Training 5.21

Still need to get my head on straight before I re-enter the program, so I went at it in a mode similar to last time.

Started with Results, a fair amount of dynamic work, and a lot of bar work. I wore knee sleeves and neoprene on the wrists. Used my leather EliteFTS belt for squats.

Bench
Again, went at it DC style. Loaded the bar with 200kg and did 10 reps for my first set and 4 for my second. Felt it all in my pecs, which is unusual -- usually it's triceps. Not sure I left anything in the tank.

Suitcase lifts
I did these in between sets of everything else. Used the fat DBs with what was on one -- looked like about 120#. I lowered to my knee on the drop side and lifted as far as possible. Did sets of 10. These were more difficult than anticipated, particularly for grip. Lost count of sets after about 5 -- did a lot.

Squat
Dropped the weight 10 kg each side and used the same approach as last time, hitting bigger rep numbers each set. Sucked serious wind.

All in all, a really good time. I'll probably get back in tomorrow, so we'll see how sore I am after this.

Have a great day.

Back at it

After so long off, I was a little leery about how to get back after it. Last thing I want is to hop right back in as if nothing happened or as if I hadn't had three weeks of atrophy to deal with.

Started with a bunch of dynamic work, a fair amount of bar work, Results. Wore knee sleeves and loose briefs for the squats and elbow sleeves and neoprene wrist support for the pressing.

Military press, Doggcrapp style, 130kg

15 reps first set, ten breath pause, 8 reps second set

Honestly, I like DC. I'd do it all the time if I didn't feel like I was compromising absolute strength. It probably wouldn't kill me to go back to it for a little while while I work out some of my other physical and hormonal issues.

Squat

Rather than continue with the Smolov cycle just yet, I loaded the bar with 265kg and did sets of increasing reps. First set was 5 reps, increased each set until the last set was 20 reps. At that point I'd had enough -- it was more an emotional/mental barrier than anything, I believe.

Depth was doubtless suspect on a few reps, but I was concentrating more on staying tight and in control than in making sure I sat down all the way. Most were more than fine.

Not sure whether I'll mix it up again next time or not. Might just go back to what I was doing.

I really need a plate-loaded pulldown. Been saying that forever.

Be interesting to see if I'm sore after this. My left thumb hurts, but isn't too bad. Just sore. Loading plates and holding the bar was no trouble, so apparently I'm well on the way to ok.

Bodyweight is holding steady again. Time to step up the eating.

Have a great week, all.

Update

It's been a long time. Apparently that tweak in my left hand was more serious than previously thought. Basic tests suggest something wrong with my scaphoid or scapholunate ligament. Going to see a hand surgeon next Tuesday, and not sure I can get my thumb around a bar until then.

Either injury is seriously bad and could mean weeks without using my left hand.

Gotta love aging.

Stay tuned. Sorry, guys.