A Top 40 Weightlifting Blog

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Bench Press and Bent Over Rows

I decided to try something a little different in the garage this evening. My garage floor is suspect and I don't really feel comfortable deadlifting on it. I decided on doing Bent Over Rows.

Light Stretching.
Bench Press - 135lbs/12 reps, 185lbs/12 reps, 2sets/12 reps/205lbs, 3 sets/12 reps/225lbs.
Bent Over Rows - 95lbs/12 reps, 3 sets/12 reps/165lbs.

Today I also had the company of the highest wilks lifter in Manitoba, Ben Langley. A real class act and a real champion. I pushed my Bench Press numbers a bit today. Next time I will increase the weight and volume of the Bench Over Rows.

Snowdaddy

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Squat and Bench Press

After training on Sunday I have been extremely eager to get into the gym for Squats. After work today I did just that.

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - 2 sets/12 reps/bar, 135lbs/12 reps, 185lbs/12 reps, 205lbs/12 reps, 225lbs/12 reps, 245lbs/12 reps.
Bench Press - 135lbs/12 reps, 185lbs/12 reps, 3 sets/12 reps/205lbs.
Dumbbell Hammer Curls - 3 sets/12 reps/35lbs.
Cable Extensions - 2 sets/12 reps/60kg.

I feel great! Now for some supper and relax with the kids.

Snowdaddy

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Bench Press and Deadlifts

Today at the 17 Wing Strength Club for fun and games. I spend most of my 4 hours at the club chatting with friends and helping new members with their form and programs. I did manage to get in a good work out.

Light Stretching
Bench Press - 4 sets/12 reps/75kg, 4 sets/12 reps/80kg.
Deadlifts - 100kg/12 reps, 3 sets/12 reps/110kg.

Total volume = 12600kg.

Not very complicated, just lots of sets and reps.

Snowdaddy

Saturday, July 09, 2016

Squat and Bench Press

Fun and games in the Garage one Thursday evening.

Leg Swings and Light Stretching
Buffalo Bar Squats - 95lbs/12 reps, 145lbs/12 reps, 165lbs/12 reps, 185lbs/12 reps, 215lbs/12 reps.
Buffalo Bar Bench Press - 95lbs/12 reps, 145lbs/12 reps, 165lbs/12 reps, 185lbs/12 reps, 215lbs/12 reps.

A really good volume training day. Going up in weight as apposed to keeping the weight constant pushed my numbers a bit and I was a little sore the next day. Something to keep note of.

Snowdaddy

Monday, July 04, 2016

Bench Press

With my wife away for two months my evenings are kinda boring. This is a great opportunity to hit my garage gym to increase my frequency on top of the increased volume.

Leg Swings and Light Stretching.
Bench Press - 10 sets/12 reps/165lbs (varying grip widths).
Dumbbell Hammer Curls - 3 sets/12 reps/35lbs, 2 sets/12 reps/40lbs.
Standing Concentration Curls - 2 sets/12 reps/35lbs.

Further volume is the addition of Biceps training. My arms have a tendency to shake during heavy Bench sets. The extra Biceps strength should help with this. Everything feels strong and healthy.

Snowdaddy

Sunday, July 03, 2016

Squat / Deadlift Volume

Training at the 17 Wing Strength Club today motivated me to push myself. Although it was tough I feel great!

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - 2 sets/12 reps/bar, 5 sets/12 reps/75kg.
Deadlifts - 5 sets/12 reps/100kg.

I doesn't look like much but total volume of working sets was 10,500kg or 23,100lbs. Not too shabby. I'm going to play around with my program to push my maximum volume.

Snowdaddy

Saturday, July 02, 2016

Bench Press Volume

Training for the unforeseen future is just for fun. The only condition to my training is I have to hit big-ger volume. That is, many sets, many reps, and very frequent. I am Squatting and Deadlifting tomorrow so I decided to hit the Bench today.

Light Stretching.
Bench Press - 135lbs/12 reps, 8 sets/12 reps/160lbs.
Dumbbell Hammer Curls - 3 sets/12 reps/35lbs.
Cambered Bar Curls - 4 sets/12 reps/65lbs.

I am enjoying the biceps training lately. I will continue down this path and see how it effects my Bench Press. I also tried pressing my keg. It weighs 75lbs with water and it ridiculously hard to balance. Fun Stuff!!!

Snowdaddy

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Volume Training

I had a couple hours this evening so I decided to move some weight. I really don't have a structured training plan right now so I'm just training for fun.

Bench Press - 2 sets/12 reps/135lbs, 225lbs/8 reps, 315lbs/4 reps, 365lbs/1 rep, 385lbs/miss.
Enough messing around.
Bench Press - 6 sets/12 reps/155lbs.

At this point I had to make my way to the 17 Wing Strength Club to help move the competition equipment. A good amount of cardio after a fun Bench Press work out.

Snowdaddy

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

... and it begins again

After a week off its time to get back into training. As a competitive powerlifter I prefer to lift heavy singles. But, volume training is when strength is built.

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - 2 sets/12 reps/bar, 5 sets/12 reps/135lbs.
Bench Press - 5 sets/12 reps/135lbs
Dumbbell Hammer Curls - 3 sets/12 reps/35lbs.
Walking - ~2km.

As time goes on the weight will go up. I plan on sets of 12 reps for 5 to 6 weeks then drop to 5 reps. I will also be walking more and more and will incorporate light jogging. Today was a good start.

Snowdaddy

Sunday, June 26, 2016

2016 IPF Worlds

We've been back for a couple of days. I wanted to take a little while before posting to the blog to gather my thoughts.

We started our journey to Killeen Texas on Friday, 17th June. The weather was well less than ideal for driving. Very heavy rain and lightning made the trip quite interesting. After getting breakfast and coffees from Tims we hit the road at 0700hrs.
By the time we got half way to Grand Forks the weather got so bad I thought there might be a tornado. We pulled over to listen to the radio for a weather alert. Turns out there was no tornado but there was gusts up to 100 mph, quarter sized hail, thunder and lightning, and rain so heavy that the wipers couldn't keep up. Eventually we got back on the road at a reduced speed. The weather cleared and we continued to Texas.
Our first stop was going to be Omaha Nebraska. Unfortunately, the swimming Olympic trails were taking place in the area and the hotel prices were massively inflated, 225 US$/night. We continued for several more hours before we ended up in a tiny town called Rock Port. There we found the Rock Port Inn and were very happy with the rooms and the price. The kids had a swim in the pool to sap what ever energy they had left. Kathy and I sat on the pool deck watching bats flying in and out of the tree tops and lightning bugs putting on a wonderful show at ground level.
In the morning we trekked to Oklahoma City where we spend two nights. The day in the middle we checked out the Outlet Center and spent sometime at the hotel pool. The mattress at this Travellodge was horrible and my lower back was giving lots of problems. I hardly got any sleep during these two nights and I was concerned that this would effect my performance at the Worlds.
On the 20th June we arrived in Killeen and headed straight to the venue to pick up my pass and become familiar with the facility. After that we went to diner and shortly after that to separate hotels for bed. I was obligated to stay at the meet hotel but it was too expensive and too small for all of us to stay there. Kathy and the girls stayed else where.
Weigh-ins started very early, 0600hrs. My son and I got to the venue at 0530hrs where I checked my equipment then went to pick up Kathy so she could have the van. She dropped me off and I went for weigh-ins. The following is how my lifting went.

BW - 152kg
I was a bit heavier than in past competition but this didn't surprise me.

Warm Ups went really well and my back wasn't an issue.

Squats - 225/235/240miss.

My opener was easy. My second I got a bit over my toes and it was a fight to finish. I got my form back and smoked my third but I cut it a bit short and was called on depth. I have reviewed videos from several angles and I was judged a bit harshly. Oh well, it is what it is. 235kg is a 7.5kg PB.

Bench Press - 160/167.5/172.5kg.

I got all my Bench Press attempts. My third attempt actually went up easier than my first. 172.5kg is a 5kg PB but I could have hit 177.5-180kg. Time for Deadlifts.

Deadlift - 255/265/272.5miss.

The first and second attempts were routine and felt quite controlled. My third attempt I had a slight tear in my right calf muscle just after the weights left the ground. It was enough to distract me and I missed the lift.

I totaled 672.5kg which is a 12.5kg PB. Out of 9 lifters I finished 8th overall. Individually, Squats 8th, Bench Press 6th, Deadlifts 6th.

My first Worlds was an amazing experience and I feel like I have grown as a lifter and I'm am destined for much better lifts.

The best part of lifting at the Worlds was having my family there in the audience to cheer me on. I am truly fortunate to have such an amazing family.

As soon as the medals ceremony was complete we got into the van, had some lunch, and hit the road.

The trip back was uneventful and seemed much shorter than the trip there.

We are home now and back into our normal groove. Yesterday I got back under the bar for some Squats.

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - 3 sets/12 reps/bar, 2 sets/12 reps/95lbs.

Very easy lifts but more about flexibility and mobility than actual work.

Snowdaddy


Monday, June 13, 2016

Last Heavy Day

Sunday was my last day of heavy training. I just wanted to hit my opener once. This will give me the confidence to know I am Deadlift ready as I am with the other two lifts.

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - 2 sets/bar/8 reps, 2 sets/6 reps/70kg, 120kg/4 reps.
Deadlifts - 70kg/4 reps, 120kg/4 reps, 170kg/1 rep, 220kg/1 rep, 260kg/1 rep.

I am ready.

Snowdaddy

Friday, June 10, 2016

Day 12

Yesterday I worked my opening Squats. 225kg is my planned opener.


Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - bar/8 reps, bar/8 reps, 135lbs/8 reps, 225lbs/6 reps, 315lbs/4 reps, 405lbs/1 rep.
Put on my knee sleeves.
Squats - 455lbs/2 reps, 500lbs/1 rep, 500lbs/1 rep, 500lbs/2 reps!!!
Bench Press - 135lbs/12 reps, 225lbs/8 reps, 4 sets/275lbs/4 reps.


As it sometimes does family life got in the way and I had leave for my kids music concert. 500lbs for a double is a huge PB for me. I am ready for Worlds.


Snowdaddy

Tuesday, June 07, 2016

Day 11

A really good night of training. I am starting to get nervous about the World's. Concentrating on what needs to be done right now is difficult and I either want to load up the bar and go heavy or skip the work out completely. Either way is bad. I need to train IAW the current plan and I will be ready.

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - 2 sets/8 reps/bar, 135lbs/8 reps, 225lbs/6 reps, 315lbs/4 reps, 335lbs/4 reps, 365lbs/4 reps.
Bench Press - 135lbs/8 reps, 225lbs/8 reps, 315lbs/1 rep, 3 sets/1 rep/355lbs.
355lbs or 160kg will be my opener
Deadlifts - 2 sets/6 reps/225lbs, 2 sets/4 reps/315lbs, 385lbs/2 reps, 435lbs/1 rep.

Listening to records and having some fun. Thursday I test my Squat openers. I can hardly wait.

Snowdaddy

Monday, June 06, 2016

Day 10

Training was a very relaxed yesterday. I went to the RCAF family walk with my wife and kids. It was a very sunny day and the UV index was high. Afterwards we returned I got to work with training.

Leg Swings and Stretching
Squats - 2 sets/8 reps/bar, 2 sets/8 reps/135lbs, 225lbs/6 reps, 3 sets/4 reps/315lbs.
Bench Press - 135lbs/12 reps, 225lbs/8 reps, 4 sets/4 reps/275lbs.

After the walk and high UV I did not feel like deadlifts. A bit of a break won't do me any harm. I have three more heavy training days. Each one of these will focus on my openers, 3 singles of each.

Squat - 495lbs / 225kg
Bench Press - 355lbs / 160kg
Deadlifts - 565lbs / 255kg

Total = 640kg

Attempts could be as follows

Squat - 225/240/245kg
Bench Press - 160/170/172.5kg
Deadlifts - 255/265/272.5kg

Total - 640/675/690kg

Snowdaddy

Thursday, June 02, 2016

Day 9

Exactly where I need to be. Training is still going extremely well and I am ready for World's.

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - bar/6 reps, 135lbs/6 reps, 135lbs/6 reps, 225lbs/6 reps, 315lbs/2 reps, 405lbs/1 rep, (put on knee sleeves) 455lbs/2 reps, 525lbs/1 rep, 2 sets/1 rep/495lbs.
Bench Press - 135lbs/8 reps, 4 sets/4 reps/245lbs.
Deadlifts - 3 sets/4 reps/365lbs.

525lbs is a 20lbs PB. This puts me right in line for a 240kg Squat at World's. Next week I will work on my openers. The power is there. It's time for Killeen. I'm ready!

Snowdaddy

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Day 8

Heavy Bench Press today. It's hard not to want the same gains in Bench Press and Deadlift as I'm getting in Squats. I am still getting gains even if they aren't as amazing.

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - bar/6 reps, 135lbs/6 reps, 135lbs/6 reps, 225lbs/6 reps, 3 sets/4 reps/315lbs.
Bench Press - 135lbs/8 reps, 225lbs/6 reps, 315lbs/1 rep, 3 sets/1 rep/365lbs, 370lbs/1 rep.
Deadlifts - 225lbs/6 reps, 3 sets/4 reps/365lbs.

My butt came up on the last 365lbs Bench Press so I put on another 5lbs and really worked the technique. The pause was easily 3 seconds long. Everything is going in the right direction... UP!!!

Snowdaddy

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Day 7

Working out at the 17 Wing Strength Club today. Had some fun with the members that were there. I helped out before I got into my training. Once I got started everything went really well.

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - 20kg/6 reps, 20kg/6 reps, 70kg/6 reps, 70kg/6 reps, 120kg/4 reps, 3 sets/4, 3, 4 reps/150kg.
Bench Press - 60kg/8 reps, 4 sets/4 reps/120kg.

at this point I wanted a bit of a change so I went upstairs to show off a little.

Deadlifts - 225lbs/6 reps, 315lbs/3 reps, 405lbs/3 reps, 475lbs/1 rep, 3 sets/1 rep/565lbs.

565lbs Deadlifts felt heavy but manageable. I think it is more CNS conditioning than lack of strength. Everything is coming together really well. Still a few weeks to go to polish the finer points.

Snowdaddy

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Day 6

Oh my... After some outstanding squats last week I was excited and eager to squat today. Again my new form managed to impress.

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - 2 sets/6 reps/bar, 135lbs/6 reps, 225lbs/3 reps, 315lbs/2 reps, 405lbs/1 rep, 455lbs/1 rep, 475lbs/1 rep, 505lbs/1 rep!!!
Bench Press - 135lbs/6 reps, 4 sets/4 reps/245lbs.
Deadlifts - 3 sets/4 reps/385lbs.

My final Squat came up so easy it may just be my opener. Cool!!!

Snowdaddy

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Day 5

The strength and power are starting to return. It is important not to go too crazy in work outs but push myself a bit out of my comfort zone. Today on the bench felt great!

Squats - 2 sets/8 reps/bar, 135lbs/8 reps, 225lbs/3 reps, 3 sets/4 reps/335lbs.
Bench Press - 135lbs/8 reps, 225lbs/6 reps, 345lbs/1 rep, 355lbs/1 rep, 365lbs/1 rep.
Deadlifts - 225lbs/6 reps, 365lbs/4 reps, 385lbs/4 reps, 385lbs/4 reps.

My Bench Press is keeping up with the rest of my lifts. 365lbs didn't offer much resistance. It went up no problem. Stay on track.

Snowdaddy

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Day 4 Pre Competition Training

Starting week 2 of heavy training before Worlds. Squats on Thursday has given me new inspiration and confidence. This showed again today.

Leg Swings and Stretching.
Squats - bar/8 reps, bar/8 reps, 70kg/8 reps, 70kg/6 reps, 120kg/3 reps, 3 sets/3, 4, 4, reps/150kg.
Bench Press - 60kg/8 reps, 4 sets/4 reps/110kg.
Deadlifts - 120kg/4 reps, 170kg/2 reps, 3 sets/1, 2, 2 reps/240kg.

Although Deadlifts don't feel quite as slick as Squats do lately I am still managing some good numbers. 240kg for a double is pretty good at this point in training. I will continue to push my self and numbers at Worlds will be the best ever.

Snowdaddy