Fitness Nation Forum

I keep wanting to try flashy stuff I see on Instagram, but I’m thinking I should nail the basics first. Thoughts?

100% bro. Nobody got big off circus lifts. Get stupid strong on the basics squat, bench, rows, OHP and then sprinkle in the flashy stuff later if you even still care.

Instagram got dudes thinking you need to balance on a BOSU ball while curling
Meanwhile the biggest guy in my gym just doing heavy presses and clean form raises.

Basics aren’t basic when you actually push them hard. Controlled reps, progressive overload, good form that’s the real advanced stuff most people skip.

I fell into that trap ngl. Was doing all kinds of wild cable angles and bands… made zero gains. Went back to simple push/pull/legs and started growing again.

You can still have some fun with it tho. I keep like 80–90% of my workout straight up fundamentals, then maybe one fun movement at the end so I don’t get bored.

Real talk flashy lifts are usually just basics in disguise with worse loading potential. Hard to progressive overload when you’re busy trying not to fall over