To Infinity.... and Beyond!

LOL 😂 I had hoped Sunday was the worst and Monday would go well but Monday still had that sensitive skin, flu like symptons where everything was starting to hurt. I've been pounding Vitamin C for days, added in D, elderberry and zinc a few days ago. Today is really close to fully recovered. Ears have been ringing since I showered, and a bit of a runny nose, but energy level is good. I actually felt like a million bucks when my alarm went off, it was standing up that got things a little off kilter. but I'm pumped for day 2 on my cube predator bench day.
A T T A BOY!!!!
 
Congrats on the front squat PR.
I do the same thing during cold and flu season….load up on Elderberry, C, Zinc, D, and Garlic. It’s way better than the vaccines that has
been pushed onto society lately.😎

we're the same way at our home, if I didn't kick off a dry 6 weeks on Sunday we probably would have made hot toddies, but skipped that and just muscled it out with the regular supps and pho lol

Nice PR Dustin! That’s a heft front squat. It’s wise that you saved some in the gas tank too. Especially this early on, it’ll pay out in the end.

thanks man, never been a strong squatter so being able to hit a 275 front squat in the future at least sounds cool. looks cooler in plate math!

I'm hoping so, if this Mexican var turns out to be legit I'm trying to make myself earn every session but also see something good at the end of the cycle. Like... I want to make sure my training justifies the supplementation, but also want to make sure I don't die tomorrow before I PR next week or something lol
 
Kinda funny I think I mentioned in Kleens log the idea that I somehow enjoy sitting back without having to chase goals and I just realized I already have 2 personal goals for 2025.

A. the 3 wheeled bench, obviously.
B. I want to learn aquaponics and see if I can grow a vegetable bed running off water with tilapia or some other food fish in it...

I guess even when I don't think I'm chasing some big goal or dream, there are actually always a couple in action ha.
 
You know he's catching the bug when my boy starts texting me his session from weight lifting class at school


Screenshot_20241119-143530.webp
 
That’s really cool….he sounds like a natural, already getting that gym bro feeling.💪

I keep using that term "if you earn it" with him because he is definitely getting at least 1 session per week on bench, back/cleans, and squats. a fourth day is a cardio day, and the fifth day is a 'free' day. his lifting outside of school is pretty sparse, so I keep encouraging him to find a second squat and second bench day.

He texted me later and said he wants to hit a second squat day per week (with me), to hit heavy weights, then use the school for his volume day. 🤘

I actually kinda like that so I can watch his form under heavier load. I definitely think he'll be squatting more than me by the time he graduates so it's lit a bit of a fire under my butt as well to try to make him earn that title. I know its his for the taking, but he needs to feel like he's working for it ;)
 
LOL 😂 I had hoped Sunday was the worst and Monday would go well but Monday still had that sensitive skin, flu like symptons where everything was starting to hurt. I've been pounding Vitamin C for days, added in D, elderberry and zinc a few days ago. Today is really close to fully recovered. Ears have been ringing since I showered, and a bit of a runny nose, but energy level is good. I actually felt like a million bucks when my alarm went off, it was standing up that got things a little off kilter. but I'm pumped for day 2 on my cube predator bench day.
The pho will help! I love that stuff.
 
I actually kinda like that so I can watch his form under heavier load. I definitely think he'll be squatting more than me by the time he graduates so it's lit a bit of a fire under my butt as well to try to make him earn that title. I know its his for the taking, but he needs to feel like he's working for it ;)
Now your 3rd goal the race to Squatting 405, who will get there first Dustin, or Lil Man!
 
Lat pull downs
15 x 115, 130, 145, 145
+ 15 x 100 dropset

Face pulls
15 x 25lbs, 42.5lbs, 57.5lbs
10 x 65lbs
+ 15 x 30lbs dropset

EZ bar curls
15 x 60
10 x 80, 100

H/S ISO lateral front lat pulldown
12 x +90,
10 x +180, +180
12 x ,+140

Incline Seated DB curls
4 x 10-12 x 30lbs
2 x 10 x 25

H/S shrugs
3 x 15 x +180
1 x 15 x +230

SS with DB hammer curls
4 x 10 x 37.5lbs

Flat bb curls
4 x 12 x 60s

(I would have stopped here but the pump was too much fun)

Standing DB curls
3 x 10 x 30

H/S ISO lateral high row
2 x 10 x +180


Notes
Fun pump session. Ran those seated DB curls as slow as possible with higher than normal ROM at the top and full over extension at the bottom. Biceps worked.

Appetite has been up a ton, but weight is only 190ish. Been prioritizing protein obviously, had leftover cube steak for breakfast
 
Cube Predator day 2 - heavy

Bench
10 x 95
5 x 135

Comp
8 x 150
6 x 180
5 x 210
5 x 3 x 240

AMRAP - 2 sets
210 x 9, 7

DB palms facing
10 x 35s
8 x 40s, 45s, 50s, 60s

OH cable ext
4 x 15

Incline bb
5 x 3 x 155

Seated military press
4 x 12 x 75


Notes
Warmup took a bit more after yesterday's pump sesh.

All in all great session. I subbed OH extensions on place of French press to protect the elbow.

Threw in extra credit on the palms facing because it just didn't feel stimulating at 50 x 5.
 
Cube Predator day 2 - heavy

Bench
10 x 95
5 x 135

Comp
8 x 150
6 x 180
5 x 210
5 x 3 x 240

AMRAP - 2 sets
210 x 9, 7

DB palms facing
10 x 35s
8 x 40s, 45s, 50s, 60s

OH cable ext
4 x 15

Incline bb
5 x 3 x 155

Seated military press
4 x 12 x 75


Notes
Warmup took a bit more after yesterday's pump sesh.

All in all great session. I subbed OH extensions on place of French press to protect the elbow.

Threw in extra credit on the palms facing because it just didn't feel stimulating at 50 x 5.
For reference, when I benched 336 using this program weighing around 230, I was using the 110s for the set of 5 on this program at the end. If it feels too light, raise the weight. The last set of that 10,8,6,5 NG DB bench should be making you stronger.
 
For reference, when I benched 336 using this program weighing around 230, I was using the 110s for the set of 5 on this program at the end. If it feels too light, raise the weight. The last set of that 10,8,6,5 NG DB bench should be making you stronger.
I was going to ask you about that. Programmed weight was only an accumulative 650lbs on the first set of 10, so I assumed that the 10 x 65 was actually 32.5lb db's.



1732219556934.webp



The "light day" was also a little confusing because 6 x 130lb DB's would be higher than I've ever had and I think higher than we have at the gym, so I assumed that it was 6 x 65lb dbs.

1732219632800.webp



Trying to stick to the program as much as possible and trust the process, but also looking to make sure I stimulate growth if the pragrammed day seems a little soft..
 
I will say, doing the paused/comp bench vs T&G was a fair amount more challenging. AMRAP'ing only 9 reps on the 210 is humbling but felt good cause I felt like my focus was 100% on form.

I did skip lats because I hit back yesterday, and was feeling it today. and I skipped abs because of both time economy and I've been getting better about adding them into my squat day.
 
I was going to ask you about that. Programmed weight was only an accumulative 650lbs on the first set of 10, so I assumed that the 10 x 65 was actually 32.5lb db's.



View attachment 247248


The "light day" was also a little confusing because 6 x 130lb DB's would be higher than I've ever had and I think higher than we have at the gym, so I assumed that it was 6 x 65lb dbs.

View attachment 247249


Trying to stick to the program as much as possible and trust the process, but also looking to make sure I stimulate growth if the pragrammed day seems a little soft..
That spreadsheet is just something someone made, not what Brandon put in his article. So they entered the DB weights and the spreadsheet calculator threw that out - that’s per arm.

Think about it, if you’re going for a 315 bench and you can’t press hundos for a set of 5 by the end - 200lbs for essentially a closegrip neutral grip flat bench - how much success can you expect? How much stimulus can you get from 55s for just 5 reps with no special tempo or intensification bodybuilding method? None.
 
I will say, doing the paused/comp bench vs T&G was a fair amount more challenging. AMRAP'ing only 9 reps on the 210 is humbling but felt good cause I felt like my focus was 100% on form.

I did skip lats because I hit back yesterday, and was feeling it today. and I skipped abs because of both time economy and I've been getting better about adding them into my squat day.
Also, you should do your lats the day after this day instead, so they’re fresh for training the lift that matters.
 
How much stimulus can you get from 55s for just 5 reps with no special tempo or intensification bodybuilding method?
I had the same question 😂

Also, you should do your lats the day after this day instead, so they’re fresh for training the lift that matters.

that's normally the goal, just did a schedule flop this week to align lifting buddy/work schedule. otherwise we would have done this yesterday-
 
I have another question for you guys @Hyde etc.

thinking of updating my old reebok LTRs that are running around a decade old with some chucks. they had them running $40-60 at the store the other day which seemed fair? But I wasn't sure if the full high top would be appropriate or if it would be too much ankle restriction.

for reference these in the foreground are the model I have. I've really enjoyed them since going to flats for squatting and have deadlifted in them for years. the chucks look like they could be a little taller and more restrictive on ankle mobility though?


1732229164775.webp
 
I have another question for you guys @Hyde etc.

thinking of updating my old reebok LTRs that are running around a decade old with some chucks. they had them running $40-60 at the store the other day which seemed fair? But I wasn't sure if the full high top would be appropriate or if it would be too much ankle restriction.

for reference these in the foreground are the model I have. I've really enjoyed them since going to flats for squatting and have deadlifted in them for years. the chucks look like they could be a little taller and more restrictive on ankle mobility though?


View attachment 247261
I won’t ever go back to a traditional narrow toe shoe for lifting personally. I think having the ability to spread the toes some feels way better. I would look at stuff from Bearfoot, Xero, heard great things about Vibram. Something that lets you use the front half of your feet. Notorious Lift has some good grippy slipper style shoes, but not sure if they have wide stuff or not. But they’re affordable minimalist lifting shoes.

Chucks also are lower quality now. They would wear out in a year or so of only inside use when I finally stopped using them.
 
Chucks also are lower quality now. They would wear out in a year or so of only inside use when I finally stopped using them.
yeah that's pretty fast. my reeboks are super old but I throw them on at the gym for an hour+, then take them off so they only get used 2-4 hours a week, indoors, zero cardio etc. I typically wear my sauconys when I'm benching just because they're more comfortable. flats for squats and pulls.
 
If you are not going to wear a raised heel shoe, and don't mind having a separate pair for general fitness/comfort wearing my recommendation would be the Bearfoot Ursus. Hands down my favorite for any closed chain leg movement. However, I do not recommend working calves in them. Talk about uncomfortable.
 
I would look at stuff from Bearfoot

Bearfoot Ursus

I appreciate that you guys, I'll definitely be giving them a look. do you have an opinion on high top vs low top? I'm leaning high top if you guys dont' think it will trash ankle mobility in the squat too much. Those reeboks I have are high top and I love them, but what spurred my questioning to y'all is the fact that the chucks looked actually like a higher rise on the high top, and more constraining...
 
I appreciate that you guys, I'll definitely be giving them a look. do you have an opinion on high top vs low top? I'm leaning high top if you guys dont' think it will trash ankle mobility in the squat too much. Those reeboks I have are high top and I love them, but what spurred my questioning to y'all is the fact that the chucks looked actually like a higher rise on the high top, and more constraining...
The hightop Ursus do not restrict movement at all. Honestly they are so low for a high top I had to go back and look at the pictures to be sure which version I had.

As far as the chucks, I think it would have more to do with how tight you tied them at the top how restrictive they would be, but I also doubt they would ever be restrictive enough to cause you a mobility issue while squatting or lunging. I used to lift in old Nike Wrestling shoes that had a higher ankle support you could late up to give actual ankle support and they never restricted me. I would think it would take a high AND stiff ankle support to decrease ankle mobility in a squat or lunge.
 
The hightop Ursus do not restrict movement at all. Honestly they are so low for a high top I had to go back and look at the pictures to be sure which version I had.

As far as the chucks, I think it would have more to do with how tight you tied them at the top how restrictive they would be, but I also doubt they would ever be restrictive enough to cause you a mobility issue while squatting or lunging. I used to lift in old Nike Wrestling shoes that had a higher ankle support you could late up to give actual ankle support and they never restricted me. I would think it would take a high AND stiff ankle support to decrease ankle mobility in a squat or lunge.
Agreed, my Ursus are high top and I always squatted without ankle mobility issues in them.

I agree on not doing calves in them, I also don’t like doing GHR in them. Although if you can adjust foot pad depth then I could, but usually the pad is way too far back as is in most GHDs.
 
Yeah honestly, even the OTOMIX the OG bodybuilding shoes had / have some really high and supportive ankles on them but I never had a mobility issue with them either.

1732297716569.webp

I remember wearing these with long white socks bunched up over the top and under my calves. It made them look huge! Yeah, I even had the baggy pants, and a fanny pack back in the day too!!!
 
Yeah honestly, even the OTOMIX the OG bodybuilding shoes had / have some really high and supportive ankles on them but I never had a mobility issue with them either.

View attachment 247271
I remember wearing these with long white socks bunched up over the top and under my calves. It made them look huge! Yeah, I even had the baggy pants, and a fanny pack back in the day too!!!
I actually had thought about getting those Otomix Stingrays, the red, white, and blue second from the right, but I wear a size 12 wide, and those looked narrow, but hey they look good and look Patriotic. But seriously I have a pair of old Addidas wrestling shoes I lift in, that feel great, and are really broke in, but it’s time for new ones. My only problem would be if Otomix are too narrow. I may have to go with the Bearfoot myself.
 
I actually had thought about getting those Otomix Stingrays, the red, white, and blue second from the right, but I wear a size 12 wide, and those looked narrow, but hey they look good and look Patriotic. But seriously I have a pair of old Addidas wrestling shoes I lift in, that feel great, and are really broke in, but it’s time for new ones. My only problem would be if Otomix are too narrow. I may have to go with the Bearfoot myself.
Yeah, they fit similar to my adidas back in the day but I have no clue now. The bearfoots are better IMHO because your foot can spread out on the floor in them. So you can use the muscles of your foot more freely than the wresting shoes.
 
Squats - high bar
10 x bar, 95
5 x 135
1 x 185, 225, 255, 285
3 x 3 x 295
10 x 225

Front squats
3 x 135, 175, 205
15 x 95

Hack squats
10 x +90
5 x +180, +270
10 x +90 A2G

MTS leg ext
3 x 15 x ascending weight

Nautilus ab crunch
5 x 15 x ascending to full stack

Adductor machine
4 sets

Notes
295 remains a tough sticking point. I haven't yet felt confident taking 5 reps here but did pound out 3 x 3 so was able to increase volume overall at the same weight.

By the time I finished fronts today I was toast

I do love the hammer strength MTS leg ext machine though for isolating each leg.

Adductor machine did NOT feel good today. Need to work on that.
 
Bench day 4, with my boy today:

2 x 10 x 95
5 x 135
8 x 165
5 x 195
5 x 3 x 225

AMRAP
195 x 15, 12

CGBP - AMRAP
185 x 10, 9, 8

Incline DB
12 x 40s
10 x 50s
8 x 60s
6 x 70s

OH tricep cable ext
4 sets x 15

Seated Arnold's
4 x 12 x 30s

Pec deck
10 x 130, 160, 190, 220
5 x 295


Weight 194
 
Looks like a fun day, I see that weight creeping up too!
 
Looks like a fun day, I see that weight creeping up too!

It was a good day, I was concerned with the volume I had in mind, whether or not my 15yr old would hang but he made it though. He hit his current 205lb bench PR a couple times for singles, sling shot 220 for a PR, then backed off and hit 185 x 3 with the slingshot for another PR. I was throwing around 80lbs on the overhead tricep extension (to me, it's basically a cable skull crusher) and he decided to show dad who was boss, and proceeded to run his last set at 90lbs. But generally speaking since he has a volume bench day 1 time per week at school, he wanted to train his heavy days on weekends with me and I'm OK with that.

I wasn't able to squat with him at all, so I had him do some goblet squats with a DB while I was doing my arnolds.

weight was 193.6 this morning. so basically since adding var and bringing creatine back in, my weight seems to have stablized about 194lbs from 189. Took my wife out to dinner (a lot cheaper when I'm not drinking) and she wanted italian, so we had spaghetti and extra meat balls. lots of emphasis on meat and protein for me lately.
 
You know, I’m not saying it would be my last meal on death row, but you can do a lot worse than a big plate of spaghetti with extra meatballs! Never a bad choice.

Just have your boy skip the last set of every movement if you want to curb the total volume. You just go first and last for every exercise.
 
You know, I’m not saying it would be my last meal on death row, but you can do a lot worse than a big plate of spaghetti with extra meatballs! Never a bad choice.

I love this part of the game when I'm looking at my meals in terms of surplus. intentionally grabbing those carbs and doubling down on the meat, lol. There is a fat kid in me who is constantly begging to be released. I could go to 220lbs+ overnight if I wanted to.

Just have your boy skip the last set of every movement if you want to curb the total volume. You just go first and last for every exercise.

That's a great idea 🤘
 
It was a good day, I was concerned with the volume I had in mind, whether or not my 15yr old would hang but he made it though. He hit his current 205lb bench PR a couple times for singles, sling shot 220 for a PR, then backed off and hit 185 x 3 with the slingshot for another PR. I was throwing around 80lbs on the overhead tricep extension (to me, it's basically a cable skull crusher) and he decided to show dad who was boss, and proceeded to run his last set at 90lbs. But generally speaking since he has a volume bench day 1 time per week at school, he wanted to train his heavy days on weekends with me and I'm OK with that.

I wasn't able to squat with him at all, so I had him do some goblet squats with a DB while I was doing my arnolds.

weight was 193.6 this morning. so basically since adding var and bringing creatine back in, my weight seems to have stablized about 194lbs from 189. Took my wife out to dinner (a lot cheaper when I'm not drinking) and she wanted italian, so we had spaghetti and extra meat balls. lots of emphasis on meat and protein for me lately.

Badass fam bam sesh! Crazy how much one can save when alcohol is out of the equation. You’ll be pleasantly surprised the effect it has on strength too.
 
Crazy how much one can save when alcohol is out of the equation. You’ll be pleasantly surprised the effect it has on strength too.
dude you're not joking, cost of a date night is 1/2 price when you cut a couple drinks out. I do feel like it lets me enjoy a bit more food, more productively as well since the calories are more useful. Hoping you're right in regards to strength, lol 🔥 been dragging my ass lately, I think getting into the 30f's and staying there the past couple weeks is a little exhausting with the short days.
 
dude you're not joking, cost of a date night is 1/2 price when you cut a couple drinks out. I do feel like it lets me enjoy a bit more food, more productively as well since the calories are more useful. Hoping you're right in regards to strength, lol 🔥 been dragging my ass lately, I think getting into the 30f's and staying there the past couple weeks is a little exhausting with the short days.
The cold can definitely zap you. Not as bad as heat because you’re not usually sweating as much, but there’s an extra cost still in my opinion.
 
The cold can definitely zap you. Not as bad as heat because you’re not usually sweating as much, but there’s an extra cost still in my opinion.
Yep, and the cold makes your immune system work that much harder, so it can be a double whammy.😎
 
The cold can definitely zap you. Not as bad as heat because you’re not usually sweating as much, but there’s an extra cost still in my opinion.

Yep, and the cold makes your immune system work that much harder, so it can be a double whammy.😎

I've noticed when I golf in the winter with long underwear under my pants, and usually 2 if not three layers on top, I finish 18 holes and I'm exhausted whereas in the summer time if it's 80, 90f or even 100f say in Arizona I could play 18 holes at 7am and be ready for another 18 as soon as it's done.

You'd think my genes were designed for that snowy mountain man life by the manvest I grow, but I swear I'm becoming a beach princess needing that 12 hours of 75f sunshine 24/7/365
 
I've noticed when I golf in the winter with long underwear under my pants, and usually 2 if not three layers on top, I finish 18 holes and I'm exhausted whereas in the summer time if it's 80, 90f or even 100f say in Arizona I could play 18 holes at 7am and be ready for another 18 as soon as it's done.

You'd think my genes were designed for that snowy mountain man life by the manvest I grow, but I swear I'm becoming a beach princess needing that 12 hours of 75f sunshine 24/7/365
The more “seasoned” I get, the less I like the cold. I have yet to break out the long underwear or the lined Carhartt pants. It was 22 one morning last week and I was wearing “rip stop” pants, long sleeve, a tee, and a hoodie, came down and got out of bucket cursing myself for not dressing properly. It was 6:15 and the sun was just coming up, by 10:30 it was 45 and I was fine. I’m pretty sure the cold can dehydrate you as well.
 
Your body has to work hard to maintain core body temperature in the cold so your NEAT is automatically higher when you are cold.

So definitely more work and energy drain in the cold weather.
 
dude you're not joking, cost of a date night is 1/2 price when you cut a couple drinks out. I do feel like it lets me enjoy a bit more food, more productively as well since the calories are more useful. Hoping you're right in regards to strength, lol been dragging my ass lately, I think getting into the 30f's and staying there the past couple weeks is a little exhausting with the short days.

400% markup is definitely felt in the wallet 🤣.
You will without a doubt notice it strength wise as well.

Bro im still trying to cope with this stupid time change, then ya throw in the climate! The struggle is real.
 
Deads
10 x 135
5 x 185
3 x 225
1 x 275, 315, 365, 405

RDLs
8 x 315, 225 (DOH)

BB rows
15 x 135

H/S shrugs
2 x 15 x 225
2 x 15 x 275

SS with seated incline DB curls
3 x 12 x 30s
1 x 15 x 25s

Ez bar curls
10 x 70

SS with H/S ground base twist combo machine thingy
12 x +140, 140, 190

Ez bar preacher curls
3 x 10 x 50

SS with H/S ISO lateral front lat pull downs
3 x 12 x +140

Lat pull downs
3 x 12 x 115lbs

Weight 193
 
The more “seasoned” I get, the less I like the cold. I have yet to break out the long underwear or the lined Carhartt pants. It was 22 one morning last week and I was wearing “rip stop” pants, long sleeve, a tee, and a hoodie, came down and got out of bucket cursing myself for not dressing properly. It was 6:15 and the sun was just coming up, by 10:30 it was 45 and I was fine. I’m pretty sure the cold can dehydrate you as well.

400% markup is definitely felt in the wallet 🤣.
You will without a doubt notice it strength wise as well.

Bro im still trying to cope with this stupid time change, then ya throw in the climate! The struggle is real.

ha it's nowhere near sunrise at 6:15 am up here yet. still another month of days getting shorter. When I was a kid, Dec duck hunting was great cause you couldn't even start shooting until like 8am, which meant sleeping in a lot later than summer fishing season 😂

we aren't hitting 22f yet. we are at that point where now until next spring its likely going to touch the 30F's range every day. we will get a few in the 12-18f range but they'll be dry. the rest of the days are 33-37f in the morning with very cold rain, often warming up to a balmy 45f lol.

false spring is great though. usually for a week in january or feb we randomly hit the 70f's and then it snows 😂

1732651268428.webp
 
Deads
10 x 135
5 x 185
3 x 225
1 x 275, 315, 365, 405

RDLs
8 x 315, 225 (DOH)

BB rows
15 x 135

H/S shrugs
2 x 15 x 225
2 x 15 x 275

SS with seated incline DB curls
3 x 12 x 30s
1 x 15 x 25s

Ez bar curls
10 x 70

SS with H/S ground base twist combo machine thingy
12 x +140, 140, 190

Ez bar preacher curls
3 x 10 x 50

SS with H/S ISO lateral front lat pull downs
3 x 12 x +140

Lat pull downs
3 x 12 x 115lbs

Weight 193
Nice workout….hitting some good numbers on your Deadlift.💪
ha it's nowhere near sunrise at 6:15 am up here yet. still another month of days getting shorter. When I was a kid, Dec duck hunting was great cause you couldn't even start shooting until like 8am, which meant sleeping in a lot later than summer fishing season 😂

we aren't hitting 22f yet. we are at that point where now until next spring its likely going to touch the 30F's range every day. we will get a few in the 12-18f range but they'll be dry. the rest of the days are 33-37f in the morning with very cold rain, often warming up to a balmy 45f lol.

false spring is great though. usually for a week in january or feb we randomly hit the 70f's and then it snows 😂

View attachment 247567
Yeah they are predicting we will hit 22F by Monday and Tuesday way down here in Georgia. Next they’ll be telling us that we’re gonna get snow this Winter….what’s the world coming to.🥶
 
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