Mike Tries LP

[Geoff Bischoff]

W8D1

SQT 175x5x3
PRS 95x5x3

Squat was an accidental repeat. Mike went solo that day, and must've forgotten he already hit 175.

Also, need to switch to triples on press now.

DLT 235x5

[Geoff Bischoff]

W8D2

SQT 180x5x3

Some trouble hitting depth consistently. Set 1 was great; 2 and 3 was a struggle for Mike on every rep. Once he hits the pocket, he still ascends lightning quick: The weight isn't "heavy" for him yet. I think it's mostly mental. I'll hit him with a longer warmup on Friday to get the pattern burned in.

BNC 145x5x3
DLT 240x5

[Geoff Bischoff]

W9D1

SQT 185x5x3
PRS 100x3x5
DLT 245x5

[Geoff Bischoff]

W9D2

SQT 190x5x3
BNC 150x5x3
DLT 250x5

Note to self: Mike's trouble with squat depth is mitigated quite well if he gets the bar in the correct position on his back. It was riding too high.

Mike is super excited. He squatted above bodyweight for the first time today, which he never expected to achieve. And for some reason he was very thrilled to bench 150lbs. Lord bless him; it's the fun "every day is a PR" phase.

[Geoff Bischoff]

W10D1

SQT 195x5x3
PRS 105x3x5
DLT 255x5

To triples soon on deadlifts ... but not yet. Squats still proceeding apace.

[Geoff Bischoff]

W10D2

SQT 200x5x3
BNC 155x5x3
DLT 260x5

Squat still has room to move. So does deadlift (at least 1 more set of 5 before triples).

Bench performance: Definitely moving to triples here ASAP.

Mike was super stoked to squat 200lbs for the first time today.

[Geoff Bischoff]

W11D2 (of 1)

Mike was on leave and didn't lift for 3 weeks. Reduced everything 10% and we'll come back at it quickly.

SQT 180x5x3
BNC 140x5x3
DLT 235x5

[Geoff Bischoff]

W12D1 (of 1)

So Mike did some work on Wednesday, and sends me a text saying "did my squats and benches on this machine that makes it so you don't need a spotter ... didn't feel right at all." Found out the machine was a Smith Machine. I explained that the Smith Machine was created on the 8th Day by Satan, and that we never ever use it. Did real SBD today.

SQT 190x5x3
BNC 135x5x3
DLT 265x5 (PR)

Squat should be back in PR country next week if Mike is consistent. Bench was problematic. He's off-slotting everything so we had to drop weight to something manageable. Deadlift is his most solid lift right now; he was able to take new ground on it today.

[Geoff Bischoff]

W13D1

SQT 200x5x3
BNC 135x8x3
DLT 270x5 (PR)

Squat is going great right now. Deadlift is moving ahead (but we're going to 2/wk heavy pull, and triples, based on how 270 hit him today). Bench ... when Mike slots his bench press up-and-back, he nails it. Worked with a lighter weight today to drill it a bit; it looks good enough to add weight. Since his mental focus is poor for sets of 5 when it's "heavy" I think I may just have to go with triples for him. He seems to be able to keep his head in the game for 3 reps okay.

[Geoff Bischoff]

W13D2

SQT 205x5x3 (PR)
BNC 115x8, 135x6, 155x4, 165x1 (PR)

Squat still going well. Bench looking better on slotting with some lighter weights; had him knock out an easy bench single (most he's ever benched) just to prove to him that he's capable. Skipped light-pull today due to time constraints. I figure the rest will do him just fine for a new deadlift PR on Friday.