Not skinny, still weak, probably a pussy - Stuart's log

[Stu Hughes]

Check the forum, I was here a looooong time ago. Here we go again.

Age 24, 6'0, 200lb (140lb at the same height when I started lifting). Started with Pavel Tastouline in 2005, Escalating Density Training in 2006, Starting Strength in 2008, Greyskull LP in 2010, 5/3/1 in 2011. Ever missing the bigger picture, think I might just have what it takes to run this damn linear progression to its conclusion.

Lifetime bests (in kg, at various times in the last two years):

Press: 55 x 8
Bench: 80 x 5
Squat: 140 x 8
Deadlift: 165 x 2
Powerclean: 75 x 1

[Stu Hughes]

March 19, 2014

Squat: 100 x 5 x 3
Bench: 70 x 5 x 3
Deadlift: 120 x 5

Pretty easy. Left my lifting shoes on the train on Monday, had to lift in flat canvas shoes. Squat wasn't in the groove but this is a minor concern. Lifted without a belt.

Deliberately took it easy on the deadlift, could have gone heavier.

Food
Rice with peas, eggs and sardines - lots
Spicy-ass Nigerian meat stew with pounded yam - lots.
Bacon, baked beans and mozzarella on toast.
Chocolate milk with some extra protein powder thrown in - three pints.

If there's any skinny bastards reading this, the best thing you'll ever do for your appetite is learning how to cook. The stuff I used to rustle up back in 2008/9 while complaining to Rip that my press kept stalling was just awful. If you can't tell the difference between parsley and coriander at sight, and you've never cooked with sesame or palm oil, you're just shooting yourself in the foot. Oh, and if you've never eaten mole negro, you know nothing about Mexican food.

[Stu Hughes]

March 21st, 2014

Squat: 105kg x 5 x 3
Press: 45kg x 5 x 3
Power clean: 60kg x 3 x 5

Chest-supported row: 50kg x 10 x 3
DB external rotations: 6kg x 10, 8kg x 8

Easy easy easy.

[Stu Hughes]

March 23, 2014

Squat: 110kg x 5 x 3
Bench: 72.5kg x 5 x 3
Deadlift: 130kg x 5

Chest-supported row: 60kg x 5 x 3
Face pulls: no rhyme or reason, just did it to feel good

Easy.

[Stu Hughes]

March 26, 2014

Squat: 115kg x 5 x 3
Press: 47.5kg x 5, 50kg x 5 x 2
Power clean: 62.5kg x 3, 65kg x 3 x 4

Chest supported row: 62.5kg x 5 x 2, 60kg x 5

The squat is still pretty easy, though form was a little off today.
Press and power clean were TOO easy, took a bigger jump after the first set of each and it still felt like a warmup set.

[Stu Hughes]

March 29, 2014

Squat: 117.5x5x3
Bench: 75x5x3
Deadlift: 135x5

Chest-supported row: 60x5x2, 62.5x5

Not too easy today. The lifts are just SO familiar after all these years that it's easy to lose concentration on keeping perfect form.

[Stu Hughes]

First time on the scales in a week or two, up to 205lb. Feels good!

[Stu Hughes]

March 31st, 2014

Squat: 120x5x3
Press: 52.5x5x3
Power clean: 67.5x3x5

Chest-supported row: 60x5, 62.5x5x2

Squat felt heavy, think I'll miss reps next session unless I introduce the light squat day.

[Stu Hughes]

April 2nd, 2014

Terrible migraines yesterday and dodgy sleep, unrelated to lifting.

Squat: 95x5x3
Bench: 76.5x5x3
Deadlift: 140x5

Light squat was a welcome break. Fractional plates for the bench were wise. More grip work needed before it affects the deadlift? Not sure.

[Stu Hughes]

Bombed my workout on April 5th. Lost my lifting shoes on the train and hurt my ankle and hip wearing a pair of flimsy cotton shoes instead.

Generally felt a bit worn out, so took some time off and bought a pair of 2010 Do-Wins with a 3/4" heel - better for pulling than the VS Athletics shoes I had since 2008 and still enough heel for good depth in the squat.

Squat: 105x5x3
Bench: 75x5x3
Pulldowns: 79kx5, 73x5x2