Guest viewing limit reached
  • You have reached the maximum number of guest views allowed
  • Please register below to remove this limitation

Sparks' Never Ending Training Log

sparks2012 said:
Too kind bro, too kind. Honestly, there's some days where I feel I worked really hard and others where I felt like I could've personally done better. Granted, those of us who actually get up and are active is more work than most people are willing for one reason or another to put forth. If all I had to do every day was train and eat and cook, then no, I wouldn't feel like it was too much work. I really don't like prepping food, an hell man, sometimes I don't like eating. It's still early in my gaining phase and I've had to almost force myself to eat some days. Other days I don't do it as well. Recently it's been about finding a good middle ground between pushing for something no matter the cost and having a healthy state of mind. I burnt myself out by staying too strict for too long (or maybe it wasn't the strict diet or time frame, maybe my obsession with it) and it took a toll mentally. I just wasn't in it. I still work hard, and I do put forth that extra "umph" 90% of the time but I've gotta give myself a break sometimes. In short - yes, most people would consider this too much (prepping, tracking, training, etc.), but it's habit now for the most part that I don't see it most of the time.
Click to expand...

This is a great post. I think a lot of times we see someone who has had success in something and seeing their mentality from different angles can help more than the things we think are more important. Knowing you work hard, but it has become almost invisible to you and understanding that mentality, IMO, is more valuable than knowing exactly what you ate or what your workout routine is. It's the routines you have developed that allow you to stay consistent in the face of life events that matter.

I also like how you adjust and measure things. You have achieved more than most people could ever even believe is possible for themselves physically. Keep it up. There is still plenty of road in front of you.
 
FireTitan said:
sparks2012 them there gunz are looking sick bro! You're definitely getting thicker!
Click to expand...
Thanks, FT! That's certainly the goal, like I said my body is thanking me for the increased intake.


smith_69 said:
hey buddy good to see you

small update my azz- great progress and looking huuuuuge
Click to expand...

Smith, good to see you too man. Not sure if intentional Trump pun inserted or it was an accident. Either way, good job lol. I'm trying to blow up this off season haha
 
What's up guys, hope you all are enjoying Thanksgiving and time with your family. Had a great back session last night, but the tri work after was less than what I'd hoped for. Had to work all day today, and I'm working tomorrow as well. Sucks being on standby when it's a 4 day weekend, and on top of that the main gym's hours are exactly the hours that I'm working so they're closed before and after my shift...lol. Might just do some cardio in the evening tomorrow and pick it back up on Saturday. Hope everyone is enjoying their day!
 
HIT4ME said:
This is a great post. I think a lot of times we see someone who has had success in something and seeing their mentality from different angles can help more than the things we think are more important. Knowing you work hard, but it has become almost invisible to you and understanding that mentality, IMO, is more valuable than knowing exactly what you ate or what your workout routine is. It's the routines you have developed that allow you to stay consistent in the face of life events that matter.

I also like how you adjust and measure things. You have achieved more than most people could ever even believe is possible for themselves physically. Keep it up. There is still plenty of road in front of you.
Click to expand...

Awesome words, my friend. Thank you, and I agree the things you pick up yourself far outweigh anything you can read about or be told.
 
Saturday Evening, awesome chest and bi's workout. Monday evening, awesome legs workout. I know I'm bouncing around a fair bit on what kind of schedule I'm following, but I like the EOD approach as well. I have a full 48 hrs to rest up and really kill it in the gym my next session. Case in point, legs yesterday. Started with box squats, lower box than normal so I hit nowhere near 365, more like 305 for one at my heaviest set, but either way the movement felt controlled and like it was doing something to my legs (in a good way). Did sumo block Pulls after, PR'd on those with 405 X 2, last block pull attempt had 405 x 0. Barbell lunges working up to 175 for 14 steps (7 each leg), then finished w/ 3 rounds of an extension, curl, and calf raise triset in the 15-20 rep range completely exhausting the muscle. Normally my endurance with the heavier movements would've been short lived. Not yesterday. Will continue w/ EOD approach for a bit and see if my activity level is too low or just right.
 
sparks2012 said:
Saturday Evening, awesome chest and bi's workout. Monday evening, awesome legs workout. I know I'm bouncing around a fair bit on what kind of schedule I'm following, but I like the EOD approach as well. I have a full 48 hrs to rest up and really kill it in the gym my next session. Case in point, legs yesterday. Started with box squats, lower box than normal so I hit nowhere near 365, more like 305 for one at my heaviest set, but either way the movement felt controlled and like it was doing something to my legs (in a good way). Did sumo block Pulls after, PR'd on those with 405 X 2, last block pull attempt had 405 x 0. Barbell lunges working up to 175 for 14 steps (7 each leg), then finished w/ 3 rounds of an extension, curl, and calf raise triset in the 15-20 rep range completely exhausting the muscle. Normally my endurance with the heavier movements would've been short lived. Not yesterday. Will continue w/ EOD approach for a bit and see if my activity level is too low or just right.
Click to expand...

glad you posted this, I was wondering if you were doing the sumo's

doing great as always bro
 
Doubled up on training Wednesday (back/tri's) and Thursday (shoulders)...lol may have been a bad idea. Back and tri's went great, shoulders were fine until I started doing movements that required scapular/upper back activation. Upright rows lit my back up instantly and my grip for Shrugs was under par. Pressing strength is still moving up, solid 7 reps with 95's, and still hit standing single arm presses going up to 70's. Core is feeling those today. Rest day tonight, then back at it with chest and bi's tomorrow.
 
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed

Snapshot of today's chest/bi's session. Shoulders were still a tad burnt out so my presses suffered a bit, but not much.

I should note, the incline presses were the total weight of the DB's, I wasn't hitting 180lb DB's for that. And the Flyes were done with cables, weight is in KG on those as well.
 
Under Biceps curl it says: Weight in KG
Are those DB curls?

Asking just to be sure, because doing curls with 35 kg DB's is "loco"! LOL
 
Guys. I need help eating more food. I can eat 4K+ cals easily if if they aren't clean. Try doing that with clean cals (including carbs too) and it's fkn' hard! I need some ideas to help get my appetite back. If I had it, I know I could get unreasonably massive

I try to shy away from shakes, thanks to Artemis Dolgan (insanely dedicated and charismatic BB'er) but I kinda need to have one every now and then with how my schedule works out.

Edit - if you've heard of AD, you'd know he basically downgrades any supps that's on the market for the mass consumption. The fillers and junk in proprietary blends don't help your physique, etc. I don't agree with all of that, but there's some things to be taken away from what he's saying in regards to supps in general.
 
muscleupcrohn said:
That's be nuts, haha. Also, the weight on DB Incline Press the combined weight of the two dumbbells, right? Or are you an absolute animal repping 180lb dumbbells like Ronnie Coleman?
Click to expand...

Haha no man, that is the total weight for the DB's. Don't know if I'd ever get to the point where I'm pressing anything above 150's on incline, and I'm still a bit away from that.
 
sparks2012 said:
Guys. I need help eating more food. I can eat 4K+ cals easily if if they aren't clean. Try doing that with clean cals (including carbs too) and it's fkn' hard! I need some ideas to help get my appetite back. If I had it, I know I could get unreasonably massive

I try to shy away from shakes, thanks to Artemis Dolgan (insanely dedicated and charismatic BB'er) but I kinda need to have one every now and then with how my schedule works out.

Edit - if you've heard of AD, you'd know he basically downgrades any supps that's on the market for the mass consumption. The fillers and junk in proprietary blends don't help your physique, etc. I don't agree with all of that, but there's some things to be taken away from what he's saying in regards to supps in general.
Click to expand...

A couple of suggestions. For general appetite increase I have been taking OL Orig1n for the last month and a half and it kicked the appetite into high gear (something to do with the GH increase it brings). If you try it out the (all day) muscle fullness is insane. OL just had a 50% sale, but if you get it from Nutriverse when they have a 20% OL sale, and stack the AM 5% code they cost almost the same (within $2).

I also heard that MK can increase the appetite, for basically the same reason (ghrelin increase).

If you want some shake alternatives that are not "mass marketed" then look into the bulk powders space. There are several reputable companies that sell bulk powder, just raw/plain protein (Whey, Hyrdolyzed, Casein, Plant/Pea, even Grass Fed Whey). No fillers, no add-ins, just raw protein powder. But also no flavors, so many sure to factor in adding some flavor. What I do it buy bulk powders and 1 tub of a flavored commercial brand and mix 3:1 (Bulk:Commercial) That is usually more than enough flavor to get me through the drink.

Hope that helps bro, and you are looking fierce. Also good look on that log you are trying to get chosen for!
 
Sparkss said:
A couple of suggestions. For general appetite increase I have been taking OL Orig1n for the last month and a half and it kicked the appetite into high gear (something to do with the GH increase it brings). If you try it out the (all day) muscle fullness is insane. OL just had a 50% sale, but if you get it from Nutriverse when they have a 20% OL sale, and stack the AM 5% code they cost almost the same (within $2).

I also heard that MK can increase the appetite, for basically the same reason (ghrelin increase).

If you want some shake alternatives that are not "mass marketed" then look into the bulk powders space. There are several reputable companies that sell bulk powder, just raw/plain protein (Whey, Hyrdolyzed, Casein, Plant/Pea, even Grass Fed Whey). No fillers, no add-ins, just raw protein powder. But also no flavors, so many sure to factor in adding some flavor. What I do it buy bulk powders and 1 tub of a flavored commercial brand and mix 3:1 (Bulk:Commercial) That is usually more than enough flavor to get me through the drink.

Hope that helps bro, and you are looking fierce. Also good look on that log you are trying to get chosen for!
Click to expand...

I've been thinking about using a "GH" booster, but my finances are tied up for the holidays and we're buying a car. And not some 15 year old hoopty lol, an actual car this time. I've got a good powder right now (or so I think, Purus Labs is pretty widely known for their no-fillers, no amino-spiking profiles). I need to finish that tub, plus a complex gainer by ON (also a fairly reputable brand) that my brother gave to me when I was back home, he wasn't using it. I've never used bulk powders but it would seem to be the most economical route to go. I make shakes in the blender with oats and PB most of the time so I've got the flavor covered there. I'll keep my eye on OL stuff though. I STILL have not tried anything of theirs yet. And thanks for the compliment, man. I'm still trying to make this increase in cals worth something. Like I said, it's easy to eat 4K cals of junk, but junk gets me back up to 205-210 looking soft lol.
 
Legs went great today, I primarily focused on pulls. Speed work, higher volume. Started with sled press working up to 900-ish for sets of 10-11. Sumo pulls right after, 365 "speed" pulls for 3.5 (grip failed 4th rep, beltless and strapless today) and it was moving smooth. Enjoyed today's session. My legs are fried, I consider today a success.
 
Invalid Link Removed

Snippet from my top set today. I know you can't see the quarters on the sides, but it was 365 lol
 
sparks2012 said:
Guys. I need help eating more food. I can eat 4K+ cals easily if if they aren't clean. Try doing that with clean cals (including carbs too) and it's fkn' hard! I need some ideas to help get my appetite back. If I had it, I know I could get unreasonably massive

I try to shy away from shakes, thanks to Artemis Dolgan (insanely dedicated and charismatic BB'er) but I kinda need to have one every now and then with how my schedule works out.

Edit - if you've heard of AD, you'd know he basically downgrades any supps that's on the market for the mass consumption. The fillers and junk in proprietary blends don't help your physique, etc. I don't agree with all of that, but there's some things to be taken away from what he's saying in regards to supps in general.
Click to expand...

Bulking bread
-28 oz oats
-1 quart yogurt (self made for me, no sugar, no flavor)
-12 eggs
-6 oz mixed nuts -or almonds
-5 scoops casein (scoop that comes with the casein), taste vanilla
-2 oz dried fruits (cranberry, raisins -or fresh banana)
mix all up

Oven @ 230 C for 30min

Sh1tload of protein, clean carbs and calories! Enjoy!

Invalid Link Removed
 
hairygrandpa said:
Bulking bread
-28 oz oats
-1 quart yogurt (self made for me, no sugar, no flavor)
-12 eggs
-6 oz mixed nuts -or almonds
-5 scoops casein (scoop that comes with the casein), taste vanilla
-2 oz dried fruits (cranberry, raisins -or fresh banana)
mix all up

Oven @ 230 C for 30min

Sh1tload of protein, clean carbs and calories! Enjoy!

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...

I saw you post this recipe in your thread a while back, but was honestly too lazy to go through a hundred pages to find it lol. Looks awesome and would seem to be just what I'm looking for to add in a lot of cals in a condensed way. Have you tried using Chocolate casein with it? That's all I have on hand, but I also have a Maple Pancake/Vanilla blend of whey I mixed up, might have to experiment since whey is generally not as thick as casein when mixed. Looks good, I'll update with pics when I try it!
 
sparks2012 said:
I saw you post this recipe in your thread a while back, but was honestly too lazy to go through a hundred pages to find it lol. Looks awesome and would seem to be just what I'm looking for to add in a lot of cals in a condensed way. Have you tried using Chocolate casein with it? That's all I have on hand, but I also have a Maple Pancake/Vanilla blend of whey I mixed up, might have to experiment since whey is generally not as thick as casein when mixed. Looks good, I'll update with pics when I try it!
Click to expand...

You can mix around like you please.
The only things what not vary is: Oats, eggs and something to get a dough like milk, juice, yogurt -or even water.
I bet wine would do the trick too, lol.

-I did the bread with juice -instead of yogurt.
-with milk and cocoa powder
-without the protein powder
-filled with self made fruit jam
-without nuts -or dried fruits (not recommended, becomes a plain oat cookie-cake)

Edit: The dough has to have the consistency of mud. If you can form a moist ball with your hands, it's fine. Add milk -or juice -or yogurt if too dry.
All oats work well, pre cooked (instant) -or raw.
 
Had a great back session last night, and a really good shoulder session today. Upper back and traps were lit up again today. I personally think that area needs some thickening up so I'll take it. As of today, i started a pretty comprehensive bulk meal plan, totalled in at 4048 cals for the day, and it was easier than I thought. Don't get me wrong, I had to slowly eat a couple meals but it wasn't too bad. Basically consists of 2 cups rice, 1 cup oats, 1 scoop ON Pro Complex Gainer, 12oz bison, 2 turkey burgers, 1 bag of the frozen broccoli cutlets, 12 eggs (hardboiled for easier eating) 3 tbsp of PB, and 1 Krispy Kreme cake donut. That last one, as well as the rice is subject to change as my wife eats a decent amount of rice too, and sometimes I get too lazy to clean out the pot just to make a few cups for the next day. More oats, cream of rice, or a simple pop tart could easily be subbed in and the donut could be replaced by ice cream or something. I'm sure I'll get sick of eating the same things, but hey, 4K cals is sure to do something, especially with 95% coming from clean whole food sources.
 
Invalid Link RemovedInvalid Link Removed

Starting to thicken up already, even after slacking on getting high cals in last week. May have to manipulate carbs/cardio to keep off excess fat. But, it's growing season so we'll see where this takes me.
 
Had a killer chest session Friday, like 1st set in I was pumped like crazy. I think that caused my totals to drop a little bit but nonetheless had a great session. Saturday was a rest day, and today was legs. Worked on squats mostly, with a little SLDL action with the trap bar. Also tried out some heel-elevated squats (using 5lb plates) and low and behold quad recruitment was noticeably better. I'm still not satisfied with my squat, so I just need to keep hacking away at it.
 
hairygrandpa said:
Arms are looking fuller, growing season has already started!
Click to expand...

Thanks HG! How's your shoulder treating you? I was reading through your thread and it looks like your exercise selection is still somewhat limited for pressing...have you had thoughts of trying another BPC run? I know it worked well initially, maybe it could finalize the recovery?
 
sparks2012 said:
Thanks HG! How's your shoulder treating you? I was reading through your thread and it looks like your exercise selection is still somewhat limited for pressing...have you had thoughts of trying another BPC run? I know it worked well initially, maybe it could finalize the recovery?
Click to expand...

It's like telepathy!
Actually, I have BPC on it's way to use it again. Will also see if IGF-1 DES makes a difference.
Going slow on presses, will first dominate different styles of push ups, later switch to DB's.
 
hairygrandpa said:
It's like telepathy!
Actually, I have BPC on it's way to use it again. Will also see if IGF-1 DES makes a difference.
Going slow on presses, will first dominate different styles of push ups, later switch to DB's.
Click to expand...

Awesome man, telepathy must be it! But really, I was asking in the case you haven't thought of it yet, but as us who have suffered injuries know, we're always looking for ways to get back to normal. I'm hoping that pairing will work wonders for your recovery!
 
Sparkss said:
And the shoulders in the back picture are inspirational. Looking great man (as usual). Your overall "V" is envious too!!
Click to expand...

Thanks man! How's your progress going? I haven't seen any recent pics (if you've posted any). It does look like your sessions are improving though! HST sounds like a helluva program.
 
Shoulder session Tuesday night was a good one, felt big and full and I had a decent pump going which is sometimes hard for me to get going with the delts. Didn't go TOO heavy on the presses, only did Smith presses on that one, pyramiding down from 20 reps to 7-9, then a burnout at the end. Hit various raises and stuff after that, with some abs at the end. Rest day tonight though. I ended up resting a day I wasn't supposed to over the weekend so I had to make up for that by busting out 3 sessions in a row. Shovelling food is becoming easier as my metabolism is finally adjusting and actually expecting the food. Good sign, I think? If I'm getting hungry my body is using the food I'm putting in it for something. Or my stomach expanded and it just expects to be fed now lol. Glad I get to take a rest tonight, my legs are still sore and my back and shoulders are still fried!
 
sparks2012 said:
Thanks brotha! Feel like I'm coming down with something, dunno if it's a cold or the flu or what. Contemplating not training today...I hate it. I've got a little bit before I decide. Input?
Click to expand...

First a hot chicken soup, then sleep it off.
 
hairygrandpa said:
First a hot chicken soup, then sleep it off.
Click to expand...

Got off work and slept for 3 hours lol. Ended up not training tonight. I don't like it, but it got a little worse towards the end of my shift. I figured whatever it is, rest is needed. Doesn't help my mentality of missing a session though.
 
sparks2012 said:
Thanks brotha! Feel like I'm coming down with something, dunno if it's a cold or the flu or what. Contemplating not training today...I hate it. I've got a little bit before I decide. Input?
Click to expand...
hairygrandpa does that to logs- once he joins, only a matter of time before your injected and infected. its like the matrix but more homoerotic

lmao
 
Thinking of trying to get up early to smash chest before work...I tell myself that I should probably work out before work, to end up saving time after work for relaxing but I end up looking like this when my alarm goes off at 0400 lolInvalid Link Removed
 
sparks2012 said:
Thanks brotha! Feel like I'm coming down with something, dunno if it's a cold or the flu or what. Contemplating not training today...I hate it. I've got a little bit before I decide. Input?
Click to expand...

I apologize, I just now saw your reply and question. Im sure its to late, but for me, when I feel like I may be coming down with something, a really good lift and sweat session typically makes me feel better.
 
FireTitan said:
I apologize, I just now saw your reply and question. Im sure its to late, but for me, when I feel like I may be coming down with something, a really good lift and sweat session typically makes me feel better.
Click to expand...

It's all good dude. Normally, that's what has always worked for me. But I took the day off. And Friday. And Saturday. lol Friday was our Squadron Holiday (Christmas) Party, I was f*%$ing toasted. Saturday was recovery, I needed it. I can't hang like I used to be able to. And today I'm finally getting back in the gym.
 
Monday night - Legs. Didn't log the session, as I'm trying to get someone from work back into the gym so it would be kinda douchey to sit there on my phone inputting after every set. Hopefully he sticks with it, it's been over a year since he was in the gym all the time. Anyway, started with pulls, sumo style, and the weight felt good. But, grip was a limiting factor as I left the house in a hurry and forgot my gym bag. On a positive note, grip was the only thing failing on 400+, and I'm confident I could've hit more than 2.5 reps for multiple sets. Backed down to 365, 315 for a few sets, then finally 225. Front squat on the plate loaded "squat" machine, box squats (really not liking my squat lately) @ 225. Finished with a couple sets of a tri-set consisting of standing leg curls, extensions and single leg press. Good workout, would've liked to do more but you sacrifice a little when you're helping someone start out. Scheduled rest day tonight (2 on, 1 off split). Ready to hit back tomorrow!
 
Really intense back/bi session tonight. Only had about 50 minutes to get it done, so I was working quick. Went fairly heavy on most things, except for bi's because they were already toast by the time I got to them. We'll see how training the pre-exhausted group after chest and back goes. I was never a far of going really heavy for arms anyways. Lol nobody really cares if you can curl 135 or skullcrush 3 plates...

Really out-angled myself on this one. Invalid Link Removed

Invalid Link Removed
Aaaaannnnd trying to beef these pea shooters up
 
Fellow Anabolic Mindinians,

Starting a new style of training, one I'm actually sort of uncomfortable will. Full body splits. Logging a pre/pump combo that just came in today, so I'll try the combo with a newfound training approach. I'll throw the link up to the log in here once I get it set up tonight. Anyone who has advice on a full body programs, throw it my way please! I'll probably be doing 4 days per week, 2 heavy (8 reps and under), 2 Hypertrophy (8+ reps all sets) and maybe throw in a cardio day. I stole this split from someone who replied to a thread I started about training frequency in a surplus, so we'll see how it works.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top