Sayjin's 'Pre-Clinic' Clinic

I’ve sat down and calculated my numbers for next Monday after I do my first 2 day carb load, and since I’ll be (if I wake up early enough tomorrow to get them) using HOT-ROX, this should certainly be enough to elicit some fat loss. I’ll also try waving my calories to assist with that as well.

Weekly calories: 16,100 (2,300 x 7)
Daily: 2,300 on lifting days, 1800 on off days (GPP, skill work days)

I’m also going to be experimenting with 6/1 load schedule after this upcoming weekend, but if something like the begins to effect my lifts then I’ll stick to the 5/2 schedule.

[quote]Sayjin wrote:

I’m also going to be experimenting with 6/1 load schedule after this upcoming weekend, but if something like the begins to effect my lifts then I’ll stick to the 5/2 schedule.[/quote]

Good call on the 6/1. I found that to work much better for me than the 5/2. With the 1 carb up day, I would have my carb up meals in the afternoon, then eat clean the rest of the day, and wouldn’t gain any weight, which allowed me to not have to re-lose the water weight the first couple of days the following week. This kept me losing weight at a consistent pace.

A great morning it has been!

Woke up at 6:00 to prep for the day and get some food in me before my workout at 8:30. Left the house at 7:30 and got to the library and sat in front of the computer waiting for the finaaaaaaaal countdownnnnnnnnnnnnn!

Hit the site at 8:01:02 and I was sure I was going to be the first one to order, because it certainly matters, but t’was not the case because I listened to some guy on the forums who said you should include the free items in your order, but apparently this wasn’t the case, and as I was removing items from my cart, I got hit with the bane of internet buyers across the globe:

“Bad Gateway
The proxy server received an invalid response from an upstream server.
Apache/2.0.46 (Red Hat) Server at store.Biotest.net Port 443”

This went on about 30 more seconds and then I was able to proceed through the various steps, but kept getting hit with it along the way right up until the very end. The load time was killer once you got past the gateway though, but it was a wonderful feeling since it took me back to my dial-up porno days where you waited 5 minutes just to see the top of a nipple - but I digress.

I really do have to give it to the tech side of T-Nation, because this certainly could’ve been a disaster but it went through A LOT smother than I had expected - so kudos to you guys and gals.

Now, it is time to go to the weight room and tear shit up before class!

So I didn’t tear shit up quite as much as I had intended.

Squat - 3x5 (275)

On the Squat I started off very well on the 1st set, and on the 2nd set I noticed the bar speed started to slow down, and by the 3rd set I damn near busted a nut trying to get the last 2 reps out.

Even though my form was good, I think this may indicate that I need to drop the weight a bit, so I’m going to go for 250-255 on Wednesday and go from there.

Bench - 3x5 (190)

Felt good doing these, especially with the right form, because I felt so much stronger being support by a strong base (proper back placement/tightness). I didn’t really struggle on these until the last 2 reps of the final set, but just like the squat, I want to lower the weight 10lbs and go from there to make sure I don’t stall too early, because in all honesty…I have less than 1 month experience with all of these lifts.

Deadlift - 1x5 (265)

I figured since I was only doing 1 set I could probably do 295, but that for damn sure wasn’t happening. In my mind I had picked up the bar and was grinning in the mirror as I did it, but in reality I was way out of my league and knew that if I even managed to get it off the ground, it would be in bad form.

Lowered the weight to 265 and busted out the reps, albeit with much more difficulty than the squat. I always feel so awkward when I do deadlifts, but I did them next to the mirror so I could check my form and it was good also, so I dont know what to make of it. I’m sure I’ll be get used to it as I get more experience.

All in all, it was a humbling day in the gym. I’m certainly going to think about lowering the weight on all of these lifts so I dont end up stalling my progress too early. I’d rather lift less numbers now and not hinder my progress towards the biggies than try and be Hercules now and stall my progress - or possibly injure myself.

Supplement Haul for the day (freebies included):

Superfood - 3
Low-Carb Metabolic Drive - 4
HOT-ROX - 3

I also bought a new camera last night because I accidently kicked mine down the streets when I was visiting Toronto…long story. I had been using my friends camera up until this point, but now you can certainly expect more picture updates.

This is also going to be the last time I buy supplements for awhile, since I’m trying to save up for my 10 day study abroad program this summer as well as pay off the remainder of my apartment lease.

I have 4 bottles of fish oil in the fridge with 2 more on the way, so I figure that as well as the supplements I currently have along with what I just ordered should keep me more than busy.

How my luck has changed from this morning! Ever since 2 hours after my workout, I’ve been a walking zombie with no downtime for a brief nap. I don’t know what it is, but I really…really really really feel like crap today - probably on par with how I felt that one day last week. Perhaps it was getting up super early this morning to put in my store order and workout that did it, but I’m certainly going to get HELLA sleep tonight.

I can tell tomorrow is going to suck as far as DOMS is concerned. My hamstrings have been super sore all day, which usually doesn’t happen until the day after with squats. I don’t really have much to report for today, other than that I’m getting frustrated with my results thus far and I can’t wait to finally break free of this 180 purgatory that I’m in.

Tuesday

Meal 1 - 1 scoop Low-Carb Metabolic Drive, 2 tbsp flax meal, 10 fish oil caps

Meal 2 - 2 scoop Low-Carb Metabolic Drive, 2 tbsp flax meal, 10 fish oil caps

Meal 3 - 4oz chicken breast, 2oz almonds, broccoli

(Still to come)

Meal 4 - 4 eggs, broccoli and 1tbsp EVOO

Meal 5 - 8oz steak, 2oz walnuts

Today is a much better day than yesterday, and I think all I needed was a good nights sleep. I managed to pull in 9 1/2 hours of sleep last night, so balance has once again been restored to the force. As expected, it feels like someone beat the hell out of my legs, but I’m going to do my best during tomorrow mornings workout.

i hope you arent gunning for the ecto spot

Me? Nah, I don’t even think that I could classify myself as an Ectomorph, and if I had to guess I’d say I lean more towards the Mesomorph side. Either way, I care less about what ‘type’ I am and more about busting my ass in the pursuit of my goals.

What would you classify yourself as?

Thanks for stopping by, too

Wednesday

Chugging along as usual.

Meal 1 - 2 scoop Low-Carb Metabolic Drive, 4 tbsp flax meal

Meal 2 - 2 scoop Low-Carb Metabolic Drive, 4 tbsp flax meal

Periworkout - 1 scoop Grow! Whey, 30g BCAA

Meal 3 - 2 hot dogs, 4 eggs, broccoli

Meal 4 - 8oz steak, broccoli

(Still to come)

Meal 5 - 4oz chicken breast, 2oz walnuts

Meal 6 - 4 eggs, broccoli, 1 tbsp EVOO

Workout

Squat - 3x5 (250lbs)
Standing Military Press - 3x5 (105lbs)
Pendlay Row - 3x5 (115lbs)

I felt really good today by lowering the weight on my squat, ensuring that I don’t hit a plateau too early in the program. The weight wasn’t easy, but it certainly wasn’t ‘bust a nut’ hard either, and I felt challenged with each rep. I actually got more pumped as I hit my 2nd rep of each set because I could see the veins start popping out in my shoulders and biceps from holding that bar down on my back.

I’ve never done a military press before, only standing push presses, so this is a welcome change. I did a couple of practice reps before to make sure I had my form down, standing straight up and only moving my head enough to let the bar pass. Once again, difficult, but not impossible.

My favorite exercise by far was the row, because I REALLY felt it during the workout, and felt that I was doing it with the correct form (similar to this video except I made sure to keep my head up during my reps - http://youtube.com/watch?v=UIUg8nDVEFs )

I came into this workout with some doubts because my legs were still sore, but after my first set of squats I didn’t feel sore anymore…actually I felt rather energized. Lesson learned today: Don’t punk myself out because I’m sore - just train throught it and reap the benefits.


Good read of the day: Found in the thread “Can it be so simple”

"I made a point to be that guy, the one who could say that he didn’t take any time off for years on end. The result is that I completely changed the way I looked.

It is that simple, but that simple part takes more dedication and discipline than most people will ever be able to find in themselves. That is why this was never meant to be some mass pursuit of all human beings. All human beings don’t have it in them to hit the gym several days a week for years and years without fail. Most quit or become those who train “off and on”.

That is why so many of these guys get so caught up in theory…it is easier to try to look smart on the internet than it is to actually make progress in the weight room.

What is even sadder is that most of the guys acting that way aren’t scientists or doctors. They are laymen who think they are now super skilled because they read a freaking article by a personal trainer.

It seems no one has the guts anymore to make it clear that some just don’t have it in them."
-Prof. X

This is the person that I want to be, the person that Prof. X worked hard to become, and the person that many others on this site are working towards becoming. Consistency, consistency, consistency.

This also got me thinking: If I approach working out the same way that I approach my job, where will I be in 6 months? I certainly wouldn’t miss going to work because of any excuses I came up with, so why shouldn’t I apply the same kind of mentality to my workouts?

Job = more money
Fitness = longevity/health improvements

One certainly shouldn’t take precedence over the other.


Strong Words from 2004, courtesy of TC

"A wise Native American elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner:

“Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time.”

When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, “The one I feed the most.”

[quote]Sayjin wrote:

My favorite exercise by far was the row, because I REALLY felt it during the workout, and felt that I was doing it with the correct form (similar to this video except I made sure to keep my head up during my reps - Pendlay Rows 250 X 5 - YouTube )

[/quote]

Uhh…you’re looking a lot…uhhhh…lighter and more pale than in your last pics. You might want to start tanning lol jk.

Yeah, Pendlay Rows are great, especially when done with good form. Just like the guy in the video (or is that you?), keep the back tight and it’ll work great for you.

Rage on Ragin Sayjin.

You can go ahead and pretend like thats me if ya like since our form is the same, but just take away a good 100lbs or so from the bar, from the body, add some blackness, and give him a huge afro and we’ll be all set!

Thursday

Saturday morning soon approaches, and I must say that I’m damn excited, but not for the reasons some might think. I’m not looking forward to the carb up just because I get to eat a ton of carbs (although thats a huge plus), but because I can remember that ‘swole’ feeling I got during the carb up (at least the first day) last time I did the AD.

It was that epic, Dragon Ball Z on crack type of muscle hardness, and I’m feeling pretty squishy right now, so I’m sure the stage is set for this weekend. Not only will this improve my look, but I’m sure being filled to the brim with glycogen will only help me add some numbers to my lifts on Monday.

Meal 1 - 2 scoop Low-Carb Metabolic Drive, 2oz almonds, 1 serving Superfood

Meal 2 - 4oz chicken breast, 2oz almonds

(still to come)

Meal 3 - 6 eggs, broccoli

Meal 4 - 8oz beef, broccoli, 2tsp fish oil

Meal 5 - 4oz chicken, broccoli, 2tsp fish oil

Meal 6 - 8oz Salmon, broccoli, 1tbsp EVOO

After my carb up, I’m going to clean up my fat sources a bit as well (aka cut out the hot dogs, start including natty peaunut butter, more nuts, etc).

Sadness. I was moving my supplements and a tub of Surge dropped on the floor and burst open…I think I lost about 1/4 or so of the container.

[quote]Sayjin wrote:
Sadness. I was moving my supplements and a tub of Surge dropped on the floor and burst open…I think I lost about 1/4 or so of the container.[/quote]

Bummer dude. I was bummed out when I dropped a Flameout cap on the floor and it rolled under the fridge.

I ordered Superfood with my Monday order with the buy 2 get 1 free sale, how are you liking it?

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Bummer dude. I was bummed out when I dropped a Flameout cap on the floor and it rolled under the fridge.

I ordered Superfood with my Monday order with the buy 2 get 1 free sale, how are you liking it?[/quote]

I like it actually. I was bracing myself for the taste of ass since I’m used to Greens, but I mixed it with 2 scoops of low carb Metabolic Drive yesterday and it almost neutralized the flavor and made it neutral, which is actually great. I’m about to have breakfast so Im going to have some eggs and mix it with a scoop of Grow! this time to see if I get some more taste.

Weight this morning: 185

I didn’t expect much weight change during the break in period so I’m not dissapointed, but I’m setting my goal at 183 for next Saturday since I’m only doing one day carb up. I’m going to start using HOT-ROX as well, so that should help. I’m determined to hit that goal and get closer to breaking out of 180 hell!

Friday

Meal 1 - 2 scoop Low-Carb Metabolic Drive, 4 tbsp flaxmeal, 2oz almonds

Meal 2 - 2 scoop Low-Carb Metabolic Drive, 4 tbsp flaxmeal, 2oz almonds

Periworkout - 2 scoop Grow! Whey, 40g BCAA

Meal 3 - 3 hot dogs, broccoli

Meal 4 - 8oz steak, 1tbsp fish oil

Meal 5 - 8oz steak, broccoli, 1tbsp fish oil, 1 scoop Grow! Whey, 1 serving Superfood

Workout A:

Squat - 3x5 (265)

Favorite exercise of this workout. There is just something awesome about getting down in the hole thinking you might not be able to get back up, but then you just really focus and power through it. I didn’t get that feeling until the last set when I went down and got stuck at the bottom. I was tempted to breath out, but I knew that if I did that then it was game over and I’d have to roll out from under the safety pins, so I kept my stomach tense, pushed my hips and squeezed those butt cheeks together and the weight finally went up - and quickly too.

Bench Press - 3x5 (185)

I actually dont like the bench press much and its my least favorite exercise of all the ones I’m doing. The only good think I like about the bench is the set up to it when I pull my shoulder back and get it really tight so my chest pops up like a robot. I really feel it in my chest either, but more in my arms and shoulders, so I’m going to bring my camera into the gym next week and get someone to record the 6 lifts so I can get some objective opinions to make sure my form is right.

Deadlift - 1x5 (255)

Not much to say here - just took care of my business for my one set.

Tomorrow is the day - woo woo!

Training song of the day: Jedi Mind Tricks ft Canibus - Tibetan Black Magicians - YouTube

Canibus ft Jedi Mind Tricks - Tibetan Black Magicians

[quote]Sayjin wrote:
tmoney1 wrote:
Bummer dude. I was bummed out when I dropped a Flameout cap on the floor and it rolled under the fridge.

I ordered Superfood with my Monday order with the buy 2 get 1 free sale, how are you liking it?

I like it actually. I was bracing myself for the taste of ass since I’m used to Greens, but I mixed it with 2 scoops of low carb Metabolic Drive yesterday and it almost neutralized the flavor and made it neutral, which is actually great. I’m about to have breakfast so Im going to have some eggs and mix it with a scoop of Grow! this time to see if I get some more taste.
[/quote]

Cool, thanks for the info. My order from Monday was just shipped today (Friday) and I’m outta town for the next week for spring break, so I’ll try it when I get back.

Look forward to trying it! Have a good weekend!!