I got some Schieks based on John's recommendation to you. They are so much faster to wrap and so much tighter that I think you may find them a big improvement.
Press
225x3 @ 9.5
225x3 @ 9.5
245xf
Notes: Pleased to get the 225s for triples after struggling with triples at 220 last week. Knees still just slightly unlocking, not contributing to the lift but need to sort this out. Again.
Still 2 reps shy of what I should be doing with 225 on the regular, but still a step back in the right direction. I missed 245 at the top of the sticking point. I was almost past it, but couldn't quite get it there before running out of gas. I'm not too disappointed though, and the 225s were hard. I figure I'd definitely have had 245 and maybe 250 if I'd have worked up to a single there first.
Bench Press
285x5
295x5x5 (I think; maybe 4 sets?)
225x8
Notes: Started out with my closer grip, trying to focus on maintaining proper forearm alignment. I was flaring more than I wanted to, lost patience, and widened out for the last couple sets. They were easier, but my tris were pretty torched by the end, so I was I was doing something right or at least more right then previously with the closer grip and forearm/elbow positioning.
BW Chins
5 sets of 10
Notes: Hard today, for some reason.
Finished with some handstand hold practice and kettlebell presses with 20, 24, and 32kg bells. Did a few close grip style (elbows tucked) pushups too, just for the heck of it. Haven't done pushups in literally years. My arms were really fried by this point, but even so and even weighing 260+, they were still quite easy.
Last edited by Michael Wolf; 01-22-2015 at 04:04 PM.
Deadlift
545x5 @ 9.25 - hook grip
460x5 @ 8.5 - hook grip
Deficit Deadlift
405x5 @ 7.5 - straps
Notes: I did something stupid Thursday night which resulted in getting a huge left hamstring cramp that I still felt today, so was worried about pulling. Turned out to be a pretty solid day. Warmed up with some clean pulls up to 315, did extra warm-ups because I was feeling eh and because hamstring. After last warm-up at 500, decided to go for 545 instead of 540, and got it. Set took 31 seconds total, fifth rep took just under 5 seconds.
Deficit set felt really light and easy - granted it was 140 lb less than work-set weight, but I was still surprised how easy and fast they were. Also the first time I strapped in completely solidly, symmetrically, and tight.
Glute Ham Raises
BW x 5 x 4
Sled push
All done high handles down, low handles back on a 2 minute clock
Empty Sled - 1x
80 lbs = 9x
Notes: 80 lbs is a lot harder than 70 lbs. Toast by the end. Like I was a few weeks ago with 70.
Strong work on the DL's! Sounds like you are getting better at strapping on.
Nice to see your pulls continuing to move in the right direction, Wolf!
There's a dirty joke in there, but...nah.
Thanks, Doc. Gonna take one more week of rehab and try squatting week after next. You really feel the positive effect SS Model low bar squats have as an assistance lift for the deadlift, when you're trying to deadlift without any squatting whatsoever. Now that my pull is about 95% of my best, I can really feel it. Even though I now pull fresh, as opposed to after squatting, I just don't feel as strong in my hamstrings and have more trouble keeping my back rigid during the pull, without the training effect of squats on those areas. Hopefully I can get my squat to respectable levels soon without causing knee problems, I miss it not only for its own sake but for what it does for my pulls.
Did some bench practice and chins today.
Paused CGBP
45x5, 95x5, 135x5, 165x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x5
Notes: All easy. Thinking about adding a 3rd day of bench into my week, and figured I'd try it out with a light CGBP day today. Really focused on staying tucked and not flaring out.
Chins
5 mins - did 36.
Notes: Would also like to consistently do a third day of chins. I've done more sets of fewer reps with less rest and 3-4 sets to fatigue with longer rest, but never the small rep clusters repeated for max total reps within a timeframe. Started modestly with 5 mins today, and didn't go all out - I don't want to be under recovered for Monday's work. But I'll gradually build over time. If I can actually consistently do this. Hopefully.