Jerry R's log

[Jerry R]

Bulgarian split squats
1x10@35
1x10@55
1x10@65

Getting hard to hold in one hand and the 45 plate touches the floor. I think I will order a weighted vest that will hold 135 pounds.

[Jerry R]

Bulgarian split squats
1x10@45
1x10@70
1x10@80

Going to drop back down and just use 45 pounds as the added weight hurts my back. Even using my old hiking pack with the weights in it it still puts too much pressure on my lower back. Doctor said it will never heal properly if I keep using heavier weight. At least using 45 pounds might keep my legs somewhat in shape. Doctor says no two legged squats for another 6-8 months! Damn, I have been busting my ass to win the Nationals and set records but that's life. I'll be back in competition next year.

[Jerry R]

A big set back! No lifting of any kind for at least 3 months. Not only the 5 bulging discs but have a couple of cracks, fractures, in the L4-L5 discs. I will more than likely have to get the epidural now. Be back when I can lift again. Good luck to everyone.

[Bill Anders]

Mend well, Jerry!

[Jerry R]

Thanks Bill.

Looks like I might also have to give up riding my velomobile. About 6 1/2 years ago I had an inguinal hernia in my right groin. It was the day I was to drive 660 mile from MO to TX which I did. By the time we were half way through OK my hernia had stuff dropping out of it onto the floor! They said I needed a hernia repair using mesh. After measuring the size of the hernia they had to have a special over size mesh made. It felt like something was stuck to the mess for a few years. Then in 2020 after my open heart surgery they decided I needed an exploratory surgery to see what was happening. The damn mess had grown to my right testicle and some organs. The surgeon said he cleaned everything up. Now I have the same feeling after riding my velomobile. My right testicle now swells up an hurts for days after a ride.

I'll be so glad when I can start powerlifting training again. The hernia never bothers me weight training just riding bicycles! If my back keeps getting better I might still make the USAPL Raw National in September. I hope to break the squat record and just do a token lift with bench and deadlift. Come back in 2024 and set the squat, deadlift, and total records! It might sound like bragging but I have already done it more than 6 times in training, by a large amount. Time will tell.

[Jerry R]

40, 40, 20,20,20,20,20,20 Cobra pushups to get blood flow in my lower back
3 sets of 25 Bulgarian split squats @ 20 pounds
2nd set of 25 Bulgarian split squats with 20 pounds. This time with the right leg. - YouTube

Close grip bench
3x10@95
10@115
10@135
10@145

My back is starting to get better. Doctor says not to go over 20-25 pounds on the split squats for a few weeks yet.

[Jerry R]

200 Cobra pushups

Bulgarian split squats
3x20@20
2x15@20

Close grip bench
3x10@95
1x10@115
1x10@135
1x10@150
1x9@160
1x6@170

I just found out, again, there is nothing they can do for my shoulder. They say they can fix it only if the rotator and ligaments are good, mine are toast! I still will bench around 260 by next years National. That is why I am doing nothing but close grip to build my triceps and shoulder back up. I could only get 20 reps on split squats today as my quads would start tightening up. I am still sore from my last workout! At least I am doing something. I really miss doing my squats and deadlifts. Need to let the back get completely healed first though.

[Bill Anders]

Need to let the back get completely healed first though.

Truth! Mend well, Jerry.

[Jerry R]

Truth! Mend well, Jerry.

Thanks Bill. I have very little patience! With the back I am learning to be more so.

[Jerry R]

Went to gym yesterday for the first time in a month. I have been staying home working out. I couldn't figure out why I was having so much trouble with my stomach and extreme gas. I would find out later in the evening!

Yesterday the 5th
Close grip bench
10@95
10@135
5@185
1@205

Later in the day I was cramping so bad I got up and walked 3 1/2 miles. Still had terrible gas and cramping. Ate 20 prunes. Same thing, gas and cramping. At about 6:30 pm I found out I had a terrible stomach virus. Woke up this morning very weak and starving.

Bulgarian Split Squats
3x25@20 pounds

200 Cobra pushups