I don’t think it is a coincidence. I fully admit that beer gets partial credit for my corona gains.
Hm, weren’t you in a deficit prior to that and also not feeling great?
Getting the weight right on the assistance portion of that program was really difficult. I had to kind of get the mindset, like it looks like you are, of just getting the work in without going too weirdo crazy on it.
Definitely recommend you try the isometrics if you can get a spot to set them up! If nothing else, just load the bar with a billion lbs. (or half a billion kg for you metric folks) and lean into it.
You mean the conjugate BB? Yeah I did 3 years ago, it was fun! Hated the overcoming isometrics though
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Yup. Haha - I hate setting them up, but then don’t mind doing them (even though they look stupid). I felt like they helped me hit my main lift in fewer sets, though. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, really.
Anyway, I liked that the program changed every week. That seems to be the primary factor for me.
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Same! Big factor for me!
I think I was push too hard, and one time on DLs I really did and my back took a hit
This time though I reduce most of the rest periods. Like 90 secs then 120 between push press and lateral raises? Heck no I did them right after
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Ha! Same. I never was able to stick to some of those ridiculous rest breaks.
During quarantine yeah. I was meaning prior to that. I was in a surplus, but indeed I was unhappy. Not really happy either now about where I’m at or what I have, but at least I have a better state of mind and morale, and I think it makes for a big difference
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Conjugate Bodybuilding - Day 2 - 21/07
Long, tough stuff.
Once again probably didn’t rested enough during the ramping. 100 kgs was good enough, and good form.
Had not military pressed in a while so that’s ok. Lowered to 4 reps because the fifths were too grindy. Put on a belt, I only care about the weight this time. They felt ok, my pressing muscles were still sore from sunday.
Chest press still feels amazing. The superset were cool, but 4 sets felt like an eternity. Tough to figure out which weight to use for 4 sets and still go really hard.
Triceps extensions were easy this time, I’ll increase next session
Conjugate Bodybuilding day 3 - 22/07
A1. Machine curls 1 x 12, 1 x 9 with 30, 35 kgs
A2. Dips machine triceps extension 2 x 12 with 42, 49 kgs
B1. Hammer curls 1 x 23, 1 x 19 with 12, 14 kgs
B2. Skullcrushers 1 x 15, 1 x 13 with 35, 40 kgs
C. Pseudo beep test
So just a quick 20 mins of beach work before doing cardio.
I tried what @kleinhound said to see where I’m at, on the treadmill, starting at 8,5 km/h and increasing by 0,5 every minute. Did 14 mins to 15,5 kmh. If I were to all-out I think I could have done 2 more levels. Obviously much easier than the real test because there ar no turns but I only need level 9 IIRC.
Lungs felt good, heart really wasn’t that fawt, but my lower back was meeeeh and afterwards my knees as well. First step is to buy shoes because I ran in Chuck Taylors. But running shoes are fuglyyyy
Probably will get some all-purpose shoes like Reebok nano
Also, I’m 86 kgs. Need to lose 4-5 kgs of fat. This will help as well.
Whole back, hammies and glutes were really sore today. My posterior chain will be ironclad
Strong lad! FWIW, I don’t think you need to cut any fat whatsoever right now. You’re looking great. Maybe slow down the surplus if you are feeling puffy and just “recomp” but again. You look good
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Forgot about the beep test, nvm
I have gained a bit of fat these last 2 weeks for real. But that’s okay, I don’t feel bad! Just a little, conservative deficit will be fine
I understand what it is you are saying - but I’d be remiss to not highlight you’ve posted pictures where you have all ab rows and yet mention love handles.
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I gain fat like a woman, so everything is on my thighs and ass (not complaining here!) And a bit on the love handles. Plus I have good abs! So I’ll have veins on my upper abs at 12%
But yeah I know what you mean! Ahah
BTW if I get to be a coach, being a bit leaner will help as well
If this is the same test (which sounds like it) 20m spaced cones, turn on the beep and keep pace a level 9 should be 0 problems for you.
I did my first one with no cardiovascular training whatsoever (I was only lifting 2 days and doing some lazy version of 531 and a desk job), 8.9 was the standard for us, I got a call out of the blue and asked to do it next day - it’s less than 10 minutes and even if you’re a bit out of shape the pace isn’t even running until around level 6/7.
Always good to ace it though and not finish looking like you need oxygen!
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Good job brother. You should cruise past that level. What’s the test for if you don’t mind me asking?
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I wish I had that problem. I have insane-o arm veins. I can see veins all over my chest after a workout. I can see the hint of a vein over my obliques. I get veins on my legs after moving about a bit. But, my waist measures wider than yours and that lower belly pouch is still there. I carry all of my fat there. “manly”
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Thanks yeah, I used to go too hard doing cardio. Planning to stay at around 80 - 90% max effort. After two months of training I should be really fine
@kleinhound getting back to studying and becoming a coach 
@Voxel yeah my best friend is exactly like you. Nothing on the legs, just the belly. I’m lucky about this
There are some pretty slick looking running shoes out there man. Don’t forget, you’re 30 now, join us in dad-wear.
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