I haven't posted in just about a week, and I don't really remember the numbers of what I did, but I can say that my cruise week exercises were enough to keep me busy.
I went to the gym on Wednesday and yesterday (Saturday) for my cruise week sessions, instead of my usual MWF gym days because I felt like taking a day off and just going when I felt like hitting the gym again.
Anyhow, for Wednesday's workout, I practiced some cleans (well, mostly just the jumping shrugs part) and deadlifts. Did some easy (135 lbs) squats as soon as the squat rack was open. Before both of those exercises, I actually did several sets of bodyweight dips and and close-grip, parallel bar pull-ups just because the squat area was full of people doing millions of sets. It was really like a zoo. I think I finished with some alternating grip BB curls and abs. And called it a day. I skipped direct calf work because the jumping shrug, deadlift, and squat seemed to have hit it fairly well...interestingly.
Friday night, I practiced the clean progression motions with a broomstick. That was actually one of the best non-weight workouts I ever had in while. Quite fun. I just hope I was actually progressing, rather than learning everything wrong.
Onto Saturday's workout, I practiced more cleans (this time with the upright row and catching the bar) and did more deadlifts. Right after that I did some easy squats followed by some wide grip pull-ups and weighted dips (25 lbs). Finished up with some ab work and was outta the gym. Again, I did not do direct calf work for the same reasons above. I actually felt good not doing direct work because somehow the movements proved to be enough work for them. We'll see how things go when I ramp up the workload.
As of now, I want to get learn the clean, but I definitely need a professional/coach to help me out. Maybe I will seek the help once I reach J land.
As for the regular weight load, I'm thinking of hitting the gym Tuesday or earlier (Monday/today) depending on how I feel.
I will just end with this final note: lifting with actual weightlifting shoes is probably one of the best things I have done in a long time.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Cruise Week and Evaluation of Methods
I've decided to take a small break from training now, even though now is kind of a strange time because I'll be leaving the country soon (about 2 weeks or so). But, I've been at this for almost a month and a half (probably only about 3 weeks or so on the DC "style" training) in total from switching over from the previous training regimen. I think it's a needed break though. As mandated by DC training, I will cruise along this week and go to the gym maybe twice this week--starting tomorrow--and just take it easy and train with light weights to allow my body to recover from week of training; nothing close to fatigue. I normally do this anyhow, so it's fitting.
After this week, I will resume the heavy training as usual and come back fresh for the remaining time that I am here in the US. According to my calculations, that will leave me with approximately 4 (or 5 if I go on the 8th...doubt it, but we'll see) workouts after this week, then I will probably take another mandatory break while I seek out a gym in Japan. In which case I will resume as normal.
As far as the cruise week workout goes, I'll probably be training my upper body tomorrow and then my lower half on Friday or so. As for the exercises, I am still unsure, but as long as it provides a good workout that isn't overly taxing. I am thinking of incorporating deadlifts as an alternating leg movement for squats (though I generally prefer squats over anything, especially now...). I want to work up to cleans, eventually, so I'll make an attempt sooner than later.
My split with this DC "style" training is working quite well in terms of recovery and intensity (and frequency and volume for that matter). I write the word style in quotations because I do not follow the training system to the T. I don't use the extreme stretching all the time nor do rotate between 3 exercises. I currently rotate between 2, although 3 may happen in the future. I also am not following the rest-pause method as closely as I probably should be. Despite all this, I think that this is working to my benefit, so we'll see how this shapes my split once I find the suitable gym...
Overall, I will say that I really enjoy performing upper body workouts and lower body workouts in their own respective day. In the case of squats, once I really ramp up the weights, I do not have much left in me to do intense rows or bench. I barely have anything left, even doing abs becomes a challenge.
Just as a personal note, my current weakness is: my whole body...but more specifically, my back, then my arms, shoulders, hamstrings, and then calves. Well, I just want to improve my physique overall, so let me continue on that path...
After this week, I will resume the heavy training as usual and come back fresh for the remaining time that I am here in the US. According to my calculations, that will leave me with approximately 4 (or 5 if I go on the 8th...doubt it, but we'll see) workouts after this week, then I will probably take another mandatory break while I seek out a gym in Japan. In which case I will resume as normal.
As far as the cruise week workout goes, I'll probably be training my upper body tomorrow and then my lower half on Friday or so. As for the exercises, I am still unsure, but as long as it provides a good workout that isn't overly taxing. I am thinking of incorporating deadlifts as an alternating leg movement for squats (though I generally prefer squats over anything, especially now...). I want to work up to cleans, eventually, so I'll make an attempt sooner than later.
My split with this DC "style" training is working quite well in terms of recovery and intensity (and frequency and volume for that matter). I write the word style in quotations because I do not follow the training system to the T. I don't use the extreme stretching all the time nor do rotate between 3 exercises. I currently rotate between 2, although 3 may happen in the future. I also am not following the rest-pause method as closely as I probably should be. Despite all this, I think that this is working to my benefit, so we'll see how this shapes my split once I find the suitable gym...
Overall, I will say that I really enjoy performing upper body workouts and lower body workouts in their own respective day. In the case of squats, once I really ramp up the weights, I do not have much left in me to do intense rows or bench. I barely have anything left, even doing abs becomes a challenge.
Just as a personal note, my current weakness is: my whole body...but more specifically, my back, then my arms, shoulders, hamstrings, and then calves. Well, I just want to improve my physique overall, so let me continue on that path...
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Leg Day Round 2 and EXTRAS
So today was my second round with my newly acquired Power Perfect II's. Let me post my numbers and then I'll get more into the workout and other things.
THE NUMBERS
Squat --------------------------------- 280 for 8, 7, 5
Standing calf ----------------------- 180 for 10, 9
Seated calf -------------------------- 90 for 12, 11
DB bicep curls --------------------- 30's for 12, 12, 5
Decline ab -------------------------- 10 for 25
THE WORKOUT
Squats felt very good seeing as my legs have rebuilt and healed up. GRANTED, I waited an extra day, which could throw my current cycle off for a few reasons which I will get to later... Squats felt excellent (did I mention this already??), and I tacked on every so slightly, more weight. Even with the [slight] increase in weight, I could achieved more repetitions than my previous workout. My struggle with the weights didn't feel as difficult as well. The PPII's are officially my new favorite shoes...even though I only wear them for less than 15 minutes every few days of the week. The rest of the workout went well, though I wanted to increase my poundage with the db curls, but all the 35's were being used, oh well. Next time for sure.
POST WORKOUT
So, as mentioned above, I have waited an extra day because in my previous entry, I revealed that my legs were...raptured with pain. Well, today's workout could possibly prophesize the the same message: lotsa pain for tomorrow. How do I know this? As I am typing this, my leg's already feel the soreness settling in...which, is not exactly comforting, physically at least. So, again, this may cause my workout cycle to go in a tizzy (as somebody I know always says (note to self: must be a New Yorker word...)). We'll see what happens.
So those are the numbers. You may be wondering why I have biceps in this workout, this is mandated for reasons, I don't myself know or really care about, in the DC style training. I rather like the idea of adding biceps in this workout strangely enough. Adductors, well I should probably stay faithful and do it again... The decline ab just tells me I gotta strengthen my abs a lot of as the one set seemed to finish me off for the day. I almost got a cramp as I sneezed, so I called it quits. I promise I'll work my abs more intensely in the future >___<
Just for reminder's sake, these poundages and sets/reps are all my "working" sets, never my warm-up sets. My warm up sets can range from 3-5 (or maybe more, depending on the target weight of the day). For instance, my warm-up for squats today was the following...: 1) put 25lbs on each side and squat two (2) sets of about 15 reps, nice and easy 2) remove the 25's and throw on 45's and squat about 10 reps, again, nice and easy 3) add on 25's and squatted about 3 reps (something in that range) then 4) removed the 25's and threw on 45's and did a single easy rep. DONE. Warm-up complete, but if I ever feel I need more I will do more. In today's workout, I've done 5 warm-up sets.
Important to note is that none of these sets induced any kind of fatigue; they are what they are meant to be: simply warm-up. The wrong way to warm-up [and what you will see quite often] is this scenario: Subject A decides his target bench will be 70lb dumbbells for bench press (chest is a easy and db bench common exercise to use as an example...). Subject A goes for the 30 lbs DB and reps out maybe 15 or so, puts it away and gets the 50's and reps out 10 or so, somewhat struggling with the last rep, but not too much. Puts that away, and goes for the 65's where he manages to rep out around 10 as well, but the last few reps were quite the struggle. Finally, he goes for the 70's and only manages to squeeze out a solid 7 before he's got no more. The next suffers even more with a disappointing 4 reps.
The problem cannot be any more evident than it already is. Subject A wastes energy on the lower weights falsely believing that "warm-up" sets performed were properly preparing Subject A for the 70lb DB. Point is: don't waste your energy on warm-up. Well, kinda, not literally though. Do go through the motions, but thats just it: simply go through the motions (so your body is accustomed to that movement). I've been guilty of that type of "warm-up," but not anymore...
EXTRAS
I've decided to post a picture of my methods of transportation as well as...my "progress picture." Actually, this picture of me is about 1 year old (dated June 6th of 2010) and I would like to think that I have made some improvements (even if very slight) over the year of continued training.
My Bike:
My car:
Me:
That picture does kinda scream...narcissist much to my dismay. Oh well, it is the only way to track progress. Sorry no leg shot at the moment. I promise they aren't chicken legs tho...
That about wraps it up for the post, I will think about posting more on progress and a bit on diet maybe.
See ya
THE NUMBERS
Squat --------------------------------- 280 for 8, 7, 5
Standing calf ----------------------- 180 for 10, 9
Seated calf -------------------------- 90 for 12, 11
DB bicep curls --------------------- 30's for 12, 12, 5
Decline ab -------------------------- 10 for 25
THE WORKOUT
Squats felt very good seeing as my legs have rebuilt and healed up. GRANTED, I waited an extra day, which could throw my current cycle off for a few reasons which I will get to later... Squats felt excellent (did I mention this already??), and I tacked on every so slightly, more weight. Even with the [slight] increase in weight, I could achieved more repetitions than my previous workout. My struggle with the weights didn't feel as difficult as well. The PPII's are officially my new favorite shoes...even though I only wear them for less than 15 minutes every few days of the week. The rest of the workout went well, though I wanted to increase my poundage with the db curls, but all the 35's were being used, oh well. Next time for sure.
POST WORKOUT
So, as mentioned above, I have waited an extra day because in my previous entry, I revealed that my legs were...raptured with pain. Well, today's workout could possibly prophesize the the same message: lotsa pain for tomorrow. How do I know this? As I am typing this, my leg's already feel the soreness settling in...which, is not exactly comforting, physically at least. So, again, this may cause my workout cycle to go in a tizzy (as somebody I know always says (note to self: must be a New Yorker word...)). We'll see what happens.
So those are the numbers. You may be wondering why I have biceps in this workout, this is mandated for reasons, I don't myself know or really care about, in the DC style training. I rather like the idea of adding biceps in this workout strangely enough. Adductors, well I should probably stay faithful and do it again... The decline ab just tells me I gotta strengthen my abs a lot of as the one set seemed to finish me off for the day. I almost got a cramp as I sneezed, so I called it quits. I promise I'll work my abs more intensely in the future >___<
Just for reminder's sake, these poundages and sets/reps are all my "working" sets, never my warm-up sets. My warm up sets can range from 3-5 (or maybe more, depending on the target weight of the day). For instance, my warm-up for squats today was the following...: 1) put 25lbs on each side and squat two (2) sets of about 15 reps, nice and easy 2) remove the 25's and throw on 45's and squat about 10 reps, again, nice and easy 3) add on 25's and squatted about 3 reps (something in that range) then 4) removed the 25's and threw on 45's and did a single easy rep. DONE. Warm-up complete, but if I ever feel I need more I will do more. In today's workout, I've done 5 warm-up sets.
Important to note is that none of these sets induced any kind of fatigue; they are what they are meant to be: simply warm-up. The wrong way to warm-up [and what you will see quite often] is this scenario: Subject A decides his target bench will be 70lb dumbbells for bench press (chest is a easy and db bench common exercise to use as an example...). Subject A goes for the 30 lbs DB and reps out maybe 15 or so, puts it away and gets the 50's and reps out 10 or so, somewhat struggling with the last rep, but not too much. Puts that away, and goes for the 65's where he manages to rep out around 10 as well, but the last few reps were quite the struggle. Finally, he goes for the 70's and only manages to squeeze out a solid 7 before he's got no more. The next suffers even more with a disappointing 4 reps.
The problem cannot be any more evident than it already is. Subject A wastes energy on the lower weights falsely believing that "warm-up" sets performed were properly preparing Subject A for the 70lb DB. Point is: don't waste your energy on warm-up. Well, kinda, not literally though. Do go through the motions, but thats just it: simply go through the motions (so your body is accustomed to that movement). I've been guilty of that type of "warm-up," but not anymore...
EXTRAS
I've decided to post a picture of my methods of transportation as well as...my "progress picture." Actually, this picture of me is about 1 year old (dated June 6th of 2010) and I would like to think that I have made some improvements (even if very slight) over the year of continued training.
My Bike:
 |
| The great thing is that there's practically "infinite gas" on this thing! |
 |
| This is actually the closest to its current state: Michelin Pro 2 tires and half the grip gone on both sides... |
 |
| Another angle while I'm biking (at the speed of light as you can see) |
My car:
 |
| 2010 version. This machine has superb handling and of course acceleration. I think the seats in that car is probably the most comfortable seat I have sit in thus far in my life. |
 |
| Looks cool too. |
Me:
 |
| That mirror is....ick. Oops >__> |
That about wraps it up for the post, I will think about posting more on progress and a bit on diet maybe.
See ya
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Upper Body Work and leg condition...
Here's the numbers to my workout today:
Weighted pull ups --------------------- 32.5 for 8, 6, 5
Push press ------------------------------ 105 for 8, 7, 6
BB Bench ------------------------------ 195 for 8, 7, 2
BB row --------------------------------- 80 for 12, 12, 8
Skullcrushers -------------------------- 30 for 12, 12
Fairly good workout today, although my triceps and biceps (or just 'arms' to be more general) weren't 100%. Probably around 95% rested. Sleep still isn't quite the best these days. I will continue to edge up in weights up until I go to Japan and take a mandatory rest period (that is, until I can find and join a gym down there). I'm really hoping that I can at least go 3 times a week--as mandated by my current regimen. It's all I need as well. We'll see how this all plays out in the end.
The Power Perfect II were really effective...perhaps too effective. My legs (and glutes) have not felt this sore in a really long time. In fact, it is the same soreness one attains after working out really hard (perhaps over working) for the first time in a while OR for the first time in general. Extremely sore. Sore beyond belief. I could not move my legs because it actually hurt.
Today, was slightly better, but I don't see how I could possibly be ready by this friday to squat again although, I am very much looking forward to it.
As of now, I have bought the flight ticket for the 8th of next month (June), so until then, it's time to buy the rest of the gifts and waste the remainder of my money... I really am bad with handling money. This is not good. I am also unsure if brining my saxophone with me is a good idea. I would like to but would I ever have time to play leisurely? I kind of doubt it. This life that I'm currently living is quite lazy, yet careless. I know have a taste of what retirement is like. I'm not sure I can handle that either myself, as long as I stay active that will make things better.
In any case, time to rebuild those legs...
Weighted pull ups --------------------- 32.5 for 8, 6, 5
Push press ------------------------------ 105 for 8, 7, 6
BB Bench ------------------------------ 195 for 8, 7, 2
BB row --------------------------------- 80 for 12, 12, 8
Skullcrushers -------------------------- 30 for 12, 12
Fairly good workout today, although my triceps and biceps (or just 'arms' to be more general) weren't 100%. Probably around 95% rested. Sleep still isn't quite the best these days. I will continue to edge up in weights up until I go to Japan and take a mandatory rest period (that is, until I can find and join a gym down there). I'm really hoping that I can at least go 3 times a week--as mandated by my current regimen. It's all I need as well. We'll see how this all plays out in the end.
The Power Perfect II were really effective...perhaps too effective. My legs (and glutes) have not felt this sore in a really long time. In fact, it is the same soreness one attains after working out really hard (perhaps over working) for the first time in a while OR for the first time in general. Extremely sore. Sore beyond belief. I could not move my legs because it actually hurt.
Today, was slightly better, but I don't see how I could possibly be ready by this friday to squat again although, I am very much looking forward to it.
As of now, I have bought the flight ticket for the 8th of next month (June), so until then, it's time to buy the rest of the gifts and waste the remainder of my money... I really am bad with handling money. This is not good. I am also unsure if brining my saxophone with me is a good idea. I would like to but would I ever have time to play leisurely? I kind of doubt it. This life that I'm currently living is quite lazy, yet careless. I know have a taste of what retirement is like. I'm not sure I can handle that either myself, as long as I stay active that will make things better.
In any case, time to rebuild those legs...
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Power Perfect II Review (and my workout with it)
To begin, I do not own the rights to this image. In fact, I credit www.bcweightlifting.ca with the image.
Today was leg day (i.e. the day that most people dread and the day that separates boys from men). On top of that I received the Adidas Power Perfect II's today in the mail--just in time for a test run. Now before I get into any kind of review of this shoe, I will give a brief treatise about...me, I guess. Prior to receiving these shoes, I have been squatting with my trusty Chuck's (high top) because of the nice flat sole and excellent stability. The Chuck's have been my all-around lifting shoe since about...2 years ago or so (with running shoes by Puma being my previous choice <--wrong and bad choice). Despite Chuck's being so great for recreational weightlifting (deadlifting and squats in particular) I felt I could never really reach great depth simply because of my body's leg to torso ratio. I could get pretty good depth in general with Chuck's but nothing compared to what I got today.... Now, some may say that my 'ankle flexibility' is my limiting factor, or perhaps, that I was just 'doing it all wrong', or even that high tops were my downfall, however, I assure everyone that my depth with Chuck's were always at LEAST to parallel (and that my form is actually correct). Basically I could get the type of depth you could find guys on YouTube posting (the good form squats kind, not the bad, overloaded weight squats).
That said, I am not by any means tall, however, my torso to femur ratio is just not in favor of squats. My back just rounds out in a natural, full squat position to maintain balance. This 'rounded back position' is obviously not ideal when your under some weight of a bar. In that case, I would only really be able to squat to slightly below parallel without having to put too much strain on my back. As you may have notice, I favor the olympic style squat rather than the "bodybuilding" or "powerlifting/low bar" squat because of leg development and less strain on the back. Posterior chain is one thing, but let's get this straight, it IS getting worked out from olympic squats. Maybe not to the extent of the former types of squat, but the fact of the matter is: IT IS. I personally don't believe that the difference in amount worked is that significant. But that's just me.
Well for starters, I am definitely not a olympic weight lifter by any means.... I never attempted the snatch, the clean and jerk, or what have you. I ordered these shoes to further improve my squat form and reap the benefits of olympic squats. While I am at it, these are my first pair of olympic weightlifting shoes so I have nothing to compare against (such as wooden raised heels).
So onto the review of the shoe:
(brief disclaimer: I will most likely not describe the shoe in a olympic weightlifting fashion, so take it for what it is; from a recreational weightlifter's perspective)
Comfort - I have never worn actual weightlifting shoes until today, but I have experience squatting in [God forbidden] running shoes and Chuck's. So, I casually switched from my Chuck's to Power Perfect II (PPII) when the next squat rack was available. When I warmed up in the PPII, I immediately felt the stiffness of the heel as well as the grip on the floor that they provide. The PPII were so stiff and had such great grip on the floor that I felt almost glued to the floor as soon as I set my feet for squatting. In fact, I have to get used to setting my feet into position a little more, but I'll most likely get used to it real soon. Just by wearing these shoes, I felt like the Chuck's compressed a lot!! To my knowledge the heels of the PPII are not wood, rather they are of a high density polymer. To me, it was as stiff as one would possibly like so I don't think there would be a difference besides a physically heavier shoe. Then again, I'm not an olympic lifter.... So, final comments regarding comfort...: Adidas tend to make their shoes slightly more narrow. I wear a 9.5 Chuck's, but a 10 in the PPII seemed to do the trick, although my toes are slightly scrunched at the top of the PPII. It felt nice and tight especially after securing the velcro strap. SCORE --- 10/10
Quality - The only other shoe that I have owned that were Adidas branded were my baseball cleats. So in that vein, Adidas is usually one of my top picks when it comes to sports shoes (and sports apparel for that matter). I found that these shoes were well constructed upon closer inspection. The shoe is put together really well (i.e. the stitching is well done, symmetrical in all places, etc. etc.) and wedge is in place as it should be, not out of align. The wedge on the left and right shoe are also the same height too. The materials of the shoe is mostly synthetic, but is as durable as you would possibly need. Not sure, what else I could say about the quality except that it has met my expectation for an Adidas made shoe. I guess I will add that because I will probably only be squatting in these shoes, they will probably last me for a really, really long time. SCORE --- 10/10
Style - This is highly preferential. I think these shoes look great. I like the red accent at the wedge area, although it would be nice if they offered other colors just for other people's preference's sake. The shoe looks like your standard Adidas shoe but with the raised heel and strap (although some of their shoes seem to offer straps...). It obviously won't look like a regular shoe when compared closely, but it certainly looks solid as hell for a weightlifting shoe. The small holes that aerate the shoe are...well placed and do help a lot of keeping the feet nicely warm, and not overly sweaty hot. I'm really not sure what else I could add about the style of these shoes except that they look really good for weightlifting shoes (not that looks should matter to begin with). SCORE --- 10/10
Price - Well, what could I say? I wish they were cheaper?? Of course I do, however I think that I got what I paid for: quality. Do I think they could lower the price? Certainly, they would also attract more customers in the process. BUT, as a scientist who does think about component costs and overall unit price, production costs, etc. etc. I won't be too much of a stickler and say that I got ripped off because I don't really know the cost for the materials involved... I think it was a good investment in the end. I will say though in retrospect (which is always 20/20 of course...) that with all the other shoes on the available on the market, these are one of the more expensive shoes to buy, so if you really are on a budget than I'm sure the other brands will serve you just as well. ESPECIALLY in my case...recall that I am NOT an olympic weightlifter and therefore these shoes may never see and clean and jerks or snatches that they were built for... As a final note, Adidas also have another model that is even more expensive (≈$200) for the Adistar. SCORE --- 7/10
Overall - A solid, high quality weightlifting shoe that will give anyone the depth and stability they desire. I certainly recommend it to those that are recreational weightlifters looking to improve their squats by performing olympic squats. Also, for those who seek greater leg development that comes with the depth. SCORE --- 9/10
From this workout, I have recruited so many fibers that I felt my leg getting sore as soon as...4 hours after, which is both a good and bad sign. Bad because that means my past training days for leg was not efficient enough in working my legs, but good because now I know what will really boost leg development for me.
It's getting late and this post has taken me long enough, so here are my numbers for today.
Squats ---------------- 275 for 6, 6, 5 then 135 for 15 (for practice in the shoes)
Leg press calf ------- 235 for 10, 10, 8
DB bicep curls ----- 30 for 12, 10
Decline ab ----------- 5 for 15, 15
Abbreviated workout and didn't get to include the adductors nor the seated calf because people were using every them. But I was beat from the squats so I didn't really mind at all... Good to note that as soon as I finished squats I switched back to my trusty Chuck's to finish off the workout. Don't wanna add any unnecessary strain to the shoe.
I'll never revert back to squatting with anything besides weightlifting shoes now...
Saturday, May 14, 2011
About my current training and more...
I don't know how long I'll be able to continue blogging about training, especially when it comes to posting numbers that I'm already too lazy to write down. I will try to continue as best as I can, but I will say that my current regimen is going quite well (as all regimens do in the first few weeks or so). We'll see where it takes me and how long I actually commit to it. I've got fairly poor habit of staying consistent with one type of session for a multitude of reasons.
That said, what makes my new model of training--based off of DC training--interesting is the variety of exercises that can be done. The best part is one does not have to do them all in one work out and keep doing it for X amount of time, but rotates between a select few. So for chest, I rotate between flat barbell bench and weighted dips (possibly throw in DB bench seeing as how I have only completed 2 upper body workouts). In the beginning I was somewhat skeptical about not using...say the barbell bench for every time one works the upper body because that means one would detrain from it and thus weaken for the next workout. But seeing from my HST days, doing the same things (for the most part) not only wears me out [mentally and physically], it just bores me. So after thinking about it and actually trying it out, I really think the rotation and focusing on one lift is better than doing multiple different kinds of exercises.
Anyhow, all that aside, for some reason I just wanted to say that surpassing goals and receiving accolades for it is [in itself] funny and interesting (one of my favorite adjectives...). Yesterday, I decided to meet up with a few high school friends albeit for a really brief amount of time. It was good seeing all the old friends whom I have never seen since probably graduation day or before. There was one person there in particular that I believe resented me for one reason or another. It may have been my fault as many things usually are, but I was kinda unsure how things would turn out. Well, generally I knew it would be normal, if not jovial because of the time that has passed. But one thing that I knew we both had in common (in terms of interest) was weightlifting, or rather fitness in general. Our goals might be slightly different however...I think.
Now, before I continue, I would like to say that prior to yesterday's meeting, I bumped into 2 other people at a popular coffee chain. They for some reason couldn't stop commenting on how much larger I've become (though, truthfully, I have not gained much more besides from some height and maybe some side affects of puberty during my high school years). In any case, they were convinced that I became some kind of monster (believe far from the case at my height and weight).
Back to the original case, as soon as I approached the table, there was a gasp or something like that almost in unison. Shook hands with everyone and sat down. Several people would comment on me and ask what my regimen is like etc. etc. but none of it mattered to me. What kinda did was the response I got from that one person which was a, "daaaang" or something of that sort. We talk about all kinds of things, the job he got, the place he received his degree from, and how life was going in general. During the conversation he mentioned how he lifted weights but never got any bigger than what he currently is and goes on to say how he ordered a pizookie while looking distressed by his lack of progress, than he claims he has no spotter so he can't go any heavier.
I didn't know what to think besides that true hard work in fitness and health related goals certainly do show itself. I can only assume that his diet (and possibly sleep habit) were not part of his regimen. I am by no means a religious dieter, and actually feel some what the same way he does seeing as how I haven't gained as much mass in the time that I have been training. But, I do know that I've made some progress over the years of training and it shows (slightly). As far as spotter goes, I don't have a consistent spotter myself. I just ask a random person to spot me during my set, works all the time with exception to a few people who don't want to help or just don't know how to spot correctly.
This story surely is random, however, the reason why I type it stems from that brief moment in time. That history of slight resentment towards me. He was also stronger than me in high school (as was most people anyways). So, basically in the end it seems like my hard work has paid off, though I didn't really care that I was bigger than him in the end.
It's just cool to receive "accolades" for your hard work once in a while. Certainly can't let it get to your head, or stop what your doing. Just gotta continue improving yourself.
That said, what makes my new model of training--based off of DC training--interesting is the variety of exercises that can be done. The best part is one does not have to do them all in one work out and keep doing it for X amount of time, but rotates between a select few. So for chest, I rotate between flat barbell bench and weighted dips (possibly throw in DB bench seeing as how I have only completed 2 upper body workouts). In the beginning I was somewhat skeptical about not using...say the barbell bench for every time one works the upper body because that means one would detrain from it and thus weaken for the next workout. But seeing from my HST days, doing the same things (for the most part) not only wears me out [mentally and physically], it just bores me. So after thinking about it and actually trying it out, I really think the rotation and focusing on one lift is better than doing multiple different kinds of exercises.
Anyhow, all that aside, for some reason I just wanted to say that surpassing goals and receiving accolades for it is [in itself] funny and interesting (one of my favorite adjectives...). Yesterday, I decided to meet up with a few high school friends albeit for a really brief amount of time. It was good seeing all the old friends whom I have never seen since probably graduation day or before. There was one person there in particular that I believe resented me for one reason or another. It may have been my fault as many things usually are, but I was kinda unsure how things would turn out. Well, generally I knew it would be normal, if not jovial because of the time that has passed. But one thing that I knew we both had in common (in terms of interest) was weightlifting, or rather fitness in general. Our goals might be slightly different however...I think.
Now, before I continue, I would like to say that prior to yesterday's meeting, I bumped into 2 other people at a popular coffee chain. They for some reason couldn't stop commenting on how much larger I've become (though, truthfully, I have not gained much more besides from some height and maybe some side affects of puberty during my high school years). In any case, they were convinced that I became some kind of monster (believe far from the case at my height and weight).
Back to the original case, as soon as I approached the table, there was a gasp or something like that almost in unison. Shook hands with everyone and sat down. Several people would comment on me and ask what my regimen is like etc. etc. but none of it mattered to me. What kinda did was the response I got from that one person which was a, "daaaang" or something of that sort. We talk about all kinds of things, the job he got, the place he received his degree from, and how life was going in general. During the conversation he mentioned how he lifted weights but never got any bigger than what he currently is and goes on to say how he ordered a pizookie while looking distressed by his lack of progress, than he claims he has no spotter so he can't go any heavier.
I didn't know what to think besides that true hard work in fitness and health related goals certainly do show itself. I can only assume that his diet (and possibly sleep habit) were not part of his regimen. I am by no means a religious dieter, and actually feel some what the same way he does seeing as how I haven't gained as much mass in the time that I have been training. But, I do know that I've made some progress over the years of training and it shows (slightly). As far as spotter goes, I don't have a consistent spotter myself. I just ask a random person to spot me during my set, works all the time with exception to a few people who don't want to help or just don't know how to spot correctly.
This story surely is random, however, the reason why I type it stems from that brief moment in time. That history of slight resentment towards me. He was also stronger than me in high school (as was most people anyways). So, basically in the end it seems like my hard work has paid off, though I didn't really care that I was bigger than him in the end.
It's just cool to receive "accolades" for your hard work once in a while. Certainly can't let it get to your head, or stop what your doing. Just gotta continue improving yourself.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Contradiction Award goes to....me
Well, a post finally after quit a long while...
That's quite a log I've kept for working out now isn't? Quite a failure in that part... Not to mention that I have changed routines time and time again...only to reveal that I have yet changed it again to meet my recovery needs [per usual]. This time I'm pretty sure it's set. Even though I always say this....
Anyhow, HST didn't cut it in terms of rest (sleeping pattern not withstanding), and the twice a week lower/upper didn't quite cut it. Why didn't the last one work? Well, working at higher weights again at that frequency just didn't allow me to recover 100%. It works fine--much like HST--at the lower weights to be working out at that frequently, however, once I start to reach heavier and heavier weights I find that I cannot fully recover. it is imperative to note that I did not work to muscular failure. Take squats for example in my HST routine, once I reach 275ish, my demands for recovery increase. I managed to finish off 2 cycles of HST but was slightly suffering at the end of the second cycle. Once the third cycle came around, I was dying because I had increased the weight and the amount of weight that I had been doing was just too much for that short of a recovery period.
The lower/upper split didn't quite cut it either even though my rest periods would vary between 2 or 3 days of rest. If I squatted on the first part of the week, again in 275ish range I wouldn't be able to hit more 2 days later. That to me doesn't quite match the idea of progressive overload. I'm not saying they don't work, I'm saying they aren't optimal for me. So, I've went to training every other day switching between upper and lower body workouts. This should give me sufficient recovery time. We'll see how this goes.
I also ordered Adidas Power Perfect II some Dynamic Fitness. I have bought these in attempt to aide my squats and ultimately leg development. I cannot do ATG unless I have a raised heel. Chuck's have been my primary shoe of choice (it will continue to be, just not for squat) but after much thought [about my personal physiology] I decided getting weightlifting shoes would be safer overall than using the blocks under my feet...in that note its more courteous in Japan to not have to use weights and step on them.... Anywho, I will see how they feel once they come in. I gotta stop using money....so sad. Also, just for the record, I am getting these just to squat...I don't do olympic weightlifting, although it would be cool to do it.
That's quite a log I've kept for working out now isn't? Quite a failure in that part... Not to mention that I have changed routines time and time again...only to reveal that I have yet changed it again to meet my recovery needs [per usual]. This time I'm pretty sure it's set. Even though I always say this....
Anyhow, HST didn't cut it in terms of rest (sleeping pattern not withstanding), and the twice a week lower/upper didn't quite cut it. Why didn't the last one work? Well, working at higher weights again at that frequency just didn't allow me to recover 100%. It works fine--much like HST--at the lower weights to be working out at that frequently, however, once I start to reach heavier and heavier weights I find that I cannot fully recover. it is imperative to note that I did not work to muscular failure. Take squats for example in my HST routine, once I reach 275ish, my demands for recovery increase. I managed to finish off 2 cycles of HST but was slightly suffering at the end of the second cycle. Once the third cycle came around, I was dying because I had increased the weight and the amount of weight that I had been doing was just too much for that short of a recovery period.
The lower/upper split didn't quite cut it either even though my rest periods would vary between 2 or 3 days of rest. If I squatted on the first part of the week, again in 275ish range I wouldn't be able to hit more 2 days later. That to me doesn't quite match the idea of progressive overload. I'm not saying they don't work, I'm saying they aren't optimal for me. So, I've went to training every other day switching between upper and lower body workouts. This should give me sufficient recovery time. We'll see how this goes.
I also ordered Adidas Power Perfect II some Dynamic Fitness. I have bought these in attempt to aide my squats and ultimately leg development. I cannot do ATG unless I have a raised heel. Chuck's have been my primary shoe of choice (it will continue to be, just not for squat) but after much thought [about my personal physiology] I decided getting weightlifting shoes would be safer overall than using the blocks under my feet...in that note its more courteous in Japan to not have to use weights and step on them.... Anywho, I will see how they feel once they come in. I gotta stop using money....so sad. Also, just for the record, I am getting these just to squat...I don't do olympic weightlifting, although it would be cool to do it.
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