big val's Smolov Jr. Log

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by markievicz

Still going strong with Smolov here. Nice work

Thank you, markievicz. I'm almost done.

[big valsalva]

6x6: The Final Installment

If I've not said it before, I say it now. It stinks not having my computer. I wanted so badly to have this be a live and interactive journal.

Tuesday, 10/16/12

Bench Press
45x5
95x5
115x3
150x6x6 - I played with the hand spacing a bit. I found I like things better with either a "birdies on the ring," or a "pointers on the ring" grip. I was careful to try to pause EVERY REP. I experienced actual travail under the bar, and I won. Things are looking pretty good for big val,

Chinups (between warmup sets of BP)
x/x/x - I seem to have regressed. But then too, I've also put on a bit of weight during this cycle.

Box Squat (w/belt)
125x5
155x5
185x5
230x5
260x3
290x1
Then immediately into...
Full Squats (w/out belt stripset fashion)
290x1
275x1
225x1
135x1

[big valsalva]

Seven Fives: The Final Installment

Bench Press
45x5
95x5
115x3
135x1
157.5x5x7

Wide Grip Lat Pulldown (between warmup sets of BP)
125x11
125x9
125x8

Pendlay Rows
160x8x3

That's it or my update. I'll finish off my cycle tomorrow and Sunday.

[Jen]

You are winning! Nice work Val!!

[BendtheBar]

Stay strong Val. You got this. Hope the body is feeling good with all this benching.

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by Jen

You are winning! Nice work Val!!

Thank you, Jen. I'm winning the physical match. The mental game worries me.

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Stay strong Val. You got this. Hope the body is feeling good with all this benching.

Body feels great, and looks impressive (well, relatively so). Like I told Jen, I don't think I have any physical limitations on busting the plateau. I just hope all my failures haven't messed up my head. I did 32 reps today with 167.5. I didn't bounce a single one either. You gotta think a single for 190+ is in there somewhere.

One thing I have learned from this experience is how to set up for each rep; how to stay tight and use my whole body to finish it out. High total reps, and high frequency will do that.

[big valsalva]

8 Sets of 4: The Final installment

Saturday, 10/20/12

Bench Press
45x5
95x5
115x3
135x1
167.5x4x8

DB Rows
75x20

I'm just trying to survive to the end of the cycle. It has been a grind, but I have learned so much about myself. I think I've also found my Bench Press groove. Now I just need to turn that into Bench Press mojo.

I'm off to the shower now, then I have a 10 year old birthday party to attend, followed by a women's hockey game. My daughter is having her party at the arena, and some of her college player friends are going to stop by before the game. Should be a big day for her.

Tomorrow I finish off the Smolov Jr. cycle.

[markievicz]

Well done val, any cycle of smolov is tough going. When is the 1rm test to see your results?

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by markievicz

Well done val, any cycle of smolov is tough going. When is the 1rm test to see your results?

The cycle is done tomorrow. Everything I've read suggests resting a week. Maybe a test some time before the end of the month. Stay tuned.