AntM's Lean Bulk and Everything Else This Summer Log

October 31, 2016
Pull Power

Repeating the cycle starting today, in terms of power days. I will be aiming to go for a heavier weight or more reps on my top set.

Last top set on my 5x5 5 weeks ago was 350, I got 355 today at a lower weight. Everything else was great as well.

I may need to modify my leg routine tomorrow. My lower back is somewhat sore. I felt it on my fourth set. I either hyper extended it at lockout or I did not stay tight/reset myself between reps. I tend to do this with lighter weights which is not a good thing. I should treat the lighter weight like heavier weight. Things felt good, form wise on the last set. I was more conscience of my form. The tightness/discomfort is like a 2 or 3/10. Nothing bad.

Training

Deadlift 5x5 @ 70%-80% of 1RM (301 lbs - 344 lbs)

305x5
320x5
330x5
340x5
355x5

Rack Pulls

365x3,3,3,3,3

Knee level

Wide Grip Pullups

8,7,6

Neutral Grip T Bar Rows

115x7,6,6

Wide Grip Neutral Pulldowns

125x7,6,6

Close Grip Neutral Grip Pulldowns

105x8,7,6

Pulldown to upper abs

Reverse Pec Deck

135x8,6,6,6

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,325
Carbs - 229g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 212g
Fat - 73g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 6g
  • Mono. - 8g
 
November 1, 2016
Legs Hypertrophy

Epic pump today. I attribute that to the micro drop sets I did.

I was going in thinking today would be a terrible session. My back was very stiff this morning, it is still sore.My form was off yesterday and I did strain my lower back some. I did not do RDL today instead I did really slow lying leg curls, making sure not to use my lower back. I did not feel any discomfort on V Squats, and I do these reverse so my back is not supported by the pad. Everything felt fine. We'll see what happens in the coming days. I also went a lot lighter on calves today, I was really squeezing hard and long at the top of the contraction.

I think I am going to skip out on RDL, on hypertrophy days anyway, from now on. Yes, they are a great exercise, but one, I want to really isolate the muscles on my hypertrophy days and two, I think I am doing too much in regards to movements that use my lower back. Yes, I am fully aware my back is slightly strained because of form breakdown. I completely understand that. But also being in a deficit, for whatever reason that is and trying to get into a small surplus, I think it is taxing to do heavy squats, pause squats, hip thrusts then two days later, heavy deadlifts and heavy rack pulls and then the next day RDL.

I am also going to start visiting the chiropractor again on a weekly basis as prevention.

Training.

V Squat

240x8,8,8
250x8,8,8

Leg Press

410x10,8,8,9

Seated Hamstring Curl

160x14,12,11

Lying Hamstring Curl

55x12,11,11

Leg Extensions

125x12,12,11,11,10

Less reps, but rested only 60 seconds versus 60-90.

Seated Calf Raises

100x12,11,11,10,10

Standing Calf Raises

160x12,11,10,10,10

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,575
Carbs - 304g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 213g
Fat - 66g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
November 3, 2016
Push Power

Lower back feels almost 100%. I noticed after military presses today that where the crease of my glute and hamstring was tight. I don't know if I tightened my glutes too much on the movement or what. I'll see how it feels tomorrow.

Training was good today. I hit 5x5 on bench, last 5x5, I was able to hit 185 for my top set, which was over the 80%. I wanted to hit 190 today. After my 185 set, I did not think I would go for 190 because 185 was so slow. I went for it. I got it, but on the last rep, my butt came off the bench a little. I then dropped to 185 and hit that for 2 reps. I switched to a 4-6 rep range for close grip bench and incline press since I have been stuck on the same weight for a while now.

Training

Paused Flat Bench Press 5x5 @ 70%-80% of 1RM (158-180 pounds)

160x5
170x5
180x5
185x5
190x5*
185x2

Military Press

125x3,3,3,3,3

Close Grip Bench Press

165x4,4,4

Incline Bench Press

155x4,4,4

Seated Machine Shoulder Press

80x6,7,6

Weighted Dips

45x7,6,6

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,575
Carbs - 304g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 211g
Fat - 64g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
November 4, 2016
Pull Hypertrophy

Lower back and glute feel 100%.

Today felt pretty much effortless. It was a good session, but felt easy. Also, on a personal note, I have a blind "date" on Sunday. This should be interesting.

Training

Seated Cable Rows

110x8,8,8
115x8,8,9

Lat Pulldowns

102.5x8,8,8,8

Close Grip Pulldown

102.5x12,11,10

Behind the Neck Pulldown

85x11,11,11

T Bar Rows

85x11,10,10

Neutral Grip

Underhand Grip Machine Row

100x11,11,11

Reverse Pec Deck

115x12,12,11,10

Nutrition

High Carb

Cals - 2,875
Carbs - 372g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 211g
Fat - 58g
  • Sat. - 17g
  • Poly. - 4g
  • Mono. - 8g
 
November 5, 2016
Lower Power

I felt surprisingly strong today. I did not think I would be able to go over 270, my top set from my 5x5 5 weeks ago, but I was able to hit 275. My lower back felt pretty good too. I did strain it some, so I thought I may have to go lighter, bt it seems like it is 100% or close to it. During hip thrusts, it seemed a little fatigued, but it hasn't even been a week yet, so I cannot complain.

I went lighter on lying leg curls to pause at the top.

Training

Back Squat 5x5 @ 70%-80% of 1RM (231-269 lbs)

235x5
245x5
255x5
265x5
275x5

Paused Squats

205x3,3,3,3
210x3

Hip Thrust

245x6,6,6

Leg Press

490x7,7,6

Lying Leg Curls

110x6,6,6

Seated Calf Machine

135x8,7,7,6,6

Standing Calf Machine

220x8,7,7,7,6

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,325
Carbs - 229g
  • Fiber - 51g
Protein - 212g
Fat - 74g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
[size=+3]AntM Reviews Labrada Lean Body Protein Bars[/size]

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Texture/consistency

This is no texture to this bar. There is no crunchy or anything to deviate away from the taffy like texture. It is a tad oily, but nothing overwhelming. One other things worth noting is the chewiness. These bars are slightly chewy, but not as bad as some other bars out there.

Taste

First up is cookie dough. This did taste like straight cookie dough from the package. There were some chocolate chips in the bar, but not many at all. However, the flavor is cookie dough, so I cannot take away points from my rating for that. The cookie dough flavor was pleasant and noticeable. It was just enough.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip was slightly disappointing. I love peanut butter, but these bar needed more peanut butter flavor. It was not intense enough, at least for me, someone that loves peanut butter. In the bar, there were again, little to no chocolate chips. I did not get the chocolate chip flavor at all. That was slightly disappointing given that I think it would have been a great combo and that is what the bar is labeled as. This bar tasted like the cookie dough, but with a slight peanut butter flavor to it Not bad, but not what I was hoping for.

Profile

Cookie Dough

[img[http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv159/air_rock/LeanBodyBar_Nutrition_COOKIEDOUGH_zpsncjgv4cr.jpg[/img]

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

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Macros are pretty similar to one another and pretty much on par with other bars on the market. The protein content is a touch lower than most and the carbs are a touch higher. These are made from high quality protein sources and do not use soy, which is a positive, not that soy is bad.

Price

I cannot rate this sice they are not in stores yet, from what I've seen.

Bottom Line

I would say try these if you're looking for a bar, but I would not personally purchase them. I would advise buying a single bar and seeing if you like them The macros are good, but the lack of texture and slight chewiness turn me off. However, I would be able to see past those two things if the flavors were better. Cookie Dough was good, but it was nothing mind blowing that made me want more. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip lacked in peanut butter and had no chocolate chip flavor. It was just like the cookie dough, but with a small hint of peanut butter. If the flavors were better, I would try them again.

Cookie Dough - 8/10
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip - 7/10
​
 
November 6, 2016
Push Hypertrophy

Weight - 151.6

Weight is down again, 2 damn pounds, despite the increase in cals. I guess my theory on the PWO and caffeine is null too since I only used caffeine once this week and it was only 80mg. My strength is up though, so that is a positive. I will be increasing cals again this week.

I felt pretty damn strong today, even with the weight loss. Looking forward to tomorrow, my back and legs feel great.

Training

Incline DB Press

65x6,6,6,6,6,6,6

Seated Smith Shoulder Press

80x6,6
85x6,6

Weight does not include the bar, just plates

Incline Hammerstrength Chest Press

120x10,10,10

Incline Skull Crushers

80x10,10,10

Seated Behind the Neck Barbell Press

85x11,10,10

Straight Bar Cable Pressdown

44x10,10,10

Nutrition

High Carb Day

Cals - 2,875
Carbs - 378g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 210g
Fat - 62g
  • Sat. - 16g
  • Poly. - 4g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
November 7, 2016
Pull Power

My mind is blown that I was able to pull five pounds heavuer on my top set than 5 weeks ago. Despite the weight loss, strength is still going up.

Training

Deadlift 6x4 @ 75%-85% of 1RM (323 lbs - 366 lbs)

325x4
335x4
345x4
355x4
365x4
370x4

Rack Pulls

370x2,2,2
375x2,2,2

Knee level

Wide Grip Pullups

5 pounds x 6,6,6

Neutral Grip T Bar Rows

115x7,7,6

Wide Grip Neutral Pulldowns

125x7,7,6

Close Grip Neutral Grip Pulldowns

107.5x7,6,6

Pulldown to upper abs

Reverse Pec Deck

135x7,6,6,6

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,375
Carbs - 235g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 211g
Fat - 75g
  • Sat. - 17g
  • Poly. - 6g
  • Mono. - 8g
 
Weight down, strength up?! I want your genes haha
 
November 8, 2016
Legs Hypertrophy

Again, an epic pump! The session today almost felt effortless.

Training.

Reverse Hammerstrength V Squat

270x6,6,6,6,6,6,6

Leg Press

450x6,6,6,6

Seated Hamstring Curl

160x15,13,11

Lying Hamstring Curl

60x12,10,10

Leg Extensions

130x11,10,10,10,10.

Seated Calf Raises

100x12,12,11,11,10

Standing Calf Raises

160x12,12,11,11,11

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,625
Carbs - 310g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 212g
Fat - 66g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
November 10, 2016
Push Power

Happy with today's session, but slightly disappointed with one aspect. First, everything went up in reps. I did increase the weight on dips, but that was more or less to counter the weight loss from last week. I used 45 pounds last week and 50 pounds this week. I lost 2 pounds, so it was essentially an extra 3 pounds from last week, with the same reps.

The one "disappointing" area was the bench. I hit 190 for two sets of 4 on the last 6x4. I was aiming for 195. I got 3.5 reps. I had a great spoter and he did not grab the bar. I tried to push, but was literally stuck. The bar did not go down, which is a positive sign. I put disappointed in quotes because I did not hit the 4 reps, but I've been losing weight and losing weight always affects my pressing first. I then took the 5 pound plates off and did 185 for a rep to get 4 reps.

Training

Paused Flat Bench Press 6x4 @ 75%-85% of 1RM (169-191 pounds)

170x4
175x4
180x4
185x4
190x4
195x3, 185x1

Military Press

130x2,2,2,2,2,2

Close Grip Bench Press

165x5,5,4

Incline Bench Press

155x5,4,4

Seated Machine Shoulder Press

80x7,7,7

Weighted Dips

50x7,6,6

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,625
Carbs - 310g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 211g
Fat - 67g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
November 11, 2016
Pull Hypertrophy

Two weeks in a row now and these hypertrophy pull days feel easy! Decided to go lighter on reverse pec deck today, I wanted to stay between 12-15 reps instead of 10-12.

Training

Seated Cable Rows

122.5x6,6,6,6
125x6,6,7

Lat Pulldowns

105x6,6
107.5x6,6

Close Grip Pulldown

110x11,10,10

Behind the Neck Pulldown

85x10,10,10

T Bar Rows

85x12,11,10

Neutral Grip

Underhand Grip Machine Row

105x11,11,10

Reverse Pec Deck

85x15,15
90x13,12

Nutrition

High Carb

Cals - 2,875
Carbs - 378g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 211g
Fat - 62g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 5g
  • Mono. - 15g
 
November 12, 2016
Lower Power

I was getting ready to squat today. I looked back at my top set from 5 weeks ago when I last did this 6x4. Somehow, I hit 285 for my top set. I was a littler nervous going for 290, but I tried not to psych myself out.

Instead of doing little jumps, I did 10 pound jumps which made the 290 set my 5th set instead of 6th. This is what I need to do, hit the heavy set when I am more fresh then back don if I need to. I felt everything activating today. Form felt great. I had one hiccup on the 5th set, I did not have the bar low enough, but I hit my reps. On the last set, the bar was not completely centered on my back. Next time I need to rack it and setup again. I slightly felt the lopsidedness in my lower back.

Second week going lighter on calves and holding the contraction for 203 seconds before letting go. I'm loving that.

Training

Back Squat 6x4 @ 75%-85% of 1RM (248-281 lbs)

250x4
260x4
270x4
280x4
290x4
280x4

Paused Squats

215x2,2,2,2,2
220x2

Hip Thrust

245x7,6,6

Leg Press

490x7,7,6

Lying Leg Curls

110x8,7,6

Seated Calf Machine

135x8,8,8,7,7

Standing Calf Machine

220x8,8,8,7,7

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,375
Carbs - 235g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 211g
Fat - 77g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
Man there's is nothing better than just really getting in that perfect groove where you can feel everything just perfectly aligned.

Conversely, nothing ruins an entire set like a bad setup and awkward rep(s). Can kill the whole time.
 
November 13, 2016
Push Hypertrophy

Weight - 151.6

Weight is unchanged from last week. I am going to raise calories again, by 50 each day during the week.

Training was good. I was a little stronger and everything went well. Except I ran out of Tyrosine! Now I need to order a little bit before Black Friday :(

Training

Incline DB Press

60x12,12,10+2 rest pasue
55x12

Seated Smith Shoulder Press

60x12,12,12,12

Weight does not include the bar, just plates

Incline Hammerstrength Chest Press

120x12,10,10

Incline Skull Crushers

80x10,10,10

Seated Behind the Neck Barbell Press

85x11,10,10

Straight Bar Cable Pressdown

44x11,10,10

Nutrition

High Carb Day

Cals - 2,925
Carbs - 384g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 211g
Fat - 63g
  • Sat. - 20g
  • Poly. - 4g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
[size=+3]AntM Reviews BPI Best Protein Bars[/size]

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First, I want to apologize for not having pictures of the smaller bars. I did, but deleted it by accident. I can say that those four bars did not have a unique look to them. They looked like your basic Quest, Venture or Mission1 Bars; that taffy looking texture.

Texture/consistency

These bars had no texture to them. No crunch or anything like that. They are your basic bar. However, the iced vanilla cupcake did have an outer coating. The inside of this bar was much softer than the other bars. The four mini bars were almost too hard. I had a couple of bites without warming them up, for accuracy in taste, but they are not the most pleasant bars out of the wrapper.

Taste

Iced Vanilla Cupcake - This tasted nothing like a cupcake. It was exactly like a white chocolate candy bar though. I am a big fan of white chocolate so I enjoyed this. No resemblance of a cupcake though.

Apple Crumble Cake - Had a hint of apple to it. I wish it was a little more prominent, it was a little too light for my liking.

Salted Caramel Pretzel - I have no idea what this tasted like, but it was very artificial and not pleasant at all. I can not put my finger on the taste.

Cookies and Cream - Pretty good and I am not usually a fan of this flavor. Had some chocolate to it and a creaminess like flavor if you can imagine that.

Smores - A hint of chocolate, but nothing else. Very artificial.

Profile

Macros are pretty similar to one another and pretty much on par with other bars on the market. The protein content is a touch lower than most and the carbs are a touch higher. These are made from high quality protein sources.

Cals - 220-250
Fat - 8-9 grams
Carbs - 28-29 grams
Protein - 20 grams

Price

Just over $1/bar.

Bottom Line

I would say pass on these. The macros are good, but the texture and consistency is bad. The texture is a typical protein bar, but they are hard and difficult to eat out of the wrapper without warming up. The only bar I liked, taste wise, was the iced vanilla cupcake, but it is not a cupcake, it is a white chocolate. The rest of the bars have an average to below average taste and some are very artificial.

My ratings take all of the above aspects into consideration

Iced Vanilla Cupcake - 8/10
Apple Crumb Cake - 6/10
Cookies and Cream - 7/10
Smores - 5/10
Salted Caramel Pretzel - 4/10
​
 
November 14, 2016
Pull Power

Was able to go five pounds heavuer than my last 7x3 from five weeks ago, but it was a grinder!

Training

Deadlift 7x3 @ 80%-90% of 1RM (344 lbs - 387 lbs)

345x3
355x3
365x3
375x3
380x3
390x3
375x3

Rack Pulls

340x5,5,5,5,6

Knee level

Wide Grip Pullups

5 pounds x 7,6,6

Neutral Grip T Bar Rows

115x8,7,7

Wide Grip Neutral Pulldowns

125x7,6,6

Close Grip Neutral Grip Pulldowns

107.5x7,7,6

Pulldown to upper abs

Reverse Pec Deck

135x8,7,6,6

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,425
Carbs - 241g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 211g
Fat - 78g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 6g
  • Mono. - 8g
 
November 15, 2016
Legs Hypertrophy

Training.

Reverse Hammerstrength V Squat

230x12,12,12,12

Leg Press

380x12,12,12,12

Seated Hamstring Curl

180x12,10,10

Lying Hamstring Curl

60x13
65x11,10

Leg Extensions

130x12,11,11,10,10.

Seated Calf Raises

105x11,11,10,10,10

Standing Calf Raises

170x12,11,10,10,10

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,675
Carbs - 310g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 212g
Fat - 73g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
November 17, 2016
Push Power

I was able to hit 205, which is 5 pounds more than the 7x3 five weeks ago. It was a grinder, but I got it. I jumped up quicker than I normally would on bench and I think that's what helped me. Additionally, I hit 120 on the first four sets and 115 on my 5x5 for military press. Last 5x5 was 115 for four sets and 115 for one.

Training

Paused Flat Bench Press 7x3 @ 80%-90% of 1RM (180-203 pounds)

175x3
185x3
195x3
205x3
195x3
190x3
190x3

Military Press

120x5,5,5,5
115x5

Close Grip Bench Press

165x5,5,5

Incline Bench Press

155x6,5,5

Seated Machine Shoulder Press

80x8,7,6

Weighted Dips

50x7,7,6

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,675
Carbs - 310g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 212g
Fat - 72g
  • Sat. - 17g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
November 18, 2016
Pull Hypertrophy

Training

Seated Cable Rows

110x12,12
112.5x12,12

Lat Pulldowns

95x12,12,12,12

Close Grip Pulldown

110x12,11,11

Behind the Neck Pulldown

85x12,11,11

T Bar Rows

85x11,10,10

Neutral Grip

Underhand Grip Machine Row

105x12
110x11,10

Reverse Pec Deck

90x15,15,13,13

Nutrition

High Carb

Cals - 2,925
Carbs - 384g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 210g
Fat - 64g
  • Sat. - 15g
  • Poly. - 6g
  • Mono. - 18g
 
November 19, 2016
Lower Power

My legs, specifically my quads, are trashed. I was able to go five pound heavier on the squats from the 7x3 five weeks ago. I wish I went a little deeper on the last rep, but I'll take it. I swapped out pause squats for front squats. I performed them fairly light since I have not done them in a very long time. I am expecting my biceps to be very sore tomorrow. They always are the first week or two I introduce front squats.

Training

Back Squat 7x3 @ 80%-90% of 1RM (265-297 lbs)

265x3
275x3
285x3
295x3
300x3
275x3
275x3

Front Squats

150x5,5,5,5,5


Hip Thrust

245x8,7,7

Leg Press

490x7,7,7

Lying Leg Curls

110x8
115x6,6

Seated Calf Machine

140x8,7,7,6,6

Standing Calf Machine

230x8,8,7,7,7

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,425
Carbs - 241g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 212g
Fat - 79g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
About to add front squats my next cycle here. Never really done them cuz I just dislike them but I need the ab work ha
 
November 20, 2016
Push Hypertrophy

Weight - 151.6

Weight is unchanged from last week. I am going to raise calories again, by 50 each day during the week. I was initially going to increase cals by 25 because I have been using a different chicken breast for a few weeks now. I was under estimating the cals by a few per serving, not much. ut I figured the slightly extra cals from that won't add much.

Tomorrow will be interesting. Legs are a little more sore than normal. Biceps feel surprisingly fine, but my mid back is shot. I have crazy DOMS there. The only thing I can think of is the front squats. Usually my biceps hurt because I think I lean too far forward. Maybe staying more upright is the reason for the DOMS.

Training was good. Small improvements despite weight being unchanged. I did go lighter on skull crushers. I wanted to slow the reps down and focus on keeping my elbow tucked.

Training

Incline DB Press

60x10,10,10,10,9+2

Seated Smith Shoulder Press

65x10,10,10
70x10

Weight does not include the bar, just plates

Incline Hammerstrength Chest Press

120x12,11,10

Incline Skull Crushers

70x11,11,10

Seated Behind the Neck Barbell Press

85x12,11,10

Straight Bar Cable Pressdown

44x12,11,10

Nutrition

High Carb Day

Cals - 2,975
Carbs - 390g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 212g
Fat - 70g
  • Sat. - 22g
  • Poly. - 4g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
November 21, 2016
Pull Power

I got 405 today which is 5 pounds more than my last top set when I performed an 8x2. Small improvements everywhere else as well. Really felt my hamstrings on the deadlifts. I also performed rack pulls a little differently. It was still at knee level, but I was standing on a 45 pound plate as well.

Training

Deadlift 8x2 @ 85%-95% of 1RM (366 lbs - 409 lbs)

365x2
375x2
385x2
395x2
405x2
395x2
385x2
385x2

Rack Pulls

355x5,5,5

Knee level

Wide Grip Pullups

5 pounds x 7,6,6

Neutral Grip T Bar Rows

117.5x7,6,6

Close Grip Neutral Grip Pulldowns

110x7,6,6

Wide Grip Neutral Pulldowns

110x8
112.5x6,6

Pulldown to upper abs

Reverse Pec Deck

135x8,7,6,6

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,475
Carbs - 247g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 212g
Fat - 81g
  • Sat. - 20g
  • Poly. - 6g
  • Mono. - 8g
 
booneman77 said:
The only one I can use and keep the bar tight to my neck/collarbone is underhand, fingertips only. Kills my wrists tho
Click to expand...

I can only imagine how that feels on the wrists. Why not try a cross grip? That is what I use. Also, look at the video below. I don't like it, but know people that love it.

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AntM1564 said:
I can only imagine how that feels on the wrists. Why not try a cross grip? That is what I use. Also, look at the video below. I don't like it, but know people that love it.

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Click to expand...

I've tried the cross and the slight imbalance in how my shoulders sit becomes a huge problem as the bar is uneven and tilts one way a lot more.

I have done the straps, but I just didn't feel comfortable with it. Similar reason to the cross I think.
 
booneman77 said:
I've tried the cross and the slight imbalance in how my shoulders sit becomes a huge problem as the bar is uneven and tilts one way a lot more.

I have done the straps, but I just didn't feel comfortable with it. Similar reason to the cross I think.
Click to expand...

That sucks. Do wrist wraps help with the discomfort?
 
November 22, 2016
Legs Hypertrophy

I've been loving these leg hypertrophy days lately, I am getting an epic pump.

On a non-lifting note, I am seeing these deals for the PS4 and Xbox One. The old gamer in me is getting the itch to buy one with all these sales.

Training.

Reverse Hammerstrength V Squat

240x10,10,10,10,10

Leg Press

410x10,10,10,11

Seated Hamstring Curl

180x12,10,10

Lying Hamstring Curl

65x15
70x11,11

Leg Extensions

130x15,12,11,10,10.

Seated Calf Raises

105x12,11,11,10,10

Standing Calf Raises

170x12,12,11,10,10

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,725
Carbs - 316g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 211g
Fat - 77g
  • Sat. - 22g
  • Poly. - 12g
  • Mono. - 18g
 
November 24, 2016
Push Power

A little upset with the session today. I couldn't get the 5 pounds more than my previous 8x2 5 weeks ago. Also, the bar on the bench moved very slow for all reps. I wanted to hit 125 for 3x5 on military press, I got the first two sets, but only got 4 reps on the last so I did a rest pause. Close Grip bench stayed the same. By accident I hit 165 on incline for 2 sets and dropped to 160 for the last set. I say accident because I was wanted to hit 160. Dips increased and felt easier.

I don't know why I didn't feel as strong today. Some things that come to mind are I trained fasted after a low carb day (less than 100 grams of total carbs and no starch yesterday). I know I train legs fasted on Saturday, but that is after a high carb day and all my carb meals come pre bed. I wanted to eat pre workout today, but my gym had limited hours. I thought it would be beyond packed. It wasn't all that bad, but I didn't want to take the risk of going in later.

Also, I think I may have lost weight this week since dips felt easier and I used the same weight as last week and weighed in the same. Lastly, I did not work my second job on Sunday. Due to that, I did 45 minutes of cardio yesterday, since I felt a little lazy this week. Maybe that in conjunction with the low carb day did me in for today.

I am going to be one of those people as well. I am about to have something to eat and then I'm leaving at 6 to go to Kohl's to pick up a PS4. I've never shopped on Thanksgiving/Black Friday before. Hopefully I come back alive.

Training

Paused Flat Bench Press 8x2 @ 85%-95% of 1RM (191-214 pounds)

195x2
195x2
205x2
205x2
210x2
200x2
200x2
200x2

Military Press

125x5,5,4+1

Close Grip Bench Press

165x5,5,5

Incline Bench Press

165x4,4
160x4

Seated Machine Shoulder Press

80x6,6,6

Weighted Dips

50x8,7,6

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,725
Carbs - 316g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 225g
Fat - 70g
  • Sat. - 22g
  • Poly. - 10g
  • Mono. - 16g
 
November 25, 2016
Pull Hypertrophy

Training

Seated Cable Rows

120x10,10,10,10,10

Lat Pulldowns

97.5x10,10,10,11

Close Grip Pulldown

112.5x10,10,10

Behind the Neck Pulldown

87.5x11,10,10

T Bar Rows

85x12
87.5x10,10

Neutral Grip

Underhand Grip Machine Row

110x11,11,11

Reverse Pec Deck

95x12,12,12,12

Nutrition

High Carb

Cals - 2,975
Carbs - 390g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 225g
Fat - 62g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 5g
  • Mono. - 15g
 
November 26, 2016
Lower Power

Able to get 5 pounds more than my last 8x2 5 weeks ago. Everything else improved as well.

One thing I need to work on with these really heavy percentages is not leaning too far forward, specifically on my second rep. I don't know what the issue is, Maybe the upper back is not tight enough. It is something I need to work on.

Training

Back Squat 7x3 @ 85%-95% of 1RM (281-314 lbs)

280x2
290x2
300x2
305x2
210x2
315x2
295x2
285x2

Front Squats

165x5,5,5

Hip Thrust

250x7,6,6

Leg Press

490x8,7,7

Lying Leg Curls

115x7,6,6

Seated Calf Machine

140x8
145x7,6,6,6

Standing Calf Machine

240x8,7,7,6,6

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,475
Carbs - 247g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 226g
Fat - 77g
  • Sat. - 19g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
November 27, 2016
Push Hypertrophy

Weight - 153

Weight went up 1.4 pounds. Not surprised since I was a little less active this past week and I increased my cals. I will take it though! No need for the weight to go down.

I am making one small change, starting today, to my push hypertrophy days. I am going to split the first exercise, which is always incline dumbbell press, into incline and then flat. So if I have four sets, I will do two/two, five sets would be three/two, etc. Should be a nice change of pace.

Today went very well. I was a little surprised since I got a deep tissue massage last night and he went hard on my upper body.

Training

Incline/Flat DB Press

Incline - 65x8,8,8
Flat - 65x8,8,9

Seated Smith Shoulder Press

75x8,8
80x8,8

Weight does not include the bar, just plates

Incline Hammerstrength Chest Press

125x11,10,10

Incline Skull Crushers

70x13,11,10

Seated Behind the Neck Barbell Press

90x10,10,10

Straight Bar Cable Pressdown

44x12
45.5x10,10

Nutrition

High Carb Day

Cals - 2,975
Carbs - 390g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 225g
Fat - 56g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 5g
  • Mono. - 12g
 
November 28, 2016
Pull Power

I was debating whether to deload this week and then go for new maxes next week, but I decided to go with a 9x1, deload next week and then go for new maxes in two weeks. Last 9x1, 5 weeks ago, I worked up to 420. Today, I hit 425. My PR is 430. Remember, I am NOT aiming to hit a PR on the 9x1 schedule, just trying to feel out the really heavy weight. The fact that I was only 5 pounds off my PR and I did small jumps, proves I can hit 435, if not 440 in a few weeks. It moved pretty well.

Everything else felt great and I had a great pump despite going with low reps. The one movement that did not improve from last week were was pullups. But they felt easier and I am heavier than last week.

Training

Deadlift 8x2 @ 90%-99% of 1RM (375-429 lbs)

385x1
385x1
395x1
395x1
405x1
415x1
425x1
410x1
410x1

Rack Pulls

370x3,3,3
375x3,3

Knee level

Wide Grip Pullups

5 pounds x 7,6,6

Neutral Grip T Bar Rows

117.5x8,7,7

Close Grip Neutral Grip Pulldowns

110x8,7,7

Wide Grip Neutral Pulldowns

112.5x8,7,7

Pulldown to upper abs

Reverse Pec Deck

135x7,7,7,6

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,475
Carbs - 247g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 226g
Fat - 74g
  • Sat. - 20g
  • Poly. - 10g
  • Mono. - 10g
 
November 29, 2016
Legs Hypertrophy

Field trip tomorrow. Going to take two dozen seniors to visit UCONN. Gotta love field trips when they take up the day and can dress in jeans!

I decided to try glute ham raises. SInce my gym underwent a renovation about 7 months ago, they added this piece. I never used it. I wasn't expecting to hit 3 sets of 10. Tempo was good. I need to focus on not going up too high, taking the tension off the hamstrings.

Training.

Reverse Hammerstrength V Squat

245x8,8
250x8,8
260x8,8

Leg Press

450x8,8,8,8

Glute Ham Raise

BW x 10,10,10

Seated Hamstring Curl

180x13,11,10

Lying Hamstring Curl

70x12,11,10

Leg Extensions

130x15,14,12,11,11.

Seated Calf Raises

105x12,12,11,11,11

Standing Calf Raises

170x12,12,11,11,11

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,725
Carbs - 316g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 225g
Fat - 69g
  • Sat. - 20g
  • Poly. - 10g
  • Mono. - 16g
 
December 1, 2016
Push Power

Extremely happy with today's session, especially given how average the heavy push days have felt over the past few weeks. I did not get 5 pounds more on this 9x1 compared to my last, however, it is only five pounds off my 1RM. I was not trying to set a new max. I was able to hit 215 for two sets on my back down sets versus 210 last time.

Military presses felt very smooth and were up 5 pounds from my last 5x3, close grip improved, I used 165 for all three sets of incline versus just 2 sets, seated shoulder press went up and dips increased in weight added to the belt plus my weight gain.

Training

Paused Flat Bench Press 8x2 @ 90%-99% of 1RM (195-224 pounds)

195x1
200x1
205x1
210x1
215x1
220x1
215x1
215x1

Military Press

130x3,3,3,3,3

Close Grip Bench Press

165x6,5,5

Incline Bench Press

165x4,4,4

Seated Machine Shoulder Press

80x8
85x6,6

Weighted Dips

55x6,6,6

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,725
Carbs - 316g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 225g
Fat - 69g
  • Sat. - 20g
  • Poly. - 10g
  • Mono. - 16g
 
December 2, 2016
Pull Hypertrophy

Training

Seated Cable Rows

125x8,8,8,8,8,8

Lat Pulldowns

102.5x8,8
105x8,8

Close Grip Pulldown

112.5x12,10,10

Behind the Neck Pulldown

87.5x12
90x10,10

T Bar Rows

87.5x11,10,10

Neutral Grip

Underhand Grip Machine Row

115x12
120x10,10

Reverse Pec Deck

95x15,14,13,12

Nutrition

High Carb

Cals - 2,975
Carbs - 390g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 225g
Fat - 57g
  • Sat. - 16g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 15g
 
December 3, 2016
Lower Power

I was able to go 5 pounds heavier than my last 9x1. I hit 330 and my one rep max is 335. Make me feel like I can hit 340 after my deload this coming week. My legs are absolutely shot though.

I really don't want to deload, but I know I need it.

Training

Back Squat 9x1 @ 90%-99% of 1RM (297-334 lbs)

295x1
300x1
305x1
315x1
320x1
330x1
315x1
315x1
315x1

Front Squats

175x3,3,3,3,3

Hip Thrust

250x8,7,6

Leg Press

5100x6,6,6

Lying Leg Curls

115x8,7,6

Seated Calf Machine

145x8,8,7,7,7

Standing Calf Machine

240x8,8,7,7,7

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,475
Carbs - 247g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 226g
Fat - 77g
  • Sat. - 19g
  • Poly. - 7g
  • Mono. - 11g
 
December 4, 2016
Push Hypertrophy

Weight - 153.8

Weight is up .8 pounds, this is a good sign.

Deload week. Again, hypertrophy days stay the same, but I drop all intensity techniques (dropsets, rest pause, burnouts, etc.) I will alo drop these on the heavy days and only perform a 3 sets of 5-8 reps at 60-70% of my 1 rep max on my main lifts of the heavy days.

Training

Incline/Flat DB Press

Incline - 70x6,6,6,6
Flat - 70x6,6,7

Seated Smith Shoulder Press

90x6,6
95x6,6

Weight does not include the bar, just plates

Incline Hammerstrength Chest Press

125x12,11,10

Incline Skull Crushers

70x15,13,11

Seated Behind the Neck Barbell Press

90x11,10,10

Straight Bar Cable Pressdown

47.5x10,10,10

Nutrition

High Carb Day

Cals - 2,975
Carbs - 390g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 225g
Fat - 56g
  • Sat. - 18g
  • Poly. - 6g
  • Mono. - 15g
 
December 5, 2016
Pull Power

Simple deload.

Training

Deadlift 5x5 @ 60%-70% of 1RM (258-301 lbs)

260x5
280x5
300x5
280x5
260x5

Rack Pulls

385x2,2,2,2,2,3

Knee level

Wide Grip Pullups

5 pounds x 7,6,6

Neutral Grip T Bar Rows

120x7,7,6

Close Grip Neutral Grip Pulldowns

112.5x7,7,6

Wide Grip Neutral Pulldowns

115x8,8,7

Reverse Pec Deck

135x8,7,7,6

Nutrition

Low Carb

Cals - 2,475
Carbs - 247g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 225g
Fat - 76g
  • Sat. - 21g
  • Poly. - 6g
  • Mono. - 8g
 
December 6, 2016
Legs Hypertrophy

Training.

Reverse Hammerstrength V Squat

280x6,6,6,6,6,6

Leg Press

480x6,6,6,6

Glute Ham Raise

BW x 11,11,11

Seated Hamstring Curl

180x13,11,10

Lying Hamstring Curl

75x12
80x10,10

Leg Extensions

135x13,11,10,10,10.

Seated Calf Raises

110x11,10,10,10,10

Standing Calf Raises

180x12,11,11,10,10

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,725
Carbs - 316g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 226g
Fat - 72g
  • Sat. - 22g
  • Poly. - 18g
  • Mono. - 14g
 
You should get some progress pics up in here soon!
 
[size=+3]AntM Reviews Yup Brand B Jammin Bars[/size]

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Texture/consistency

No texture what so ever. It is slightly soft, but not incredible soft out of the wrapper. It is a tad chewy, but not nearly as bad as some bars out there. As you can see, you have a plain bar, the fruit filling and then that is followed by the plain bar again.

Taste

Peanut Butter and Jelly was money. It is more PB dominant than jelly, but both flavors do come through. Initially the PB flavor hits your taste buds. After chewing a little bit, you get the hint of jelly. It is a great ratio of the two flavors in my opinion. It is exactly how I would make a PBJ sandwich.

Vanilla Cheery Pie was very plain. I got not hint of vanilla. I did get some cherry flavor, but it was very underwhelming. Obviously the cherry flavor comes from the filling, which is very thin. It was not enough to cover the plainness of the bar itself. If there was more of a vanilla flavor, I think it would have been a good combo.

Profile

As you can see from the macros below, this is not labeled as a protein bar, but more as an energy bar. Here is a write up from their site:

Whether you're outside running, walking, cycling, or need a quick snack after your gym workout, B-Jammin' will give you the energy needed to help power through your workout or day. Challenged with taking a stand against nutritional ideals that don't apply to everyone, B-Jammin’ goes where no bar has gone before. Each bar delivers advanced nutrition that includes high quality protein, real mouth-watering fruit carbs, and fiber that just simply tastes better
Click to expand...

PBJ
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Vanilla Cheery Pie
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Price

About $20-$25 for a box of 12.

Bottom Line

Given the price, texture and taste, I would say look elsewhere. If you are looking for a nice PBJ bar to have once and a while, then I would suggest to purchase a box since it is a good tasting bar and it is unique. However, I would not buy them all of the time. The Cherry Pie I would stay from regardless. There is no vanilla and the cherry is not strong enough. Overall, these are not the worst bars I have had. The PBJ is slightly above par while the cherry pie is sub par.

PBJ - 10/10
Vanilla Cherry Pie - 5/10
​
 
AntM Reviews Pro Supps Whey Protein

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Macros/Profile

Calories - 130
Fat - 2.5
Carbs - 4
Protein - 24

This is just a blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate.

Taste

The flavor was campfire marshmallow. I was excited when I saw the name of the flavor, but highly disappointed when I had it. It just tasted like an artificial vanilla protein powder. There is no creaminess or anything that resembled a marshmallow.

Bottom Line

I would not buy this protein or suggest buying it, at least with my experience with this flavor. It was a bad flavor. Bearable, but nothing I would like to have again. There is nothing that sets this apart with the price or the profile. Given the average profile and the bad flavoring, I would look elsewhere.3/10​
 
AntM Reviews Dymatize Iso 100 Protein

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Macros/Profile

Calories - 110
Fat - 0
Carbs - 1
Protein - 25

This is simply hydrolized whey protein isolate.

Taste

The flavor was birthday cake. Birthday cake did not come to my mind when I had this. Instead, it was only a vanilla based protein. I did not get any hint of richness or creaminess that I would get from a birthday cake. I was at least expecting a sweeter tasting vanilla. It is not bad by any means, just basic.

Bottom Line

If you need an isolate protein, I would say to give this a shot. I am not surprised by the lack of creaminess or sweetness since the profile is limited. In my experience, isolates are more difficult to flavor, but this is done well. Maybe other flavors have a more unique taste. Also, your taste buds might be more in tune with the lack of flavoring in a isolate protein.7/10​
 
[size=+3]AntM Reviews P28 High Protein Spread[/size]

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Overview

This is an all natural high protein butter nut spread. The different flavors use a different type of nut. Each product is also fortified with whey protein isolate, gluten free and only contains natural ingredients.

Price

For a 16 ounce jar, you are looking at $13-$15. More than your run of the mill nut butters, but worth it if you're looking for a change.

Taste

This is the Cashew Caramel Turtle. Turtles are one of my favorite candies of all time. As soon as a spoonful of this hits your mouth, you taste the caramel immediately. Followed by that is a hint of chocolate and then you get the cashew butter flavor as well. If this was to replicate a turtle 100%, it would need a little more of a chocolate flavor. However, my mind was blown with how good this was. I could not believe the flavoring.

Profile

A little higher in fat than your run of the mill nut butter, a little higher in carbs, but also higher in protein. By adding this to any meal, you can reduce the amount of protein you use for the rest of your meal, which is nice.

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Bottom Line

Buy this now! If you are a fan of turtles, you will greatly enjoy this. Yes, it is a little pricey, but I would not use this everyday. Think of it as a healthy treat when you have a craving and can fit it into your macros. I have been hesitant on trying any of the P28 products for two reasons. One, the price and two, often when items are fortified with protein to raise the amount of protein in the product, it does not have the best taste. This is not the case with the spread though. I cannot wait to order some of the other flavors and give have a small rotation of these! 9.5/10.​
 
December 8, 2016
Push Power

Deload

Training

Paused Flat Bench Press 5x5 @ 60%-70% of 1RM (133-158 pounds)

135x5
145x5
155x5
155x5
155x5

Military Press

135x2,2,2,2,2
140x2

Close Grip Bench Press

165x6,6,6

Incline Bench Press

165x5,4,4

Seated Machine Shoulder Press

85x7,7,6

Weighted Dips

55x7,7,6

Nutrition

Moderate Carb

Cals - 2,725
Carbs - 316g
  • Fiber - 50g
Protein - 225g
Fat - 73g
  • Sat. - 22g
  • Poly. - 8g
  • Mono. - 14g
 
December 9, 2016
Pull Hypertrophy

Training

Seated Cable Rows

127.5x6,6,6
132.5x6,6,6,6

Lat Pulldowns

110x6,6
112.5x6,6

Close Grip Pulldown

112.5x12
115x10,10

Behind the Neck Pulldown

90x10,10,10

Meadows Rows

35x10,10,10

Underhand Grip Machine Row

120x12
125x10,10

Reverse Pec Deck

105x12,12,12,12

Nutrition

High Carb

Cals - 2,975
Carbs - 390g
  • Fiber - 49g
Protein - 226g
Fat - 59g
  • Sat. - 20g
  • Poly. - 8g
  • Mono. - 15g
 
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