Squatter's Journal-The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Squatter

I'm simply so grateful I had the opportunity to lift.

I'm so excited to squat on Friday. I have got my zest to squat back thanks to this injury - there is always something positive in every situation.

Glad you are able to see it

Great session Jimbo.

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by LtL

Great to see you back Jimbro. Love it.

LtL

Thanks Big Al - really feels good to be back in my groove. The layoff has re-energized me and brought back my zest to lift.

Originally Posted by Carl1174

Glad to see you hitting it again Jim, the world just doesnt seem quite right when your are not lifting

Carl.

Equilibrium has been restored to the force

Originally Posted by *MC*

Way to get back under the iron, Jim! Take care of that back!

Thanks NardBro - the back is Job 1

Originally Posted by Aurik

Good stuff here, Jim. Glad to see the back is holding up with no major issues. Lower back issues really and truly suck.

Looks like you're making great strides in technique, and even if you're not moving more weight, sometimes improving your technique helps you more in the long run. Keep it up and keep the back healthy

I agree wholeheartedly - they suck. I think it was my squat form issue that caused this (the semi GM) That will be rectified. Thanks KenBro

Originally Posted by jesseisrael

Just remember that if you are trying to get pretty to impress the wife that you don't have to rush the heavy weights...

Haha- LOL. But, if I want to impress Big Al, I have to lift heavy

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Glad you are able to see it

Great session Jimbo.

Yes, there is a silver lining in every cloud. Thanks Steve.

[LtL]

If you want to impress me you simply have to work hard achieve your goals. Those goals could be heavy weight or getting ripped. Dedication and progression is what it's about.

LtL

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by LtL

If you want to impress me you simply have to work hard achieve your goals. Those goals could be heavy weight or getting ripped. Dedication and progression is what it's about.

LtL

Cheers Al Yes, I have always known that. I was trying to be humorous.

[Squatter]

FULL BODY TRAINING "A" SQUAT 06/23/11

Squats
185 X6
185 X6
185 X10 See Vid
Once again, thankfully, I had no pain. Things are looking really good!!
I did a vid just to show where I stand right now. Would like to build up to a 350 squat for reps that are as deep as these.

YouTube - ‪Squatter185X10Squat‬‏

YouTube - ‪Squatter185X10Squat‬‏

Standing Calf Raises
185 X20
185 X20
185 X20
It's amazing how much I have to concentrate on these to keep my balance. Once balance is achieved, I got a tremendous stretch in the calves.

Incline Bench Press
190 X8 PB +5 lbs
190 X8
190 X5
It felt real good to get a PB on something.

Pendlay Rows
135 X8
185 X8
185 X8

Pull Up Density
5 Mins of hell - alternating grip
These are hard for a 230 lb'er like me.
19 Reps Total + 3 reps from last time

CGBP
155 X10
155 X10
155 X9

BB Shrugs
245 X6
245 X10
245 X10
These were all full ROM - want to make sure back is 100% before going super heavy on these. I have also been considering to do High Pulls - seems everyone is doing them.

I felt a little bit of discomfort in lower back, left side this AM - it was sporadic and slight. Really, I think it's to be expected as I rehab this injury. Doing nothing and sitting on the couch isn't my cup of tea. No worries though, I know exactly when I've had enough.

[LtL]

Looking solid Jimbo. Congrat's on the PB's.

With the squats I think I've worked out why you look shaky when you're setting up: you're only taking a half step back. It's almost like you half trip over your heel when you put it down early. I would like you to be more authoritative and take a nice normal width step back and set up strong. Especially with these weights. You should be dominating them. Show them who's boss Depth was exemplary and I look forward to seeing you rocking towards 3pps for 10 ATG very quickly as soon as your back is up to par again.

Great work Jim

LtL

[Aurik]

Good stuff in here, Jim! Nice to see you working back up to your previous weights on squats, and a PR is always good to see on any workout. Keep moving forward incrementally, and get that back healthy again

Can't wait to see you doing 3+ plates A2G again.

[BendtheBar]

Squats look real good.

Regarding those standing calf raises....crazy, isn't it. Takes me several reps each set just to get the proper feel and strength.

[Carl1174]

I really like Standing calf raises they hit the body in a unique way, but Im the same I need at least 4-5 reps just to get my balance

Carl.

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by LtL

Looking solid Jimbo. Congrat's on the PB's.

With the squats I think I've worked out why you look shaky when you're setting up: you're only taking a half step back. It's almost like you half trip over your heel when you put it down early. I would like you to be more authoritative and take a nice normal width step back and set up strong. Especially with these weights. You should be dominating them. Show them who's boss Depth was exemplary and I look forward to seeing you rocking towards 3pps for 10 ATG very quickly as soon as your back is up to par again.

Great work Jim

LtL

Consider it done Al. I think I started taking a small step back cuz Matt Wenning said, on the So You Think You Can Squat Vid, to take just a small step back. I'll definitely be more assertive next time - I wish I could grunt right before like you do

3 PPS+ here I come!! (As back permits)

Originally Posted by Aurik

Good stuff in here, Jim! Nice to see you working back up to your previous weights on squats, and a PR is always good to see on any workout. Keep moving forward incrementally, and get that back healthy again

Can't wait to see you doing 3+ plates A2G again.

Thanks KenBro. I will get there. My squat zest is back!! I, as always, strive for a PR of any sort every sesh. Mid term goal is to A2G 350 for reps.

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Squats look real good.

Regarding those standing calf raises....crazy, isn't it. Takes me several reps each set just to get the proper feel and strength.

Thanks Steve & Carl Haha - they are deceptively difficult aren't they? They look easy but are far from it. I feel I'm getting just as good, if not better, calf work done than on one of those standing calf raise machine. I wish I had a leg press tho, as I used to really enjoy loading up a ton of plates and doing calves on it.