This blog is likely to contain anything that falls within the vein of improving strength, health & body composition through the means of resistance training & diet. Complete with random thoughts, observations & lessons learned throughout my own progress.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
BioRhythm Meal Template
Dominik from naturtraining.net asked for a meal template that I would use on the BioRhythm Diet. So here is what a general training day could look like for a 175 - 195lb (80-90kg) male;
Protein / Carb servings can be adjusted up or down to suit individual needs. Preferentially you would limit meal #1 & #2 to 1 serving of carbs (or less), while placing the majority of the carbs at meals #3 & #4.
The template could also be used for non-training days, simply by removing the BCAA & Whey as well as reducing some of the carbs at meal 3.
Hope this helps you out, Dominik!
MEAL 1:
6 Omega-3 eggs
1 serving Carbs*
+ Non-Starchy Veggies
MEAL 2:
8oz / 225g Red Meat or Oily Fish
1 serving Carbs*
1 Tbsp Healthy Oil
+ Non-Starchy Veggies
WORKOUT: 10g BCAA Drink (optional)
Meal 3:
15-30g Whey Protein
1 Cup / 226g Cottage Cheese
2+ serving Carbs*
+ 5-10g Fats (optional)
Meal 4:
8oz / 225g Lean Meat (cooked)
3+ serving Carbs*
+ Veggies
*Carb Servings
~ Half-cup / 40g Oats (dry)
~ 1 Packet / 28g Grits (dry)
~ 150g Potato (raw)
~ Half-cup / 90g Rice (cooked)
~ 1 Large Banana
~ 1 Large Apple
~ 1 Cup Berries
Protein / Carb servings can be adjusted up or down to suit individual needs. Preferentially you would limit meal #1 & #2 to 1 serving of carbs (or less), while placing the majority of the carbs at meals #3 & #4.
The template could also be used for non-training days, simply by removing the BCAA & Whey as well as reducing some of the carbs at meal 3.
Hope this helps you out, Dominik!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Training Log - Full Body B
Incline Bench
82.5kg - 3 sets x8,8,7
BTN Press
60kg - 3 sets x9,9,8
Pull-ups
Bw +5kg - 3 sets x12,11,11
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,12,11
Back Squat
82.5kg - 3 sets x8,8,7
BTN Press
60kg - 3 sets x9,9,8
Pull-ups
Bw +5kg - 3 sets x12,11,11
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,12,11
Back Squat
97.5kg - 1 set x20
RDL
130kg - 3 sets x8,7,7
Shrugs
210kg - 2 sets x20
Morning Bodyweight - 84,6kg
Morning Bodyweight - 84,6kg
Another good session. Making slow increases on basically everything.
Training Log - Full Body A (7/19/2013)
Strict Press
70kg - 3 sets x7,7,7
Flat Db Bench
80lb - 3 sets x11,11,11
Pull-ups
Bw +20kg - 3 sets x7,7,6
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,12,11
Back Squat
70kg - 3 sets x7,7,7
Flat Db Bench
80lb - 3 sets x11,11,11
Pull-ups
Bw +20kg - 3 sets x7,7,6
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,12,11
Back Squat
95kg - 1 set x20
SLDL
80kg - 3 sets x11,10,10
Shrugs
207.5kg - 2 sets x20
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Training Log - Full Body B
Incline Bench
82.5kg - 3 sets x7
BTN Press
60kg - 3 sets x9,9,8
Pull-ups
Bw +5kg - 3 sets x11
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,12,11
Back Squat
82.5kg - 3 sets x7
BTN Press
60kg - 3 sets x9,9,8
Pull-ups
Bw +5kg - 3 sets x11
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,12,11
Back Squat
95kg - 1 set x20
RDL
130kg - 3 sets x7
Shrugs
207.5kg - 2 sets x20
Morning Bodyweight - 84kg
Rep Increases across the board on upper body lifts. Training is going well.
Morning Bodyweight - 84kg
Rep Increases across the board on upper body lifts. Training is going well.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Training Log - Full Body A
Strict Press
70kg - 3 sets x7,7,6
Flat Db Bench
80lb - 3 sets x11,10,10
Pull-ups
Bw +20kg - 3 sets x7,7,6
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,11,11
Back Squat
70kg - 3 sets x7,7,6
Flat Db Bench
80lb - 3 sets x11,10,10
Pull-ups
Bw +20kg - 3 sets x7,7,6
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,11,11
Back Squat
95kg - 1 set x20
SLDL
80kg - 3 sets x10
Shrugs
207.5kg - 2 sets x20
Morning Bodyweight - 84kg
Great training today. Reps added on Press (2), Flat Bench (1) & Pull-ups (1). Added 2.5kg to the 1x20 Back Squat. Kept up a solid pace throughout the entire workout, with the entire session coming in under 75 minutes, including warm-ups.
Making fast improvements in the conditioning department, due to the higher training density in these sessions.
Great training today. Reps added on Press (2), Flat Bench (1) & Pull-ups (1). Added 2.5kg to the 1x20 Back Squat. Kept up a solid pace throughout the entire workout, with the entire session coming in under 75 minutes, including warm-ups.
Making fast improvements in the conditioning department, due to the higher training density in these sessions.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Training Log - Full Body B
Incline Bench
82.5kg - 3 sets x6
BTN Press
60kg - 3 sets x9,8,8
Pull-ups
Bw +5kg - 3 sets x11,11,10
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,11,11
Back Squat
82.5kg - 3 sets x6
BTN Press
60kg - 3 sets x9,8,8
Pull-ups
Bw +5kg - 3 sets x11,11,10
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,11,11
Back Squat
92.5kg - 1 set x20
RDL
130kg - 3 sets x7
Shrugs
207.5kg - 2 sets x20
Morning Bodyweight - 83kg
Solid Day. Making gradual increases with really strict form. Now out for sushi!
Morning Bodyweight - 83kg
Solid Day. Making gradual increases with really strict form. Now out for sushi!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Training Log - Full Body A
Strict Press
70kg - 3 sets x7,6,5
Flat Db Bench
80lb - 3 sets x11,10,9
Pull-ups
Bw +20kg - 3 sets x6,7,6
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,11,11
Back Squat
70kg - 3 sets x7,6,5
Flat Db Bench
80lb - 3 sets x11,10,9
Pull-ups
Bw +20kg - 3 sets x6,7,6
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x12,11,11
Back Squat
92.5kg - 1 set x20
SLDL
80kg - 3 sets x10
Shrugs
207.5kg - 2 sets x20
Morning Bodyweight - 83kg
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
“You can get what you want. Never sell out. Don't break. Don't weaken. Don't let the kindness of strangers be your salvation, for it is no salvation at all. Unless you sleep alone, you sleep with the enemy. Never come out of the storm. On the other hand, maybe you should. You don't have what it takes to go the hard way. Come out of the cold and sit by the fire. Let them warm you with the smiles and promise of friendship's fortune. Lose your edge. A soft body and chained mind suit you. Chances are you don't have what it takes to walk the frozen trail. Stay home and relax.” - Henry Rollins
Monday, July 8, 2013
Training Log - Full Body B
Incline Bench
82.5kg - 3 sets x5
BTN Press
60kg - 3 sets x9,8,8
Pull-ups
Bw +5kg - 3 sets x11,10,10
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x11
Back Squat
82.5kg - 3 sets x5
BTN Press
60kg - 3 sets x9,8,8
Pull-ups
Bw +5kg - 3 sets x11,10,10
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x11
Back Squat
92.5kg - 1 set x20
RDL
130kg - 3 sets x7
Shrugs
207.5kg - 2 sets x20
Morning Bodyweight - 83.5kg
Back from vacation and picking up right where I left off. Added reps/kg's across the board compared to last pass on this workout. None of these sets are really killer right now, setting myself up for some solid progression in the coming weeks/months.
As far as body-comp goes, my goals are still the same as I stated a while back; maintain a bodyweight range of 82 - 84kg (180-185lb) for a few months. Using some calorie / macro cycling i'll be able to achieve gradual recomposition along with strength gains. The key to this is being both steadfast and patient.
Morning Bodyweight - 83.5kg
Back from vacation and picking up right where I left off. Added reps/kg's across the board compared to last pass on this workout. None of these sets are really killer right now, setting myself up for some solid progression in the coming weeks/months.
As far as body-comp goes, my goals are still the same as I stated a while back; maintain a bodyweight range of 82 - 84kg (180-185lb) for a few months. Using some calorie / macro cycling i'll be able to achieve gradual recomposition along with strength gains. The key to this is being both steadfast and patient.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Training Log - Full Body A
Strict Press
70kg - 3 sets x6
Flat Db Bench
80lb - 3 sets x10
Pull-ups
Bw +20kg - 3 sets x6
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x11
Back Squat
70kg - 3 sets x6
Flat Db Bench
80lb - 3 sets x10
Pull-ups
Bw +20kg - 3 sets x6
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x11
Back Squat
90kg - 1 set x20
SLDL
80kg - 3 sets x10
Shrugs
205kg - 2 sets x20
Another good F-B workout. Now officially on vacation!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Training Log - Full Body B
Incline Bench
80kg - 3 sets x8
BTN Press
65kg - 3 sets x8,7,7
Pull-ups
Bw +5kg - 3 sets x10
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x11,11,10
Back Squat
80kg - 3 sets x8
BTN Press
65kg - 3 sets x8,7,7
Pull-ups
Bw +5kg - 3 sets x10
Db Row
80lb - 3 sets x11,11,10
Back Squat
90kg - 1 set x20
RDL
130kg - 3 sets x7,7,6
Shrugs
205kg - 2 sets x20
Full-body workout tonight, felt great. Basically just combined the upper & lower workouts. This type of set-up is a possibility for me, after returning from vacation. Not 100% sure yet, but it may be worth playing around with.
Full-body workout tonight, felt great. Basically just combined the upper & lower workouts. This type of set-up is a possibility for me, after returning from vacation. Not 100% sure yet, but it may be worth playing around with.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Training Log - Chins& Presses
Chins / Pull-ups
Bodyweight - 2 sets x10
Bodyweight+27.5kg - 3 sets x5,4,4
Strict Press
83.5kg - 3 sets x4
Dips
Bodyweight+20kg - 3 sets x9,9,8
Same weight/reps on presses this week, as it still felt difficult. Im sure a weekend of nothing but alcohol didnt help this very much. Next week i'll be looking to hit 5 reps on the first set.
Chins & Dips are increasing without too much hassle. No surprise there.
Diet has been solid lately, minus the occasional indulgences. Maintaining 180-185lb effortlessly. Actually had a damn low weigh-in saturday with 179.4lb.
Last week of training prior to a weeks vacation. Really looking forward to a break from work/home-life.
Bodyweight - 2 sets x10
Bodyweight+27.5kg - 3 sets x5,4,4
Strict Press
83.5kg - 3 sets x4
Dips
Bodyweight+20kg - 3 sets x9,9,8
Same weight/reps on presses this week, as it still felt difficult. Im sure a weekend of nothing but alcohol didnt help this very much. Next week i'll be looking to hit 5 reps on the first set.
Chins & Dips are increasing without too much hassle. No surprise there.
Diet has been solid lately, minus the occasional indulgences. Maintaining 180-185lb effortlessly. Actually had a damn low weigh-in saturday with 179.4lb.
Last week of training prior to a weeks vacation. Really looking forward to a break from work/home-life.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Training Log - Squats (alternate)
Back Squat
Morning Bodyweight - 83kg
Gonna experiment with pulling from the floor every other week, so with that comes another alternate squat day, which I did today.
Really enjoyed the SG-SLDL and will continue to incorporate it on the alternate workout. Can really fatigue the spinal erectors with some higher rep work. The plan is to really hammer the squat, RDL, SLDL & shrugs, while pulling from the floor a little less frequently. Hoping I can run this type of deal to get my deadup to the magic 500 that Ive been chasing.
Shrugs, I've been creeping these up slowly... +2.5kg every two workouts. They seem to be getting easier and easier. No doubt that I can currently do sets of 20 with 500lb... but Im gonna continue with the slow progression. I'll get there eventually.
100kg - x5
120kg - x4
130kg - x3
140kg - x2
120kg - x4
130kg - x3
140kg - x2
150kg - x1
160kg - x1
87.5kg - 1 set x20
160kg - x1
87.5kg - 1 set x20
Snatch-Grip Stiff-Leg DL
60kg - x12
70kg - x10
80kg - x10
Shrugs
70kg - x10
80kg - x10
Shrugs
205kg - 2 sets x20
Morning Bodyweight - 83kg
Gonna experiment with pulling from the floor every other week, so with that comes another alternate squat day, which I did today.
Really enjoyed the SG-SLDL and will continue to incorporate it on the alternate workout. Can really fatigue the spinal erectors with some higher rep work. The plan is to really hammer the squat, RDL, SLDL & shrugs, while pulling from the floor a little less frequently. Hoping I can run this type of deal to get my deadup to the magic 500 that Ive been chasing.
Shrugs, I've been creeping these up slowly... +2.5kg every two workouts. They seem to be getting easier and easier. No doubt that I can currently do sets of 20 with 500lb... but Im gonna continue with the slow progression. I'll get there eventually.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Training Log - Bench
Flat Bench
120kg - 3 sets x4
Chins / Pull-ups
bodyweight +3.5kg - 5 sets x10
BTN Press
65kg - 3 sets x8,7,7
Wide-grip EZ Curl
65lb - 3 sets x11,10,10
Bodyweight - 82kg
Solid workout. Good lifts with no major struggles. Progress!
120kg - 3 sets x4
Chins / Pull-ups
bodyweight +3.5kg - 5 sets x10
BTN Press
65kg - 3 sets x8,7,7
Wide-grip EZ Curl
65lb - 3 sets x11,10,10
Bodyweight - 82kg
Solid workout. Good lifts with no major struggles. Progress!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Recipe: Berry Rice Bowl
So this is something I crafted up recently which turned out to be pretty damn tasty. This is a perfect example of an evening meal for those of you utilizing the principles of the BioRhythm Diet.
Ingredients
-Fresh Strawberries/Blueberries/Blackberries/Raspberries (200-300g)
-Cottage Cheese (low fat) or Greek Yogurt (1 Cup / 225g)
-White, Jasmine or Basmati Rice (1 Cup dry / 180g)
-Optional stuff: sweetener, cinnamon, dark cocoa powder
Step 1: Measure out 1 cup of dry rice, add water and cook using whatever method you usually do. I have a rice cooker and highly recommend that you get one.
Step 2: While the rice is cooking, get your berries into a medium/large bowl and mash them up.
Step 3: Add Cottage Cheese, sweetener, cocoa & cinnamon (or any other extra's that you'd like) to the berry paste and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: When the rice is finished cooking, add it into the berry/cottage cheese mixture and stir until a even distribution is reached.
Step 5 (optional): Add more sweetner/cinnamon to taste and chill the bowl in the freezer for 15mins, then enjoy.
I find this to be a great change of pace from the standard meat & potatoes, especially when I am craving something sweet. Its delicious and filling, delivering around 850kcal, 40g protein, 165g carb & 4g fat.
Try it and let me know what you think!
Ingredients
-Fresh Strawberries/Blueberries/Blackberries/Raspberries (200-300g)
-Cottage Cheese (low fat) or Greek Yogurt (1 Cup / 225g)
-White, Jasmine or Basmati Rice (1 Cup dry / 180g)
-Optional stuff: sweetener, cinnamon, dark cocoa powder
Step 1: Measure out 1 cup of dry rice, add water and cook using whatever method you usually do. I have a rice cooker and highly recommend that you get one.
Step 2: While the rice is cooking, get your berries into a medium/large bowl and mash them up.
Mash dat shit up. |
Step 3: Add Cottage Cheese, sweetener, cocoa & cinnamon (or any other extra's that you'd like) to the berry paste and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: When the rice is finished cooking, add it into the berry/cottage cheese mixture and stir until a even distribution is reached.
Mountain of rice, Incoming |
Step 5 (optional): Add more sweetner/cinnamon to taste and chill the bowl in the freezer for 15mins, then enjoy.
Not Pretty, but Tasty |
I find this to be a great change of pace from the standard meat & potatoes, especially when I am craving something sweet. Its delicious and filling, delivering around 850kcal, 40g protein, 165g carb & 4g fat.
Try it and let me know what you think!
Training Log - Squats
Back Squat
120kg - x5
130kg - x3
140kg - x2
130kg - x3
140kg - x2
150kg - x1
160kg - x1
86kg - 1 set x20
160kg - x1
86kg - 1 set x20
RDL
130kg - 3 sets x7,6,6
Shrugs
202.5kg - 2 sets x20
Went up to a 160 single in the squat today, not too grindy or anything, just a solid rep at RPE 8/9. Then a back-off set for 20reps. Not bad after a night of drinking. Shout out to my bro Matt. We killed 3 bottles of wine and proceeded to cook & eat 12oz roast beef and a few pounds of potatos each, at 1:30 a.m. Good times!
RDLs went well, taking the slow progression on these, just 1 rep per workout. Shrugs were EASY. I'll be taking another jump up on the next workout. I seem to be doing really well just continually adding poundage to these, 2x/week.
In general, things are in a good place now. I am in good shape, enjoying the summer weather and less training (more time outside doing other things in life). BioRhythm Diet is still treating me well as I've continued to hone things in and really make it work perfectly for me. I am mainining 82kg (180lb) +/-1.5kg very easily and that is going to be the continued goal for the next 3-6 months. Stay around that range, get stronger and harden up the physique. No bulking, No cutting, just gradual improvement in both strength and fat-loss.
Went up to a 160 single in the squat today, not too grindy or anything, just a solid rep at RPE 8/9. Then a back-off set for 20reps. Not bad after a night of drinking. Shout out to my bro Matt. We killed 3 bottles of wine and proceeded to cook & eat 12oz roast beef and a few pounds of potatos each, at 1:30 a.m. Good times!
RDLs went well, taking the slow progression on these, just 1 rep per workout. Shrugs were EASY. I'll be taking another jump up on the next workout. I seem to be doing really well just continually adding poundage to these, 2x/week.
In general, things are in a good place now. I am in good shape, enjoying the summer weather and less training (more time outside doing other things in life). BioRhythm Diet is still treating me well as I've continued to hone things in and really make it work perfectly for me. I am mainining 82kg (180lb) +/-1.5kg very easily and that is going to be the continued goal for the next 3-6 months. Stay around that range, get stronger and harden up the physique. No bulking, No cutting, just gradual improvement in both strength and fat-loss.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Physique Update, Food P0rn & Training Log - Chins & Presses
Chins / Pull-ups
Bodyweight - 2 sets x10
Bodyweight+27.5kg - 3 sets x4
Strict Press
83.5kg - 3 sets x4
Dips
Bodyweight+20kg - 3 sets x9,8,8
Morning Bodyweight - 83kg
Bodyweight - 2 sets x10
Bodyweight+27.5kg - 3 sets x4
Strict Press
83.5kg - 3 sets x4
Dips
Bodyweight+20kg - 3 sets x9,8,8
Morning Bodyweight - 83kg
Not a bad look considering the binge I had yesterday. Approx 2500kcal surplus comprised mostly of peanut butter. What a mess that was. |
Delicious supper this evening. Roast Beef & Mashed Potato w/ Peas |
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Training Log - Deadlift
Deadlift
180kg - 3 sets x4
Barbell Shrugs
202.5kg - 2 sets x20 (+straps)
Squat (light)
65kg - 1 set x20
Morning Bodyweight - 81.5kg
Deads felt a little off, so simply matched performance to last week. Adding in some high rep squatting to aid in rehabbing the bitch piriformis. On the upside, looked super lean & dry this morning at ~81.5kg / ~179lb, so things are going well on that front.
Gotta get this hip issue resolve to get lower body back on track.
180kg - 3 sets x4
Barbell Shrugs
202.5kg - 2 sets x20 (+straps)
Squat (light)
65kg - 1 set x20
Morning Bodyweight - 81.5kg
Deads felt a little off, so simply matched performance to last week. Adding in some high rep squatting to aid in rehabbing the bitch piriformis. On the upside, looked super lean & dry this morning at ~81.5kg / ~179lb, so things are going well on that front.
Gotta get this hip issue resolve to get lower body back on track.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Training Log - Bench
Chins / Pull-ups
bodyweight +5lb - 5 sets x10
Wide-grip EZ Curl
65lb - 3 sets x10
Flat Bench
117.5kg - 3 sets x6
BTN Press
65kg - 3 sets x7
Bodyweight - 82kg
Decided to have a little fun today with some curls, not something I do very often. Also, gonna start slowly ratcheting up the weight on 5x10 chins, keeping volume stagnant.
Bench sets were pretty damn difficult, but ended up getting them all... barely.
Presses went well, not too much grinding going on there.
bodyweight +5lb - 5 sets x10
Wide-grip EZ Curl
65lb - 3 sets x10
Flat Bench
117.5kg - 3 sets x6
BTN Press
65kg - 3 sets x7
Bodyweight - 82kg
Decided to have a little fun today with some curls, not something I do very often. Also, gonna start slowly ratcheting up the weight on 5x10 chins, keeping volume stagnant.
Bench sets were pretty damn difficult, but ended up getting them all... barely.
Presses went well, not too much grinding going on there.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Training Log - Squats
Back Squat
130kg - 3 sets x6
RDL
130kg - 3 sets x6
Shrugs
200kg - 2 sets x20
Energy was low as shit today. Squats felt pretty crappy even with the reset weights. Probably gonna have to figure out wtf is up with my glute/piriformis that's been giving me trouble. Ugh. Gonna take a slow progression with these.
RDLs & Shrugs felt easy, as usual.
Carb intake today - 750g. Yum
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Training Log - Chins & Presses
Chins / Pull-ups
Bodyweight - 1 set x10
Bodyweight+25kg - 3 sets x6
Strict Press
81kg - 3 sets x6 PR! (vid below)
Dips
Bodyweight - 1 set x10
Bodyweight+20kg - 3 sets x8
Morning Bodyweight - 80.4kg
Fun workout today. Felt good to rep out some bodyweight strict presses for a volume PR. Feeling like I'm back on track after a messy week or so that has passed.
Bodyweight - 1 set x10
Bodyweight+25kg - 3 sets x6
Strict Press
81kg - 3 sets x6 PR! (vid below)
Dips
Bodyweight - 1 set x10
Bodyweight+20kg - 3 sets x8
Morning Bodyweight - 80.4kg
Fun workout today. Felt good to rep out some bodyweight strict presses for a volume PR. Feeling like I'm back on track after a messy week or so that has passed.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Training Log - Deadlift
Deadlift
180kg - 3 sets x4
Barbell Shrugs
200kg - 2 sets x20 (+straps)
Squat (light)
100kg - 3 sets x5
Morning Bodyweight - 82.2kg
Good training day. Motivation was high, feels good to get a fresh start on some new training methods. Looking forward to some slow, consistent gains during the next few months.
180kg - 3 sets x4
Barbell Shrugs
200kg - 2 sets x20 (+straps)
Squat (light)
100kg - 3 sets x5
Morning Bodyweight - 82.2kg
Good training day. Motivation was high, feels good to get a fresh start on some new training methods. Looking forward to some slow, consistent gains during the next few months.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Training Log - Bench
Flat Bench
117.5kg - x6,6,5
Chins / Pull-ups
bodyweight x15,15,10,10 (50 reps)
BTN Press
72.5kg x5
65kg x7
Bodyweight - 81.5kg
Things have been pretty busy lately, with lots coming up over the next few months. I'll likely be shifting things around regarding training possibly even resorting to a lesser frequency for a while. Such is life and the pendulum swing of weightlifting. Of course, I will still be pushing for gains every session. Kind of interested to see how it goes.
117.5kg - x6,6,5
Chins / Pull-ups
bodyweight x15,15,10,10 (50 reps)
BTN Press
72.5kg x5
65kg x7
Bodyweight - 81.5kg
Things have been pretty busy lately, with lots coming up over the next few months. I'll likely be shifting things around regarding training possibly even resorting to a lesser frequency for a while. Such is life and the pendulum swing of weightlifting. Of course, I will still be pushing for gains every session. Kind of interested to see how it goes.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Training Log - Session #1
Back Squat
Strict Press
147.5kg – x2
130kg - 2x5
130kg - 2x5
Strict Press
82.5kg – x3,3
75kg - x5
75kg - x5
Morning Bodyweight - 81.5kg
Total shit-show today. First off, I had a hell of a time dealing with my left piriformis. I always have to do some hip mobility before squats/deads, so I'm used to some discomfort during warm ups... but today the bitch would just not loosen up. Top set of squats @ 147.5 was supposed to be 5 reps, but after the 2nd rep, things were just feeling horrible, so I decided not to push it. Last thing I want is to pop something and completely fuck myself. So I dropped back ~10% and did 2x5 @ 130 which still felt awkward and much heavier than it should have. At this point I just said fuck-it. Chalk it up to a bad day.
Nothing special on presses either. Just a 'meh' session.
I think the last two squat /dead sessions really made an impact on my recovery, they were extremely difficult and left me exceptionally sore for much longer than usual. Especially in the spinal erectors. Gonna have to watch out for this in the future.
Anyway I think a reset on squats is definitely in order. We'll see how deads go in the few days. Gonna have a bit of extra calories and carbs tonight in hopes of some extra recovery.
Total shit-show today. First off, I had a hell of a time dealing with my left piriformis. I always have to do some hip mobility before squats/deads, so I'm used to some discomfort during warm ups... but today the bitch would just not loosen up. Top set of squats @ 147.5 was supposed to be 5 reps, but after the 2nd rep, things were just feeling horrible, so I decided not to push it. Last thing I want is to pop something and completely fuck myself. So I dropped back ~10% and did 2x5 @ 130 which still felt awkward and much heavier than it should have. At this point I just said fuck-it. Chalk it up to a bad day.
Nothing special on presses either. Just a 'meh' session.
I think the last two squat /dead sessions really made an impact on my recovery, they were extremely difficult and left me exceptionally sore for much longer than usual. Especially in the spinal erectors. Gonna have to watch out for this in the future.
Anyway I think a reset on squats is definitely in order. We'll see how deads go in the few days. Gonna have a bit of extra calories and carbs tonight in hopes of some extra recovery.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Training Log - Session #6
Flat Bench Press
130kg - 3x3
Myo-Reps, 100kg x9 +2x3
Myo-Reps, 100kg x9 +2x3
Ring Pull-Ups
Bodyweight x10,6,4
Bodyweight +26kg - 5x5 PR
Morning Bodyweight - 82kg
Transitioning to 3x3 on the flat bench with Myo-Reps for the back-off work. Tried using a wide grip on back-off sets, which felt like complete shit, as you can tell by the shit performance. Will likely just use my standard close-grip next time.
Small plate added to the chins for another PR. Bodyweight has been gradually dropping... gonna ride it out and see how lean I can get while still getting PRs and eating a ton of carbs.
Bodyweight +26kg - 5x5 PR
Morning Bodyweight - 82kg
Transitioning to 3x3 on the flat bench with Myo-Reps for the back-off work. Tried using a wide grip on back-off sets, which felt like complete shit, as you can tell by the shit performance. Will likely just use my standard close-grip next time.
Small plate added to the chins for another PR. Bodyweight has been gradually dropping... gonna ride it out and see how lean I can get while still getting PRs and eating a ton of carbs.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Training Log - Session #5
Deadlift
200kg x12 singles /30mins
---Backoff, 160kg - 2x5
Morning Bodyweight - 81.7kg
Super Low weigh-in today, so gonna ensure a large refeed tonight. Deadlifts went well, added an extra rep over last week with no major issue. Gonna take my time building up with 200kg. Did some back-off sets for some extra volume.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Training Log - Session #4
BTN Strict Press
72.5kg – x6,6,6,5
Ring Dips
Bodyweight x10
Bodyweight +25kg – 5x5
Bodyweight x10
Bodyweight – 82.3kg
Low weigh-in today. Missing the last rep on the last set of presses was disheartening, but that's weightlifting for ya.
Added 5kg and reset dips down to 5x5 again, will build up from here.
Low weigh-in today. Missing the last rep on the last set of presses was disheartening, but that's weightlifting for ya.
Added 5kg and reset dips down to 5x5 again, will build up from here.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Just a lil food porn...
Training Log - Session #3
Bench Press
116kg - 4x6
Back Squat
120 - 2x5
Morning Bodyweight - 83kg
Went for light squats today because my quads & hams are still pulverized. Also, forgot to increase the poundage for bench press. Oh well. Crushed 116 again, will be upping to 117.5kg next session.
So here is the big realization after taking the unplanned 3-days off:
Soreness returned like a BITCH. Prior to taking time off, I would never get sore, no matter how hard the previous days session (keep in mind, this was after 2-months of adapting to daily training).
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Training Log - Session #2
Ring Pull-up / Chin-up
100 total reps
Romanian Deadlift
100kg - x5
120kg - x5
140kg - x3
147.5kg - 4x3
150kg - 1x3 New PR (+vid below)
147.5kg - 4x3
150kg - 1x3 New PR (+vid below)
Barbell Shrugs
195kg - 5x20 +straps
Morning Bodyweight - 84kg
Good session today. Took some extra coffee to really get into it. Quads sore as shit from squatting yesterday.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Training Log - Session #1
Back Squat
147.5kg – 5x5 PR!
Strict Press*
*Each rep: 3sec pause in overhead position, dead-stop in rack position
80kg – x5,5
85kg – x3,3,3
95kg – x1
97.5kg – x1
98.5kg – x1 PR!
97.5kg – x1
98.5kg – x1 PR!
Morning Bodyweight - 83.6kg
Took 3 days off due to some events and construction around the house that had to take priority. It felt horrible to skip training, but that's life.
I'm back in the saddle after todays session. I was a bit nervous about how it would go, but it turned out better than expected. Two PRs!
The squats were very very difficult. Probably the hardest squat session I've ever done. Anyway, it resulted in a PR, so I cant complain. I don't know how much more head-room I have with linear progression on the 5x5, but will keep trying to push the poundages up.
Press is moving up slowly but surely. Small PR today, one step closer to 100kg.
Took 3 days off due to some events and construction around the house that had to take priority. It felt horrible to skip training, but that's life.
I'm back in the saddle after todays session. I was a bit nervous about how it would go, but it turned out better than expected. Two PRs!
The squats were very very difficult. Probably the hardest squat session I've ever done. Anyway, it resulted in a PR, so I cant complain. I don't know how much more head-room I have with linear progression on the 5x5, but will keep trying to push the poundages up.
Press is moving up slowly but surely. Small PR today, one step closer to 100kg.
Training Log - Session #6
(friday, May 17)
Flat Bench Press
Cut the doubles a bit short, things just felt a little too grindy. Still got all my reps on the back-off work. Increased the weight on Chins, set a new volume PR.
I had ZERO time to train or update the blog over the weekend. Training will resume today, with an update coming later.
Flat Bench Press
137.5kg - 2x2
136kg - 2x2
115kg - 3x6
115kg - 3x6
Ring Pull-Ups
Bodyweight x10
Bodyweight +25kg - 5x5 PR
Bodyweight +25kg - 5x5 PR
Cut the doubles a bit short, things just felt a little too grindy. Still got all my reps on the back-off work. Increased the weight on Chins, set a new volume PR.
I had ZERO time to train or update the blog over the weekend. Training will resume today, with an update coming later.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Training Log - Session #5 w/ Video
Deadlift
200kg - 11 reps, within 30 minutes +4 extra reps afterward (15 total)
Great workout today. I took a large weight jump over last workout (190kg) and didn't push the reps all that hard to be honest. Form stayed solid and the lifts moved a bit faster than expected toward the end. All in all, a good day. Took a vid of the last single.
Great workout today. I took a large weight jump over last workout (190kg) and didn't push the reps all that hard to be honest. Form stayed solid and the lifts moved a bit faster than expected toward the end. All in all, a good day. Took a vid of the last single.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Donny Shankles Jambalaya
My fiancé made the famous Shankle Jambalaya for dinner tonight. We absolutely love it and enjoy it on a regular basis. It’s savory, spicy and truly delivers that amazing Cajun flavor. Not to mention that it’s packed with carbs, fats & proteins for the hard-training lifter. Approx ~4000 calories for the whole recipe.
Do yourself a favor and MAKE THIS MEAL. It will add 10kilos to your lifts, guaranteed. Don’t forget the Louisiana Sauce!
Current Condition Photo / Training Log - Session #4
BTN Strict Press
70kg – 4x6
Ring Dips
Bodyweight x10
Bodyweight +20kg – 6x8 Volume PR
Bodyweight x10
Bodyweight – 82.9kg
Reasonably Lean |
Low weigh-in this morning. Decided to change to a more volume oriented approach for BTN work, seeing as I haven't seen too much increase in the last 3 weeks doing triples/singles. We'll see how progress goes with that.
Nice PR on dips, I think its about time I added some weight, dropping back down to 6x5.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Training Log - Session #3
Bench Press
116kg - 4x6
Back Squat
140kg - x1
150kg - x1
160kg - x1
165kg - x1
170kg - x1
Morning Bodyweight - 84kg
Good work today. Repeated the same weight on bench, just to ensure I was ready to make another increase. 116 moved fast and smooth, never really got to any grinders, so will be increasing next time.
Ran short on time so just went to daily max in the back squat. Ended up at 170kg / 375lb, which I was pretty happy with. 400lb is right around the corner!
116kg - 4x6
Back Squat
140kg - x1
150kg - x1
160kg - x1
165kg - x1
170kg - x1
Morning Bodyweight - 84kg
Good work today. Repeated the same weight on bench, just to ensure I was ready to make another increase. 116 moved fast and smooth, never really got to any grinders, so will be increasing next time.
Ran short on time so just went to daily max in the back squat. Ended up at 170kg / 375lb, which I was pretty happy with. 400lb is right around the corner!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Training Log - Session #2
Session #2, Yesterday (5/11/2013)
Ring Pull-up / Chin-up
Bodyweight x15, 15, 7x10 (100 total reps)
Romanian Deadlift
100kg - x5
120kg - x5
130kg - x3
140kg - x3
145kg - 5x3 New PR
145kg - 5x3 New PR
Barbell Shrug
145kg - x20
190kg - 3x20 +straps
195kg - 2x20 +straps
Morning Bodyweight - 84kg
RDLs are steadily increasing, 145kg wasnt even very difficult. Shrugs on the way up as well. Good things happening.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Training Week HIghlights - 5/9/2013
Rather than doing vids of invidvidual workouts, I decided to do a highlight reel of sorts. Just to capture some good stuff over the course of the week.
Let me know what you think. Stuff you'd like to see incorporated? Comments are welcomed.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Training Log - Session #1
Back Squat
145kg – 5x5 PR!
Strict Press*
*Each rep: 3sec pause in overhead position, dead-stop in rack position
80kg – x5,5
85kg – x3,3,3
95kg – x1
97.5kg – x1 PR!
100kg – xFail
97.5kg – x1 PR!
100kg – xFail
Morning Bodyweight - 83kg
Great session today. Reached another PR in the squat, which was damn tough to get. Totally kicked my ass. Got all my reps during the build-up phase of the press workout, plus a PR single. Went for a huge PR (and long standing goal) of 100kg, but it just wasn't there. Trust me, its coming soon.
Stay tuned for a highlight reel from this weeks sessions, should be posted tonight.
Great session today. Reached another PR in the squat, which was damn tough to get. Totally kicked my ass. Got all my reps during the build-up phase of the press workout, plus a PR single. Went for a huge PR (and long standing goal) of 100kg, but it just wasn't there. Trust me, its coming soon.
Stay tuned for a highlight reel from this weeks sessions, should be posted tonight.
“If you wait for a day to train when you feel good, you’ll lift about twice a year. Those days are rare. Your mind plays tricks on you. Learn to ignore it and keep training.” – John Broz
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Training Log - Session #6
Flat Bench Press
136kg - 6x2
115kg - 3x6
Ring Pull-Ups
Bodyweight x10
Bodyweight +20kg - 5x7 PR
Bodyweight +20kg - 5x7 PR
Morning Bodyweight - 84kg
Energy levels were ass-low today. Not sure why. Took some extra coffee and got the workout done anyway. Doubles on bench were EASY, so i'll be increasing next session. Another Volume PR on Pull-ups. These are increasing incredibly fast. Booyah. Another one on the books.
Training Log - Session #5
Deadlift
190kg - 20 reps, within 30 minutes
Tough workout. Two rep improvement over last workout, which is great.
Morning Bodyweight - 83.2kg
Tough workout. Two rep improvement over last workout, which is great.
Morning Bodyweight - 83.2kg
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Training Log - Session #4
BTN Strict Press
70kg – 2x5
80kg – 2x3
85kg – x1,1,1
Ring Dips
Bodyweight x10
Bodyweight +20kg – 5x8
Bodyweight – 83.2kg
Ok session today. Slight fatigue from the past few workouts, but still managed to improve my #'s over last session.
Dinner tonight
Had many plates of this. It was damn delicious. Completely blew my calories & macros. Sometimes you just gotta throw-down.
Ok session today. Slight fatigue from the past few workouts, but still managed to improve my #'s over last session.
Dinner tonight
Pulled Pork BBQ, Steamed Peas and Perrier Lime |
Had many plates of this. It was damn delicious. Completely blew my calories & macros. Sometimes you just gotta throw-down.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Training Log - Sessions #2 & #3
Session #2, Yesterday (5/3/2013)
Ring Pull-up / Chin-up
Bodyweight x20, 15, 8x10 (115 total reps)
Romanian Deadlift
100kg - x5
120kg - x5
130kg - x3
140kg - 3x3
143.5kg - 1x5
145kg - 1x3
143.5kg - 1x5
145kg - 1x3
Barbell Shrug
145kg - x20
190kg - 5x20 +straps
Session #3, Today (5/4/2013)
Flat Bench
116kg - 4x6 Volume PR
Pause Back Squat
150kg x1
152.5kg x1
155kg x1 PR
157.5kg x1 Bigger PR
160kg x1 HUGE PR
152.5 x1 Backoff set
Morning Bodyweight - 82.7kg
Kick-ass session today with PRs all around. Really happy. Plus, another highlight vid.
Current Body-Comp / Progress
Had a low weigh-in this morning, 82.7kg (182lb), lean and dry. Fat-loss is going really well. I'll post up another comparison pic in a few weeks.
Basically zero effort to maintain this bodyfat level. |
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Training Log - Session #1
Back Squat
143.5kg – 5x5 PR
Strict Press*
*Each rep: 3sec pause in overhead position, dead-stop in rack position
80kg – x5,4
85kg – x3,3,3
93.5kg – x1,1,1
Bodyweight - 83.3kg
Arrived home late, pissed off about being stuck in traffic for 2-1/2 hours. Regardless, I had another really good session. Volume PR on the back squat. Completed all of the triples and singles on the Press, but missed the second set of 5. I cant complain. That's still a strong improvement over last session.
Really happy with the gains on my Press & Bench, but feeling now like I need to bring up my squat & dead. May have to consult with Jamie on this one.
Just slammed a big ass meal. Nailed my macros today. Tired as fuck. Goodnite.
Arrived home late, pissed off about being stuck in traffic for 2-1/2 hours. Regardless, I had another really good session. Volume PR on the back squat. Completed all of the triples and singles on the Press, but missed the second set of 5. I cant complain. That's still a strong improvement over last session.
Really happy with the gains on my Press & Bench, but feeling now like I need to bring up my squat & dead. May have to consult with Jamie on this one.
Just slammed a big ass meal. Nailed my macros today. Tired as fuck. Goodnite.
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