Day One of Twenty-Five:
Thanks to wardbird (and Mack411 for the vote of confidence) to letting me run a bottle of SNS' new and improved X-Gels! When I had heard they were coming out with a new version, I was eager to give this a shot. I know SNS pumps out quality products so I'm in good hands.
(Be warned: I write a lot!)
You can read about what is product is all about here.
I've ran an ArA product before, however I didn't have my training and diet quite dialed in. But, after hitting it hard and with some good supps to help me break some barriers, I feel I'm primed to run this hard and see what types of achievements I can attain.
Main supps:
*X-Gels: 4 before working out, 4 throughout the day on non-workout days.
*Intimidate: read that X-Gels pairs up well with a test booster. I'm two days into taking this.
*LG's T-911: don't have it yet, but will get it running tomorrow evening. Again, something to pair well with X-Gels.
Basic supps:
-Cissus
-Orange Triad
-Fish oil
-Creatine
-whey protein
-taurine
-pantothenic acid and LCLT (helps with my acne flare ups)
I'm working out four days a week and just switched up to two on, one off. I used to go four days straight, but I started lifting heavier and my body was yearning for more rest. I'm also taking Krav Maga at least once a week. That's a good hour of cardio and solid self-defense training. Some weeks I might go twice a week, but I like to gauge this by listening to my body when it needs rest.
By this Saturday (4-27-13), I will have done 2 days of Krav; in addition to two workouts with X-Gels.
Goal:
Just one: look like Stallone via Rocky III. I grew up on the Rocky series and as of late, have become quite fond of Rocky Balboa. I know X-Gels can help me build more lean muscle and achieve a look similar to what I'm after. Also, I'm prepared for the DOMS that follow. One sign that the product is working!
Routine:
Today was legs.
Warmed-up with some burpees. Man, these are great, but my left knee felt a little funky doing them.
Leg Extension:
-15x50
-15x50
-20x50
-10x70
I like doing these before hitting squats. It helps my knee and doing them today gave me more solidity in my left knee. (Side note: I hurt it many years ago and it's never been the same. Took me this year to get it stronger to build my squat, which has eased the pain. Although, I think the Krav training is giving it more exertion as I'm using muscles I rarely engage.)
Squats:
-10x100
-5x190
-5x190
-5x190
-8x150
-15x100
I got a bit too frisky with these and went for the 190. Got them all done, all without knee issues, but I knew that trying to get to five sets might not have been possible. I figured I was good in that area, so I lowered the weight to get in some more work. Last set was brutal, but felt good. I do have to be mindful of the knee and not go all out, but enough to engage the quads. Still need more work on these and hopefully X-Gels will give me that added boost!
Stiff-legged Deadlifts:
-10x71
-12x71
-12x71
-12x71
Wanted to get in a good stretch and these were just what the doctor ordered. Could have gone heavier, but I think I'll up the reps on these as I could feel a better stretch towards the end of the third set and as I ran the fourth set. Still trying to get my form better on these, but, practice, practice, practice will get me there.
Hip Thrusts:
-10x10
-12x20
-20x20
-20x20
Just found out about these this week and felt I could use them. I started light to find my groove and rhythm. Finally did so on the last set. Only problem is, my bench moves so I have to be careful as I do these so I'm not sliding. I could feel a difference in the hammys, glutes, lower back and core. This will take time to get better and stronger, but Krav training is telling me how much I need to build up my core.
Leg Raises: 3 sets of 10 reps. Good to get in some ab work afterwards. I think I'll do some every other session.
Well, that's that for today. If all is well, I'll be in some great pain either tomorrow or more than likely on Saturday. I'm getting a massage that day, so it should help. Well see!
Thanks again!
I got the eye of the tiger...the EDGE!