Ivan Putski’s Anthems, Anecdotes, and Undeniable Truths of Garage Gym Lifting

Gordon_Bennet said:
Interested to know if you time your rest periods on these sets?
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Initially I was, 1min for a non-compound moment, 1:30 for a lat pull-down or bench and 2 min for a squat or a bent over row. Then the summer came and I work outside all day and this was not feasible. Watched a lot of Mike Israetel vids and he basically says to wait until you are good to go at max effort again. So it varies from single joint to compound joint movement, but no, I do not time my rest. It is more instinctual.
 
PolishHamm3r77 said:
Initially I was, 1min for a non-compound moment, 1:30 for a lat pull-down or bench and 2 min for a squat or a bent over row. Then the summer came and I work outside all day and this was not feasible. Watched a lot of Mike Israetel vids and he basically says to wait until you are good to go at max effort again. So it varies from single joint to compound joint movement, but no, I do not time my rest. It is more instinctual.
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This is what Swede was advising me for his hypertrophy work we did the other day - since everything is basically only a couple work sets per exercise, all of the volume needs to be sufficiently high effort to get a sufficient stimulus from that. So rest enough to be ready. Plus, you aren’t doing a ton of sets per workout, so even with a bit more rest the total length isn’t unreasonable.

But if you have 20 sets of accessories, every 30 seconds added/resr even is another 10 minutes of cortisol exposure over the workout. So you gotta keep it moving.
 
Those were my thoughts also. I’m not turning a 1.5 hr into a 3hr workout by resting more. The lower set counts allow me to take my time and give max effort for each set. Now if I was gliding some high intensity interval training that would be a diff story.
I wanna mimic his facial hair. I’m sporting a big beard. I think keeping the goat long and trimming the sides is almost a face mullet. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

His breathing sounds labored on videos. Is that the mic placement or did u notice it IRL?
 
PolishHamm3r77 said:
Those were my thoughts also. I’m not turning a 1.5 hr into a 3hr workout by resting more. The lower set counts allow me to take my time and give max effort for each set. Now if I was gliding some high intensity interval training that would be a diff story.
I wanna mimic his facial hair. I’m sporting a big beard. I think keeping the goat long and trimming the sides is almost a face mullet. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

His breathing sounds labored on videos. Is that the mic placement or did u notice it IRL?
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It’s funny you say that; before we started he was asking the production guy about the mic - he said people were saying all this stuff about his breathing being so heavy! “I’m thinking, Man I don’t think I sound like that in real life!” And he doesn’t. Even after he said that, I never noticed it.

He is a big dude; I mean a very big frame at probably 6’-6’1” with lots of muscle. He stepped on the scale next to me and weighed 278 in pants & boots, and he’s obviously lean/in decent shape.
 
Hyde said:
It’s funny you say that; before we started he was asking the production guy about the mic - he said people were saying all this stuff about his breathing being so heavy! “I’m thinking, Man I don’t think I sound like that in real life!” And he doesn’t. Even after he said that, I never noticed it.

He is a big dude; I mean a very big frame at probably 6’-6’1” with lots of muscle. He stepped on the scale next to me and weighed 278 in pants & boots, and he’s obviously lean/in decent shape.
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crazy how sometimes videos don’t do one’s size justice. 278 dressed being lean is IMPRESSIVE!!!
 
8.17.24

3 RIR WEEK

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Trying a new PWO, grabbed Chaos and Pain’s Cannibal Permaswole. It is a stim-free PWO. Trying to cut back on some of my caffeine intake. Doing this should be a 250-300mg cut in caffeine.
I am running this Meso again but made some tweaks to the “Day 1” routine. Something I do is bugging my right shoulder. Been dealing w this on and off for a while. I think it’s the SUPER ROM lateral raises. I pulled those and threw seated db presses back in the mix. I hadn’t done the db press in over 20wks. Right shoulder still isn’t happy but less pissed. Starting w 60’s right off the rip might have been a little overzealous.

Incline bench was nice. They bug the shoulder a bit but I’m not at the point of admitting I should only be doing db pressing and not bar pressing.
Bumped the db flys 5lb’s didn’t get the rep count I wanted but I jumped into 1st set too soon after barbell incline. Second set felt better

Shoulder db pressing 60’s x 10 for 3 sets. I find that rotating toward a neutral grip at bottom of the lift lets me go deeper w out joint pain. I still loath kicking these up

went up 5lb on db upright rows, again jumped in too soon after pressing and first set lagged. Cleared that up by set 3

Bent over rows were a grind. I’m a bit fatigued by the last exercise. The last 5 reps were done via will not strength. These were supposed to be 3 RIR but I threw that out the window.

Back and front delts already feeling the DOMs 13hrs post workout.
 
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Getting the DBs up for seated shoulder press is awful - even when you know exactly what to do, you’re never 100% sure it’s going to work out correctly.
 
Hyde said:
Getting the DBs up for seated shoulder press is awful - even when you know exactly what to do, you’re never 100% sure it’s going to work out correctly.
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Neck/trap area or lower back have gone out on me kicking them up. It goes really good or a train wreck.
 
8.18.24

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Squats moved nice for working sets. I’m getting in my own head and overthinking things. For some reason on warmups I was leaning forward and into my toes. Almost like going through the squat and into a calf raise. Heels left the floor a couple times. Had to drop down into the bucket and hang out at full stretch and focus on not leaning forward. It was almost like I had a couple 2.5lb plates under my heels. So I took the stilettos off and went barefoot. (Everything but the last sentence is factual)

Good Effin Mornings felt soooo good and lower back and sciatic nerves called out sick so I bumped working weight up 10 lbs and snuck another set. Still feelin good as I type this. Hammies know what’s up w the DOM’s

Db skull crushers went up 5lb. 30’s to 35’s felt a lot heavier but I did add an additional pressing movement the day b4 so could be attributed to that. I let the db’s touch my eyebrows, pause and fire straight up. It prob looks more like a db JM press. Right tri felt a little wonky in the 4 ct w the working weight but did a few deep stretches and was GTG for the 2 working sets

Subbed incline db curls for the standing db curls. I was sick of them. I think I get a better stretch at the bottom of the movement on these. Pump was nice!!!

I need to bump up the weight on calf raises. 30 ct w 70lb went smooth. But if I can add more, why not?
 
PolishHamm3r77 said:
8.18.24

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Squats moved nice for working sets. I’m getting in my own head and overthinking things. For some reason on warmups I was leaning forward and into my toes. Almost like going through the squat and into a calf raise. Heels left the floor a couple times. Had to drop down into the bucket and hang out at full stretch and focus on not leaning forward. It was almost like I had a couple 2.5lb plates under my heels. So I took the stilettos off and went barefoot. (Everything but the last sentence is factual)

Good Effin Mornings felt soooo good and lower back and sciatic nerves called out sick so I bumped working weight up 10 lbs and snuck another set. Still feelin good as I type this. Hammies know what’s up w the DOM’s

Db skull crushers went up 5lb. 30’s to 35’s felt a lot heavier but I did add an additional pressing movement the day b4 so could be attributed to that. I let the db’s touch my eyebrows, pause and fire straight up. It prob looks more like a db JM press. Right tri felt a little wonky in the 4 ct w the working weight but did a few deep stretches and was GTG for the 2 working sets

Subbed incline db curls for the standing db curls. I was sick of them. I think I get a better stretch at the bottom of the movement on these. Pump was nice!!!

I need to bump up the weight on calf raises. 30 ct w 70lb went smooth. But if I can add more, why not?
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I hear you on the leaning forward front, I feel that when I use leg press, hard to drive through the heels sometimes, ends up on the balls of my feet. Did you start using SARMs? Im sure you said you were looking at starting a cycle on something.
 
Gordon_Bennet said:
I hear you on the leaning forward front, I feel that when I use leg press, hard to drive through the heels sometimes, ends up on the balls of my feet. Did you start using SARMs? Im sure you said you were looking at starting a cycle on something.
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Yes, currently using Rad 150 @ 20mg/day. Noticeable diff in physical appearance. Strength increases and great pumps
 
PolishHamm3r77 said:
8.18.24

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Squats moved nice for working sets. I’m getting in my own head and overthinking things. For some reason on warmups I was leaning forward and into my toes. Almost like going through the squat and into a calf raise. Heels left the floor a couple times. Had to drop down into the bucket and hang out at full stretch and focus on not leaning forward. It was almost like I had a couple 2.5lb plates under my heels. So I took the stilettos off and went barefoot. (Everything but the last sentence is factual)

Good Effin Mornings felt soooo good and lower back and sciatic nerves called out sick so I bumped working weight up 10 lbs and snuck another set. Still feelin good as I type this. Hammies know what’s up w the DOM’s

Db skull crushers went up 5lb. 30’s to 35’s felt a lot heavier but I did add an additional pressing movement the day b4 so could be attributed to that. I let the db’s touch my eyebrows, pause and fire straight up. It prob looks more like a db JM press. Right tri felt a little wonky in the 4 ct w the working weight but did a few deep stretches and was GTG for the 2 working sets

Subbed incline db curls for the standing db curls. I was sick of them. I think I get a better stretch at the bottom of the movement on these. Pump was nice!!!

I need to bump up the weight on calf raises. 30 ct w 70lb went smooth. But if I can add more, why not?
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Nice session! On the squats sometimes I have to make sure I got the bar down low and really focus on bracing lats tight as a nut cross threaded with a 1/2 impact tight. Keep your head up big breath into the belly and go. If I don’t I lean forward every damn time.
 
akboom87 said:
Nice session! On the squats sometimes I have to make sure I got the bar down low and really focus on bracing lats tight as a nut cross threaded with a 1/2 impact tight. Keep your head up big breath into the belly and go. If I don’t I lean forward every damn time.
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Squats to me are like working on electrical w/out cutting power at the panel. So much can go wrong if you don’t execute properly. I am doing these “high bar” it sits above my traps at base of neck. I really want to add weight to these as my bench is stronger than my squat. I actually had to say out loud, “chest up, chin up, look up” a few times. Arguing w myself in the mirror. Thank god I lift alone in my garage. I’d scare The Broccoli Boys at the local gym. 🤣🤣🤣🥦🥦🥦
 
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PolishHamm3r77 said:
Squats to me are like working on electrical w/out cutting power at the panel. So much can go wrong if you don’t execute properly. I am doing these “high bar” don’t sits above my traps at base of neck. I really want to add weight to these as my bench is stronger than my squat. I actually had to say out loud, “chest up, chin up, look up” a few times. Arguing w myself in the mirror. Thank god I lift alone in my garage. I’d scare The Broccoli Boys at the local gym. 🤣🤣🤣🥦🥦🥦
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Ahh I didn’t catch it was high bar! They would run so fast they would leave there crocs behind!
I suck at squats as well 😂
 
akboom87 said:
Ahh I didn’t catch it was high bar! They would run so fast they would leave there crocs behind!
I suck at squats as well 😂
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I use to be so much stronger on squats. Yes it was 20yrs ago but all the “excuses” I have were all factors back then. Winter of 98 I banged up my right knee snowboarding, 1st degree tare on ACL and MCL w torn meniscus, no surgery. 2 months later, broken left ankle, 8 screws and a 5 hole plate. 6yrs later squatting 315 for sets. Could be a lack of testicular fortitude.
 
PolishHamm3r77 said:
Initially I was, 1min for a non-compound moment, 1:30 for a lat pull-down or bench and 2 min for a squat or a bent over row. Then the summer came and I work outside all day and this was not feasible. Watched a lot of Mike Israetel vids and he basically says to wait until you are good to go at max effort again. So it varies from single joint to compound joint movement, but no, I do not time my rest. It is more instinctual.
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He recentlu did a podcast with Eric Helms I think and they were discussing the new science that says shorter rest periods were better for hypertrophy within in reason obviously. That even though you may get more total reps, or more weight from a longer rest period it is more beneficial to get the additional growth factors that result from shorter rest periods.
 
Keep your chest up on the decent and think about driving your neck back into the bar as your first cue when you go to reverse up out of the hole.

You have to stay upright on the way down AND the way up, and you will lose that position at the very start of the ascent if you do not actively drive the neck back to hold it.

Drive the neck back so the legs can do their job.
 
Hyde said:
Keep your chest up on the decent and think about driving your neck back into the bar as your first cue when you go to reverse up out of the hole.

You have to stay upright on the way down AND the way up, and you will lose that position at the very start of the ascent if you do not actively drive the neck back to hold it.

Drive the neck back so the legs can do their job.
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I will try these cues next squat day. As always, thank you!!!
 
8.19.24

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Pull ups and pull downs went well. Not gaining any ground on pull ups rep count wise. I can fire them off quicker w better form so at least becoming more proficient at the exercise. I don’t feel the pump until I hit the pulldowns. Still doesn’t hit as good as rev grip pulldowns but not a loss

Flat barbell bench…. At the advice of Mr @Hyde I went up 20lb on bench. Hadn’t pressed 245 since 2004. Admittedly nervous, put the safety bars into the power rack and fortunately My AMAZING WIFE had the day off and I summoned her to spot me. hrew Disturbed’s DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS on and let ‘er rip tater chip!!! No lift off and she didn’t touch the bar at all. 2 sets of 8 at 245 touch n go from chest. Not bad for a Monday! This is a PR for me I had only repped 245 for 6.

Incline db presses were a PR also at 20 and 19 reps w the 70’s. I don’t converge much on these. Pretty much straight up and down. Chest was THROBBIN after these!!!

And smoked my delts like a brisket w upright rows. Pump was BIBLICAL

-AMEN
 
PolishHamm3r77 said:
8.19.24

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Pull ups and pull downs went well. Not gaining any ground on pull ups rep count wise. I can fire them off quicker w better form so at least becoming more proficient at the exercise. I don’t feel the pump until I hit the pulldowns. Still doesn’t hit as good as rev grip pulldowns but not a loss

Flat barbell bench…. At the advice of Mr @Hyde I went up 20lb on bench. Hadn’t pressed 245 since 2004. Admittedly nervous, put the safety bars into the power rack and fortunately My AMAZING WIFE had the day off and I summoned her to spot me. hrew Disturbed’s DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS on and let ‘er rip tater chip!!! No lift off and she didn’t touch the bar at all. 2 sets of 8 at 245 touch n go from chest. Not bad for a Monday! This is a PR for me I had only repped 245 for 6.

Incline db presses were a PR also at 20 and 19 reps w the 70’s. I don’t converge much on these. Pretty much straight up and down. Chest was THROBBIN after these!!!

And smoked my delts like a brisket w upright rows. Pump was BIBLICAL

-AMEN
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Awesome congrats Man good numbers!
 
8.21.24

Lost my Mom today, Boys. She passed at 8:30 this am. She battled w alcoholism my entire life until she moved in w My Wife and Daughter in 2015 and we got her sober. This was 4yrs after My Dad had passed in 2011. She had seemed “off” since mid 2000’s but we all attributed this to her drinking. My father had kept her dementia from us as to not burden our family. Louie Body Dementia to be exact. A few yrs back I came to the realization that I could not sufficiently care for the woman who had cared for me my entire childhood. I know that I was not always the best son. And I know the she always did what she thought was best for me.
I will love you and miss you always Mum!!!

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Man, that’s heavy stuff. I’m very sorry to hear about her passing; it’s honestly getting me misty just reading this. I’m glad you shared that with us, your love & appreciation for her.

Wishing you peace as you grieve; let the thoughts & emotions run their course as you process it all over time. We’re all here for you brother.
 
Hyde said:
Man, that’s heavy stuff. I’m very sorry to hear about her passing; it’s honestly getting me misty just reading this. I’m glad you shared that with us, your love & appreciation for her.

Wishing you peace as you grieve; let the thoughts & emotions run their course as you process it all over time. We’re all here for you brother.
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Thanks @Hyde. Much appreciated. Basically numb right now. The emotions are coming in and out like waves. Now she is at peace and no longer trapped in her own mind. She can now rest.
 
So sorry to hear this. Losing a parent is definitely tough, no matter the situation or relationship you may have had. It's always interesting that their generation felt like they had to unburden us by keeping certain things under wraps. In some ways, I can appreciate it, but sometimes that surprise drops and it's definitely a doozy. Wishing you and your family peace during this time...
 
Man, I hate to hear that but sounds like she is at more peace now. Hoping you can find peace in your time of mourning Brother. Let us know if you need to just talk to someone. I am sure most of us would make ourselves available, I know I would.
 
MrKleen73 said:
Man, I hate to hear that but sounds like she is at more peace now. Hoping you can find peace in your time of mourning Brother. Let us know if you need to just talk to someone. I am sure most of us would make ourselves available, I know I would.
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Thank you!!!🙏. Much appreciated Kleen!!! Thanks Brother
 
PolishHamm3r77 said:
Thank you!!!🙏. Much appreciated Kleen!!! Thanks Brother
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It was only 4 years ago I lost my father during COVID, and it was a crushing experience. I still remember that feeling. I truly feel for you and mean it if you need to talk reach out.
 
8.25.24

This is my “Saturday routine” on a Sunday. My Mother’s wake and service was yest so things got bumped a day.

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Fellas, this was a RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE!!! I have never had such and EMOTIONAL lift session.

Yest left a mark. It started Thursday when I get a call from a funeral home w the Director saying “your aunts and uncles are all here planning your mother‘s funeral. I need you to authorize the release of the body from the hospital and her cremation.”
I did not ask them to do any of this. When I did try to speak of funeral arrangements the day before, my aunt told me I was getting ahead of myself and to take a day to grieve and we would deal with it Friday. I do not speak to the majority of my mother’s side of the family since 2011 when my father passed. The vultures were circling and everyone had their hand out. Certain family members stole tens of thousands of dollars from my mother. The same family member was also brought up on ethics laws violations, as they are an elected city official in a neighboring town. The ethics laws violation surfaced shortly after the funds were returned to my mother. We can all guess where she got the money to repay my mother. Fast forward to 2017. They didn’t agree with the decision to put my mother in the nursing home, but offered no help either. Do as I say not as I do.
My mother never cared for my wife as I am the only child and she is “the whore that got knocked up and took her baby boy away”. Several of my aunts, cornered my wife to the point that she was in tears and had to leave the wake. My daughter and I stayed. I stood there chin up with my head held high, knowing that I made all the right decisions that no one else would make. Then, one of the aunts who cornered my wife has the audacity to give a speech saying that we should all “throw down our swords as life is short“ She is clearly the spawn of Satan and should practice what she preaches. There is a SPECIAL SPOT IN HELL for her.

A lot to unpack there! Sorry for venting. Needed to get that out.

today’s workout music provided by…….
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That is a lot to unpack. Hopefully you and the family are doing well man.

On the other note looked like a incredible session!💪🏻💪🏻
 
You know what they say - heavy is the head who wears the crown.

To be a leader is to make decisions and act when nobody else can, will, or is as qualified. Be proud of that, choosing to act when others won’t. Your mother would be proud you grew up to be a man with the stones to do so.
 
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Hyde said:
You know what they say - heavy in the head who wears the crown.

To be a leader is to make decisions and act when nobody else can, will, or is as qualified. Be proud of that, choosing to act when others won’t. Your mother would be proud you grew up to be a man with the stones to do so.
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Thank you for that!!!
@Hyde has me misty before 7a.m.🤣. Or maybe I’m just not looking forward to cardio this a.m.
 
Always interesting how sometimes "family" is the hardest to deal with. I try to remember to "turn the other cheek" as they say and kill 'em with kindness. Stay strong brother!
 
Ugh, you can’t choose your family, but you can basically block the ones that are awful. They can’t all be winners lol
 
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