Beerdrinker's log

[beerdrinker]

Being sick a while ago might have something to do with it as well. I was too sick to go to the gym for over a week, and when I finally managed to get back in and lift, all of my lifts took a big knock.

I'm sure it was a factor. I am needing to change it up though.

 

[beerdrinker]

Week 16, Day 1

Squats: 140x5,175x5,205x5,240x5,275x4

Bench: 115x5,140x5,170x5,200x5,230x4

Rows: 115x5,140x5,170x5,200x5,230x2,230x3,170x8


Squats failed on last rep of last set. I didn't really think I could do it, but I thought I'd give it a shot. That's what power racks are for. I think I should be able to get 5 at the end of this week.

Bench failed again at rep 5. I almost had it, but failed after it was half up. I am definitely weaker at the top. I am going to change this up now. I am very strong in the first 3 reps but reps 4 and 5 have me running out of steam. I'm going to change this to 3x3 starting Friday or Saturday. I will micro load it up to 232.5 and do it for 3x3. I will see how that goes.

With rows, I failed at on the third rep on my first attempt at 3. I came back to it after a few minutes and took a little different approach. I treated it more like 3 singles. I took a few breaths between each rep instead of one rep per breath as I usually do it. This helped, and I got the 3 reps. I kind of doubt I will get 5 reps next time, but I will see.

 

[beerdrinker]

Squats: 140x5,175x5,205x5,240x5,275x3

Bench: 115x5,145x5,175x5,205x5,232.5x3,232.5x3,232.5x3

Rows: 115x5,140x5,170x5,200x5,230x4


Squats sucked. Didn't get 5 like I hoped. These are feeling very very heavy. I think I am finally, after 16 weeks, going to have to reset the weight on these. What a ride though. Almost 40lbs gain.

As planned, I did 232.5x3x3 on bench. First set wasn't too bad, but the second two sets were HARD. I managed to get all reps though.

Failed on rep 5 on rows. Got 1 rep better this time, so next time I will try for 5 again.

I think this post will close out this log. I am making changes to my routine, and while I am going to keep it in the same vein as the intermediate 5x5, it will be different. Hopefully this log will be of use to another novice lifter finding his way. I may bump it a now and then with PR updates and such.

 

[Sculelos]

Impressive improvement. Look forward to reading your new log!