I definitely feel my quads today but more importantly I have DOMS in my glutes, more so than after a workout with free squats. So I guess there is my answer
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08.03.
Felt depleted from the weekend but it was worth it. This weekend definitely did me good mentally.
1 push press
8 x 3 @ 120 kg - huge total volume PR.
2 hicks press
1 x 5 @ 120 kg -
interesting. The hicks press used to be slightly weaker than my regular bench. That is obviously not the case anymore.
4 x 5 @ 115 kg -
reduced the weight because it felt too strenous to do for 4 more sets
3 seated rows
5 x 8-10
4 face pulls
5 x 12
5 biceps /w fat gripz
3 x 10-12
Notes:
- I think in order to press 140 kg I need to get more comfortbable and used to weights of 120+ kg. 120 kg needs to become the new working weight standard. Once I am super comfortbable with a weight like that, basically the point where don’t need to think much to get it overhead, I can close the small gap that seperates me from my goal right now.
- good session. Hard session, but good session.
- the rows aggrevated the spot between my shoulder blades. Can’t tell yet if in a good way or bad way. Anyway, back felt fine during the pressing.
2 Likes
10.03.
1 block pulls
Up to
2 @ 180 kg
5 @ 200 kg -
could have done either more reps or more weight but it was challenging (mainly to keep my upper back in place). So I kept it at that.
2 sldl (little bit elevated)
2 x 6 @ 120 kg -
obviously very very easy but I have time to increase this
3 car deadlift simulator
5 @ 265 kg - Puh, that has been easier before, me thinks 
5 @ 265 kg - too heavy
6 @ 235 kg - this would have been got from the beginning on
4 weighted plankes
3 x 30 sec. @ 20 kg
Notes:
- No complaints besides choosing the wrong weight for car deadlifts. Session was completely pain free. Let’s hope the same goes for it’s aftermath.
2 Likes
Sounds like a solid session. Have you started the new job yet, how are things going ?
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I’ll start next week. Tomorrow is my last day at the clinic.
Well things are… shit. The Last two weeks were worse than before I started at the clinic. The clinic honestly didn’t want me to leave but I know that they can’t help me and it wouldn’t change anything if I stayed longer.
Will continue to push on nonetheless and hope that maybe the next weeks will bring some positive change. I was able to set up some specialist appointments (original trt doc, endokrinologist for second opinion and psychiatrist) for the next few weeks.
Also my meds have been raised to the max last week. Maybe that will bring some change. So far I could honestly take them or leave them.
Thanks for asking. Would’ve liked to answer more positively. Well it’s still a lot better than October-December last year. So that’s something…
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Sorry to hear that things still aren’t where you want them to be. But despite your set back and current situation I still hear positivity in your words. I hear someone who is going through a process but knows there will be a result at the end of it. I honestly believe there are great days to come for you my friend. Life isn’t really that different to training, sometimes we have bad sessions, sometimes we have bad sessions over and over again, but the one thing we know for certain is that if we stick tot he process and just keep trying there are always good sessions just around the corner. Just keep working mate and you will get there.
I hope you’re right. It’s hard not to get frustrated though. I am dealing with this in different intensities (on and off) for over 5 years now. I do everything one is told and encouraged to do. Get professionel help (combined I have over 3 years of therapy), I take the pills I am told that would help, I even went to a clinic now (even though in hindsight I should have gone to a stationary one).
When you look back at all of that and your resume still boils down to “I am fucked”, you can’t help but be doubtful.
Well to end on a positive note: We haven’t explored the TRT option fully yet. Looking at @Voxel’s progress for example leaves some room for hope.
2 Likes
I had to pay out of pocket to freeze mine. A loop-hole in our idea of free healthcare, really. Apparently — as I understand it — if I had a partner then the state would have paid for both the fertility tests and freezing my sperm as me receiving treatment would have impacted their right to exercise their own fertility.
However, had I had testicular cancer or the likes, then the healthcare system would have paid for the tests and the freezing. But in this case, with TRT, the treatment is not considered “essential”.
TRT will take time to dial in once/if you start it. Be patient. I was allergic to the gels, so had to come off them and start injections and every time you switch things up it takes a while to reach a so-called “steady-state” which is the earliest stage it is possible to speak definitively about whether or not the treatment needs changing.
Same for us here. If you do have cancer (I think of any kind) that requires chemotherapy or radiation the insurance has to pay for it. I had cancer but I was a kid back then so it wasn’t an option.
It’s questionable if I can have kids anyhow and even if, I would still take the treatment. I’m not gonna have children if I hate my life. Even if it becomes a discussion there are other options.
1 Like
12.03.
1 axle clean & press (clean each rep; all continental)
5 @ 91 kg
3 x 5 @ 73 kg
2 Log pin press (face level; seated without back support)
3 x 6 @ 66 kg
3a incline db bench
3 x 10 @ 32 kg
3b lat pull down
5 x 10
4a triceps push down
3 x 12-15
4b face pulls
5 x 12-15
Notes:
- an ideal end for the cycle would be a 120 kg axle clean and press because that was in a contest last year (100 kg or 120 kg, weight beats reps) and being able to do that would put me in a good position.
- I despise axle cleans. I am so unathletic and slow and it zaps a lot of energy. The presses are super duper easy at this weight.
- I liked the log pin presses. Very hard to stabilize! As you can see on set 2 in the video.
- Had a wicked pump in lats and triceps
1 Like
Oh btw. after I had a chat with @MarkKO the other day I ordered a Donnie Thompson bow tie (basically a device to correct forward rounded posture). It arrived last Monday and I even tested it during most of my deadlift workout. I’d say it definitely does it’s job as advertised and I think I would benefit from including this into my daily routine.
Only problems is that it is too small and cuts into my arms very unpleasantly. I ordered the biggest size Rogue Europe had on their site. That the bow tie in it’s largest variation (which was XL in this case) wouldn’t fit is pretty ironic if you have ever seen an imagine of it’s inventor, haha.
Unlucky! The sizes go up to XXXL as far as I know, mine is XXL and it isn’t the biggest. Are you able to return it?
I hope so, I’ll send them a mail tomorrow. Should be no problem but I’ll have to pay for shipping both ways which kinda sucks.
1 Like
13.03.
1 squat (briefs again + naked knees)
8 x 3 @ 160 kg
2 yoke
3 x 4 lanes (ca. 36 meter; whyyyy??) @ 205 kg
3 sandbag over yoke
2 x 4 @ 100 kg - meant to do more but my setup was shit and damaged the bag.
Notes:
- at first 160 kg felt like 190 kg on my back. Despite that, squatting it was still fast. Then I got the hang of it and it was fine. I need to get more comfortbable with sitting my hips back. If I panic because the weight feels heavy, I tend to push my knees forward. Even when I am wearing briefs and no wraps.
- yoke felt slow but I think that’s mainly because I squat first. Also four lanes bring out the lactic acids!
- good, productive session. Not a grind but honest work. Heavy enough to focus, light enough to avoid strain.
- I don’t know why I didn’t wear knee sleeves. At least for yoke. There is literally no downside. Will do next time.
2 Likes
Despite all the issues around you K, you get your sessions done, regularly. Well done.
I hope you get everything sorted and that the job will be good for you.
3 Likes
Thanks buddy, I appreciate that!
16.03.
Morning training. Not used to it anymore but because of shifts it will be a regular from now on. Wasn’t feeling strong coming in.
1 push press
6 x 2 @ 125 kg - total volume PR
Small hick up in set 5. Didn’t respect the weight anymore and made a technical mistake. Retook the set and got it easily.
2 hicks press
2 x 3 @ 100 kg +chains
2 x 3 @ 105 kg +chains
1 x 3 @ 110 kg +chains
3 seated rows
5 x 10
4a facepulls
5 x 12
4b biceps
3 x 10
Notes:
- never pressed 125 kg so easy and casual before! That was exciting especially knowing circumstances can be better in the future. Need to be careful though and respect the weights - look what happened in set 5. Also took very short breaks between sets. Was in a bit of a hurry.
- the chains weigh 14 kg each but aren’t the same lenght. No idea how much they add. I don’t want to make it rocket science and will just list them as “+chains” going forward.
5 Likes
Strong work man.
1 Like
@mr.v3lv3t thanks man.
So this was awkward. Had my first day at the new job today. Now the joint is closed for four week 
Seems like no one will have to work during that time (I mean kinda obvious since there are no customers). Not the start I wished for but nothing anyone can do about it. I hope I’ll get payed but I think I should be good.
5 Likes