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My Once and Future Strength Part I: Omega T-Force

Thank you Bob!

Well, I've just finished laying out my own "whole foods" antioxidant mix. Bearing in mind that the highest ORAC value that I have seen on the market is ~5000, I am pretty excited, because my blend (by my calculations) will afford about 9400 ORAC per ~4g serving. I just have to buy a capping kit, cuz' you would not want to taste this stuff.

Doing price checking currently, but should be freaking cheap too.
 
Resolve,

Can you provide details/sources/prices for your anti-ox formulation?

I am looking for a killer fuit-based anti-ox.
 
Day 6

T-Force: I was a machine in the gym today. I felt amazing - incredibly stoked to be there lifting and with a definite hunger to keep pushing myself harder and harder. Can't describe it as an Alphamale feeling, as I really didn't care about being bigger or stronger than the guys around me - I just wanted to keep hitting heavier numbers and more reps. I felt fully recovered going into to today's workout, which isn't surprising but still a positive thing. There is no other word for how I felt than lust - I had a sincere lust for the iron. I may need therapy.

The Workout: 5x6 Progressive Loading

Seated Military (Back-Less): 135, 145, 155; 165x3+3, 165x4+2
SS'd w/Weighted Wide-Grip Pull-Ups: BW+25, +35, +45, +50, +60

Heel-Raised Front Squats: 135, 185, 225, 245, 245
Seated Calf Raises: 190 for 5sets

Incline DB Flies: 50 for 5sets w/3sec ecc and 1sec squeeze
SS'd w/Lying Cable Row Curls: 80 for 5sets and 3sec ecc

I knew my military was going to suck going into this, so I wasn't too disappointed. Given how long my arms are (I have to have 39" sleeves custom tailored for my suits), it takes a lot of torque to lift a load over my head. That, however, is no excuse for weak shoulders, hence my focus on bringing this particular lift up. Overhead movements are also fantastic for the large amount of tension they create in your abs, another area I need to strengthen, so I was killing two birds with one stone.
However, by the time I got to front squats, both my shoulders and core were pretty shot. That is one disadvantage to doing full-body workouts. While I love 'em, they are certainly not perfect.
My wide-grip pull-ups rocked! When I blew my oblique I was doing wide-grips with +70lb for 5reps and really struggling with that weight (hence the tearing of my oblique). +60 for 6 today felt light and fluid - I cranked out those reps no prob, and pain free! Thank God for progress. :D
 
2 Girls 1 ORAC

Not following you on this one, dude - you saying ORAC values are crap? Or the cup into which crap is dispensed? :p

Resolve,

Can you provide details/sources/prices for your anti-ox formulation?

I am looking for a killer fuit-based anti-ox.

Don't have sources or prices yet, still working on that.

Details: A conglomeration of herbs, maybe seaweeds (undecided, but chlorella and spirulina are just cool) and a couple of factors to increase bioavailability and absorption.

I didn't go for fruit extracts because I realized there are other substances whose phytonutrients are just as beneficial (and some even identical) and dosed way more liberally per gram of extract.
 
Not following you on this one, dude - you saying ORAC values are crap? Or the cup into which crap is dispensed? :p

.

I was making that comment in reference to your stating that ORAC has a nasty taste, that's all.

It's an old YouTube phenomenon that had long been removed. The title was 2Girls1Cup, where one girl pooped in a cup, the other girl ate the poop, then threw it up into the mouth of the girl who pooped. Quit nasty.

Now they only show videos of people reacting to said video. This is hilarious.


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SsUTLAhbWE&NR=1&feature=fvwp"]YouTube - 2 girls 1 cup Grandma reaction! Grandma Marlene.[/ame]
 
Yeah, I know about 2girls1cup, unfortunately. That's how I made the connection between ORAC and crap. I see what mean now - yeah, this antiox would definitely taste something along those lines. :)

Our quasi-discussion about box squats refreshed the superior strength aspect to the front of my thoughts, so I reinvigorated the use of box squats in a particular strength athlete's leg routine this morning (and weeks to come).

Truth be told, I wouldn't have done so had this whole box squat thing on your log didn't catch my inquiry, which got me freshly pondering over the idea and lead into it's implementation.
 
glad things are going well brother, im testing this too! woohoo let the fun begin and never stop
 
Thank you, Custom.

Rolling into the end of week one. What're my thought so far?
- Major elevation in mood and decrease in stress. It's my first week of graduate level classes and nothing hasa phased me, even though I'm studying incessantly.
- Some libido increase. It's pretty high as is, so it's a little hard to judge when it rises, but it's definitely up there. Not quite as intense as T-911 can be (where inaminate objects begin to flirt with you; stupid slutty light sockets ;)), but enjoyable none-the-less.
- Too soon to record any strength increases, but so far, I'm feeling spectacular in the gym.
 
Thank you, Custom.

Rolling into the end of week one. What're my thought so far?
- Major elevation in mood and decrease in stress. It's my first week of graduate level classes and nothing hasa phased me, even though I'm studying incessantly.
- Some libido increase. It's pretty high as is, so it's a little hard to judge when it rises, but it's definitely up there. Not quite as intense as T-911 can be (where inaminate objects begin to flirt with you; stupid slutty light sockets ;)), but enjoyable none-the-less.
- Too soon to record any strength increases, but so far, I'm feeling spectacular in the gym.

sounds good, you are here to log and look pretty ill do the PRs deal?
 
sounds good, you are here to log and look pretty ill do the PRs deal?

Pffft, me? Look pretty? Maybe a few years back, in my high school days, but I ain't no pretty boy no mo'. I think 'rugged' would be the kindest way I could realistically describe myself. Sasquatch-esque would be another...

But you go totally set those PRs! In the meantime, I'll be right here, working my way back up to the big leagues and real weights.
 
Pffft, me? Look pretty? Maybe a few years back, in my high school days, but I ain't no pretty boy no mo'. I think 'rugged' would be the kindest way I could realistically describe myself. Sasquatch-esque would be another...

But you go totally set those PRs! In the meantime, I'll be right here, working my way back up to the big leagues and real weights.

your working your way back up is goshdarn impressive im beyond jealous hah, ill be scared if you come close to closing in on your PRs
 
Days 7 and 8

So, yesterday the internet in my apartment went kapoot. I was unable to do any real studying (as my reading materials are mainly online), nor to update this log. Right now, I'm sitting in the library at the university, using their bandwidth to bring you all this post. Hurrah for open access networks!

Yesterday and today I have just not been able to get enough sleep. I'm exhausted and I'm not sure why. Possibly the intensity of the week has caught up with me; possibly I'm not eating enough; possibly T-Force is enduing some lethargy. But I doubt this last possibility, as it seems that would have kicked in sooner if it were T-Force.

BW has had to work when I have to lift for the last two days, so I've had no training partner, which sucks. It's amazing how much psychological help it is to know that someone's got your back in case you miss a lift. Can make all the difference for me between setting a PR and pinning myself to the floor. I look forward to when I'll have her in the gym with me again.

Weight Update: One week in and I weight exactly 240 still. I was surprised - I'm eating for weight maintenance right now, but it's not uncommon for my weight to fluctuate up to 5lbs from day to day - more if I'm bulking.

Yesterday's Workout 40reps total 12rm

Sumo Deads: 355 x10, x9, x8, x8, x6 = 41reps

HS Incline Press: 100 per side x10, x10, x10, x8+2
ss'd w/DB Upright Rows: 70 x10, x10, x10, x6, x4

Leg Press: 210 for 4x30

Volcom Curls :D (Reverse Fat-Bar Curls): 55 for 4x10 w/3sec ecc
Rope Tri Ext: 90 for 4x10 w/3sec ecc

The deads felt great. I warmed up with static hold with 315 for 15secs - stood there and gripped the hell out of the bar. It really woke the muscles in my hands up, and facilitated a good grip through my sets.

Today's Workout:

Feet Elevated Front Split Squats: 95 x15, x14, x12, x12

Weighted Dips: BW+25 x12, x12, x11, x10, x10
Ss'd w/Weighted Chins: BW+25 x12, x12, x11, x10, x10

Unilateral Leg Exts: 85 for 3x20 (3sec ecc)

Incline Curls: 37.5 for 5x12 (3sec ecc)
ss'd w/cable flies: 80lb per side for 5x12 (3sec ecc)
 
Ok, well, I'm bumping dosing up to 4caps a day. Not that 3 caps is ineffective - I want to see if increasing the dose increases benefits.

My libido is descending back towards normal, but I'm remaining even-keeled and stress-free in mood.

I hit up heavy squats and bench at lunch today!
 
Days 7 and 8
Yesterday's Workout 40reps total 12rm

Sumo Deads: 355 x10, x9, x8, x8, x6 = 41reps

Volcom Curls :D (Reverse Fat-Bar Curls): 55 for 4x10 w/3sec ecc
Rope Tri Ext: 90 for 4x10 w/3sec ecc

Those Sumo numbers are awesome! There was a time where I took a condescending glance at anything below 405, but that was when I was geared up in belts and wraps (and not just any wraps, versa grips), but now that I'm dead lifting raw, I can only hit 355 like 1-2 times, so those numbers are big in my world.

Volcom Curls: sweet name and weren't you surprised at how difficult 55lbs were for those?

Lastly, the best low back sparing, grip building supplement Deads exercise (which I perform on dead days) are Suite Case Deads. Take two short-barbell's, line them parallel to each other, start with 25's, and start dead lifting with a short-barbell in each hand. The torque against your lower back is even more forgiving then the Sumo's, because the resistance is directly at your sides. It also takes a lot of intentional stabilizing from each hand to balance the bars. This is a great exercise to follow up on your deads. It won't tax your lumbar much and you can't really go that high in weight anyway, because you're handling the weights with a single hand.

A cool tid bit I'm sure you'll appreciate. This past weekend I went to the Facility I train at and opened the gym for myself. I was the only one there, the gym was officially closed, so I was there alone playing my music over the speakers and I got to workout with my shirt off, to see the muscles working (mirrors everywhere). I also hit my first ALL-DEADS workout, 5 sets Traditional, 5 sets Sumo, 4 sets Suite Case and I was done. My next ALL-DEADS day will probably end with Rack Deads or BB Shrugs. Is that awesome or what!
 
A cool tid bit I'm sure you'll appreciate. This past weekend I went to the Facility I train at and opened the gym for myself. I was the only one there, the gym was officially closed, so I was there alone playing my music over the speakers and I got to workout with my shirt off, to see the muscles working (mirrors everywhere). I also hit my first ALL-DEADS workout, 5 sets Traditional, 5 sets Sumo, 4 sets Suite Case and I was done. My next ALL-DEADS day will probably end with Rack Deads or BB Shrugs. Is that awesome or what!

I used to do this all the time when I worked at Gold's. It was effing great.
 
Ok, well, I'm bumping dosing up to 4caps a day. Not that 3 caps is ineffective - I want to see if increasing the dose increases benefits.

My libido is descending back towards normal, but I'm remaining even-keeled and stress-free in mood.

I hit up heavy squats and bench at lunch today!

Yeah, at 230, you may do well on 4 caps a day.
 
Yeah, at 230, you may do well on 4 caps a day.

I'm actually weighin' in at ~240 these days, so I'm hoping 4 will really bring out some additional qualities to T-Force.

Mainly, I'm experiencing a large desire to be lifting and my CNS seems to be resisting fatigue much more than usual. Typically, I like a day to recover between high load/low rep days as that's about how much time I need neurally. However, today I feel like I could easily hit up everything all over again, with just as much tenacity as yesterday.

Day 11 - Yesterday

Bench - 295 for 8x3
ss'd w/ Pronated Cable Row - 280 for 8x3 (+10lb over last week)

Squats - 8x3 - 315, 315, 325 for 6sets (+10lb)

Lying Unilateral Leg Curls - 85 for 8x3 w/3sec ecc

Seated Hammer Curls - 65lb for 8x3 w/3sec ecc
ss'd w/Uni Overhead Tri Ext - 65lb for 8x3 w/3sec ecc

Squats and rows went up (woohoo!) but bench is being stubborn. With my long arms, it is always my upper body pushes that progress most slowly. Oh well - I performed bench first because the squat racks were taken (guys doing curls w/65lb and deadlifts w/115 :( ), and I"m glad I did. With the bench being less neurally taxing than the squat, I was fresher going into my subsequent movements than I am when I put my squats first. I also felt somehow more "woken up"; i.e. I required less warmup to get things rolling with my squats.

I'll be making some adjustments to my diet - I'm eating too many carbs before lifting and going hypo post-workout as a result. Considering I'll be returning to a lab after lifting starting next week, I'm going to redistribute my carbs more evenly, so that that does not happen and I remain functional even after my workouts.
 
I'm actually weighin' in at ~240 these days, so I'm hoping 4 will really bring out some additional qualities to T-Force.

Mainly, I'm experiencing a large desire to be lifting and my CNS seems to be resisting fatigue much more than usual. Typically, I like a day to recover between high load/low rep days as that's about how much time I need neurally. However, today I feel like I could easily hit up everything all over again, with just as much tenacity as yesterday.

Day 11 - Yesterday

Bench - 295 for 8x3
ss'd w/ Pronated Cable Row - 280 for 8x3 (+10lb over last week)

Squats - 8x3 - 315, 315, 325 for 6sets (+10lb)

Lying Unilateral Leg Curls - 85 for 8x3 w/3sec ecc

Seated Hammer Curls - 65lb for 8x3 w/3sec ecc
ss'd w/Uni Overhead Tri Ext - 65lb for 8x3 w/3sec ecc

Squats and rows went up (woohoo!) but bench is being stubborn. With my long arms, it is always my upper body pushes that progress most slowly. Oh well - I performed bench first because the squat racks were taken (guys doing curls w/65lb and deadlifts w/115 :( ), and I"m glad I did. With the bench being less neurally taxing than the squat, I was fresher going into my subsequent movements than I am when I put my squats first. I also felt somehow more "woken up"; i.e. I required less warmup to get things rolling with my squats.

I'll be making some adjustments to my diet - I'm eating too many carbs before lifting and going hypo post-workout as a result. Considering I'll be returning to a lab after lifting starting next week, I'm going to redistribute my carbs more evenly, so that that does not happen and I remain functional even after my workouts.

my bench is stubborn as well >:(
 
Definite congrats on your Squat improvement.

I'm the same way when it comes to bench press. Very slow progress, but it's most definitely not due to "long arms" for me. Haha. - I'm just a weak bencher, I guess. It was incredible when I was pushing 225x13 when I was on Epi, but that was short lived. Ha. I think I'm getting 225x5 right now, maybe 6. I would have kept that strength if I didn't hurt my back and have to switch to the TUT program for 6 weeks.

I'm interested to see what 4 caps will do for you. I really want to buy this stuff, but I'm extremely strapped for money these days. I fear I'll miss the sale. I'll have to find a test-booster for PCT starting Halloween night. Hopefully I'll catch a sale on some T-boosting product between then and now.
 
Yeah, the optimum physique for benching is a large, barrel chest with short,stubby arms. It's one reason why powerlifters are so round, typically - the bigger their chest (regardless of whether it's muscle or fat), the less distance the bar has to travel.
 
Day 12

Tried some Olympic Front Squats yesterday - interestingly, it was harder on my weak hip, and needless to say, exponentially harder on my forearms and wrists. In result, I had to use less weight, but walked away feeling pretty good, as I've never had the wrist flexibility before necessary to wrack the bar properly; taking some time off has benefits for your joints too.

My military stayed stubbornly at 165 for a full set. I managed to put up 175 for 2 reps, but when I went for a third, the bar only moved about an inch, remaining well below my chin. :/ My shoulders seem to have taken the biggest hit in strength on my upper body, which is probably one reason why bench has been suffering too.

I set a PR on Wide-Grip Pull-Ups! 6 solid reps with BW+75lb! That means my back has gotten stronger since my injury, as it was BW+70 for this movement that caused the tear in the first place. My grip was the hardest part to maintain.

I may have also set a pr on calf raises, but as I've said in the past - it's calf raises, who cares? :)


As for T-Forces effects: I am getting some acne on my back and neck. This occurs every once in a while anyways, but it is now much more pronounced than normal. A typical indicator of increased T. I remain even-keeled and affable for the most part (yesterday's sucky overhead presses frustrated me to NO END, but I returned to amicability quickly). I'm seeing strength progress preferentially in some movements over others. Also, since kicking it up to 4 caps, I'm noticing an increase in appetite, which I am satisfying with an increase in protein and fat at my discretion. I weigh myself tomorrow morning, we'll see how that goes.
 
+75lbs on pull ups!!! Nice!

I still don't have the proper wrist flexibility to do a proper front squat (clean grip), so I've been doing them on the smith for practice. I really hate the cross arm position, so my only bet is to get my shoulders and wrist flexibility on par. Nice work.
 
+75lbs on pull ups!!! Nice!

I still don't have the proper wrist flexibility to do a proper front squat (clean grip), so I've been doing them on the smith for practice. I really hate the cross arm position, so my only bet is to get my shoulders and wrist flexibility on par. Nice work.

Why do you not like the crossed-arm position? I seem to always do much better with it. I use the clean grip while I'm adjusting my stance, then switch into the crossed-arm mid-set.
 
Why do you not like the crossed-arm position? I seem to always do much better with it. I use the clean grip while I'm adjusting my stance, then switch into the crossed-arm mid-set.

I feel like I lack control of the bar. I'm just lame :disappointed:
 
Yeah, the optimum physique for benching is a large, barrel chest with short,stubby arms. It's one reason why powerlifters are so round, typically - the bigger their chest (regardless of whether it's muscle or fat), the less distance the bar has to travel.

Very true.
 
I feel like I lack control of the bar. I'm just lame :disappointed:

That's odd. I feel much more in control. I always feel like it's going to slide off if I do it Olympic style.

It's easier on my arms with them crossed, but the bar feels more secure with the Oly stance.

BW and I are having to change internet providers, so our time on AM is going to be kind of sketchy - I'll have access as long as I'm at school (like right now) and she'll have access when she goes to one of her hot spots, but we won't be around as much as normal for the next few days. :(

Days 15 and 16

If you buy T-Force, take two caps about 1/2 before lifting. I like this more than I have liked any other part of this product yet. Stress-free, heavy weights and felt great all the way through. Done this two days in a row now and I have no intention of changing from here on out.

My deads went up by 10lb yesterday - so I'm doing 365 for 5sets of 8 now. I'm pleased. It's not 405 for 14 like I used to be able to do, but it's a heck of a lot closer than I started up again with 325 for cautionary sets of 5.

Leg press is up by 20lb, but I'm doing sets of 30 primarily for the purpose of active recovery - done on Saturday to prime my legs for Sundays Split Squats. Still 220 for 30reps with a controlled eccentric ellicits quite a pump!

Also, my incline DB press hit 90 for sets of 10, which is progress as well.

From today's session, my split squats, dips, leg extension and flies all showed marked improvement. For once, my pushes outdid my pulls - curls and weighted chins were HARD. Dips hit 4 solid sets of 15-13 for BW+25, each set of split squats was up by several reps and leg extensions increased by 15lb.

Weight Update: I weighed in at 238 on Saturday, surprisingly. I don't know what to think about this - maybe I'm not eating enough, or maybe T-Force is ridding me of water, or maybe (please!) a bit of chub? We'll see I guess, I don't really look any leaner, but it's possible I suppose.

Two caps pre-workout: THE way to go.
 
405 for 14!! You seem to have an incessant rage to continually punk me throughout your thread, j/k. My best is 405 for 10, but that extra 4 by this point is a big difference in strength. I'm working my way back up raw and I've implemented some outer worldly forearm flexors, strength exercises to get me there.
 
Yeah, I hit 405 for 14 last December - on my first T-911 run. I hit 11reps for a second set and that was it; I was dead. Don't forget the difference in our size, though, being a good 5" taller than you and weighing 40lb more give a big advantage. In terms of weight/strength ratio, you'd actually be stronger than me.
 
Yeah, I hit 405 for 14 last December - on my first T-911 run. I hit 11reps for a second set and that was it; I was dead. Don't forget the difference in our size, though, being a good 5" taller than you and weighing 40lb more give a big advantage. In terms of weight/strength ratio, you'd actually be stronger than me.

I'm always comparing my lifts to you guys. I always feel inadequate. :lol:
 
Yeah, I hit 405 for 14 last December - on my first T-911 run. I hit 11reps for a second set and that was it; I was dead. Don't forget the difference in our size, though, being a good 5" taller than you and weighing 40lb more give a big advantage. In terms of weight/strength ratio, you'd actually be stronger than me.

You're only saying that to get in my panties.
 
...Good grief. Got a big update coming - seen some nice improvement this week. Everything just felt light all of a sudden! I'll give the full low-down later, I'm sitting in class right now and should really be paying attention. :p
 
I'm sitting in class right now and should really be paying attention. :p

And you're on AM? Good luck, and I'll leave it at that. :laugh2:
 
Days 18 and 20 (?)

Ok, so Tuesday's workout was great and today's was good, but not like Tuesday.

On Tues: My Squat increased to 335 - up another 10lb. The weight feels light to my legs and I can tell that it is my ab and hip that are still the limiting factor. In all honesty, I think I have to expect that to be the case for a while yet. Still, I'm happy to be seeing these steady upward strides.

Bench finally increased - I knocked off a couple of sets at 300, and one at 305. So, even if my gains here aren't as apparent as with my squats, I still am showing improvement. And with a bench as stubborn as mine, that means something.

Those are really the only notable increases from Tuesday.

From Today:

I ditched military in favor of push-presses: I can use more weight and accentuate the negative and it really hammers my shoulders. I was putting up 185 for 6reps. Not bad, but not great. I've regressed my front squats to being remedial at this point - I'm just using the same amount of weight as what I'm push-pressing and focusing on form. Even with that light weight, it's still stressful on my forearms and feels like my hips could be looser, so I'm using this to perfect my technique for the time being.

To work my legs more, I've implemented BB hack squats for sets of 6. I topped out at 315 and that felt really good.

Curls and flies today also showed some improvement, but I was unable to do weighted pull-ups as the dipping belt was gone at the gym and I didn't bring my own (thinking that the one at the gym would be there like it was supposed to be). I was pissed about this, and tried to do some pulldowns instead, but it just wasn't the same.

Sex drive has returned entirely to normal and though back acne is still present, it is beginning to dissipate. Strength is really take off but sides are going away; it's an interesting contrast.
 
Ugh. Not doing so hot this weekend. Finally have internet at home though. But physically and mentally, I'm just dead. Lifted yesterday and I felt underrecovered all the way around - did hit 375 on my deads, but it took everything I had. Took today off to recover. And study. Always study.

I've got about 3days left of T-Force. I'll throw up a review sometime this week when I have time.
 
Days 18 and 20 (?)

Ok, so Tuesday's workout was great and today's was good, but not like Tuesday.

On Tues: My Squat increased to 335 - up another 10lb. The weight feels light to my legs and I can tell that it is my ab and hip that are still the limiting factor. In all honesty, I think I have to expect that to be the case for a while yet. Still, I'm happy to be seeing these steady upward strides.

Bench finally increased - I knocked off a couple of sets at 300, and one at 305. So, even if my gains here aren't as apparent as with my squats, I still am showing improvement. And with a bench as stubborn as mine, that means something.

Those are really the only notable increases from Tuesday.

From Today:

I ditched military in favor of push-presses: I can use more weight and accentuate the negative and it really hammers my shoulders. I was putting up 185 for 6reps. Not bad, but not great. I've regressed my front squats to being remedial at this point - I'm just using the same amount of weight as what I'm push-pressing and focusing on form. Even with that light weight, it's still stressful on my forearms and feels like my hips could be looser, so I'm using this to perfect my technique for the time being.

To work my legs more, I've implemented BB hack squats for sets of 6. I topped out at 315 and that felt really good.

Curls and flies today also showed some improvement, but I was unable to do weighted pull-ups as the dipping belt was gone at the gym and I didn't bring my own (thinking that the one at the gym would be there like it was supposed to be). I was pissed about this, and tried to do some pulldowns instead, but it just wasn't the same.

Sex drive has returned entirely to normal and though back acne is still present, it is beginning to dissipate. Strength is really take off but sides are going away; it's an interesting contrast.

strength gains are always nice:afro:
 
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