

Hi there

Creatine itself is not dangerous, but its worth considering what could happen if you were to use too much and not follow the instructions.
Its advisable that you check with your doctor prior to taking creatine, as in some cases it may irritate your stomach if you are not used to taking it. Its recommended that you take no more than 5g (1 tea spoon) day after following the 1 week loading phase. Lots of research shows that you should cycle the use of creatine to get the maximum results from it. 6 Weeks on and then 3-4 Weeks off.
 

 

Regards,
Tom Haynes

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Trainers

Tom Haynes
Tom Haynes

Personal Trainer, Sports Therapist and fitness writer for 9 years, he has been with York Fitness for 6 Years

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