Lifting in a sandbox

[TartanEagle]

October 22
I've decided to move on from LP, despite (re)gains still in the table. I downloaded Andy Baker's Strength and Mass After 40 and will be giving this program a run. I'll do everything I can in May garage (most of the barbell work) and the accessory work at the community gym (2 min scooter ride). I did the first workout last night:

Press 115x3x5
Close grip bench press 155x3x8
LTE 40x10, 50x2x10
DB OH Ext 20x2x10

I just pressed two days ago, but I had no issues.

On CGBP, I may have started a little heavy, but made all the reps. The increases for weeks 2 and 3 may be on the conservative side.

It's been a long time since I've done accessory work, so it was a nice change of pace. Since I only did the tricep work at the gym, I felt like a real gym bro, skipping the core lifts to get my pump. Funny. The gym was full of silly BS, so I just kept my head down, did my work and was out in less than 15 minutes.

[TartanEagle]

I was very excited for day 2 on SM40. Heavy squat/pulling day. On my third squat warm up (only 85 pounds) I felt a familiar twinge in my back. I racked the bar. I've hurt my back repeatedly over the years, always in the same spot. The last time I was back in the gym in 3 days. I'm hoping this is similar as I did not push it like I sometimes do. Getting out of bed was extremely painful but being up and moving around helps. I work at a standup desk, so that helps as well.

[TartanEagle]

October 27th
My back is still tight with a lot of discomfort but wanted to get some work in.

Squats 135x5,5,5
Bench 135x5

Squats felt fine. I stayed as tight as possible and had no issues.

Bench was very uncomfortable so I cut it off after one set.

[TartanEagle]

November 1
Back rehab continues:

Squat 165x3x5
Press 105x3x5
Deadlift 275x5

My back is pain-free at this point. There is some tightness and discomfort, but I was not limited. I'll take a some large jumps in squats for a few sessions.

[TartanEagle]

November 5
Squat 185x3x5
Bench press 192.5x3x5

My back is still not where it should be. Squats did not feel great, but I really tightened up. The bar moves very quickly but I'm still uncomfortable.

Bench continues to progress despite a few days since I went heavy. Thankfully something is moving in the right direction.

I warmed up deadlifts, but on my last warmup my back just wasn't where I wanted it to be, so I stopped at 250x1.