u/allianceathleticsoly

But only on a squat cycle obviously.

I had an extra banana bread muffin so obviously these are moving very well. Still rocking a caloric deficit but I need to be more intentional about WHEN I’m eating based on when I’m training. So many things I’ve forgotten, but that’s why we learn!

Be safe this weekend! Keep all your fingers, imbibe smartly, love your neighbor and keep the fireworks to just one day.

Pause squats 365x2x5

Not always going to be a victory! 455 for a dooble. Top set of the day, normally very within reach. But the fatigue from the new movement (damn you BSS!!) and being at a lower calorie intake has made it a miss.

Ah well. I moved on with the rest of the training session, got in the work I needed to and chalked it up to experience.

There’s also the issue of a bit of technique work that needs to be done. I’m not sure when I’m doing it, but I am kicking the weight forward ever so slightly. This is even more important with a sumo lift. The bar path has to be damn near perfect in this obviously isn’t. This might be a case of one being technically better for my leverages, but the other being more enjoyable. That’s why I switched to conventional for my back off set.

I’m going to need to adjust to the brutal work the Bulgarians did on my glutes and hamstrings for this block. This is my back off set after my top set went… not great.

Trying to keep up the intensity, I really want to make it to my new walking body weight as quickly as possible so I can add some more fuel to my body.

Deadlift- 365x2x4

My coach is a jerk (it’s me, I’m coach).

But seriously, this is going to be a great movement for making this squat block a success. I usually do these with a kabuki transformer bar so I can hold some stability but I only stumbled once so I consider it a success!

Bulgarian split squats 185x3x6

…we’re staring this weight cut in a good spot. Just had a whole weekend of Pride activities 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ and I’m tiiiiiired. I’m not doing anything special, just cleaning up the ole food choices and eating a little less and walking a little more. Trying to get from 246 to 225. Anyway, here’s the start of my squat focused block

405x1x4 for a top set.

It was so great seeing so many people out and about for Pride!! I hope you all snagged a sticker (or three) and we’ll see you tomorrow for the parade!

I just got back from a 5 day trip in California! Disneyland, California Adventure, beaches and a TON OF IN’N’OUT. No counting, no barbell training (just miles and miles is extra walking, pushing a stroller and carrying a kid on my shoulders).

Hope all you dads out there had a rad one. Back to it, deadlift double at 435lbs for a top set.

Lift in crocs, slam a white monster, sweat in the hot garage and live a happy life.

…is to go to nationals, not as a masters 1 (I’m 41 this year) but as an open athlete. I know I’ve got a long way to go but now that all the kids are in school, I’ve got time.

Slightly fatigued 435x1x2 (I usually take a day between but I’m going to Disneyland this week).

The people’s lawn has become a circus, but there’s no bread. I think the dinosaurs had it right. Anyway, here’s a deadlift. 455x1x2.

The second one I kicked the weight out a bit but I managed to get it all the way up. On to the next one!

When you’re under the bar. It’s what keeps me coming back. You have to focus, you lose all the things going on in your life for a few moments. Good, bad, anxious, happy, sad… it goes quieter just got a moment.

Lifting isn’t therapy but it is therapeutic.

315x2x1

Competition stance squat 435x1x2

It’s just another brick that I’m trying to add to my building. I’m just like Kirby trying to eat it all up while I can.

Yes, the prime moving components are the chest and triceps but creating stability for those muscles to work effectively is so important. You don’t need a huge arch but you should learn to effectively recruit your whole body to make the chest and triceps work more efficiently.

275x3x4 with competition bench

Sumo moves so much slower than conventional. I know long term it’s much better suited for my body and leverages but in the meantime I miss ripping the weights up.

Edit- 435x2x2

I did a quick dance and smooch with my partner in the kitchen and came out and ripped this set to shreds. Gotta love Fridays.

365x3x4 paused deadlifts

Sometimes, you’ve got to let 305 rip in crocs. Sport mode off for bench, gotta put them back if you’re gonna squat.

What’s your croc PR?

305x3x1

I may have dated myself with that reference but the Hello Moto from the Motorola commercials is what always pops up when I do this movement. It’s closer to a tshirt press, I’m trying to barely touch the shirt and then blast off.

225x2x8

I thought I’d kick off the month with some sumo deadlifts. I2I is generationally underrated and I long for a full solo album.

All my parenting skills are directly linked by how good a dad Goofy is.

455x1x2