Future
Guest
Actually yes. 
Future
Guest
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Future
Guest
My before and after
Started at 285...down to almost 255 and 4% bf.:food:
Started at 285...down to almost 255 and 4% bf.:food:
Future
Guest
:tool:
Just kidding! Thanks.
Just kidding! Thanks.
Future
Guest
Act now. Opportunities do not wait for conditions to be perfect. Persist in your efforts. Make all of your work count for something by seeing it through to the finish. Be thankful for the challenges and enjoy working through them for they are where the real value is created.
Future
Guest
Long time since written in this.
Powerlifting now. Just recently tore my calf. Rehabbing. Doing ok.
Invalid Link Removed
Powerlifting now. Just recently tore my calf. Rehabbing. Doing ok.
Invalid Link Removed
Future
Guest
Back at it tomorrow. Started working with TNT Nutrition here in AZ.
Future
Guest
Yesterday I wondered into Gold's to hit a session. I was not sure what to expect with my dieting or even the health issues I have had. But I need to get healthier so my progress is only as good as my consistent effort.
I am still wanting to lift heavy but with lower calories and injuries I am focusing on the total tonnage of my training versus just brute strength sets.
I took my preworkout drink of Dark Rage. That helped get me going!
1. Neutral Grip Chins
Bodyweight+25 lbs x 3 reps x 10 sets
I chalked up a little bit for these. My focus was on not overstretching at the bottom to protect my shoulder while pulling upward as fast as possible. It went great...for about 8 sets. LOL Then I was beat. I easily finished all my sets but not with the same gusto as when I started. I will move up to 30 lbs next week.
2a. JM Presses on Smith Machine super set with 2b. alternating dumbell curls
225x 6 reps x 4 sets & 50 x 6 reps for 4 sets
I warmed up a little but my shoulder girdle was pretty much ready to go after the chins. Everything felt good but my left shoulder did feel some pressure. I might consider using a high density stability ball to see if it helps my shoulder pain. Biceps were...well...biceps. I was fine with them but felt more pulling on my shoulder. More rehab and time to foam roll and increase my mobility will help I hope.
FINALLY I get to my favorite area...LOWER BODY! Plus I was looking forward to hitting my Dark Matter right after.
Lower body started with seated calf raises then moving to seated ham curls and finally hack squats. Everything was easy and with little strain on my calf.
3a. Seated Calf Raises to 3b. Seated Ham Curls to 3c. Hack Squats
135 x 6 reps x 4 sets to 70 x 6 reps to 4 sets to 860 x 6 reps x 4 sets
I am going to keep with this format and tempo. It was challenging but I actually felt pretty good afterwards. Elbows and shoulders feel ok.
I am still wanting to lift heavy but with lower calories and injuries I am focusing on the total tonnage of my training versus just brute strength sets.
I took my preworkout drink of Dark Rage. That helped get me going!
1. Neutral Grip Chins
Bodyweight+25 lbs x 3 reps x 10 sets
I chalked up a little bit for these. My focus was on not overstretching at the bottom to protect my shoulder while pulling upward as fast as possible. It went great...for about 8 sets. LOL Then I was beat. I easily finished all my sets but not with the same gusto as when I started. I will move up to 30 lbs next week.
2a. JM Presses on Smith Machine super set with 2b. alternating dumbell curls
225x 6 reps x 4 sets & 50 x 6 reps for 4 sets
I warmed up a little but my shoulder girdle was pretty much ready to go after the chins. Everything felt good but my left shoulder did feel some pressure. I might consider using a high density stability ball to see if it helps my shoulder pain. Biceps were...well...biceps. I was fine with them but felt more pulling on my shoulder. More rehab and time to foam roll and increase my mobility will help I hope.
FINALLY I get to my favorite area...LOWER BODY! Plus I was looking forward to hitting my Dark Matter right after.
Lower body started with seated calf raises then moving to seated ham curls and finally hack squats. Everything was easy and with little strain on my calf.
3a. Seated Calf Raises to 3b. Seated Ham Curls to 3c. Hack Squats
135 x 6 reps x 4 sets to 70 x 6 reps to 4 sets to 860 x 6 reps x 4 sets
I am going to keep with this format and tempo. It was challenging but I actually felt pretty good afterwards. Elbows and shoulders feel ok.
Future
Guest
Woke up at the early and angering 4 am to stumble around listening to my cat Izzy wanting me to pet her. She has this thing about bugging me when I have to pee. The "throne" is good alone time but no Izzy has to crowd me. Can't I just "go" in peace? Apparently not. I obliged her with a couple of belly rubs and back scratches.
I have this great ability to see in the dark and hear very well. Part bat? Not sure but I managed to walk into the kitchen without a hitch manuvering a million of my wife's shows, toys from pets and pets themselves that think I exist to soley fill their dishes with more food.
I pull out my trusty water bottle...filled it with Dark Rage...then with gross Tucson water...but hey...Dark Rage makes it all better. It's like the salsa of preworkout drinks.
Next is the looming task of waking my wife. My annoying ringer on my Android alarm didn't even make her stir. Hmmm....what would this morning bring? ALWAYS BEWARE THE SLEEPING GIANT! Well, she was up and making the bed...and naked. I stood taking it all in (thank you God for my eye sight in the dark!). She's is my bride.
Bags were packed for the day. Work bags, workout bags, clothing bags and lunch bags were all packed and sitting by the door. Tami was off getting ready in the bathroom. She was quiet. NOT A GOOD SIGN. So I sheepishly poked my face in the bathroom and asked if she needed help. She asked me to get her lunch ready after letting me know what she wanted...plus I added some Dark Matter for post workout...and Pop Tarts.
I had sign up the the PREMIUM version of SLACKER radio. Say what you want but the name alone is way cooler than PANDORA...which always makes me think of that annoying Sargeant from AVATAR anyway.
Ok...workout written out? CHECK!
Headphones? CHECK!
Keys? CHECK!
I finished feeding Chloe and Lycan. I sat out on the deck with them while I sipped my Dark Rage. Ahhhh! Peaceful. The air was actually sorta cool. Very nice. This was my calm before the storm where I do what I do best...unleash some righteous indignation on the metal!
Tami and I headed to Gold's. She was still sleepy but willing to get her but in the gym while so many slept away the best time of the day.
Training for me has been tough over the last 6 months. I have moved some great weights for myself but the injuries and Valley Fever have been tough to beat. My training is about not giving up but knowing my limits. I have focused on total tonnage while moving at a faster pace. I am able to still build muscle and strength while letting things heal. I am also working to get leaner as well so this is something I think is the best plan for me.
Here we go...........
1. Floor Presses (Smith Machine)
I wish this was actually a smoother machine but it was pretty hard. If not for my shoulder I think I should have tried just free bar pressing instead. It was still ok but not ideal.
135x20
225x5
315x3x10 *60 seconds rest*
2a. Romanians with Safety Squat Bar
I like the thicker bar while working my grip with the double overhand. Felt great.
+270x6x4
2b. Swiss Bar Overhead Presses
Wow this was tough. My shoulder is weak but this is what I need to improve: GET BACK TO OVERHEAD PRESSES.
+140x6x4
*60 seconds rest on superset*
3a. Calf Raises
Stack (400)x6x4
Weak but made it with no pain! I will take that.
3b. Dumbell Upright Rows
55x6x4
3c. Overhead Tricep Extension (Smith)
+90x6x4
Was not sure if I would like this but my shoulder was fine and so was my bad elbow. It's a keeper for now anyway.
I made it through the session, huffing and puffing like a dying whale, but I made it. I weighed in at 258 which is about normal lately. My nutrition guy has me stabilized at here and it seems we are just seeing what the cardio along with lifting does for me physically. Energy is overall good and my strength is steadily moving up.
I stood outside of Gold's with my hatch of the Vibe up happily mixing my Dark Matter and started sipping it down. AH! Love that stuff. A while later I had some Pop Tarts, Up Your Mass with whole milk and a little more water. All in all a great way to start my day.
I have this great ability to see in the dark and hear very well. Part bat? Not sure but I managed to walk into the kitchen without a hitch manuvering a million of my wife's shows, toys from pets and pets themselves that think I exist to soley fill their dishes with more food.
I pull out my trusty water bottle...filled it with Dark Rage...then with gross Tucson water...but hey...Dark Rage makes it all better. It's like the salsa of preworkout drinks.
Next is the looming task of waking my wife. My annoying ringer on my Android alarm didn't even make her stir. Hmmm....what would this morning bring? ALWAYS BEWARE THE SLEEPING GIANT! Well, she was up and making the bed...and naked. I stood taking it all in (thank you God for my eye sight in the dark!). She's is my bride.
Bags were packed for the day. Work bags, workout bags, clothing bags and lunch bags were all packed and sitting by the door. Tami was off getting ready in the bathroom. She was quiet. NOT A GOOD SIGN. So I sheepishly poked my face in the bathroom and asked if she needed help. She asked me to get her lunch ready after letting me know what she wanted...plus I added some Dark Matter for post workout...and Pop Tarts.
I had sign up the the PREMIUM version of SLACKER radio. Say what you want but the name alone is way cooler than PANDORA...which always makes me think of that annoying Sargeant from AVATAR anyway.
Ok...workout written out? CHECK!
Headphones? CHECK!
Keys? CHECK!
I finished feeding Chloe and Lycan. I sat out on the deck with them while I sipped my Dark Rage. Ahhhh! Peaceful. The air was actually sorta cool. Very nice. This was my calm before the storm where I do what I do best...unleash some righteous indignation on the metal!
Tami and I headed to Gold's. She was still sleepy but willing to get her but in the gym while so many slept away the best time of the day.
Training for me has been tough over the last 6 months. I have moved some great weights for myself but the injuries and Valley Fever have been tough to beat. My training is about not giving up but knowing my limits. I have focused on total tonnage while moving at a faster pace. I am able to still build muscle and strength while letting things heal. I am also working to get leaner as well so this is something I think is the best plan for me.
Here we go...........
1. Floor Presses (Smith Machine)
I wish this was actually a smoother machine but it was pretty hard. If not for my shoulder I think I should have tried just free bar pressing instead. It was still ok but not ideal.
135x20
225x5
315x3x10 *60 seconds rest*
2a. Romanians with Safety Squat Bar
I like the thicker bar while working my grip with the double overhand. Felt great.
+270x6x4
2b. Swiss Bar Overhead Presses
Wow this was tough. My shoulder is weak but this is what I need to improve: GET BACK TO OVERHEAD PRESSES.
+140x6x4
*60 seconds rest on superset*
3a. Calf Raises
Stack (400)x6x4
Weak but made it with no pain! I will take that.
3b. Dumbell Upright Rows
55x6x4
3c. Overhead Tricep Extension (Smith)
+90x6x4
Was not sure if I would like this but my shoulder was fine and so was my bad elbow. It's a keeper for now anyway.
I made it through the session, huffing and puffing like a dying whale, but I made it. I weighed in at 258 which is about normal lately. My nutrition guy has me stabilized at here and it seems we are just seeing what the cardio along with lifting does for me physically. Energy is overall good and my strength is steadily moving up.
I stood outside of Gold's with my hatch of the Vibe up happily mixing my Dark Matter and started sipping it down. AH! Love that stuff. A while later I had some Pop Tarts, Up Your Mass with whole milk and a little more water. All in all a great way to start my day.
Future
Guest
Saturday training is great because I can sleep in and also have a couple days off from training. Work is so busy that hitting the gym on Tuesday and Thursday during the work week is enough. So it's almost enjoyable to training on Saturday. Less stressful. I can go at whatever pace I like. No pressure to hurry up and finish so I can get my butt to work.
Tami and I walked into Gold's around 2:30pm. NICE! One of my friends was finishing up his squat workout. He is a truck. The guy has shoulders and back as wide as a barn. He is a firefighter/emt too. Really cool guy. He finished up repping out with 545 on squats and then we chatted. I could tell I was getting too chatty with my DARK RAGE kicking in. He was "shifty" so I could see he needed to get going. He politely said he had a guild meeting to get to. I gave him a puzzled look. He could see my cluelessness and said , ..."for WOW?" I still had the same dumb look possibly dumber. "World of Warecraft?" LIGHT BULB! I laughed, "So you are one of those nerds?" He said it was alot of fun for him and a nice way to unwind. I was immediately hoping my friend realized I was just teasing. Hey, I still watch cartoons. So my friend took off to finish his training and I started to hunker down with my lifting journal, jam to my SLIPKNOT station on SLACKER and do my active warm ups.
LET'S GO!
Started off with neutral grip chins. Love this exercise and it seems to really work my back while using my biceps too.
Neutral grip chins:
Bodyweight + 35 x 3 reps x 10 sets
**60 sec rest between sets**
I was much stronger and more explosive on this exercise. I like that this is a less demanding way to start my training but really gets my momentum to steam roll the rest of my workout.
2a. JM Press on Smith
I switched to a heavier smith but it doesnt stick so it was great. I felt alot of tricep work but nothing on my shoulder which was awesome. My sets were fast and explosive with great control.
245x 6 reps x 4 sets
2b. Alternating Dumbel Curls
I am needing to warm up my shoulder and wrists a bit more for this. Maybe some band work next time. I felt some achiness in my shoulders on these.
55 x 6 reps x 4 sets
2a & 2b were supersetted with 60 seconds to rest between rounds.
THE BIG FINISH!
This seems to really get me. Tough series but I was determined. As I was loading up the hack squat I was getting more enraged and determined. I was going to do what I do. Nothing was gonna stop me!
3a. Seated Toe Raises
180 x 6 reps x 4 sets
**Felt ok on my leg**
3b. Seated Ham Curls (Hammer Strength)
115 x 6 reps x 4 sets
**Maybe a little too heavy. I don't like how it makes me sorta arch so will try the seat belt next time**
3c. Hack Squats
This exercise is mine. Talk about moving some iron!
1000 x 6 reps x 4 sets
This was just stupid easy. Felt great. It was also nice because my wife was watching so showing off is always nice at that point. I think she was Facebook the whole time though and missed it. LOL
Sweaty, chalky and a little bloody...I sat down beside my bride to suck down more water. Good session! Now time to put all this weight away.
Torn calf is doing ok.
Invalid Link Removed
Tami and I walked into Gold's around 2:30pm. NICE! One of my friends was finishing up his squat workout. He is a truck. The guy has shoulders and back as wide as a barn. He is a firefighter/emt too. Really cool guy. He finished up repping out with 545 on squats and then we chatted. I could tell I was getting too chatty with my DARK RAGE kicking in. He was "shifty" so I could see he needed to get going. He politely said he had a guild meeting to get to. I gave him a puzzled look. He could see my cluelessness and said , ..."for WOW?" I still had the same dumb look possibly dumber. "World of Warecraft?" LIGHT BULB! I laughed, "So you are one of those nerds?" He said it was alot of fun for him and a nice way to unwind. I was immediately hoping my friend realized I was just teasing. Hey, I still watch cartoons.
So my friend took off to finish his training and I started to hunker down with my lifting journal, jam to my SLIPKNOT station on SLACKER and do my active warm ups.LET'S GO!
Started off with neutral grip chins. Love this exercise and it seems to really work my back while using my biceps too.
Neutral grip chins:
Bodyweight + 35 x 3 reps x 10 sets
**60 sec rest between sets**
I was much stronger and more explosive on this exercise. I like that this is a less demanding way to start my training but really gets my momentum to steam roll the rest of my workout.
2a. JM Press on Smith
I switched to a heavier smith but it doesnt stick so it was great. I felt alot of tricep work but nothing on my shoulder which was awesome. My sets were fast and explosive with great control.
245x 6 reps x 4 sets
2b. Alternating Dumbel Curls
I am needing to warm up my shoulder and wrists a bit more for this. Maybe some band work next time. I felt some achiness in my shoulders on these.
55 x 6 reps x 4 sets
2a & 2b were supersetted with 60 seconds to rest between rounds.
THE BIG FINISH!
This seems to really get me. Tough series but I was determined. As I was loading up the hack squat I was getting more enraged and determined. I was going to do what I do. Nothing was gonna stop me!
3a. Seated Toe Raises
180 x 6 reps x 4 sets
**Felt ok on my leg**
3b. Seated Ham Curls (Hammer Strength)
115 x 6 reps x 4 sets
**Maybe a little too heavy. I don't like how it makes me sorta arch so will try the seat belt next time**
3c. Hack Squats
This exercise is mine. Talk about moving some iron!
1000 x 6 reps x 4 sets
This was just stupid easy. Felt great. It was also nice because my wife was watching so showing off is always nice at that point. I think she was Facebook the whole time though and missed it. LOL
Sweaty, chalky and a little bloody...I sat down beside my bride to suck down more water. Good session! Now time to put all this weight away.
Torn calf is doing ok.
Invalid Link Removed
Future
Guest
Thanks.
Clean. Gave that life up. Spiritual decision.
Clean. Gave that life up. Spiritual decision.
swollen87
Well-known member
i respect that..... no trt?
Future
Guest
30 min sLow cardio, foam rolll, stretch...
Future
Guest
[YOUTUBE]z6D6WYegfpU[/YOUTUBE]
[YOUTUBE]S9APIshTUx0[/YOUTUBE]
[YOUTUBE]S9APIshTUx0[/YOUTUBE]
Future
Guest
Gonna compete in Bros vs Pros at the new Metroflex in Phoenix Aug 28. 405 squat rep challenge. Going for 35-40 reps.
swollen87
Well-known member
lmao 405 for 40
Future
Guest
Well I can do 25 raw right now. So add knee wraps, their version of parallel and a few weeks do work on conditioning...its plausible.
Future
Guest
Thanks
Future
Guest
Back to it:
Monday
Bench press
280x3
320x3
365x8
425x1 paused
Pull ups, stretch
Monday
Bench press
280x3
320x3
365x8
425x1 paused
Pull ups, stretch
Future
Guest
Thanks man.
Future
Guest
Behind a little. Sick...blah.
Monday: Bench Works
Bench Press
45x10
135x5
185x5
225x3
275x3
315x3
385x3
435x1 paused
475x1 paused w/ slingshot
495x1 paused w/slingshot
Dips
Bwt x 10 x 2
+90x 10 x 3
Blast Strap Decline Pushups
Bwt x 10 x 4
Dumbell Upright row
40 x 10 x 3
Foam rolled and stretched.
Preworkout: Dark Rage
Postworkout: Dark Matter
Monday: Bench Works
Bench Press
45x10
135x5
185x5
225x3
275x3
315x3
385x3
435x1 paused
475x1 paused w/ slingshot
495x1 paused w/slingshot
Dips
Bwt x 10 x 2
+90x 10 x 3
Blast Strap Decline Pushups
Bwt x 10 x 4
Dumbell Upright row
40 x 10 x 3
Foam rolled and stretched.
Preworkout: Dark Rage
Postworkout: Dark Matter
Future
Guest
GPP work today in the form of modified crossfit session. Lungs are still a little fubar but doing ok.
Future
Guest
Invalid Link Removed
dunhill225
Member
Future said:
If you don't mind me asking... How long ago and what was it like at first? Also as the other guy asked, does that include trt? I may disagree with you on some spiritaul issues but I respect anyone that actually lives their life in an effort to stay true to their beliefs. So much props to you. I hope this is a subject you are proud of and not hesitant to talk about. Maybe you have but I have not seen you mention this on intensemuscle so maybe its something you don't really talk about but I also have never read your whole journal.
Best of luck with your decision. Again, I respect you being true to your beliefs.
Peace.
Future
Guest
No I don't really talk about it. Makes a target for people that say you lie etc etc. Recovery is something I am very diligent with. I have to be at the level I am. I hurt alot so I get alot of massage, foam role and use any other recovery tool including supplements that are over the counter from MHP. I live on glutamine peptides and bcaas.
dunhill225
Member
Well I respect your views. Subject is closed to me.
Oh and damn good lifting man.
Oh and damn good lifting man.
Future
Guest
Thanks guys. I'm comfortable in my skin which hasn't always been the case. I focus on my training because that is all I can control. Who is doing what in any area shouldn't concern me which just leads to jealousy and pettiness. One thing I love about powerlifting is everyone cheers for each other.
Future
Guest
I love Thursdays training because its more light hearted than most of my big 3 sessions. I was able to work on some overhead pressing movements standing. I like the strict press but will spend some time this offseason with Olympic lifting as well to increase my explosiveness etc while using some modified Crossfit work.
The pressing was fine where I did a nice 205x5 which felt great on my shoulders and bad elbow. What really excited me was doing 120 for 10 reps on the incline press. I generally don't push my assistance work to failure when getting ready for a meet so the 120 could have been 30 reps. Should felt really good.
Training is really started to kick it up getting closer to World's. I will be testing myself with some heavier training this week. Videos will be sure to follow.
The pressing was fine where I did a nice 205x5 which felt great on my shoulders and bad elbow. What really excited me was doing 120 for 10 reps on the incline press. I generally don't push my assistance work to failure when getting ready for a meet so the 120 could have been 30 reps. Should felt really good.
Training is really started to kick it up getting closer to World's. I will be testing myself with some heavier training this week. Videos will be sure to follow.
dunhill225
Member
Best of luck man.
How's your body wt? I could be wrong but didn't you do the 275s at like 260 or something last time? Are you trying to get up to and push the wt limit or are you just going "I'm gonna do the best I can at whatever I weigh"
Sorry if my memory is off about the wt but for some reason I keep remembering you being a light 275er.
How's your body wt? I could be wrong but didn't you do the 275s at like 260 or something last time? Are you trying to get up to and push the wt limit or are you just going "I'm gonna do the best I can at whatever I weigh"
Sorry if my memory is off about the wt but for some reason I keep remembering you being a light 275er.
Future
Guest
Yeah I am a light 275er. I have tried to push my weight up but doesnt seem to work.
dunhill225
Member
Just wanted to say that was a nice thing you did for the gym you train at. Unless its one of the "names" (like metroplex or bevs gym or whatever) few guys endorse where they train.
Again just wanted to say I thought it was cool of you to do that.
Again just wanted to say I thought it was cool of you to do that.
Future
Guest
[video=youtube;Ads5LG2b4sc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ads5LG2b4sc&feature=sh are[/video]
Future
Guest
LOL thanks
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Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk
Future
Guest
Invalid Link Removed
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Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk
mattrag
Legend
HOLY CRAP!!!
Thats a mean front squat.
BTW, is that "attachment" available to purchase somewhere? Looks like it would make front and back squatting a little easier on those with shoulder issues like myself.
AZMIDLYF
Legend
Invalid Link Removed
Future
Guest
AZMIDLYF
Legend
What the duece...I am in that same format and you have 45 lbs on me. Hmmm, time for some changes. Of course, I can't even come close to the poundage you heave.
Future
Guest
I have to keep my weight class too.
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Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk
Future
Guest
Invalid Link Removed
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Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk
Future
Guest
Romanian deads
635x3
635x1
535x8
One leg Ham curls
1 work set to fail
Reverse hypers with red band
3 sets of 12
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
635x3
635x1
535x8
One leg Ham curls
1 work set to fail
Reverse hypers with red band
3 sets of 12
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2