Return of the King

BossArky · 22-12-2014 11:21pm

Monday December 22nd: Squat

Squat
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
95kg - 1x2
105kg - 7x5
---

Squats were fine strength wise but felt a bit off technically.

Need to start eating more now that I'm getting more settled in life outside of work. Clothes are a bit loose at the moment & I've lost a bit of weight in the past 7 weeks. 84kg on gym scales full clothed.

BossArky · 23-12-2014 11:42am

Tuesday December 23rd: Bench

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 8x4 ... fine
**add slingshot**
90kg - 1x3
100kg - 1x3
105kg - 1x3 ... fine

T-Bar Row
frame +25kg - 3x10

Chin Ups
3x6

Lat Pull down
setting 10 - 3x10
---
BB Curl
25kg - 3x10

Shoulder Press (DB, seated)
17.5kg - 3x10
---

Gradually increasing bench weight after the lay off. Feels good. Nice to use slingshot for slightly heavier sets after too. Did all 11 bench sets (8+3) in not too long at all: 54 mins.

BossArky · 28-12-2014 12:35pm

Saturday December 27th: early morning Squatting... as in midnight to 2am

Squat
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
100kg - 1x2 ... all without belt and wrist wraps up to here
110kg - 10x3 ... fine. Video'd sets 7 & 8

Sumo Deadlift
60kg - 1x5
100kg - 1x3
125kg - 3x3
*add belt & 2 inch block in the form of a fat red 25kg Eleiko bumper plate under each side*
155kg - 1x3 ... alright but could have done with chalk and it not being 2am in the morning...
---

Due to Xmas holidays my 2 "usual" gyms were closed so trained at a 24/7 place. Coincidentally it is the place I met Dorian Yates at one late night in 2011. This gym is considered "hard core"... but just pretty run down. It is great for when you wanna train anytime... but the state of the equipment is pretty shocking. I've been pretty spoilt with great places to train in the last year... and this place tonight just came across shoddy.

Got the work done though. Trained from midnight to 2am-ish. Took 70 minutes to do the 10 sets of Squats. Could have gotten through them a bit quicker if I wasn't messing about on phone and recording a few vids. Did all the warm up sets without belt and wrist wraps. Think I've been relying on them too much for lighter weights.

7th set was alright, but wanted a cleaner angle.

8th set looks great. Loving the depth.

Did the usual "moderate" deadlifts and then a heavier triple off blocks to finish off. The 155kg triple was ok. Would have been way easier if I had chalk and it wasn't 2am...

Think there is a bigger deadlift (>175kg... 185-190kg?) hiding in me wanting to finally get out after all these years.

Happy enough.

BossArky · 28-12-2014 1:07pm

BossArky wrote: »

Saturday December 27th: early morning Squatting... as in midnight to 2am

Squat
110kg - 10x3 ... fine. Video'd sets 7 & 8

Got the work done though. Trained from midnight to 2am-ish. Took 70 minutes to do the 10 sets of Squats. Could have gotten through them a bit quicker if I wasn't messing about on phone and recording a few vids. Did all the warm up sets without belt and wrist wraps. Think I've been relying on them too much for lighter weights.

7th set was alright, but wanted a cleaner angle.

8th set looks great. Loving the depth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxMEUoCQWCk

BossArky · 28-12-2014 1:09pm

Saturday December 27th: proper morning (9am-10am)

1 hr of BOUNCE lol. Trampolining, dodge ball, jumping into pillows after legging it along trampoline runways, etc. Awesome fun & good cardio!

BossArky · 28-12-2014 1:15pm

Saturday December 27th: lunchtime (12:30pm-2pm)

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
85kg - 10x3 ... easy

T-Bar Row
frame +30kg - 3x10

Chin Ups
bodyweight +5kg DB between legs - 3x6

Lat Pull down (close grip, V handle)
setting 15 - 3x10
---
BB Curl
25kg - 3x10

Shoulder Press (DB, seated)
20kg - 2x10 ... didn't have time for 3rd set as gym was closing
---

Pretty handy weights, but happy as everything is moving quickly and I'm starting to get back to eating normally.

Did the Squats/Deads, plus Bounce and then Bench all within exactly 12 hours of each other. Wrecked for the day afterwards...

Bodyweight around 81kg or so. Need to start eating. Toying with what exactly I'm gonna do competition-wise for 2015. There is a comp on here in March but it clashes exactly with the F1 which I wanna attend. May just train hard for the next 6 months and then aim to compete mid 2015 and put a substantial amount on my total. I feel I've got some big pbs coming in Squat and Deadlift once I get a few decent uninterrupted months of training behind me.

Just enjoying training (& life) a lot at the moment.

BossArky · 31-12-2014 6:04am

Monday December 29th: Squat

Squat
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
100kg - 4x9
---
Front Squat
60kg - 3x10
---

Squats were fine. Got caught up talking and being sociable in new gym so the 4 work-sets took longer than planned.

Reintroducing Front Squats for the first time in ~6 months. Erectors, abs, upper back and other core stuff killing me after these as I write this two days later. Nice one. Want to get some bodybuilding type assistance going on after the main Squat worksets... hence the Front Squats to add a bit more quad and core strength. It occured to me recently that I do loads of bodybuilding sets of 10 on bench days after/during the worksets... and it has worked well... so should do the same on lower body days.

Eating more.

BossArky · 31-12-2014 6:12am

Tuesday December 30th: Bench

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
75kg - 6x6 ... light...
**add slingshot**
95kg - 1x3
105kg - 1x3
110kg - 1x3 ... fine

T-Bar Row
frame +30kg - 3x10

Chin Ups
3x6

Lat Pull down
setting 10 - 3x10
---
BB Curl
30kg - 3x10

Shoulder Press (DB, seated)
20kg - 3x10
---

Bench is light, probably too light. Taking the long view though and will build it up over the months. Slingshot was used to keep some heavier weight in the hands. Felt good.

Happy to be doing 3x10 @20kg with the DB shoulder press again. Should really be able to do this a lot heavier, so gonna work on it (plus barbell shoulder press) in the coming while and see how it fairs as assistance. Good for a shoulder pump anyway.

Curled 30kg with the Eleiko.

Rereading Starting Strength the past few days, for the sake of it. Enjoying it. Tme under the bar leads you to the same conclusions that he (Rip) comes up with, which I probably didn't get the first time I read the book years ago. One thing which popped out at me was his recommendation to slightly internally rotate hand on bench to get better position. This is something I found out myself over the past year. Also contemplating getting straps for rack pulls, for situations like last week where I may find myself in some dodgy gym without chalk / decent bars etc. Also just want to try them.

BossArky · 01-01-2015 9:35am

Checking back through my log to evaluate the training year vs. goals at beginning of 2014.

Here were the goals a year ago for 2014:

BossArky wrote: »

Thursday January 2nd:
For reference I'm currently around 150/102.5/165.

Targets for 2014? Stay injury free and keep making incremental progress on the big 3 cycle on cycle.

I ended 2014 weighing around 81kg (approx 4 to 5kg less than a year ago when I was weighing around 86kg), but increased my numbers year on year to be:

Squat 157.5kg (+7.5kg)
Bench 107.5kg (+5kg)
Deadlift 175kg (+10kg)

My targets for 2015 are as follows:

Squat 180kg (+22.5kg)
Bench 120kg (+12.5kg)
Deadlift 200kg (+25kg)
... whilst keeping waistline <34 inches.

That waistline caveat means I'm not going to pigeonhole myself into staying in the 83kg weightclass, as long as I can make strength gainz without getting fat.

BossArky · 03-01-2015 8:45am

Friday January 2nd: Squat & Deads

Squat
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
100kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
107.5kg - 5x7 ... fine. Video'd set 5. Looks good.
---
Sumo Deadlift
70kg - 1x5
120kg - 1x3
130kg - 3x3 ... easy, as it should be. Video'd.
**add belt & 2 inch block in the form of a heaps of rubber mats under each side**
145kg - 1x3 ... fine. Video'd.
160kg - 1x3 ... fine. Video'd.
---
Conventional Deadlift
70kg - 3x5 ... first time convo deadlifting in ~3 year. Felt weird. Knees getting in way. Nice to use muscles which haven't worked in a while
---
RDL
20kg - 1x10
40kg - 3x10 ... concentrating on keeping bar against legs the whole time down and up, as discussed in Starting Strength. Light weight, just getting the hang of this exercise for future heavy sessions
---

Will post some videos later. Was trying out some other back related exercises on top of the usual Squats and Deads on this day.

BossArky · 03-01-2015 9:14am

BossArky wrote: »

Friday January 2nd: Squat & Deads

Squat
107.5kg - 5x7 ... fine. Video'd set 5. Looks good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QPHjGfwXSg

BossArky wrote: »

Sumo Deadlift
130kg - 3x3 ... easy, as it should be. Video'd.
**add belt & 2 inch block in the form of a heaps of rubber mats under each side**
145kg - 1x3 ... fine. Video'd.
160kg - 1x3 ... fine. Video'd.
---
Conventional Deadlift
70kg - 3x5 ... first time convo deadlifting in ~3 year. Felt weird. Knees getting in way. Nice to use muscles which haven't worked in a while
---
RDL
40kg - 3x10 ... concentrating on keeping bar against legs the whole time down and up, as discussed in Starting Strength. Light weight, just getting the hang of this exercise for future heavy sessions
---

Video compliation of Deadlifting above:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7cYHvgtw24

BossArky · 03-01-2015 9:21am

Interestingly my hamstring flexibility was a lot better in the evening after the RDLs. That's why I included them in the first place. Hope they'll help stretch me out a bit.

I've been propping myself up on the floor with back flat against sofa and trying to get legs straight out in front of me on the ground (i.e. 90 degree angle between back and legs). Initially when I try this each evening my hamstrings are as tight as fnck - barely able to get far beyond 60(?) degrees. Over the course of 10-15 mins they gradually loosen off and I can relax into the stretch (where have you heard that before?) almost getting back of legs flat onto ground.

Well, last night I got to that position really quickly - in perhaps 2 or 3 mins. I thank the RDLs for that.

Plan is to keep up this stretching regime for 3 months religiously each night and hopefully it will help my Squat/Dead flexibility and prevent snap city.

BossArky · 03-01-2015 9:31am

Saturday January 3rd: Bench

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 7x5 ... easy. All 7 sets done in 34 mins

Inverted Row
3x10
---
BB Curl (mini BB)
30kg - 3x10

Arnold Press (DB, seated)
20kg per arm - 3x10 ... alrighty
---
DB grip holds for time
40kg per arm - 3x30 seconds ... left hand has a noticeably weaker grip. Was barely hanging onto DB on second and third sets
---

Had to train in crappy gym due to usual one closed due to heat reaching ~40 degrees.

Bench was easy and the rest was straight forward body building.

Added the DB grip training at the end - part of the 200kg Deadlift plan.

BossArky · 03-01-2015 9:39am

Copied from my fb post & related to the Deadlifts above:

Did some conventional deadlifts today for the first time in ~3 years. Here is a nice overlay comparison of my sumo vs conventional starting position using an app called Piclay. Convo feels weird...

BossArky · 07-01-2015 4:15am

Monday January 5th: Squat

Squat
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
100kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
115kg - 7x5 ... slow & tight. Video'd set 7
---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyqGn4eTADc

Squats felt heavier than they should have. Paid the piper for over zealous Deadlifting a few days ago.

BossArky · 07-01-2015 6:06am

Tuesday January 6th: Bench

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
85kg - 8x4 ... handy
**add slingshot**
100kg - 1x3
107.5kg - 1x3
112.5kg - 1x3 ... fine

T-Bar Row
frame+40kg

Inverted Row
3x10

Lat Pulldown
setting 13 - 3x10
---
BB Curl
40kg - 2x8

Arnold Press (DB, seated)
20kg per arm - 2x10
---
DB grip holds for time (one arm at a time)
32.5kg per arm - 1x60 seconds
---

Fine. Increased assistance a bit.

Hanley · 07-01-2015 2:23pm

BossArky wrote: »

Copied from my fb post & related to the Deadlifts above:

Did some conventional deadlifts today for the first time in ~3 years. Here is a nice overlay comparison of my sumo vs conventional starting position using an app called Piclay. Convo feels weird...

Do the same again, but at 85%.

Pause the video right as the bar breaks the floor in both instances.

Overlay.

I'd actually love to see that one.

I think hip position would end up being VERY close.

..just a theory I have about sumo DL.

BossArky · 09-01-2015 1:57am

I'd like to see that too, Hanley. Just don't plan on going "heavy" on conventional anytime soon.

BossArky · 09-01-2015 2:01am

Thursday January 8th: Squat

Squat
60kg - 1x5
85kg - 1x3
105kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
120kg - 10x3 ... hmmm
---
Front Squat
60kg - 1x3
80kg - 3x3
---
DB grip holds for time (one arm at a time)
32.5kg per arm - 1x60, 1x40, 1x30 seconds
---

Back Squats: Sets got better as they went on. Feeling very sluggish though. Think I've still got a Deadlift hangover from last week... hence didn't Deadlift after Squats.

Front Squats: Abs on fire! Going forwards I'm gonna do these for triples with heavier weight than my usual 3x10s.

BossArky · 10-01-2015 10:27am

Saturday January 10th: Bench

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x2
90kg - 10x3 ... fine
**add slingshot**
100kg - 1x3
110kg - 1x3
115kg - 1x3 ... fine

T-Bar Row
frame+45kg - 3x8
frame+40kg - 3x8
frame+35kg - 3x8
frame+30kg - 3x8
---

Good benching and a heap of T-Bar Rowing.

Got to gym after closing time, so was rushing to get through main sets with owner sitting around nicely, which is never a good thing when it is 10x3 day. Got through the 10x3s in 59 minutes.

No time for other assistance.

BossArky · 12-01-2015 12:30pm

Monday January 12th: Squat

Squat
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
95kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
105kg - 4x9 ... video'd last set
---

Squatting like that at 6am which is definitely a personal record.

Last set looks deceptively easy on camera. First two sets felt rough. Third and fourth better as I warmed up. Planning to start doing at least 50% of my training early morning going forwards, so I'd better get used to it.

BossArky · 12-01-2015 12:31pm

BossArky wrote: »

Monday January 12th: Squat

Squat
105kg - 4x9 ... video'd last set
---

Squatting like that at 6am which is definitely a personal record.

Last set looks deceptively easy on camera. First two sets felt rough. Third and fourth better as I warmed up. Planning to start doing at least 50% of my training early morning going forwards, so I'd better get used to it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjxyrPBZcGM

BossArky · 14-01-2015 11:14pm

Tuesday January 13th: 6am Bench

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 6x6

T-Bar Row
frame + 25kg
frame + 35kg
frame + 45kg
---
Arnold Press
20kg - 2x10

BB Curl
30kg - 2x10
---

2nd day in a row training at 6am.

Bench was easy.

Had to cut assistance shorter than usual (i.e. 2x10 instead of 3x10 on Arnold Press and BB Curl. No time for slingshot either. Probably a good thing to be honest as I'm probably over doing the assistance.

BossArky · 16-01-2015 12:48am

Thursday January 15th: Squat

Squat
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
100kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
112.5kg - 5x7 ... video'd last set
---

Got through the 5 sets in record time of 32 minutes which was alright. Video'd last set.

Started Squatting at 7:30pm & had to finish for 8pm committee meeting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uVMRonf68E

BossArky · 19-01-2015 1:49am

Saturday January 17th: Bench

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
85kg - 7x5 ... fine
**add slingshot**
100kg - 1x3
110kg - 1x3
117.5kg - 1x2 ... got a bit loose so only went for 2 instead of planned 3

T-Bar Row
frame+25kg - 1x10
frame+35kg - 1x10
frame+45kg - 1x10

Chin Ups
bodyweight - 3x6

Inverted Row
3x10
---

Got to gym slightly after 12:30pm, which is too late to get through everything before the 2pm close. Thus missed out on Arnold Press and Curls.

Only went for 2 instead of the planned 3 slingshot top set reps on 117.5kg as spotter pulled bar too high when lifting off & I lost tightness in my setup. Just let me him take it off my chest without attempting to press. Don't wanna risk injury on these show-boat sets.

BossArky · 19-01-2015 1:54am

Monday January 19th: Squat @6am

Squat
60kg - 1x5
85kg - 1x2
105kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
120kg - 7x5 ... video'd last set
---

More Monday morning 6am Squats. They feel heavy that early. Got through them ok but 'twas a struggle. Felt cold/tight/asleep.

Took approx. 57 mins to get through the 7 worksets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guk4Yj40Y-4

BossArky · 21-01-2015 6:57am

Tuesday January 20th: Bench @6am

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x2
90kg - 8x4 ... alright but 6am doing me no favours

T-Bar Row
frame+25kg - 1x10
frame+35kg - 1x10
frame+45kg - 1x10

Chin Ups
bodyweight - 3x6

Face Pull
plate 2 - 2x10
---

Got through it. I'm thinking these weights will feel like nothing when I'm properly awake and not lifting at 6am on empty stomach.

No creatine/beta-alanine since above 3 months ago. I reckon that once I start adding those back in again (and stop training at 6am!) then the sky is the limit!

BossArky · 23-01-2015 12:25am

Thursday January 22th: Squat

Squat
60kg - 1x5
90kg - 1x2
110kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
125kg - 10x3 ... video'd last set
---

After first set I racked the weight and checked the plates. Felt like 145kg on the bar, not 125kg. Got through them tho. Felt pretty flat (& fat which is weird, belt was bet onto me... a few days ago it was hanging off me... probably ate/drank too much before training)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctUUEhKTaA

BossArky · 24-01-2015 8:25am

Saturday January 24th: Bench

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
87.5kg - 1x1
95kg - 10x3 ... easy to be honest
**add slingshot**
105kg - 1x3 ... fine
115kg - 1x3... fine
120kg - 1x1 ... fine

T-Bar Row
frame+25kg - 10x8

BB Curl
20kg - 1x30 ... as I couldn't be arsed doing 3x10

DB Arnold Press (seated)
20kg per arm - 1x10 ... couldn't be bothered doing more sets
---

Bench was easy so feeling reassured with my strength given this is the half way point in this cycle and a peak. Will rinse and repeat the same sets/reps again for 6 more weeks, but add 5kg... to end up at 100kg 10x3 in 6 weeks... which will see me back to training strength levels of way I left Perth a couple of months ago.

Took 69 mins to do the 10 sets at 95kg bench. Did the first 9 in 60 mins then took a bit longer before the last watching some dude Squat high in wraps.

Wasn't sure if I'd go for a single or triple at 120kg in the slingshot. Settled for a single as I kinda lost tightness mid-pause and felt the weight try to cut me in half. Just like getting a bit of overload and no point pushing it too hard.

I went back through the past 3 Squat related posts above ^^ and added the videos that I didn't have time to previously embed.

You may (or may not) be wondering why I always video just Squats and not much Bench/Deads. Well, Squat is what I'm keen on bringing up, so I'm focusing on getting the last set of each training session on video. Bench has been feeling pretty good and I think my form is pretty decent. Will try to get more videos of last sets going forwards though.

BossArky · 26-01-2015 9:53am

Monday January 26th: Squat / Australia Day

Squat
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
100kg - 4x9
---

Pretty quick and easy. Trained mid morning due to Australia day. Coach feedback was that I was pumping the sets instead of taking each rep with a similar setup to a 1RM. Slowed down a bit. Overall pretty decent.

This is the first day of the next 6 week cycle.

Just signed up for competition on May 15th, which happens to be on the same day as the F1 so it'll be a busy day.

Comp is in the morning, F1 is in the evening. Hoping to hit 160kg Squat and 107.5kg Bench for 2.5kg PRs within the 83kg class. I've done 107.5kg Bench before at 84 when I screwed up my weight in (and clocked 84 point something). Depending on how much time there is before the F1 I'll see if/what I Deadlift. Something around 180kg+. I.e. incremental total PR as per usual.

Looking forward to it now. The next 6 weeks of training has meaning!

BossArky · 27-01-2015 3:42am

Tuesday January 27th: Bench @6am

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
75kg - 6x6

T-Bar Row
frame+25kg - 1x10
frame+30kg - 1x10
frame+35kg - 1x10

Lat Pulldown
plate 10 - 3x10
---
BB Curl
22.5kg - 1x15 ... right bicep seemed to be taking the brunt of it... maybe still fatigued from preceding one arm db rows which finished on right side immediately before these curls

DB Bench
20kg per arm - 3x10 ... keeping a good tuck to avoid slightly sore right shoulder acting up

One Arm DB Row
20kg per arm - 3x10
---

Bench worksets were easy. Done is 26 mins.

Bringing back in DB Bench and One Arm Rows for variety (vs. DB Shoulder Press and various other rowing).

BossArky · 30-01-2015 11:14am

Thursday January 29th: Squat

Squat
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
100kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
110kg - 5x7 ... felt horrendous
---
Sumo Deadlift (beltless)
70kg - 1x5
120kg - 1x3
140kg - 4x3 ... Video'd sets 1, 2 & 4. Got some coaching feedback which made sets 3 & 4 feel like the first proper sumo sets I've ever done
70kg - 2x a few
---
Front Squat
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 3x5
---

Got a fit of cold/flu/virus/whatever. Thought it was on the mend until I got into the gym. 110kg felt horrendous. Did the first couple of sets with usual narrow grip, then widened it out as I thought quads were gonna fail on later sets. This was a good move as I managed to get back to more low bar and it reminded me I should probably start getting back there as I aim towards comp in 6 weeks.

First deadlifts in 3.5 weeks. 140kg 4x3 beltless was easy. Was getting some coaching feedback to stop my arse popping up. Now trying to start with backside higher & building more tension to Squat it up. Felt right. Need to perfect this at lighter weights. The 4th set of the video looks slow as I was trying to overthink each rep & got into paralysis by analysis.

Finished off with Front Squats which were alright. Need to keep elbows up.

BossArky · 30-01-2015 11:17am

BossArky wrote: »

Thursday January 29th:

Sumo Deadlift (beltless)
140kg - 4x3 ... Video'd sets 1, 2 & 4. Got some coaching feedback which made sets 3 & 4 feel like the first proper sumo sets I've ever done
---

First deadlifts in 3.5 weeks. 140kg 4x3 beltless was easy. Was getting some coaching feedback to stop my arse popping up. Now trying to start with backside higher & building more tension to Squat it up. Felt right. Need to perfect this at lighter weights. The 4th set of the video looks slow as I was trying to overthink each rep & got into paralysis by analysis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCCC0ri92fo

BossArky · 01-02-2015 8:04am

Saturday January 31st: Bench @1pm

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 7x5
**add slingshot**
100kg - 3 sets for AMRAP: 7, 8, 7 ... fun

T-Bar Row
frame+25kg - 1x10
frame+30kg - 1x10
frame+35kg - 1x10

Lat Pulldown (V handle close grip)
plate 12 - 3x10

Band Row (horizontal row, standing, wide grip similar to lat pulldown)
3x10 ... felt good
---
BB Curl
25kg - 3x10

DB Bench
22.5kg per arm - 3x10

One Arm DB Row
22.5kg per arm - 3x10
---

Bench worksets were incredibly easy as expected since it's the 2nd of 12 sessions building up again over the next 6 weeks.

Decided to try something different on the slingshot sets. Usually I got for three sets of ascending paused triples (e.g. 100x3, 110x3, 115x3). Today I thought I'd just go for three sets to failure with as many reps as possible on 100kg for 3 sets. Got 7, 8 & 7. It feels weird when you fail with high-ish reps in the slingshot as the bar comes off your chest fast enough but triceps die and thus you need safetys/diligent spotter to avoid a mess. Good fun!

Think today was the most pumptastic day of my training career to-date. Not sure if it was the combination of multiple high rep chest exercises superset with high rep back stuff... or the kicking in of the creatine, beta-alanine, recovery from flu, chocolate milk, whatever... but I came home with such a pump so massive I barely fit in the door. Pecs were sticking out like a shelf and lats were like wings. Guns were massive too, but you already knew that right?

Was dying with some tasty horrendous DOMS from the Squats/Deadlifts/Front Squats done the couple of days beforehand.

A good day.

BossArky · 03-02-2015 2:44am

Monday February 2nd: Squat @6am

Squat
60kg - 1x5
85kg - 1x3
105kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
117.5kg - 7x5 .. felt great! Video'd sets 2 & 7
---

Squats were awesome this morning. Went back to more of a low bar approach and it felt like nothing. Quads are now getting a hand from hams/glutes/adductors. The more muscles utilised the merrier my Squat!

The last rep of the last set (set 7) felt like the most perfect Squat rep I've ever done. Just felt perfectly balanced, solid, tight, etc.

Squats are still too slow though. Need to drop into the hole and get a bit of rebound going on.

BossArky · 03-02-2015 2:48am

BossArky wrote: »

Monday February 2nd: Squat @6am

Squat
117.5kg - 7x5 .. felt great! Video'd sets 2 & 7
---

Squats were awesome this morning. Went back to more of a low bar approach and it felt like nothing. Quads are now getting a hand from hams/glutes/adductors. The more muscles utilised the merrier my Squat!

The last rep of the last set (set 7) felt like the most perfect Squat rep I've ever done. Just felt perfectly balanced, solid, tight, etc.

Squats are still too slow though. Need to drop into the hole and get a bit of rebound going on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLAyEImrYnU

BossArky · 03-02-2015 2:51am

Tuesday February 3rd: Bench @6am

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
85kg - 8x4

T-Bar Row
frame+25kg - 1x10
frame+30kg - 1x10
frame+35kg - 1x10

Lat Pulldown (V handle close grip)
plate 12 - 3x8

Band Row (horizontal row, standing, wide grip similar to lat pulldown)
3x10
---
BB Curl
20kg - 1x15

DB Bench
22.5kg per arm - 3x10

One Arm DB Row
22.5kg per arm - 3x10
---

Pretty easy. A stepping stone to the heavier weeks on the horizon.

BossArky · 07-02-2015 8:01am

Thursday February 5th: Squat

Squat
60kg - 1x5
90kg - 1x3
110kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
122.5kg - 10x3 ... good. Video'd set 10. Pretty happy with how easy they felt
---
Sumo Deadlift (beltless)
70kg - 1x5
120kg - 1x3
140kg - 3x3 ... Video'd set 3. Kept backside high during setup and these felt easy
---

Good.

BossArky · 07-02-2015 8:04am

BossArky wrote: »

Squat
122.5kg - 10x3 ... good. Video'd set 10. Pretty happy with how easy they felt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kHsVpmwiO0

BossArky wrote: »

Sumo Deadlift (beltless)
140kg - 3x3 ... Video'd set 3. Kept backside high during setup and these felt easy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW2BWdcmSeQ

BossArky · 08-02-2015 3:35am

Saturday February 7th: Bench

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
90kg - 10x3 ... easy. Video'd set 10
**add slingshot**
102.5kg - AMRAP for 3 sets: 7/7/7 ... video'd all 3 sets. Should have had 8+ on the first set but accidently clipped the upright on way down on 8th rep and it threw me off

T-Bar Row
frame+25kg - 1x10
frame+30kg - 1x10
frame+35kg - 1x10

Lat Pulldown (V handle close grip)
plate 12 - 3x12

Band Row (horizontal row, standing, wide grip similar to lat pulldown)
3x10
---

**gym closed so walked home and finished off at home with the below**

---
DB Bench
20kg per arm - 3x10

One Arm DB Row
20kg per arm - 3x10

BB Curl
20kg - 3x10
---

Handy enough session.

Bench worksets on 90kg were easy. Looking at the video the last set looks even easier than it felt.

Still messing about with high rep slingshot sets for variety.

After the above there are now only 4 weeks of hard work training left (16 session) before competition on March 15th (if you exclude the couple of deload sessions). Time is flying.

BossArky · 08-02-2015 3:37am

BossArky wrote: »

Bench (all paused)
90kg - 10x3 ... easy. Video'd set 10

Bench worksets on 90kg were easy. Looking at the video the last set looks even easier than it felt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ux2J0Bvde4

BossArky wrote: »

**add slingshot**
102.5kg - AMRAP for 3 sets: 7/7/7 ... video'd all 3 sets. Should have had 8+ on the first set but accidently clipped the upright on way down on 8th rep and it threw me off

Still messing about with high rep slingshot sets for variety.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Dqys9UWYs

BossArky · 10-02-2015 3:14am

Monday February 9th: Squat @6am

Squat
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
100kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
110kg - 4x9 ... alrighty.
---

That got the hard pumping.

BossArky · 10-02-2015 3:17am

Tuesday February 10th: Bench @6am

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 6x6

T-Bar Row
frame+25kg - 3x10

Chin Ups (parallel grip)
3x6
---
DB Bench
25kg per arm - 3x10

One Arm DB Row
25kg per arm - 3x10
---

Fine. Got up at 5:40am which is too late if trying to get to gym for 6am. Was half asleep throughout the session.

Accidently did 5 reps on first set... hopped up... realized it should have been 6... so hopped back down and did the extra 1.

Zzzz...

BossArky · 13-02-2015 4:42am

Thursday February 12th: Squat

Squat
60kg - 1x5
90kg - 1x3
110kg - 1x2
**add belt and wrist wraps**
120kg - 5x7 ... tough enough
---
Sumo Deadlift
70kg - 1x5
120kg - 3x3
---

Did the first 4 worksets spotterless. Was told at the end of the fourth set that it looked like I didn't have a single rep left in me and a couple of people were about to hop up as they thought I was getting buried on the last rep.

Got spotters for the last set and it was probably one of the best ones. Camera ran out of storage after rep 1, but trust me I did 7.

Should probably start increasing calories now so that the last few weeks of this cycle are easier than the above. Was 86.5kg in gym clothes and over hydrated, so should be an easy 82 or 83kg on comp day... probably even lighter if I water load as per usual. Therefore, I have a few kg of bodyweight to play and can afford to stuff my face in the next while.

BossArky · 15-02-2015 12:24am

BossArky wrote: »

Thursday February 12th: Squat

Squat
120kg - 5x7 ... tough enough
---

Did the first 4 worksets spotterless. Was told at the end of the fourth set that it looked like I didn't have a single rep left in me and a couple of people were about to hop up as they thought I was getting buried on the last rep.

Got spotters for the last set and it was probably one of the best ones. Camera ran out of storage after rep 1, but trust me I did 7.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzDwEMQaIKc

BossArky · 15-02-2015 12:28am

Saturday February 14th: Bench

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
85kg - 7x5 ... alright... but should have been easier. Need to eat more. Smashed after Squats Thursday night.
**add slingshot**
100kg - 1x3
110kg - 1x3
115kg - 1x1 ... easy
---
T-Bar Row
frame+25kg - 1x10
frame+30kg - 1x10
frame+35kg - 1x10

Lat Pulldown (V handle close grip)
plate 13 - 3x10

Band Row (horizontal row, standing, wide grip similar to lat pulldown)
3x10
---

**gym closed so walked home and finished off at home with the below**

---
DB Bench
20kg per arm - 3x10

Seated Machine Row (cable, close grip)
80lbs - 3x10

BB Curl
20kg - 3x10
---

Alrighty. Just getting through this day. A stepping stone to more weight next time.

As mentioned above and in last post I need to up the calories. Feeling a bit flat recently.

BossArky · 17-02-2015 4:01am

Tuesday February 17th: Squat @6am

Squat
60kg - 1x5
90kg - 1x3
110kg - 1x2
**add belt & wrisp wraps**
127.5kg - 7x5 ... really hard. Video'd last set.
---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMDk9O1wCzk

Toughest Squat session this cycle. Jaysus.

Hard to Squat alone at 6am on a dark morning. Missed the mild kick you get when you have a bit of atmosphere (people watching or working in). First 4 sets felt horrendous. Called the gym guy who was dosing at desk around the corner to watch me for the last 3 sets... purely for the competitive edge you get when you know someone is watching you and you don't want to fail in front of them. It worked (having an audience) & the final 3 sets were better than the first 4. Still hard though.

Got through it & that is what counts. The 7 worksets took 55-60 mins. Now, time to eat.

BossArky · 18-02-2015 4:07am

Wednesday February 18th: Bench @6am

Bench (all paused)
20kg - 1x5
60kg - 1x5
80kg - 1x3
90kg - 8x4 ... tough... felt flat. Knackered after yesterday mornings Squats
---
T-Bar Row
frame+20kg - 4x10

Lat Pulldown
plate 11 - 4x10
---

Bench worksets were harder than they should have been. Feeling pretty smashed after yesterday mornings Squats. Shoulders and elbows achy which slowed me down. Took 57 minutes to get through the 8 sets. Got slightly sidetracked responding to emails on phone between sets 1 & 2. Really need to stay away from phone when in the gym and push hard to get through the first few sets with minimal rest, else these sort of sessions turn into an epic.

Drinking a 2litre of full fat milk as I type this.

Sh1t's getting real.

BossArky · 20-02-2015 10:44am

Friday February 20th: Squat @6am

Squat
60kg - 1x5
90kg - 1x3
**add wrist wraps**
112.5kg - 1x2
**add belt**
132.5kg - 10x3 ... Hard but didn't die. Video'd last set.
---

Cannot complain too much. Worksets were tough, but I got through 10 near max effort RPE sets in 63 mins. I reckon I'll be ok to add 5kg and finish the cycle as planned in two weeks. It'll be hard, but looking forward to it.

BossArky · 20-02-2015 10:47am

BossArky wrote: »

Friday February 20th: Squat @6am

Squat
132.5kg - 10x3 ... Hard but didn't die. Video'd last set.
---

Cannot complain too much. Worksets were tough, but I got through 10 near max effort RPE sets in 63 mins.

Somewhere in the middle of those 10 sets I found a nice sweetspot for the low bar. Really locked in tight and felt correct for the first time. This slightly threw off my balance though as my centre of gravity was shifted back more than normal. Hence I felt I had to almost lean forward more to prevent toppling backwards. You can see I seem to be a bit forward in this video of set 10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOuHz4xcyI8

Return of the King

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