BigJosh's Holid-A-y/B workout aka "I will grow a beard and smash weight"

[BigJosh]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Just take a work of advice from a geezer...that is a good and normal part of getting a strong back. You want your ability to pull to overshadow your grip at some point.

So using straps may be a good idea? I am open to the idea.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by BigJosh

So using straps may be a good idea? I am open to the idea.

Yes, absolutely. My one arm dumbbell rows are 215x10 and my Pendlays are 365x5. No way I could do that without straps. Beyond that, slipping grip with heavier weight can get a big dangerous.

I don't want to push you on this but I do want you to know that strap use is perfectly fine. The only time I go strapless is when I am testing my deadlift 1RM.

[Pull14]

Not to side track Josh's log again, but yes, combine the logs... completely forgot 'full body' existed on here and spent way to long looking for this.

Upon recent discovery I had to do some back tracking.

1) Josh, I'm still relatively "new" to this forum, but will agree with your comments in regard to this closeness of this forum and friendships (post about 2 weeks ago?). It is a small forum when you compare it to others out there, but it is one that is in may ways, closely knit. Not cheesey at all. And BTW, a great looking family you have.

2) Awesome work, through and through. Good to see your lifts improving, especially that squat!

[LtL]

I'd agree with Steve on straps except I don't use them for deadlifts. I do use them for all heavy rows and rack pulls though.

LtL

[Squatter]

Nice to see you get that 5 lbs progression on squats Big J. Even if you can eke out 1 rep every week or 2 that would be big.

If you decide to start using straps, go for the versagripps. I think if you use them wisely, your grip will still improve.

[BigJosh]

Originally Posted by Pull14

Not to side track Josh's log again, but yes, combine the logs... completely forgot 'full body' existed on here and spent way to long looking for this.

Upon recent discovery I had to do some back tracking.

1) Josh, I'm still relatively "new" to this forum, but will agree with your comments in regard to this closeness of this forum and friendships (post about 2 weeks ago?). It is a small forum when you compare it to others out there, but it is one that is in may ways, closely knit. Not cheesey at all. And BTW, a great looking family you have.

2) Awesome work, through and through. Good to see your lifts improving, especially that squat!

Thanks for stopping by my log Pull!
1.) MaB is a really cool place to be. And thanks about my family.
2.) Thanks again! I'm driving hard to get my squat up to 3 pps.

[BigJosh]

Originally Posted by LtL

I'd agree with Steve on straps except I don't use them for deadlifts. I do use them for all heavy rows and rack pulls though.

LtL

Thanks LtL. As of now based on your guys recommendations I will use them with db rows.

Originally Posted by Squatter

Nice to see you get that 5 lbs progression on squats Big J. Even if you can eke out 1 rep every week or 2 that would be big.

If you decide to start using straps, go for the versagripps. I think if you use them wisely, your grip will still improve.

Thanks squatter. I'm really trying hard on those squats. I want to squat like you!!!!

[BigJosh]

Deads
405x2, 385x2, 365x1
OHP
145x6,6,6
T-bar Row
150x8,8,8
DE Bench
190x3x8
Db Curl
45x8,8,6
Db Shrugs (why not?)
105x8,8,8
rev pec deck
100x10,10,10
Propped external Rotator
15x10,10,10
COC #1 Grippers
3x5

Overall Workout Grade:B
WTF is up with my deadlift!! Since nailing 405 for 2 sets of 3, I have had 2 workouts in a row where I struggled with 405. Hell, I struggled with 385 and 365. I had told myself I was going to go light, but after an extra days rest and only one bad workout I thought I would be able to return to form. Not exactly sure where to go from here, but something needs to change. whether it's a reset or throwing in DE deadlift work every other workout or some other option.

The rest of the workout went great.
Hit my goal on OHP and T-bar rows. Both of these felt great. They have both progressed nicely.
DE Bench felt good. Very fun to be doing something new and different.
DB curls are progressing along nicely. I don't think my biceps have ever been this strong.
Threw in some DB shrugs just for kicks. Also hit my reverse pec deck and RC work. All 3 went well.
Finished with the COC grippers. Still struggling to close them on all the reps. those things are tough!!!
All in all it was a great workout, deadlift aside.

On another note, I had a sample of Muscle Pharm Assault that I tried. I'm not a big fan of pre-workout drinks. I prefer a thermogenic pill, usually GNC thermogenic rush. However, I was pleasantly surprised my Muscle Pharm Assault. Very clean energy. I felt great. And there was no "crash" whatsoever. I may just found another supp to spend money on!

[BendtheBar]

Is your upper back feeling weak at all?

Maybe it's time to drop the weight a bit and work on some singles.

[BigJosh]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Is your upper back feeling weak at all?

Maybe it's time to drop the weight a bit and work on some singles.

My upper back feels very strong.
It feels like the weak link these last two deadlift workouts is my lowerback. I can get the bar off of the ground and to my knees, I am just really struggling to bring my hips forward. I just don't have the power right now.

I am open to doing singles. What protocol would you recommend?
I've done a little google browsing this evening and found a "DE" deadlift protocol of 10x2. The westside barbell template doesn't seem to use Dynamic effort deads, so I am kind of just guessing on what to do. I could use the box squat protocol that westide utilizes, which is 10x2 at a varying percentage of 1rm.