Jordan's Log

[Jordan]

10/18/07

Workout A
Squats
3x5x165

Bench
1x5x180
1x4x180
1x3x180
Chest is really sore now.

Deadlift
1x8x45
1x8x95
1x5x135
1x5x185

[theblackkeys]

Looks like you got a little too far ahead of yourself on bench. What are you doing for your next bench workout?

[Jordan]

good question, blackkeys. I have a similar dilemma with my military press. What does Rippetoe recommend? I'm thinking I may stick with the weight until I can do it 3x5 and then move up? Or should I "reset" and drop some weight?

[theblackkeys]

[ QUOTE ]
good question, blackkeys. I have a similar dilemma with my military press. What does Rippetoe recommend? I'm thinking I may stick with the weight until I can do it 3x5 and then move up? Or should I "reset" and drop some weight?

[/ QUOTE ]
Here's a good link.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpo...p;postcount=23
(part II is the next post in that thread, you might have to do a little bit of clicking to get it)
It actually recommends trying the same weight (for 3 workouts max) to see if you can get past the hump. So perhaps try the same weight again next time. If you can't get past that by the third straight workout, then reset.

A reset would be a drop of about 10% from your stalled weight, and then make smaller jumps up afterwards. For military press I'd buy some chain or something from Home Depot and add 1-3 lbs each time instead of 5.

[Jordan]

blackkeys,

thanks for that link. looks like some good information regarding plateau busting in the SS program. I'll definitely give it a good read.

[Jordan]

On Saturday, my dad had me try his bowflex thing. I just mimicked his workout. None of the weights we were moving were very high but he does high (15) reps. I was gassed around 10 reps on some of the moves. I try to get my dad to go to a real gym but he swears that this is the only way he'll work out, so it's better than nothing.

Yesterday I went to have my bf% measured at the YMCA just to get an idea of what kind of progress I'm making. I'm happy to say that I clocked in at 21.5% at 218 pounds. I'll be below 20% in no time =)

10/23/07
Workout A
Squat
3x5x175

Military
2x5x110
1x3x110
One more try at this weight before I'll have to reset.

I tried to clean, but had very little idea of what I was doing. I got up to 75 pounds and decided it was better to just pendlay rows until I have a better idea of how the move works.

Pendlay Rows
3x5x125

I've ordered a copy of the new Starting Strength since it just came out and I don't own the first edition. It should be here on Thursday.

[shemp]

This could be the testimonial I was looking for in the other thread. How long has your dad had it?

You can practice cleans with a bar or broom. Also, might be useful to do some sort of a progression (pulls, jump shrugs, stuff from the hang, etc)-- you don't necessarily every have to get to a full squat clean.

Some ideas here:

http://www.exrx.net/Lists/PowerExercises.html

[Jordan]

He's had it for about three months. He's just using it to get a basic level of strength so that he's not embarrassed when he starts using a personal trainer. I doubt he's the testimonial you're looking for.

Thanks for the link for help on cleans. Between that and the section in the Starting Strength book, I think I'll be able to figure it out.

[Jordan]

10/25/07

Workout A
Squat
3x5x180

Bench
1x5x180
1x3x180
1x9x155
Going to reset on the bench to 165 for next workout.

Deadlift
1x5x205
Was feeling frisky, so I jumped up to 205. can't wait until I start lifting up two plates.

[Jordan]

10/29/07

Was busy with relatives this weekend so I missed Saturday's workout. Going to do M/W/S this week and back to T/Th/S next week.

10/29/07
Workout B
Squat
3x5x185
My form is much better than it used to be. I really feel it in my hammys and butt at the bottom.

Military
1x5x110
1x4x110
1x5x100

I hit a wall with the press. Going to reset this, probably to 95lbs. I'll need to find something smaller than 2.5 lb plates.

Pendlay Rows
3x5x125
Oops I guess I forgot to go up in weight here. How high should I be bringing the weight up. Typically I just get my upper arm parallel to my torso/the ground. Should I be getting it higher?

When I did lower weights I think the bar hit my chest. Maybe I'm doing too much weight now?