12 Days of Huge in a Hurry

[JStrong]

Hi,

So, my original Starting Strength log is here. I'm done with this log and my new one is here.

I'm 5'11", 205, and cutting after a successful 4-month run on SS. I am doing the "Get Stated" routine in Huge in a Hurry by Chad Waterbury. EVer so briefly, HIAH is based on speed with good form and a set number of reps per exercise (# of sets doesn't really matter) and small breaks between sets.

Day #1 Heavy (4-6 reps per set)

Standing Mid Cable Pulls, 25x, 45 sec rest between sets

90#, 6-7-6-6

Dumbell Decline Bench Press neutral grip, 25x, 45 sec. rest

50# x 2, 5-6-5-5-4

Dumbell Split Squats, 25x, 45 sec.

50# x 2, 6-6-5-4-4

This routine was awkward to do, unfamiliar, hard, and really fast--I was done in 25 minutes and had that telltale forearm sweat that shows I worked hard.

Not sure I had the weight right, I definitely had a hard time quitting when the weight slowed, I'm so used to grinding out my reps.

I may actually lower the weight slightly for next time and make sure I have the form dialed in--I can always just lift faster.

[JStrong]

6/18

Still figuring it out, kinda confused and feeling sore in odd ways--I LOVE it! Mixing it up and getting uncomfortable is actually fun.

5 min spin bike warmup

35 reps, 10-12 per set, 60 sec. rest between sets

Seated Underhand Cable Pulls
#60
13
#70
13
#80
10 <--#80 is probably the right weight. Now I know.

Neutral Grip Dumbbell Shoulder Press
#17.5 x 2
13
#22.5 x 2
13
#27.5 x 2
9 <--#27.5 probably correct

Deadlift
#135
12,12,11 <--too light, but we worked in with some ogre and I didn't want to mess around, especially as I wasn't sure what weight to use anyway. Probably 165 or so next time.


Platform Jumps
5 x 2 (24") forward & backward
5 x 1 (24") + 12# x 2 kettlebells

[JStrong]

Warmup 5 min elliptical

50 reps 20-22x/set 90 sec. rest

cable standing low rows with rope
60# 21-22-7

6" incline pushups
20-12-12-6

squat
#135 20-14-12-4

push press
135x3x1

10 minute speed intervals
3.1 mph/ 8.0 mph

[mikeylikey]

J, I followed your SS log, was interesting because we started out at about the same place. I hope I can get out of it what you did.

Did you stop SS because your gains had petered out or because you put on more fat than you wanted to?

Also how'd you decide on your new program?

[JStrong]

Hi Mikey,

Thanks for your kind words.

I actually stopped SS for a silly reason--I decided right up front to do 40 workouts of SS, and I did!

Also, I was getting back to carrying a spare tire, and I want it gone for purely aesthetic reasons.

The biggest reason though is that I want to work on some different angles and lifts. Having switched over, my new routine is already really working some weird spots that SS wasn't. The dumbbell exercises really highlight the strength imbalances I have.

I'm not sure I love this new routine yet, but it's only a month and then I'll probably retest my squat/bench/press/dead strength. I decided on it because I bought the book several months ago (looked good, had similar overall philosophy to SS but was still quite different). Wish I had a better reason, but Waterbury is pretty well regarded.

Not sure I'm answering your question, except I definitely had a bit more to eke out in linear gains on my squat and probably bench and press too with microloading. I am actually sure I could have gone much farther if hitting 220 didn't bother me.

I built a good base of strength and want to stay vaguely well-rounded, I'm interested to see what if anything I lose switching it up.

[JStrong]

6/22

5 min warmup elliptical level 6

25 reps, 4-6 reps per set, 45 seconds rest between sets

Standing Cable Mid Pulley Rows

130#
6,6,6,6,6 <--yeah, I did 30 and these are confusing to me. It's hard to stand up without a HUGE lean back but I get a full ROM with my arms. Too light still? Awkward exercise.

Dumbbell Decline Bench w/neutral grip
40# (x2)
7
45#
7
50#
6, 5 <--this is the proper weight

Dumbbell Split Squat

Forgot to warm up, and my left quad got sore instantly. D'oh!

45# (x2)
6,6,5,5,3 <--weight seems plenty hard, and my weird muscle imbalances really show up with this lift. I hate dumbbell split squats, therefore, I'll end up doing them well into the future.

Left quad was too sore for speed intervals today--if I wake up and it feels alright, I'll do 10 minutes tomorrow.

[Rezart Erindi]

Strange exercises, most of them I have never heard of. Anyway hope you achieve your objectives.

[JStrong]

6/24

12 minute speed intervals
3.1/7.0, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 10.5, 11.5 mph

cooldown

[JStrong]

6/25

So, double header in wood bat softball last night--my quads are freaking destroyed, partially from Tuesday's split squats. Skipped the legs today, it wasn't happening.

3 min. elliptical warmup

35 reps, 10-12 per set, 60 sec. rest between sets

Overhead dumbbell press neutral grip
#30 x2
10-10-8-7

Seated underhand cable pulls
#120
10, 8, 7, 7, 3

Deadlift
0 x 0 x 0
----
just being ridiculous:

Push Press
135 x 5 x 1

Bench
45 x 5 x 1
115 x 3 x 1
135 x 2 x 1
160 x 3 x 1

[JStrong]

6/28

First off, I don't seem to be losing any weight. Still about 205 (though 205 before was....optimistic, it was more 210).

The endurance element of this routine is tricky, as I'm plenty strong for it but totally gassed. First set isn't hard, doing another 90 seconds later is!

50 reps, 20-22x per set, 90 sec. rest between sets

Low position standing cable pulls with rope attachment

#80
20
#90
15, 12, 3

Pushups
20, 15, 8, 7

Squats
#135
20, 12, 10, 8 <--I went a bit light, my quads are still jacked. At #165 I think I'd see Jesus.

Attempted sprints afterwards but something about full out running is really bothering my quads still. I guess I forgot how long it had been since I ran fast at 100% intensity, and softball chewed me up good.

I need to hit the batting cage this week for slow pitch--even one strikeout is too many--frickin embarrassing.