Jamesxvx Powerlifting Journal

[jamesxvx]

Thanks a ton. I was looking back on it too, definitely keeps me going

[maybenot]

It also helps the ones who are beginning now, like me =)

[jamesxvx]

I'm going to Pm you my email if you have any questions or anything you can hit that up and I'll get back to you on everything. I had someone do the same for me when I started out.

[jamesxvx]

I think the worst thing to happen when you start working out and training is the amount of criticism you get based on your body. Posting progress photos comes with many opinions. Last night was an example. I had three of my "friends" who are not powerlifters, or even gym members tell me my calves are small and not proportionate to my quads. Clearly I am no body builder, I squat for strength, and squatting on my tip toes isn't something I want to take part in. I have strong legs, just because my calves don't take on size as much as my quads doesn't mean I don't work them, or they're not strong.

Standing calf raises I max out the machine and seated I can hit 4 plates for 4 sets of 15. I don't understand people's need to express their opinions when they are not needed, or their opinions are invalid solely because they have no knowledge on the subject.

I guess squatting and deadlifting a combined 800 pounds isn't enough anymore.

[maybenot]

Calves dont grow as much as other body parts due to the red muscle fibers amount they have.
But whatever, I would say if you feel strong that's what matters.

-- edit --
mistyped red muscle fibers =)

[jamesxvx]

Oh definitely. I've explained that a lot too, I love the physiology behind muscle growth. Ended up taking a few classes on the physiology as well. But its just funny hearing people say things that don't really mean much from their opinions haha

[asparagus]

I'm somewhat lucky in that I'm one of the old(er) men at the Uni gym, it's mostly full of students, so I don't get any stupid comments as most tend to ignore me or just silently wonder what's up with the older guy growling through heavy squats and deadlifts. I've met some good strong dudes there though.

I chuckle a bit when I look at my calves and how small they seem to be compared to a lot of other people. I've never isolated them on a lift or tried to work them - I'm happy enough when they facilitate my squats and deadlifts, so they don't really need to do a ton of work or be really huge. But that goes along with the rest of my body philosophy - I'm happy to be strong and don't feel the need to be huge. A 15-20 year younger version of myself might disagree

I see a lot of kids (freshmen/sophomores), gym rookies, that come in to the gym and try to do some good barbell lifts but obviously don't know how to do them properly. I think back at how much it would have helped me if I had someone actually in the gym to give me some tips and show me proper form, so I step up and offer some advice. Some of them are very grateful, and I think it helps their self-esteem and motivation to keep lifting. Some of them just brush me off because they think they know better or that I'm just some weird coot talking out my ass.

[vegan_rossco]

I hear ya james, a couple of friends made the comment to me "shouldn't you be a lot bigger than you are considering you've been lifting for so long, or is it because you're vegan?" Eurghhh, its not difficult to explain that I lift for strength and that being vegan has no detrimental effect on my progress, but its so tedius and annoying to have to justify.. Anywho hope everythings cool in canada dude! How are your studies going?

[jamesxvx]

Both of you guys have the same gym experiences as me haha, or so it seems. Some people I guess, pretty funny the outlook and opinons they have.

Canada is cool man, literally. Negative 10 degrees celcius today. Which isn't too bad haha. Studies are good, two midterms this week which will keep me busy this weekend with the books.

Hope all is well with you guys

[jamesxvx]

February 3, 2013
Accessory Training

MP
Barx8, 105x8, 135x8, 135x7, 115x10
Shrugs
225x12, 275x12, 315x12
EZ curls
barx20, +50x12x3
Good Mornings
135x8, 185x10, 225x10
Calf raises (standing)
320x15, 340x15, 360x15, 380x15
DB Bench
45x10, 55x12, 60x10 PB Haven't handled 60s before, chest is definitely gaining strength.

[jamesxvx]

February 5, 2013
Deadlifts for Reps
DL with 1" Deficit
135x8, 225x8, 275x8, 315x8, 335x8
4" Block Pulls
315x3, 365x3, 405x3, 405x3

Oly Squats
135x8, 225x8, 225x8, 225x8

Leg Curls
90x10, 120x10, 135x10, 120x10

Shrugs
225x12x3

Back Raises
50
Abs
Decline Sit ups bwx50, w/20 ball 50

Body weight is sitting in between 175-180 now, which is nice

[jamesxvx]

February 7, 2013
Heavy Bench Day

Floorpress
barx8, 95x8, 115x5, 135x5, 185x5,
205x2x4, 205x1 No spotter, didn't want to pin myself on the floor

MP
barx12, 95x12, 115x12, 115x11

Bench
barx15, 95x12, 135x15, 135x13
Tried a bigger arch on my bench setup today. Felt more comfortable. Although these were for reps, I'm interested to see how it will feel with heavier weight.

DB shrugs
65sx12, 75sx12, 75sx12

Lat Pull downs
120x15, 120x15, 135x12

Tri. press down
30x25, 45x25, 50x25, 45x25

Abs
Decline sits bwx50
+45 plate for 45.
Core is getting stronger.

[asparagus]

I always try to get a good arch in my back on bench, no matter the weight. However, I find that with heavy weight I lose track of the arch and it flattens a bit - until I need to throw some leg drive into the push and then I become very aware of the arch as I am actively trying to hold my ass to the bench as I squeeze my legs.

You're getting stronger by the minute, dude.

[jamesxvx]

Thanks Asparagus. The cube is definitely helping haha.
Its the first time I've tried a substnatial arch, mine are usually mellow. But It felt a lot better and way more smooth. I'm hoping to get it down. The 5x5 is working really well for you man, I've seen some big strength gains from your end.

Leg Day (During the biggest storm in Ontario)
Squats
135x5, 185x5, 225x3x8)
Did these triples with little rest in between, felt great.

Olympic squats
225x5x5
School got cancelled half way through this set, with the public transit telling people they have to make their way to a bus stop if they wanted to get home. I didn't get through my assistant exercises, so I'll be back tomorrow. I may just repeat the workout again.

[jamesxvx]

February 11, 2013
Hectic weekend, glad i got back to the weights.

Deadlifts from the floor
135x5, 225x5, 275x5, 8 sets of triples at 315. About 60-90 seconds rest in between.
Snatch grip deads off 2"
225x3x12
Oly Squats
barx8, 135x8, 185x8, 225x8, 2255x8
Shrugs
225x3x12
Lat Pull down
105x4x15

Hanging leg raises and knees to chest
10+10x2
Decline sit ups BWx20, with 18 ball, 45
Back raises
50