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

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Squatter

Decided to try these before squat day on Wednesday (No worries, I won't be doing back squats) They are kind of like a reverse deadlift - no wonder I liked the lift Amazingly, they made my low back feel BETTER This is why I did so many of them. I reckon the logic here would be if a regular deadlift makes my back hurt, than a reverse deadlift would do the reverse - make my back feel better. LOL

Thanks to Jesse for the suggestion - he is a genius.

Great news Squatter. Sometimes the seemingly smallest program change can make a difference. I hope they continue to help.

Did you do them top down, or bottom up?

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

Congrats on the PBs and PBRs Jim!! Great to see you back at it again. With deads, I think if you like the one style just stick with it especially if you're not going for competing where one may get you a few pounds more on the pull than the other style.


Sorry - missed the fact that you're still having back issues, hope it sorts itself soon.

Thanks Babs. I think I'll always be primarily a conventional deadlifter. I do like to pull a few Sumo's off for assistance once in awhile tho. I'm estimatin gmy back will take about 2 months to heal up.

Originally Posted by Rich Knapp

Thnaks Rich - really made my day to see you stopped by my journal - really appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Aurik

Seriously good stuff in here Jim! 170x5x2 is some SERIOUS pressing!

Thanks Ken - I am very proud of where my OHP is now comapred to last year. Ultimate goal is still 2 PPS

Originally Posted by LtL

Nice work big man. Hack squats are OLD SCHOOL. Good to see you doing them.

LtL

Thanks Big Al. I have to remember to read thru Arnold's Encyclopedia again for more ideas.

Originally Posted by *MC*

Nice to see you successfully working around the back injury, Jim. Keep pushing!

Thanks Nard - it would not have been possible without the guidance of my brothers here.

Originally Posted by Szelago

Yeah, you don't see true barbell hack done much these days.
Might have to give those a try.

Nice lifting, buddy!

Thanks Tom. I love any lift that starts with lifting the weight off of the floor first. Another example is dead start zercher squats and Pendlays

Originally Posted by jesseisrael

Good work Jim, just remember when doing the Old school Hack to get your backside out of the way quickly when going up.

Thanks Jesse - haha, ya I ran into a few awkward moments like that when practicing them on Monday. So many thanks for the suggestion Mr. Old School!!

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Great news Squatter. Sometimes the seemingly smallest program change can make a difference. I hope they continue to help.

Did you do them top down, or bottom up?

Thanks Steve. Yes, sometimes the smallest of changes make the biggest difference. I have to admit I was completely shocked when I did the lifts. I thought for sure my back would hurt, but the hacks made it feel better after the general fatigue at the end of the session.

I did them, I guess you would say bottom up (from a dead start off of the floor) Is that what you meant?

[Squatter]

CALVES/ABS/CADRIO/WEIGH-IN

I have decided I am ready to resume my cut. I'm doing so because I want to. My goal is to reach 200 and then re-evaluate from there. I am mentally ready this time. Thanks to Cleeper for making me realize I am ready and that this is a good time to get going with it - while my low back heals up.

Weight: 227.6 lbs
Waist: 41 inches

No beasts were harmed in the production of this training session.

Standing BB Calf Raise
R/P
135 X15
225 X12
315 X12
365 X15 PB
365 X15
The big surprise here is that unracking and reracking of the loaded bar did not bother my back. This is a good sign cuz when the injury first happened, that did irritate my back big time.

Seated Calf Raise
R/P
160 X12 PB
160 X12
160 X12

GHR Sit Ups
+25 X15
+25 X15
+25 X15
Again, a bit of a surprise here - stopping in mid air with back parallel to ground did not irritate low back.

Lying Bench Leg Raise
Using ankle weights (10 lbs per side)
+20 X10
+20 X10
+20 X10

Reverse Hyperextensions
Using ankle weights on GHR Bench
+20 x10
+20 X10
+20 X10

Cardio
Elliptical
10K (6.2 Miles)
53 Minutes.

Wednesday's AM Squat session is going to be epic. I'm so stoked I probably will be getting up even earlier - 3:00AM boys!! I haven't been this excited to squat in a long time. The variation is going to be a surprise.

[LtL]

All looking good in here Jimbo.

LtL

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by LtL

All looking good in here Jimbo.

LtL

Thankyou very much mate

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Squatter

Wednesday's AM Squat session is going to be epic. I'm so stoked I probably will be getting up even earlier - 3:00AM boys!! I haven't been this excited to squat in a long time. The variation is going to be a surprise.

Good luck with the cut Jim. I'm in the same boat. I need to drop some weight. This year has gotten away from me. I'll race you to the finish line.

Regarding hack squats, Yes, I was curious if you could pull off the floor. When I do them, I have to start from the top because I can't go all the way down.

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Good luck with the cut Jim. I'm in the same boat. I need to drop some weight. This year has gotten away from me. I'll race you to the finish line.

Regarding hack squats, Yes, I was curious if you could pull off the floor. When I do them, I have to start from the top because I can't go all the way down.

Thanks Steve - and good luck to you as well. It's a pleasure to be cutting alongside you

I have a vid of my hack squats I did this AM. Full report will be posted up tonight. Gotta say I'm lovin' Old School

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by Squatter

CALVES/ABS/CADRIO/WEIGH-IN

a new form of exercise??



Nice PBs Jim! Good luck on the cut! You can do it.

[Squatter]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

a new form of exercise??



Nice PBs Jim! Good luck on the cut! You can do it.

Haha - you get a gold star for being so observant!! You should try a Cadrio sometime. It's a Cadbury chocolate bar made in Rio.

And thanks - for sure I'll get it done this time. The motivation is is that I'm extremely curious to see what I look like at 200.

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by Squatter

Haha - you get a gold star for being so observant!! You should try a Cadrio sometime. It's a Cadbury chocolate bar made in Rio.

And thanks - for sure I'll get it done this time. The motivation is is that I'm extremely curious to see what I look like at 200.

Very old? (I'm on form tonight )



Cadbury choc made in Rio, very sharp!

Hope it works out for you anyway. Are you still going to try and maintain or improve on strength, considering some say it isn't possible whilst cutting?