Mike's quest for Abs and 1100

[MikeM]

Yeah, I normally deadlift with my feet and arms further in! I don't know what I was doing. I think the cleans messed me up as I normally have my hands out wider on those as it's easier to rack with my hands wider, then as I went along into deadlifts I left my hands out there and my feet just kept creeping out to my hands. No wonder those were a little harder than I expected.

You're right KD. Two distinct pulls. I can certainly do them better than that, but haven't done any in a few months so was pretty rusty. On the plus side, above my knees the bar was in great position all the way up until the rack. So I fix the first pull so it's not so stiff legged and fixing the rack is easy, just commit harder to getting under the bar. I think I'm going to go back to more cleans and snatch and fun stuff this summer.

Still, I got those deadlifts done which is the main thing. Thanks for the tips, fellas! I'm always in the market for ideas to deadlift better. Man, I stink at those. I swear I'm gonna squat 400 before I ever deadlift it. That's pitiful. I really don't understand it as my grip and back and legs can handle the weight no problem, I really feel like I should be able to deadlift a lot more weight, but I don't for some reason. It's like just putting my strength all together in the right way that seems to be the problem. I'll get it figured out though. I'm gonna be real pleased on that day!

I found out I got into the meet April 6, and it's right here in Richmond so the family is going to get to see me lift on stage for the first time. The wife will be surprised as she's never really seen me lift and the boy will be excited to see a meet. Of course the girl will be unimpressed. She'll probably critique my form.

Tough weekend as the deadlifts beat the snot out of me, then tubing for a few hours bruised up any parts that weren't sore. Water park and slides weren't much better either, although the hot pool had jets and I literally just sat in front of one for an hour almost! Felt so good on my low back!

Still, was a fun getaway. Nice break in the routine.

Taking the day off today. I'll start week 9 tomorrow.

[BendtheBar]

Get after it.

[Squatter]

I definitely agree with Rich's advice on the cleans and Jay's and Steve's advice on the stance. Deads are all about leverage - getting those hips in optimal position and then as you rip it off the floor with all your might, pull the bar towards you. Your day will come on deads Mike because your a fine lifter.

[ravimolasaria]

Crush that meet Mike ...

[markievicz]

Awesome, a new meet to work towards! No doubt JB will have you smashing PRs at that

[MikeM]

Oh yeah, Markie! I'm going to add like 25-50 lbs to each of my meet lifts, no question about it. If I figure out how to deadlift, I might add 150 to my total.

Speaking of deadlifts, it's official today. I can now squat 5 pounds more than I can deadlift. So, as pleased as I am about the squats today, I can't help thinking how pitiful my deadlift is!

Had a big project due yesterday that ate up all my free time, so started week 9 today. I'll bench Friday and Deadlift Saturday. This week is all about feeling out where we are on squat and bench, and an easier deadlift day as the last two have been hard.

JBPP week 9

warmups: leg and hip stuff, active stretches, JR

Squat:
2x 285
1x 315 (beltless PR)
1x 335
1x 350 (PR)
1x 365 (PR)
1x 375 (PR, 170Kg!)

Narrow Squat:
2x 205
3x 4x 225

Leg and back stretches.

1x 350, could have doubled this:

1x 350 - YouTube

1x 350 - YouTube

1x 365, thought about doubling this but didn't as I wasn't positive I'd make it, added weight instead:

1x 365 - YouTube

1x 365 - YouTube

1x 375, bit of a grind, but not too bad:

1x 375 - YouTube

1x 375 - YouTube

Narrows, 4x 225:

Narrow 4x 225 - YouTube

Narrow 4x 225 - YouTube

There you go. Good stuff today! I'm gonna hit a 405 squat pretty darn soon if I keep going smart and stay healthy. We'll see. Don't want to count my chickens too soon.

[Squatter]

JB's program has turned out to be a goldmine eh Mike?

Congratz on the huge squat PR of 375. I'm thinking with a planned ramp up for maxing that your already really close, if not already, to a 405.

At any rate, I couldn't be happier for you and the progress you have made.

[Hunterace]

Great workout Mike! Congrats on the PRs!!!!!!!!!

[BendtheBar]

The beast from the east rolling out more squat PRs.

[EliteDreams]

Kingly squatting there Mike,you must be pumped from all those PRs!

Your not the only one who struggles with deads.No worries,just keep on moving!