Quote:
Originally Posted by ookook
Sick, sick log. Good read and omg nice OHP. I'm curious though, what did you do between the end of your last log and the beginning of this one? Just curious cause your lifts went through the roof. Linear type programming with resets every so often? 5/3/1, TM? Just made **** up as you went? Regardless, very nice progress. I'm legit jelly
Thanks man. I am surprised you remember my old log! In response to your question, I guess the answer is I got my life in order. I joined the Army, and actually stuck to a program and took recovery/nutrition seriously.
After I graduated Basic Training and Officer Candidate School I had to restart totally. My body was completely worn down after all the ruck marching and running and lack of sleep that I went through for about 5 straight months. I ran Starting Strength with a mix of front squats and back squats from June 2012 to April 2013. From about November 1, 2012 to mid-March 2013 I didn't get to lift that much because I was in another military school and didn't have much time/energy. My lifts basically stalled during that time.
I started TM in April 2013 after I read Justin Lascek's e-book. I don't remember why I didn't log during this time but I think my first TM Volume Squat Day was 5x5x245. My bench was like 5x5x225 and my DL was 5x365 or thereabouts. I kind of modified TM to suit my needs and I am still playing around with it to fulfill my biggest priorities:
1) avoiding injuries. I get plenty of sleep and protein and I reset on form whenever I feel it's getting too sloppy. I record my workouts frequently and scrutinize them pretty closely. It means leaving ego at the door and realizing that the long term is more important than the short term gainz. Getting injured destroys your gains and confidence more than anything else, not to mention that I am in Afghanistan so getting good medical care is kind of difficult.
2) not overloading on Volume. I have 10 oz. washers that I use to microload on squat, bench and OHP. I am happy with a consistent 1.25/2.5 pounds a week on Volume Day. I also don't run a standard M-W-F TM. Sometimes I will take 2-3 days off in between and run/oly lift in the interim. I really like the mid-cycle two day split I have been doing for the past two weeks.
3) maintaining a general level of fitness. I can't just get powerlifter fat because I'm in the military. I still have to pass the body fat test and I still have to be able to run. I think running also helps with active recovery and I just feel better when I am slimmer.
It's also easy to make gains when you are deployed because there is plenty of time to work out, near unlimited healthy food and no booze.
2 APR:
squat:
3x275
1x325
5x375
1x405
3x315
ohp:
1x155
3x195
3x185
5x165
deadlift
3x315
1x405
2x450 (PR) This is the most disappointing PR of my life. I wanted at least 3 reps here and I figured I could do more volume at lighter weights but I couldn't even get 405 off the ground after this double.
dips:
3x6x45
face-pulls