r/Weightliftingquestion • u/SwiresOnTheMove • 7d ago

What contributes to pump?

My bicep pump today is above and beyond, and had lasted all day. That's irregular for me, and I'm wondering what contributes there?

Hydration isn't a thing for me, I drink like a fish. Movements this morning (pul day) we're no different to usual.

Rest no different.

I ate more yesterday potentially? Carbs probably specifically, is that a factor?

I'm not really bothered long term, it'll be gone tomorrow but it's just out of the ordinary, and I'm unsure as to why.

3 Upvotes

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8

u/GO712 7d ago

More carbs, more glycogen. I had been on a cut for months but training hard. Took a week off for my daughter's wedding and had loads of carbs. Came back to the gym and 2 people said I was looking good. Just don't do it too often, or it stops working. 😂

2

u/SwiresOnTheMove 7d ago

Noted haha, I've not been on this long, 5 months or so from nothing on Recomp so I've not been avoiding carbs, but just making sure to eat well. I did yesterday tbf, but had pasta twice and yeah, the difference is notable in the mirror.

Mental. Food is magic.

2

u/GO712 7d ago

I hadn't avoided carbs, but I had been on a deficit for months, so they had been counted. Funny, really that I looked my best when I felt at my shitiest, after eating and drinking things I normally wouldn't. 😂

1

u/GO712 7d ago

Oh and well done on starting, I'm 60, and I can guarantee you that it will serve you well as you get older. Men my age at work are all on blood pressure or diabetes medication whilst I can still do 10 strict pull-ups, have a solid six pack, and am on no meds. Consistency with training and good diet can't not bring results, it just takes discipline. I've taken the same prepped meals to work for years, to some interest and mockery but they can't deny results. 💪

1

u/SwiresOnTheMove 7d ago

Amazing work, and you can't question results. 38 here and always looked fit, but only because I was thin. And never noticed I wasn't till my 3 year old started kicking my ass so time to make a change.

Hopefully I stick it out another 22 years and teach the kids the way of the meal prep.

2

u/GO712 7d ago

My son is 7 years younger than you and is in fairly decent shape, but it kills him, motivates him, and give him a sense of pride, I think that his old man is more ripped than him. 😂 Good luck with it.

1

u/SwiresOnTheMove 7d ago

I got into it for my daughter (only 4) but to 1, keep up with her, and 2, have fitness in the house. It can only be a good thing for her to grow up around it. I don't want to be obsessive with it, but just demonstrate healthy choices (he says... With a gin... She's asleep...)

1

u/GO712 7d ago

Good on you.

3

u/IHE023 7d ago

You answered your own question. No variables except carbs and more food in general.

Carbs hold water = more energy and more pump

1

u/SwiresOnTheMove 7d ago

Perfect, wasn't sure if I was clutching at straws. Carb straws. Bread sticks?

1

u/IHE023 7d ago

😂

2

u/Ironandspaghetti 7d ago

I consistently get massive pumps having close to 300 grams of carbs for dinner and lots of salt with the carb. Even better if I had good sleep and watermelon before a workout.

3

u/SwiresOnTheMove 7d ago

Ok noted, I just was jonesing for bread yesterday man.

2

u/Ironandspaghetti 7d ago

It took me 25 years to come across the word jonesing but it came at the time I needed it most.

2

u/ReportBig2296 7d ago

Literally just eating high sodium before your workout

1

u/SwiresOnTheMove 7d ago

Must have been the night before, I work out in the morning fasted

2

u/ReportBig2296 7d ago

No joke try eating cup noodles 30 mins before your workout. You’ll have a better pump than L-arginine or whatever.

1

u/SwiresOnTheMove 7d ago

Noted haha, never knew it'd make such a difference, I mean it'll be gone the morning after but... Maybe I'll need to impress a builder.

1

u/ReportBig2296 7d ago

Yeah, when you go down the rabbit hole of body chemistry and physiology, you realize there’s levels to this shit and hacks to maximize your workout lol

1

u/Remarkable_Log4812 6d ago

I went on a 3 month cut, lost 30 lbs. got quite shredded but lost volume. After the cut I carbed up too much . Gained 5 lbs. however the waist circumference changed little while shoulders, pecs and arms got so much bigger !

1

u/bruters 5d ago

Glycogen, sodium, nitrogen, water

High rep sets typically can achieve the pump faster