Good morning, good afternoon & good evening t nation, GorillaMon here, I’ve been lifting weights in order to induce hypertrophy/increase my awesomeness quotient since I was about 16/17 & have finally decided this shall be the place to chart my resistance training efforts.
A LIL HISTORY
I first started training with my dad’s deceptively super-light-weight vinyl weights, then moved on to a cast iron set, then when I was about 24 I invested in a power rack & bench & SHIT GOT KINDA SERIOUS!
Initially my focus was on filling out my frame (I’m nearly 6ft 6), though, over the years I’ve leant more & more towards powerbuilding & strength training.
NOW & THE FUTURE
Over the last month or so I’ve been doing a super-basic strength training routine, really really focussing on getting the strength to match my size (I weigh about 290LBS), bit of a belly but nothing too bad.
Anyways, enough of this frivolity, time for the numbers!
GOALS
Current best on left, goal on right
Bench Press: 142kgs >>> 182kgs.
Seated OHP: 104.5kgs >>> 132kgs.
Chin-Ups: 4 (band assisted) >>> 8+
Seated Lever Row: 140kgs >>> 135kgsx8
Leg Press: 195kgsx15 >>> 195x30 Can’t do squats due to knee issues
Lose a lil weight, at least enough to get some ab definition.
Update number 1: Approximately 6 weeks ago now I was diagnosed with high blood pressure (I’ve had systolic readings as high as 180!) so, as much as this has come as a pretty big shock to me to have such a problem at such a relatively young age (I’m 32) it’s also served as a MASSIVE impetus to get as strong and fit as possible.
Update 2: I’m now doing a really basic upper/low split three times a week (I just take sundays off) this enables me to hit pretty much everything three times a week (including cardio) which is conducive to my two basic aims of gaining both strength and improving my fitness.
Update 3: I’m toying with the idea of doing squats again (though, I’d only do them once a week just before my lower body gym & cardio session). I’ve also started using my olympic weightlifting shoes on leg press which seems to work rather nicely.
Update 4: In light of being diagnosed with high blood pressure I’ve started eating much healthier (for lunch I just have a Skyr yoghurt and a piece of fruit)…I still probably drink a bit too much and eat a bit too much sodium, but overall my diet is much improved.
Ok, I think that covers most thangs…first log is imminent!
