akboom87
Well-known member
Awesome progress!!Weight: 210.6 let’s go!!!!
Push workout later today.
Awesome progress!!Weight: 210.6 let’s go!!!!
Push workout later today.
The struggle is real.Getting so weak from this cut.
The ability to push in training will restore when you are back at maintenance calories eventually; keep your eye on the prize! Congrats on the new low.DB OHP 3 x 10/8/8 x 65’s
Chest Dips 3 x 8 x BW
Safety Squat 8 x bar, 5x165, 5x215 (2 or 3 sets here, unsure)
DB Lateral Raise 3 x 10 x 15’s
Skullcrushers 3 sets
Getting so weak from this cut. So frustrating.
You losing it too???The struggle is real.
I haven't attempted to prepare and test legit 1rm's since I started cutting. I try to move a heavy rep before I go into high volume drop sets but if I had to guess I'd bet since dropping from 205+ish to 190-192 my strength numbers have dropped like this:You losing it too???
That’s interesting. In previous cuts, I maintained close to my 1rm. This one though is killing my volume strength.I haven't attempted to prepare and test legit 1rm's since I started cutting. I try to move a heavy rep before I go into high volume drop sets but if I had to guess I'd bet since dropping from 205+ish to 190-192 my strength numbers have dropped like this:
Bench 305 to 290 ish maybe 295
Deads 485 to 450 ish
Squats 365 to 345 on a good day (today for instance I pulled the plug at 325)
But in the past month+ I don't think I've moved anything heavier than like 285/425/325, except slingshot hitting a few reps at 315+ here and there.
I am picking up a lot of volume/reps PRs though and I'm enjoying the volume and hypertrophy training at the moment. I have an idea in my head that come fall I could run a strength cycle and chase NYE PR's, but at the moment I'm really enjoying my current training. I just got tired of being heavier than my comfort zone, sweating more, not sleeping well, clothes getting tight. it was time to cut.
That’s interesting. In previous cuts, I maintained close to my 1rm. This one though is killing my volume strength.
Man you covered a lot of ground, awesome break down. Reality is that many of my sets are warming up to big sets. So while I may say I'm aiming for 20 sets, 3-5 of them are probably the BIG sets. I don't believe I can safely go into a movement with a single balls out redline the tach set without building into it both physically and mentally. so on a day like this screenshot below, the sets listed as "dropsets" are probably the big sets for me. I mean When I'm benching say 300lbs one day with 2-3 drop sets after wards, the most fun/straining/hard sets are that single at 300, the 10 at 225 and the amraps at 185/135. But there are a number of warmup reps and sets before that obviouslyAlso, while you are correct some people definitely need more volume than others, I think if you blew yourself out in 3-4 sets of an effective exercise, not saving anything in the tank for the next exercise of the same muscle group you are able to work a lot harder those 3-4 sets and might find you can make plenty progress like that. In general 10-12 hard working sets for a muscle group is considered pretty optimal for most. I just don't think most people push hard enough every work set to actually see the gains. If you were to say focus on 3-4 sets of hard bench with a couple of drop sets each you should be pretty close to spent for that muscle group. Approaching failure 10-12 times in that exercise in 3-4 sets is going to give you the same amount or more of effective reps approaching failure than you would in 20 straight sets of the same body part. Same with Myo Rep / Rest Pause sets.
I usually take the genetics argument with a grain of salt because I think a lot of people fail to even come close to natural potential before blaming genetics for shortcomings but I've lifted long enough now that I do think there is something in my blood that tends to favor volume over 1rm. I don't know many people who can usually 10rep so closely to their 1rm as me (Bench being probably the one outlier where my 10 rep would often match a calculators 1rm estimation). Hell, I think I was 10 repping like 295 when I could only squat 315 or something like that.That being said, you definitely have a very high muscle endurance from all of your XFit, and probably also from your genetics.
Good example of why people should never trust rep calculators without actually testing maxes and seeing how things actually correlate for them.Man you covered a lot of ground, awesome break down. Reality is that many of my sets are warming up to big sets. So while I may say I'm aiming for 20 sets, 3-5 of them are probably the BIG sets. I don't believe I can safely go into a movement with a single balls out redline the tach set without building into it both physically and mentally. so on a day like this screenshot below, the sets listed as "dropsets" are probably the big sets for me. I mean When I'm benching say 300lbs one day with 2-3 drop sets after wards, the most fun/straining/hard sets are that single at 300, the 10 at 225 and the amraps at 185/135. But there are a number of warmup reps and sets before that obviously
View attachment 252291
so like with shoulders/delts. I take injury potential on these movements pretty seriously for the shoulders so if I want to do lateral raises at 40lbs, I'm going to enjoy a few warmup sets to get there. If I start with 30lbs or 25lbs for 15+ reps I'm likely still getting a good effort in on volume. I'm not walking away with 10RIR, I'm walking away with like 1-3 RIR even though I'm adding weight as I warm up
I usually take the genetics argument with a grain of salt because I think a lot of people fail to even come close to natural potential before blaming genetics for shortcomings but I've lifted long enough now that I do think there is something in my blood that tends to favor volume over 1rm. I don't know many people who can usually 10rep so closely to their 1rm as me (Bench being probably the one outlier where my 10 rep would often match a calculators 1rm estimation). Hell, I think I was 10 repping like 295 when I could only squat 315 or something like that.
Honestly in this situation if the goal was more frequency, less sets in a particular session, especially when working multiple body parts to achieve the frequency intended you would start warming the shoulder up with Seated DB Presses with say 3 true warm up sets then go time. Something like 2-3 hard straight sets for you to continue warming up then say a double drop set, or a double rest pause on the last and possibly 2nd to last set. This will take most of the warm up requirement away from the DB Laterals because the medial delts get warmed up during the presses. So no, or just one feeler warm up set to lock in form is all that is needed. Then say 2 sets using myorep match to reach the same reps on the following set. So you go into partial side laterals to failure the first set then match it one minute later with another set taking rest pauses as needed to hit the same reps. That or a drop set or two on them. There you have 5 sets for delts in a very short time period and can move on to a back movement, leg movement, arm movement. Whatever you set up based on frequency and total volume target goals.Man you covered a lot of ground, awesome break down. Reality is that many of my sets are warming up to big sets. So while I may say I'm aiming for 20 sets, 3-5 of them are probably the BIG sets. I don't believe I can safely go into a movement with a single balls out redline the tach set without building into it both physically and mentally. so on a day like this screenshot below, the sets listed as "dropsets" are probably the big sets for me. I mean When I'm benching say 300lbs one day with 2-3 drop sets after wards, the most fun/straining/hard sets are that single at 300, the 10 at 225 and the amraps at 185/135. But there are a number of warmup reps and sets before that obviously
View attachment 252291
so like with shoulders/delts. I take injury potential on these movements pretty seriously for the shoulders so if I want to do lateral raises at 40lbs, I'm going to enjoy a few warmup sets to get there. If I start with 30lbs or 25lbs for 15+ reps I'm likely still getting a good effort in on volume. I'm not walking away with 10RIR, I'm walking away with like 1-3 RIR even though I'm adding weight as I warm up
I usually take the genetics argument with a grain of salt because I think a lot of people fail to even come close to natural potential before blaming genetics for shortcomings but I've lifted long enough now that I do think there is something in my blood that tends to favor volume over 1rm. I don't know many people who can usually 10rep so closely to their 1rm as me (Bench being probably the one outlier where my 10 rep would often match a calculators 1rm estimation). Hell, I think I was 10 repping like 295 when I could only squat 315 or something like that.
Facts, I can not use my 10 rep max to get any idea of max, it shows a lower max for me, a 5 rep max is a lot closer for me. Plus a lot of time there a neural factors going on as well. If you have been training in the 8-15 range for while it will probably inflate your expected max over what your CNS can actually provide without some heavy lifting prep for the CNS. Then add in muscle fiber type and propensity and we can only go off of generalizations as a starting point and adjust from there.Good example of why people should never trust rep calculators without actually testing maxes and seeing how things actually correlate for them.
FWIW I have sniffles atm and just sneezed so hard I thought my pec was going to pop off afterwards lol.Well, sick again. Every 6 months like clockwork, I get the same illness like Covid-light. Haven’t had any other cold or flu since Covid started![]()
Congratulations brother, that is really awesome!!! Are you gong to keep this moving until you are happy with your look or do you have a set weight. I think I remember you saying 200. Just curious now that you are close if you have thought about extending to get to exactly where you want to. or call it a day at 200? Ride the momentum while it is high so to speak. I don't really know what your true physique goals are, or where you are now compared to that. So just curious what your current mindset is with being so successful and locked in right now.Weight: 209.2
New low! 3 year low I think.
Cold/covid-lite is kicking my butt. Mild body aches, fatigue and nasal stuff left, but slept hard for 9 hours last night!
I’ll resume workouts when the body aches and fatigue are gone.
The plan is to hit 200lb and reassess. As of this point, I am not at all satisfied with what I’ve achieved in the mirror. I believe it was @Smont or @Hyde that said, if you think you need to lose 20 to achieve your physique goals, it’s probably closer to 30-40 pounds. That’s proving to be true.Congratulations brother, that is really awesome!!! Are you gong to keep this moving until you are happy with your look or do you have a set weight. I think I remember you saying 200. Just curious now that you are close if you have thought about extending to get to exactly where you want to. or call it a day at 200? Ride the momentum while it is high so to speak. I don't really know what your true physique goals are, or where you are now compared to that. So just curious what your current mindset is with being so successful and locked in right now.
It’s definitely bad in powerlifting, because muscle really does make you look so much better with much higher bodyfat. So guys think if they just dropped 20lbs they would have some abs, but the truth is looking decent at 25% bodyfat because of all the beef doesn’t change there’s still an actual 10% bf that needs to drop before abs start showing up. Like you’re going to need to drop more than one full weightclass typically.Probably me. I had quite a few cuts like that. Where I thought I needed to lose 15 lb to have a six pack and it ended up being 40 lol
Something like 2-3 hard straight sets for you to continue warming up then say a double drop set, or a double rest pause on the last and possibly 2nd to last set.
here you have 5 sets for delts in a very short time period
on't have a lot of muscular endurance, my natural gift is being extremely explosive. Unfortunately that often does not carry over to tons of muscular endurance. It takes less volume for me to blow myself out, especially in a higher intensity set. My type 2 fibers cash out quickly and start taxing my type 1 fibers a lot more quickly. My reps don't typically slow down until I am failing. So for me finding a 0-3 RIR is a bit challenging and very easy to overshoot that target. Sometimes the weight suddenly just stops moving halfway up and I am cashed out. That is what I was referring to as far as where genetics come in, not so much reaching genetic potential.
always true and we're all guilty of it! congrats on the progress either way though dude. You've come a long ways!if you think you need to lose 20 to achieve your physique goals, it’s probably closer to 30-40 pounds. That’s proving to be true.
IMO that's such a big accomplishment for those of us that run the mon-fri 9 to 5 life. coming in light on a Monday shows you didn't over enjoy the weekend lolWeight: 209.0
Starting the week off with a new low instead of carbed up from a cheat meal.
Thanks. Yeah, had 1 meal at Longhorn steakhouse and it’s easy to track calories there.IMO that's such a big accomplishment for those of us that run the mon-fri 9 to 5 life. coming in light on a Monday shows you didn't over enjoy the weekend lol
Swap Legpress and Deadlift.Weight: 209.0
Starting the week off with a new low instead of carbed up from a cheat meal. The Covid-lite slowed me down a little last week, but still did push Friday and pull Saturday.
I’ll be back in for push later. Plan for this week:
Monday: DB Bench, Machine OHP, Safety Squat, Upright Row, Pressdowns
Tuesday: NG Pull-up, RDLs, High Cable Row, BB Shrugs, Curls
Thursday: Standing BB OHP, Dips, Leg Press, Lateral Raise, Skullcrushers
Friday: BB Row, Deadlift, Pull-up (maybe), BB Shrugs, Curls
Thoughts @Hyde @MrKleen73 ?
I’m kind of just trying to maintain everything being that I’m still trying to cut weight, but yeah, depending on recovery I’ll prolly add a little more chest work somewhere. My recovery is getting worse further into the cut.I love the focus on pulling over pushing here. This will help combat upper cross syndrome. That being said, unless you are just maintaining chest you might want to add another stimulation point here. Even if just a few sets of flies. I second @Hyde's suggestion to swap the deads and leg press. Fresh for Deads for best results, and leg press is just extra tension and volume for growth you don't have to be fresh, just able to work hard.
Well, that’s entirely fair. Just don’t be surprised if your quads and lats are a little sore when doing it. Might not be too bad at all.I’m kind of just trying to maintain everything being that I’m still trying to cut weight, but yeah, depending on recovery I’ll prolly add a little more chest work somewhere. My recovery is getting worse further into the cut.
DL is taking a backseat for now which is why it’s after rows and the day after leg press. I really just don’t care much about it at this point.
I need to mentally get over training through soreness. I learned when I was very young “let muscles recover before hitting them again”, but soreness doesn’t really mean “unrecovered”, does it?Well, that’s entirely fair. Just don’t be surprised if your quads and lats are a little sore when doing it. Might not be too bad at all.
Interesting. I pushed through OHP, dips and leg press with the same sore muscles today. Still a productive workout though. My standing OHP got weak thoughsomething is sore every day imo, lol. its warm up sets that get me able to lift... the difference between too sore to lift and needing to warm up more, for me, is how my body talks to me as I work through my warm-ups.
Yesterday for instance, I cut volume substantially because even as I worked to my top set it was no bueno but that's unusual. I'm always sore on the first set. thats why I do a fair volume at say 95lbs on bench. 20 reps very slowly, at various depths and rom loosen up my elbows and shoulders. Same with squats, it takes me somewhere between 95-185 before I'm squatting 100% pain free. I do assisted air squats every session, working myself into position etc but by the end of the session I could be doing long jumps.
basically every session starts with some level of stiffness/soreness and 99% of my sessions end with zero other than like general legs day hobbling lol
That's debatable. Mild soreness, no issue as long as you do get a chance to recover completely at some point before the next time you work it. Soreness that affects your ability to contract the muscle due to inhibition is a completely different story. I used to use the feel test when I was sore and it was time to train that boy part again. Say if it was chest, I know how hard my chest is typically when it is recovered / not too sore. So before i trained again I would flex my pec and press in on it. If it didn't flex hard and get hard I knew it was not time to train yet. However, if it was still sore, but able to contract rock hard anyway, it was okay to train. It worked well for me.I need to mentally get over training through soreness. I learned when I was very young “let muscles recover before hitting them again”, but soreness doesn’t really mean “unrecovered”, does it?
Kind of. That’s why I said to do deadlifts first. They do not toast my quads, so I can Legpress hard the next day on my accessories no issue. If you follow my log, you’ll see that this Tuesday & Wednesday.I need to mentally get over training through soreness. I learned when I was very young “let muscles recover before hitting them again”, but soreness doesn’t really mean “unrecovered”, does it?
Romanian DL is on Tuesday, and it’s not that I don’t care…it’s just taking the back seat while I increase quad strength which has dramatically disintegrated.Kind of. That’s why I said to do deadlifts first. They do not toast my quads, so I can Legpress hard the next day on my accessories no issue. If you follow my log, you’ll see that this Tuesday & Wednesday.
However, if I Legpressed first, my deadlift starting power would suck eggs due to the sore quads Legpress gave me from more direct stimulation.
If you don’t want to do that because you don’t care about deadlift, that’s fine. But then it begs why you’re even doing anything you don’t care to put effort into - why not stiff-leg deadlifts then, a more pure accessory that takes the quad out of it entirely?
Well, I don’t want to lose proficiency in the DL either. And I’m usually rekt after DL day, which if it’s a day before another workout then it ruins that workout.Agreed, if you don't really care about the dead lift for now, it requires a fugton of recovery, both muscular and CNS. So if you are not valuing it right now, I would definitely replace it. It takes to much recovery ability away from you to be doing them just because you feel you need to. No need if you aren't trying to build your deadlift, that energy can be spent on things you do want to improve right now.
That makes sense. I’ll implement the “hard flex test” too. It just doesn’t make sense that 4 x 6 x 75’s on flat DB press left me still sore for 72 hours…did nothing else for chest. So at some level, I think maybe that’s been holding me back (waiting too long to train again).That's debatable. Mild soreness, no issue as long as you do get a chance to recover completely at some point before the next time you work it. Soreness that affects your ability to contract the muscle due to inhibition is a completely different story. I used to use the feel test when I was sore and it was time to train that boy part again. Say if it was chest, I know how hard my chest is typically when it is recovered / not too sore. So before i trained again I would flex my pec and press in on it. If it didn't flex hard and get hard I knew it was not time to train yet. However, if it was still sore, but able to contract rock hard anyway, it was okay to train. It worked well for me.
@Dustin07 it sounds like you are referring to joint stiffness and pain as opposed to DOMS. Not sure if that is the case, but that is a bit different if so. When discussing recovery the way I THINK Green meant it was, is the muscle recovered. Getting the joints warm and lubed up is going to be something you work through and into, but DOMS is almost definitely proof you are not fully recovered from the last session. Whether that is enough to be digging yourself a bigger hole to climb out of, or something you can get completely recovered before the next session is key. You don't want to continuously repeat this over, and over or it will accumulate over time. However in a situation where one day is a heavy day, and the following session is higher reps, pump, and blood flow work it is not going to be too bad. If it is another grueling session, then it might be best to push it a day or two.
@Dustin07 it sounds like you are referring to joint stiffness and pain as opposed to DOMS. Not sure if that is the case, but that is a bit different if so.
Romanian DL is on Tuesday, and it’s not that I don’t care…it’s just taking the back seat while I increase quad strength which has dramatically disintegrated.
What until you get in your 50’s. Your warm up time will increase quite a bit. Takes me the longest to get my legs primed for squats. Bench work is about as bad. I do a lot of warm up exercises with a band to get the blood flowing good before I ever touch a bar.something is sore every day imo, lol. its warm up sets that get me able to lift... the difference between too sore to lift and needing to warm up more, for me, is how my body talks to me as I work through my warm-ups.
Yesterday for instance, I cut volume substantially because even as I worked to my top set it was no bueno but that's unusual. I'm always sore on the first set. thats why I do a fair volume at say 95lbs on bench. 20 reps very slowly, at various depths and rom loosen up my elbows and shoulders. Same with squats, it takes me somewhere between 95-185 before I'm squatting 100% pain free. I do assisted air squats every session, working myself into position etc but by the end of the session I could be doing long jumps.
basically every session starts with some level of stiffness/soreness and 99% of my sessions end with zero other than like general legs day hobbling lol
They’re different, but the main point for both is hamstring/posterior chain, right?Well RDL and SLDL are different. But if quads are a priority, do you have access to a Trapbar? I feel like that’s great for quads, while being easier to recover from than deadlift despite the same or higher loads.
They’re different, but the main point for both is hamstring/posterior chain, right?
Trap bar is an interesting. So would that look like:
Mon: Safety Squat
Tuesday: RDL
Thursday or Friday: Trapbar, Leg Curl
Then like this week I’m in currently:
Mon: Safety Squat
Tuesday: RDL
Thursday: Leg Press
Saturday: Traditional DL
I would do the first workout when I can’t workout Saturday and it has to be Thursday/Friday.
Thoughts?
Well, I’ve really enjoyed this week’s workouts so far. They’re don’t take too long and the reduced volume per body part has been nice. I’m leaving the gym feeling good, not destroyed. We’ll see what Saturday holds in store though…They both hit both, but I view RDL as hamstring-dominant, while SLDL is erector-dominant. They do not leave you feeling the same at all, and RDLs tend to be better with higher reps to prevent injury while the inverse is true for SLDL.
I think whatever makes sense to you, for you, is probably what you should do. Having buy-in/belief in what you’re doing is big for putting in the work and getting something out of it. The Trapbar was just something that popped into my head.