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Yeah, I call it muffin bottom. Refers to the bit of abdominal fat that gets trapped between the bottom of the belt and the hipbones. From what I've been able to find with the search function, though, this goes away once the belt is broken in, and/or once you find the correct fit & placement.
I spent a few minutes last night rolling my belt like Rip does in this 70's Big video I found ('breakin in that stiff belt', on Vimeo), and after just 5 minutes of that, I could already tell a difference. I'm going to belt up again tonight, and see what happens.
I don't want to say I feel stronger already, because of just one session, but I could feel my midsection working harder; my layback in the overhead press was not as bad, and my spine felt more rigid in the squats as well.
Of course, being the only guy in the gym wearing a belt, I look a lot stronger.
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Wed. 10/30. into the basement.
Squats: 70 x 10, 120 x 5, 170 x 5, 220 x 3, belt on: 270 x 5,5,5. No belt problems this time - I had it hiked up to the lower ribs, with the belly button just peeking out the bottom.
Pullups, supersetted with the squats: 2,2,2,2,2,2.
Dips: 4, 3, 5.
milk, whiskey, braised beef, and milk - in that order.
Last edited by Erok; 10-31-2013 at 01:34 PM.
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The Year in Review
Well, it's been a year since I started lifting. From zero to mediocre in a few short seasons. I've progressed, regressed, bled, sweat, snapped, crackled, and popped under the bar. What have I learned?
1. No matter how busy I am, there's always time for squats.
2. I used to think sleep was the single most important thing in the world. Now, I KNOW that sleep is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD.
3. Hangovers are not an excuse for skipping workouts. I have surprised myself.
4. Don't workout while hungry.
5. Don't workout while full.
6. I cannot count higher than five while supporting a heavy weight.
7. I used to think that milk and eggs were just wonderful foods. I now know that milk and eggs are the bricks and mortar of a solid foundation.
8. Chinups and pullups, as much as I hate them, should be done frequently.
9. Deadlifts, as much as I love them, should not be done frequently.
10. Never trust mirrors.
11. Never turn down a chance to help somebody lift & carry things, especially if your spouse likes to tell people how strong you are.
12. Keeping a log is essential.
13. I do best with goal-oriented programming.
14. Facial hair REALLY DOES add pounds to the lifts.
15. I am stronger than I think I am.
16. I will never be strong enough.
Glad to be here.
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Solid stuff, dude.
Congrats on the anniversary. I enjoy reading your log.
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Love it Erok! Those are some great insights.
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Sun., 11/03. At the gym. Weekend afternoons are great there. Lots of room to breathe, and not a lot of fuckarounders. All the guys are there to grunt. Weigh in at 211#.
Squats: 45 x 15, 135 x 5, 185 x 5, 225 x 5, 275 x 3, 315 x 3. yeah! I was GM'ing out of the hole pretty bad on the last one, so on goes the belt for another 315 x 3. felt good. My face turned as red as, oh, man, I don't even know: a bottle of sriracha getting pressed by a steamroller?
Dropsets: 225 x 10 felt really light.
Bench: 45 x 25, 95 x 10, 135 x 5, then belt on for 185 x 2. not sure it made a difference. belt off for 185 x 2, then belt on again for 185 x 2.
Close Grip dropset with the belt: 135 x 10.
Power Cleans: oh, hello, there. it's been awhile, hasn't it? 65 x 5, 85 x 5, 115 x 3,3,3,3, 125 x 5. That should do it. Didn't even crack my chin or shave my shin.
So, it seems that in order to get the belt tight enough to do anything for bench, I'd have to cinch it wayyy tighter than I'm used to. Not sure if it'd be worth it. Immediate goal: squat 315 for three sets of five. MILK!
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Oh' it will be worth it! Great work and love the inventory!
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Bookends
Wed. 11/06 - at the gym, 212#.
Squats: 45 x 5,5, 135 x 5, 185 x 5, 225 x 5, 275 x 3, belt goes on: 315 x 5, 3, 3. lots of redfaced GM'ing fun in that last set. Spittle all over that damn mirror (which I forgot to clean afterwards).
OHP: 45 x 10, 65 x 5, 85 x 5, 105 x 5, belt: 125 x 5, 6.
supersets to celebrate.
curls: 45 x 15, 65 x 10, 5
LTEs: 40 x 15, 60 x 15, 10
I spend the next week traveling to visit family. Lots of driving, sitting around chatting, sleeping on strange beds, no exercise, and lots and lots of food. There is roasted ham and squash, apple pies, broasted chicken, chicken fried steak, multiple burger lunches, pounds and pounds of fresh pears off the tree, and my father and I close down the crableg/filet mignon buffet. It is a glorious time of feasting.
Wed. 11.13 - back to the gym, 211#. How the hell? I should have gained five pounds.
Squats: 45 x 10, 135 x 5, 185 x 5, 225 x 5,5,5. easing back into it.
Deadlifts: easing back into what? 65 x 5, 155 x 5, 245 x 3, 295 x 1, CHALK UP! 335 x 1, 360(alt grip - L supinated) x 1, 385(R supinated) x eh, I get it 2 inches off the floor, feel the back start to give up, and drop it. An honest attempt. People are actually watching me, giving me kudos. Feels kinda cool.
Power Cleans: 65 x 3, 85 x 3, 115 x 5, 125 x 4. There. That should do it.
Braised beef in peanut sauce (and more pears) for the win.
Pretty sore today, but it feels right.
Member
It's all them fat burnin' muskals!How the hell? I should have gained five pounds.
You totally got me on braised beef. I've been making it by the 14" dutch oven load. Yum.
Member
Hell, yes to the dutch oven! My favorite kitchen tool, next to the knife. I use it whenever, for whatever. Seal up a chicken in one of those, and all the juices stay in and the flavor concentrates.
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