HA! Love the T.
Nice benching indeed! And you’re chins are getting stronger. Still jealous!
You’ve probably mentioned it, but what do you use for cardio? Stepmill?
yes, I use it, but incline tread is my go-to. Concept 2 rower, when its free (my gym only has one) Very infrequently, I will jog just to prove to myself I still can. Sometimes I use the exercise bike but its really a pain in the ass because I have to pedal so fast to get my heart rate up and keep it there. annoying. The only machine I really hate and won’t use is the elliptical.
Also when I walk on the incline tread I usually keep it on level 12 at 3.5, varying the incline or speed slightly up or down. I will listen to some intense album like Rush’s Hemispheres and play the air cymbals or just pump my arms like a crazy fool to get my hear rate up without having to walk too fast or at too steep an incline. lol, I look insane but it makes things a lot more fun and all that really matters is I’m enjoying myself, right?
I use to hate the elliptical, but I tried it again last week…it wasn’t horrible! I like the hill option and crank up the level to about 10.
I even felt it in my calves and quads. No wonder women think thats all they need. I have friends who think that cardio is the best muscle builder. I don’t argue.
I totally do the same thing on the treadmill Owlie, while laughing at those holding on to the bar for dear life
I agree, sometimes it really isn’t worth it to argue about misconceptions like that considering how much the fitness industry/media has hammered the idea that endless cardio and “toning shoes” will give you the ass of your dreams. Nobody wants to hear, “sorry to achieve a truly amazing ass it takes at least a year of excruciatingly hard work in the form of moving heavy weights and commitment to a healthful diet.” Eh, nope sorry the truth isn’t convenient and it doesn’t sell. Good thing we happen to love the hard work, amiright?? Lol, Betty maybe I will give the elliptical one more chance since you said so…
Legs:
Squats
155x6x4
dumbbell sumo squats:
85x15x2
walking lunges:
60x15x2
Leg press:
6 plates, 1 chip x12/11
4 plates, 1 chip x18/15
Wow I had planned on some light good mornings but I was totally fried. Only managed:
65lbsx12
leg curls
15x4
calves in smith machine because the leg press was occupied:
12x4
If you notice, I have not been squatting super heavy recently because my back is not feeling “great”. I kept my rest between squats today to under a minute.
I hate the bike too, for the same reason 
I think, Damn, if I go any faster I’ma drive out of this gym. But my HR will be 130. Screw it.
looks like a killer leg day Owlie.
[quote]nlmain wrote:
I totally do the same thing on the treadmill Owlie, while laughing at those holding on to the bar for dear life[/quote]
Yay I am so glad someone else does!! Lol, I don’t know how those people keep their hr up. It is a mystery to me! It would be hilarious if they lost their grip and flew off.
owlie, have access to a prowler? I can’t stand slow cardio - to me it is just unnecessary for someone that’s not a BB. But hey if you like it you like it. I must admit, just running with my dog is fun sometimes (sometimes). I’ve been doing prowler 1x a week, sprint 1x a week and then a BB complex 1x a week to keep my ass from being fat. The prowler wouldn’t affect your leg days but the sprints will definitely have to keep your leg day volume in check.
No prowler, but there is a sled at my gym. It is kind of awkward to use, and holy shit!! I just remembered I once took a huge chunk of plaster out of the wall with it. lololol don’t tell anyone!!! I didn’t tell anyone and struggled with the ethical implications of that decision for a few hours. I was afraid they would make me pay for it though and I am extremely poor right now (college, bah!) and my monthly gym membership fee is ridiculously high. That is the last time I ever used it har har, but I will exact my wrath on it again in the near future now that you have reminded me. Enough time has passed. I actually do genuinely enjoy steady state cardio and the effect it has on my mood and disposition. I am finding it also raises my bmr and allows me to enjoy more calories translating, I think, to more gains.
Time to call gym management… hah just kidding. I’m ordering a T-sled from texas strength systems online right now. If I recall correctly you are in TX right? You can pick one up for $165 from San Antonio (check their website with teh google).
Hell, ya! Thanks man, I will definitely check it out. Even in my financial state, I can probably spare $165, we’ll see.
Today’s workout:
Incline press
barx8
85x10x3
RP set for max reps first
85x14/5/4
Dips:
10x3
dumbbell bench press
35x12x3
“wide chest” pec machine
35lbs each side x15x3
25lbs each side x18
dumbbell skull crushers
10x12x3
“Back”
foam rolling
chins x8 for warm up
dumbbell rows
30x10
75x5
80x5
85x5-a tiny bit of hip extension on the last two reps, but I wanted 5 dammit
60x12x3 supersetted with chinsx5x3
50x10
seated rows
sum weight 18/15/15
lat pull downs
rope low pulley curls
Ladies, I have a confession to make. I know some of you may be thinking what the hell has gotten into me? I had always proclaimed myself as a love of strength training, but I have been pretty scattered and unfocused in my endeavors as of late. Recently I have been a bit nervous and weary of the big three lifts. I feel like I need a coach at this point especially since I have been fucking my programming up so badly and misjudging my recovery time so thoroughly. Maybe it is just part of my learning proccess as I mature as a lifter, but it would really help to have some individual professional input on my form and programming. I would hate to seriously injure myself and lose the ability to workout, especially now that it is such an integral part of my life and has brought me so much peace and fulfillment. If I have some time this weekend I plan on looking at the Westside training template and see if it is something I feel comfortable implementing on my own.
Also, two different people on two different occasions grabbed my calve today without asking. I didn’t really know how to react, whether I should have been offended on principle that someone touched me without asking or what. Since my calves are probably my least vulnerable body part, I honestly didn’t feel uncomfortable in the least bit, so my reaction with quite amicable. In fact I just laughed it off both times. I wonder if I am going to have to get used to this…
^weird were they people you knew?
Getting some help is not a bad thing. I’ve considered it myself but my work schedual is too busy.
Hope you find that direction you want 
you’ll get there Owlie…
You have the freedom to take your time and find what works for YOU.
Hey mama, I think finding a coach is a great idea! Especially because you are at a level where some professional direction would be invaluable to your progress.
You might also want to consider finding a coach that you can work with from a distance if you don’t have one nearby (plus they also might be cheaper). I for one still hit up Squat1000 for training and program advice and he’s helped my tons! Critiqued form and my programs and has been a great friend through all my lifting. I don’t think he’s on TN anymore, but you could PM him, maybe ask if he has any recs? I’ll also get in touch with him and see what he thinks, maybe he knows something we dont.
And like MiMsie said, you’re not in a rush, so you can take time to experiment and try new things, which might actually be a great respite from the heavy lifting.
Also, how many times a week do you train your chins? Do you do pullups with other grips? Mine are completely suffering!! Want.yours.now.
Hiya Owlie!
I’ve just been trying to catch up in here…soo many pages…
Don’t worry about hitting a sticky spot, we’re here for you and you’ll get through it just fine, I’m sure. We can compare notes through the cold, strength gaining winter months =)
I tried a westside inspired template last year, it was tons of fun! I definitely think I’ll be trying that format again soon.
Oh, and your calves are very pretty. Don’t know how I would feel about random people grabbing mine though…