chadlius88's Journal, 07 Jun 16

Cool - the new gym? 

Indeed HCB!! Hit 295 on squat, a 10 lb. PR. Tonight I hit 405 on the deadlift, a 20 lb. PR. Thursday I'll be testing my bench press. 

Man, I cannot hardly wrap my head around weight that heavy. I am doing more moderate weight now and more reps for a while, then go back to lower reps and heavier weight. I am down another 3 pounds...bodyfat analysis this Friday so we shall see how the master plan worked - actually it was because of something you wrote to me on the gym rats forum - so thanks! 

Wow!! Glad I could help you out! I Still remember the first time I deadlifted.... it was 95 lbs. and it was super hard!!!! 

Wow! Great progress! I need to get back at it. I was totally addicted a while back. I don't know what happened. I think I pushed too hard, and got burnt out. I was doing 6 day spits, hard, heavy, and fast. My deadlift PR was 180 back then. 

@HCB...CONGRATS! THAT'S GREAT! 

It is a challenge for me because I do weight training as part of a circuit HIIT class and we use TRX straps, core body moves and dumbbells - no barbells. I can easily deadlift two 40lb dumbbells for 80lbs total and pyramid reps - but then the next heavier increment of dumbbells are kind of harder to hold with my little hands though I could lift them...not sure what will come next... 

Have you looked into straps or hooks HCB?? Or maybe training your grip strength? 

Wow, those are cool weights. I was a pretty decent powerlifter in my prime. I was prepping for football, and was desperately trying to gain weight. 

I also have gripping issues due to arthritis and joint issues from heavy lifting years ago. What I would give to be Chad's age again! That said, my programs now involve volume and more taxing intervals such as no or little rest! To gain muscle you essentially need four ingredients to succeed; focus, sufficient protein, a surplus of calories, and progressive overload on your muscles. More reps, more sets, drops sets and supersets will provide progressive overload without taxing the limits of your physical abilities. HCB, you have done an amazing job. Keep the focus! Improvise - Adapt - Overcome 

Grip strength - ahhhh, I understand. I am gonna rock the two 50's pretty soon! LOL - Thanks Thebigguy. I like your slogan! 

I had to laugh at that too, HCB! I was a powerlifter, now I am scared I'm going to drop one of those weights on my foot. lol 

What is really funny is all those youngins in the gym. Do one set then have to sit down and figure out the next song on their idiot phones, before the next lift. I keep my workouts to no more than an hour and a half or I split it. I go in without a water bottle (big kid sippie cup), no headphones, no dickin around. I do circles around those kids even though I am an overweight old fart, and I get lots of comments too. I just tell them,"Wait till I am in shape!" IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PUMP!  

Way to go!! 

Awesome job on the personal bests Chad...well done!!