I’m departing a bit from 531 this week to score some solid triples. Felt good, but it still bums me out that I’m likely not gonna move 3 wheels in time for my on-line meet Feb 19th. And then Saturday when my quads starting cramping I remembered that for various reasons I didn’t squat last week. The DOMS were incredible.
Again, scoring triples. Felt really god to push 225. That a lifetime PR… which is more humiliating than ego inflating. In a fit of confidence (actually feeling brutally inadequate after a certain someone cranked out a bunch of dips with like a 1000 lb) I threw a bunch more weigh onto the dips and was amazed I could pull off almost exactly the same number of reps with 20 more lbs. What the hell is up with that???
My iPod ran out of juice at the gym today. My blissful ignorance of the various and sundry crapola people seem compelled to shout at the top of their lungs was shattered. For example:
a. A big powerlifter and his girlfriend were loudly discussing their trashy/drunken/coked-
out/bisexual/promiscuous/anally-fixated friends in EXCRUCIATING detail for all of us to hear, whether we
wanted to or not. Apparently Monica, whoever she may be, likes it up the a##… and Gary is randomly un-
friending people on Facebook which makes him an ungrateful prick.
b. Three muscle-bound meatheads took over the leg press machine and were shouting (ejaculating?) their way
through endless high-rep sets. It sounded like a bad gay-porn 3-way.
After swimming in the cesspool that is casual gym conversation, I’ll never forget to charge my iPod again.
It’s one thing to take over a squat rack to do bicep curls. But you’re taking “douchebag” to a whole other level if you’re using the cage to do forearm work. I swear if the dude doing it hadn’t been twice my size I’d have said something!
After taking a video of my squat I’ve realized that my gut sticks way out, and that I’m not going deeper than parallel after all. I’m wondering if this is ankle mobility. Maybe I’ll throw it up here and ask for advice…
My body seems only to respond to extremes. I’m not gaining any appreciable muscle on 3000-3500 cal/d. The only time I ever did was when I pushed 5000. It was such a disgusting experience…
[quote]ecogenx wrote:
Did you get Monica’s phone number? She sounds like a fun girl. Just kidding. Its stories like yours that make me glad I train at home.[/quote]
If nothing else you know they throw really good parties
After taking a video of my squat I’ve realized that my gut sticks way out, and that I’m not going deeper than parallel after all. I’m wondering if this is ankle mobility. Maybe I’ll throw it up here and ask for advice…
[/quote]
Post the vid, (as long as it doesn’t feature you in a thong all “tanned up”). Most people don’t squat as deep as they think. I was in exactly the same position 4 months ago and I had to drop the weight and go back to the drawing board.
I love hearing all the stories of moronic gym goers. I miss out on that.
[quote]bulldog9899 wrote:
Again, old pics don’t count. WTF? I’m the only male who doesn’t posses a tattoo.[/quote]
No, there’s two of us without tattoos. I’m the other one.[/quote]
Another one. BUT- I have four tattoo designs I’ve had in my head for about 20 years now. Another one since I’ve had kids (tat would represent kids). Another one for some recent events.
Seems everytime I’m ready to go get one, something comes up and I have to spend the money on something else! I SWORE I was going to get one as a reward if I hit 18" arms… nope. 315 bench… nope… 500+ squat… nope.
One day I’ll get all inked up.[/quote]
naw - I’m also a tattoo virgin - thought about getting something occasionally but never felt the spirit move me to do so.[/quote]
I wish I didn’t, but I got a shamrock on my shoulder when I was 15 - a friend of mine’s uncle did it for me. It’s pretty well done, but I still wish I didn’t have it. Fortunately, where it is no one sees it. Otherwise, I’d probably have it removed.
Military Press - 5x105, 3x120, 4x135, 3x145, 1x150, 2x135
Side planks - 70s, 60s, 60s
Chins - 3x5x35, 2x5x25
db curls - 8x45, 8x50, 4x55
shrugs - 4x10x225
That’s a series of PBs for the military press today. This 531 thing may be working after all (note abundant sarcasm). I’m actually kind of excited to find out my 1RM when I’m good and fresh. I may have another couple pounds in the tank.
Mass Man - Thanks for stopping by. I like all my tattoos, even though no one sees 'em unless I’m in a swim suit (no speedo necessary) it give me a boost.
Brett - Vid will go up shortly… I’m having technical difficulties. I seem to be screwing it up.
And as for the rest of you butt-players… for shame!!!
Skwat video here. Bear in mind I need all the technical pointers I can get. As I watch these, they don’t look anywhere near as good as they felt. Sigh.
Looks like you need to plant your feet more firmly and sit back more. Your heels come up a bit, which suggests to me that your weight is forward. Also looks like you might have a little knee cave going on. Push out with the knees as you drive up. Depth isn’t bad. You shortcut a few.
Firstly I’m no expert, but what KP said plus, maybe widen your stance a tiny bit so you can drop between your legs more and I think the heels coming off the floor is an ankle flexibility issue. (do you run?). A few minutes of calf stretches beforehand should sort that. And if I was going to be really critical I’d say an inch or so lower to be parallel, but you’re deeper than most. On the plus side your back angle throughout looked great, good arch.
Thanks for posting the vid, the first one is always the hardest.
Did you realize that guy behind you was doing arm curls almost the entire time?? That’s the trouble with these videos, I’m starting to pay too much attention to the other people.
Snap - I aim to amuse. I figure if I ain’t got content, I’ll go for cheap laughs. Thanks for the analysis. You’re right on all fronts. I shift weight forward and outward on my feet, my knees cave, and I’m not going as deep as I thought. Much practice is in my future.
Dogg - ANOTHER ass-man??? Why are all you guys into butt play?
Joe - I heard someone saying that if I wear high top Chucks I should leave the tops untied to not interefere with ankle mobility. You got any thoughts on that?
Cavalier - Yeah he did lots of curls. But he had big pipes so I gotta respect.
Brett - I agree I should stand wider. Yeah, I used to run… a LOT. Notice the runner’s build (I’ve been fighting that all my damned life!!). I’ll tap Magnificent Mobility for ankle and calf mobility work, and foam roll them extra hard. And it’s not cruel at all to point out my depth is only medicore. Although NOBODY goes as deep as you… ya big stud!
And no, I’m not shy. I’d have figured the purple speedo would have made that clear. Just in case there’s any doubt, here’s a link to a video I entered into a contest for the best Jersey Shore Fist Pump. I won.
I would start by addressing your shoulder position at the start of the pull. It is way in front of the bar. This forces you to pull up, with your lower back in a tough position and weight on the front of your foot, and then back as you lock out. Not a strong position, potential for injury and you are making the bar path longer than necessary.
Try repositioning your shoulders, get your weight on your heels and focusing on the initial squat off the floor. Couple other things are forcefully bringing hips through and no shrugging at the top. But worry about those later.
