This week has been a mess. Thursday sucked, as posted. Then friday I woke up feeling crappy, not sick, cause I don't really get sick, but certainly not 100%. I feel like my left lymph nodes are swollen as hell in my neck. It hurts to swallow and it's making me sleep a ton. I don't feel bad enough to stay home from work, but I certainly don't have the mindset to train. I'm just going to hang tight till I feel better.

Also, met jaysick at my work last night. Really nice guy.

Also, there is another gym owned by the same company as my current gym that has a rack I could ohp in and also better plates and it seems to be less crowded. I might try it out when I have some free time, which is never.

I saw your log towards the top and was going to come in and say that it was nice meeting you last night.

I guess you kind of beat me to it. Thanks for the props ha.

From watching a few of the videos posted it seems like you need to work on consistency. Obviously the 5th rep is going to be tougher than the 1st but the goal would be to they are similar mechanically (albeit slower). I think Justin from 70s Big makes a good point when he talks about picking a cue to concentrate on. Right now you might be trying to do too many things all at the same time.

In all honesty when I squat I think the main thing I need to focus on is being tighter. A lot of times when I fail, it's because I take a bad breath or I just kinda fall down with the bar on my back. From my aspect there is really no control. Will definitely work on one thing at a time from now on.

I know that my biggest cue for squatting is to hold my lower back super tight from the very start of the rep (even starting when taking the weight out of the rack, kinda) through to the end.

I just need to be more tight throughout. I hope to feel well enough tomorrow to actually go to the gym. We'll see though.

This. It's weird how hard this can be to get right. Plus a huuuge breath of air.

Guys, I've been toying around with a wider stance, while at home not going to the actual gym. It seems to me that it's is almost impossible for me to keep my heels planted when I squat with shoulder width stance. I can easily do this with a bit wider stance. Is this something I should try or just try and get shoulder width down to the point where I can plant my heels?

Nothing wrong with going a bit wider, as long as you can still hit parallel. Go with what feels good. Everyone is a little different

Man I can't wait to hit the gym today! I feel like #1 http://www.soheeleefitness.com/2012/...-fitness-buff/

I agree, I squat with heels slightly wider than shoulder width. If it feels fine, you can keep your back in ext (as well as hit depth like above), then give it a go.

Well I guess I'm not going to make it to the gym today. Had tons of energy earlier (when I posted about going to the gym). Laid down with the family and passed the f out. Still not feeling 100% by any means, so let's see what tomorrow brings.

When the crowd gathers in droves, they won't question the depth at all

Good workout today. Went after work at about 4:30 am. I haven't really trained for around a week so I knew 245 was going to be rough. I experimented with a wider stance and it felt good....for the first two reps. Then I went to 225 for the second set. You guys can watch the video and tell me what you think, but I really like the wider stance. Did my last set at 235 and they were a little grindy but I got them done pretty easily.

Bench was next, and I still suck but I finally broke the 155 curse! Should have video taped these but I didn't. Really happy that I'm finally progressing.

Deads were next, and after last time I was a bit worried about doing 285 again. Warm ups felt good. I killed em. I am really proud of how these look. Maybe you guys see some flaws, and I'd love to hear about them.

squats 1x2x245, 1x5x225, 1x5x235
bench 3x5x155 PR!
deadlift 1x5x285

You can still do a better job getting both lumbar and thoracic extension, but looks way better. Also you should try to reset more between reps and REALLY tighten everything up and get into extension before lifting.

I always just try and get them done. Will actually try and reset next time.

Also really happy I took those days off. I went yesterday, albeit late at night but I was feeling good. If I would have gone earlier in the week when I wasn't 100% it would have made me more discouraged.

Also should I be worried about not progressing very linearally(?) on my squats?

Just my sucky opinion but I was cringing hardcore at that DL video. I may be wrong but that looks like textbook bad form. There is a good rip video on DLs that you should prob watch again and the only thing I like that he doesn't mention in that vid is when he says
(paraphrasing)

To get your back tight, get your hips down(watch the vid to understand) and then huff your chest out like you're trying to look swole, and THEN tighten your lower back. ie tighten your upper back first, and then your lower.

Okay so something really weird happend tonight. Did 245 on squats and got all reps. Super pumped but pretty wrecked after that. Went for the pr of 120 on ohp and on the fifth rep of the first set got a really bad headache and felt a little light headed. Sat down for a few and tried again. Failed the fifth rep and got a wicked headache. Like right away omg pain headache. It's gotten better but I literally had to sit down for a few before I could put the weights away. WTF??? Will put up videos soon.

squats 3x5x245 (wr)
ohp 1x5x120, 1x4x120

fwiw ive had multiple days where i was goin for my heavist ohp after squatting heavy and ive gotten super light headed mid rep. always pissed me off cuz i felt basically fine right after but almost dropped weights one time

you got loose on the 4th rep, take your time at the top (if you're gonna bounce at the bottom)

should i have just taken more time in between. fwiw i took longer rest than normal between squat sets.

i didnt rly figure out how to keep it from happening but ive lifted heavier since and it hasnt happened. more rest would probably help, i tried to take a lot of breaths before my ohp set once and that was the worst one so far so i dont recommend that. in my case i was leaning towards it happening more when i took more caffeine/pre workout drink or possibly since i train on empty stomach it was caused by extra long break since id last eaten.

hmmmm. I'll keep an eye on it, hope it doesn't happen again.