Tuesday 12th April 2016

Tuesday
A lot more, than old anyway. movement to stay limber. I drag my ass out of my office chair in discomfort (I'm out shortly buying anti inflammatory's) yet by the time I've done I'm bending over no problem. Such is movement, heat/sweat and a little endorphin / exercise high. 

One hand pinch
L/H: 4 x 3 reps with working weight (there's a big difference between this and the right hand)
R/H: LH weight x 3 then 2 x 3 and 1 x 1 + F with the working weight.

I'll start working out what I think my 1RM's will be in the next few days for all of the events. Then it'll be game plan for the day.

Thursday 29th August 2013

Thursday
legs!!

Power Squat
to 270-kilos x 8 reps (20kg more than the last w/o)... did so well I upped it to 310-kilos and did 6 reps

L/Press
to full load x 10 reps

L/Curls
2 x stack x 12 reps, and 1 x stack+1/2 plate x 12 reps

L/Ext
stack x 3 x 12 reps

Bulkpowders interview with me here

Wednesday, 11th April workout

Wednesday
Said hi to a few lads inc Nigel etc

Seated Iso Press
handles x 15 reps, 16.25kg @ x 8 reps, 32.5kg @ x 8 reps, 47.5kg @ x 8 reps (s) and 52.5kg @ x 6 reps (s)
 
Seated alt DB Curls
7.5kg @ x 8 reps, 15kg @ x 8 reps, 25kg x 5/6 and 5/5 reps hard work
 
One arm reverse grip p/downs
25kg x 8 reps, 35kg x 8 reps, 50kg x 6 reps, x 8 reps (sleeves on)
 
DB Holds for time
45kg @ x 25, 20 and 20 secs - v hard

Wednesday 4th March w/out

Wednesday
Seated press in Jones
bar x 12 reps, 50kg x 8 reps, 65kg x 8 reps, 85kg x 6 hard reps (sleeves on)

Damn those last few reps were hard. They might also explain why the getting off of the sleeves on TPD was so hard (taken off after press but back on for TPD)

Hammer DB Curls
10kg @ x 8 reps, 20kg @x 8 reps, 30kg @x 8 reps, 35kg @x 8 reps (would have been more but next set up were in use).

I'd intended, as last time, banging out some loose reps with the 37.5's. I did note, later, some skinny young pup using even looser form than I do (his were more across the body curls) with 12.5's. For shame ha ha Truthfully  I was and maybe AM/ARE as bad.

s/s

TPD
30kg x 8 reps, 50kg x 8 reps, 75kg x 8 reps d/s 50kg x 8 reps (sleeves on). Was so done after I really struggled to get elbow sleeve off of right arm.

R/W/Curls
7.5kg x 10 reps, 12.5kg x 10 reps, 20kg x 7 reps d/s 12.5kg x 7 reps

I always worry about the form on these yet my forearms look nasty and feel worked after so...


Bodyweight 19st 4lbs /  270lbs.

My next home gym

Couple of if's and when's but what the heck...

1. If and when I get my house in the area (ish) I want
2. at the price I hope to pay
3. and not too far from a decent gym

Then I fully intend having a half decent home gym. Now in an ideal world we'd be looking at a change of use commercial space (old shop, small warehouse) with living accommodation attached / over. But needs must and so a half decent sized garage or outbuilding or decent sized cellar. The bigger (and taller) the space the better. Doesn't need lots of natural light but some and if not exactly heated some insulation against bitter cold might be nice. Throw in a little additional storage and I'd be good to go.

• Now as to what I'd want in there:
• Power rack - a must. Inc a front cross-brace as a chinning bar.
• Decent adjustable bench
• Decent Olympic bar. The deeper the knurl the better.
• A shed load of Olympic plates. 20's, 25's and 50's x many pls.
• Long ass dumbbell handles (I'd prefer a full set but needs must).
• O' plate holders
• Impact absorbent rubber matting - perhaps on a platform?
• CHALK!! (see previous whinging post)

That's your basics covered. There's a shit load you can do with that.

Now as for added extras:

• A thick bar. Hollow a la the Apollon's Axle.
• Fat handles
• Grippers, grippers and more grippers
• V-bar
• Euro Pinch. I've always liked using this and ain't half bad on it (No 2 in the world)
• Rolling Thunder - the 2011 model

Not needed but nice if I can are the following:

• Lever squat type machine (as sold by Powertec etc)
• Leg press - double pinned. Good for 800-kilos pls.
• A decent mirror - for form, illumination and making the space look bigger
• Hi-Fi - sounds to workout to
• hi-low plate loaded cable machine - big ass load capacity. Smooth running (double ratio set up is.

That's my 'for now' list. I'm sure I can think of more soon. What would you have?

When I have my own space again...

I do get it - I really do. I understand 100% why gym owners have some issues with certain members. But man oh man when I get my own place with space for weights again  I will be using chalk. And I wont be moaning about belt buckles. I'd go into the specifics but that gives too much away and for the sake of a quiet, for now, life I'll just say that it feels like a pain the arse.

Sure gym owners have to clear crap up, more so in full on mainstream, middle market commercial gyms. So using chalk, especially throwing it around without a care in the world is annoying. Equally if you're ignorant enough to have some big ass buckle and lean on bench pads so as to tear them up like your few quid allows carte blanche then you need to go somewhere else but why me? I'm a good guy. I use chalk in super tidy gyms over a towel and make sure it's not making a mess and I DO NOT lie face down on equipment with a belt on (why would you need a belt if your back is supported anyway).

That said it IS a good motivator being nagged for some shit you haven't done - grrr!

Other stuff... 1 Bodypower and the Rolling Thunder

It's not that long now until the muscle and fitness fest that is Bodypower 2012. Year on year growth sees aprox 30000 expected over the 3 day weekend (Fri-Sunday). Up a day from last year. It'll be interesting to see if this VAT issue makes for some chatting and a half among the companies attending.

Me? I'm working, as last year, with UltimateGrip (also at Seni later the same month I think). I'll be with the nut job (in a nice way) that is Rod 'Rambo' Lenette as the ''faces'' so expect us to goof about a little to get your interest.

I'm also keen to play my part, as last year, along with Denny Felix over on the strength arena on Sunday afternoon with the 2012 British Rolling Thunder championships. Last year I tied for 2nd with the (as now) World's Strongest Man 2012 winner Brian Shaw. Mark Felix, world record holder, won. Recent efforts of Laine Snook aren't to be sniffed at.

So what am I thinking... assuming I don't knacker myself by squeezing grippers all weekend for pay like last year and still coming 2nd I plan on doing better. In spite of the 'no chalk' rule at Beef's Gym here in Strood where I am temporarily staying (looking for a new home to move to - Wales preferred) I am finally able to get the 2011 Ironmind Rolling Thunder handle a workout. It's well used and I did some BIG numbers on it during the last session. Not quite to Laine's level yet but there's enough time. Fancy winning some goodies in the amateur event? Come on down!!