The Jungle Book: Jaguarr's 2007 Journal

[jaguarr]

Hi Folks,
Time to get my '07 journal set up:

Configuration
I work quite a bit of periodization into my split, changing things up every two to three weeks to keep my muscles from "learning" my routine. I like the assortment of exercises that I work with, so this approach lets me keep using them without them becoming stale. So, I'll run two to three weeks of say 6x3's, switch to 3x6's and do the same, and so forth with other configs including 3x8's and 4x10's. This approach has definitely helped keep things fresh and prevent my body from adapting to my routine. I also tend to use some different rep/set ranges on certain lifts where I've found something different to be more effective, such as using more reps and sets on calves and lats for example. In addition, I've found using slow negatives and pauses at the bottom of lifts to bring good success, so I try to incorporate those where I can as well.

There are a couple of guidelines that I use in every workout that drive what I am doing with my gym time. The first is the objective of beating my log book each and every single time I touch the iron. Whether it's more weight or more reps, the goal is to do better than the last time I was in the gym doing those exercises. The second is to keep my workouts on a very specific time schedule and use rest time to it's maximum benefit. The prevailing theory is that 60-90 second rest time between sets maximizes growth. 30-60 seconds maximizes strength. So, I keep my rest times at around 60-90 seconds on most lifts. The exception to this is when I am doing 6x3 configurations, where I'll keep them at around 30-45 seconds. The driver for that is the second part of my timing for workouts and that's keeping workouts as short as possible. After ~60 minutes, the body starts to go catabolic so I shoot for the 60 minutes or less mark on most lifting days. Again, 6x3 days can sometimes go slightly over this.


Before Each Workout

I feel a proper warmup is essential to get my body in the "mood" to lift. Before I start lifting in earnest on each workout, I use the following approach.

Jumprope
I use the jumprope as a warmup tool, jumping rope at a medium pace for 45 second sets with a 30 second break inbetween those sets for roughly 5 minutes or so. It gets the blood moving and the oxygen flowing.

Eliptical (aka "The Epileptical")
Lately I've been using 10 minutes of medium pace for a warmup in place of the jumprope. I've been liking this approach quite a bit and will use it more often than the jumprope most likely Depends on whether I want to shake up some boredom with the rope or not. :D

Abs
Weighted Murderball (Swissball) Crunches
Weighted Crunches and/or Weighted V-Ups
Roman Chairs And/Or Hanging Leg Raises
The Ab Wheel Of Doom

I do the abs routine before every workout, two weeks on and then take a week off from it before going back to it. I tend to do select one or two of the ab exercises above and run them in a 3x25 configuration with a bit of extra weight where needed.


The Workout

And now on to my current split. I alternate between a chest/bi's, legs/shoulders, back/tri's 3 day split, and a chest/tri's, legs/shouldres, back/bi's 3 day split. I'm currently using the more push/pull oriented version. One thing that I do during some workouts is 30 second stretch of the targeted muscle group from multiple angles and then 10 second hard flex after each segment/exercise. That is to say, after I finish all of say my Incline DB Presses, I'll stretch the chest muscles out real well and then flex them for a full 10 seconds. This helps keep the muscles flexible and fills them with more blood to help maximize growth (at least that's the theory). Here's what I do currently. All exercises are listed in the order in which they are performed.:


Day 1: Chest & Tri's
- Incline DB Press OR Incline BB Press
- Flat DB Press OR Flat BB Press
- FlatFly
- Close Grip BB Bench Press OR Reverse Grip BB Bench Press
- Weighted Dips
- Cross-Bench DB Pullovers

- 15-30 minutes of cardio on Elipitical after lifting when I'm up for it (I'm STILL bulking, so heavy cardio's not a big focus for me at the moment) and then 15 minutes of proper full body stretching afterwards.

NOTES: I've been strictly a DB Press kind of guy for over a year now. I initially started this because of shoulder issues. Power Hooks have helped me to press some pretty strong weight and my shoulders are doing great as a result. I am thinking of rotating some straight bar benching back into my routine just to see how it goes with the shoulders. I am anticipating that I'll probably have to back my weight off a bit, at least initially, while I feel these out so that I don't FUBAR my shoulders.


Day 2: Off
Cardio if I get the itch.


Day 3: Legs & Shoulders

- ATG Squats
- Weighted Donkey Calf Raises OR Standing Calf Raises
- Leg Extensions (optional)
- Leg Curls OR SLDL's
- 1 Arm Shoulder Press
- BB Shrugs
- Standing Side Lat Raise
- Rear Delt Rows

- 15-30 minutes of cardio on Elipitical after lifting when I'm up for it and then proper full body stretching afterwards.


Day 4: Off
Cardio if I wanna. :D


Day 5: Back & Bi's

- Lat's Giant Set (usually 2x10 on each exercise):
* Shoulder-width Grip Pullup
* Hammer Grip Sternum Pullup
*Rack Chins
- Rack Pull Deadlift
- BB Rows, T-Bar OR DB Rows
- Standing DB Curl OR Straight BB CUrl
- Concentration Curls OR Weighted Chins
- Reverse Grip BB Curls and Forearm Curls in Supersets

- 15-30 minutes of cardio on Elipitical after lifting when I'm up for it and then proper full body stretching afterwards.


Day 6 & 7: Off

Rest. Rinse. Repeat. It ain't fancy, but it's solid, rooted in compound lifts and works for me. I'm looking at adding a cable attachment to my PowerCage and if/when I do, I'll probably be changing this up slightly to allow for some new movements.


Goals

My goals this year are very simple. One; get bigger. Two; get stronger. Three; put a little more focus on dropping the BF percentage I'm carrying (roughly 14%) than I have in the past 18 months.


Diet
My diet consists of a lot of protein (fresh chicken, turkey, fish, beef, eggs, & whey and casein shakes), lots of fresh veggies and fruits, complex carbs (oatmeal, yams, brown and wild rice, whole wheat pasta), and good fats (EVOO, Flax, fish oil). I eat almost no processed flour or sugars, have no caffeine intake other than an occasional cup of green tea, and drink roughly 1-1.5 gallons of water per day. I put the focus at about 55% protein/ 30% carbs/and 15% fats though I will pretty much reverse the fat and carbs percentages if I'm carb cycling which I do occassionally.

Currently, I'm being treated for low testosterone through the use of the HCG drug Novarel, which allows the continued production of sperm whereas straight testosterone replacement therapy does not. I will be switching to regular testosterone sometime in the coming months as I can't stay on the HCG therapy forever and the intended result of doing so is looking less and less likely though we haven't completely given up hope. When I make the switch, I will probably see a marked improvement in my strength, body composition and energy levels (which are already better than they were prior to my HCG therapy).

Supplementation

My current supplement/vitamin list looks like this:

Vitargo (Waxy Maize Starch)
Scivation Xtend
Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold
Optimum Nutrition Casein
Higher Power Glutamine 1000
NOW ZMA
NOW Glucosamine/MSM
NOW Adam Mutli-Vitamin
Fish Oil Caps
Twin Labs Vegetarion B-12 Dots

And, I just started a trial with some hyuralonic acid. Glucosamine is basically a precursor to it, so using it skips the conversion step in the body. It feeds and lubricates the joints and ligaments, only 20 times more efficiently than glucosamine. It doesn't survive the gut very well, though, but Jarrow has patented a formula that enables hyuralonic acid to survive the digestion process. It takes awhile to kick in and I've only been on it for a couple weeks, so I'll have a better idea on whether I'll continue this one in maybe another four weeks or so. I know guys who swear by this stuff, even though it's a little pricey. I'm also considering doing a trial with a green tea supplement because of the antioxidant properties it carries.

All in all, though, the food I eat is really where the bulk of my spend goes.

And, so, that's about it. If there are any questions or thoughts about what I'm doing, they're welcomed. I'm more than happy to share what I've learned from so many of the folks here as well as continue to learn more and more about how to make what I do more effective and efficient. I have greatly enjoyed the camaraderie, support, exchange of information and ideas, humor and bouts of insanity this forum has offered over the last couple of years and that is why I continue to keep my lifting journal here. I wish each and every one of you a fantastic and productive year full of joy and success, not only in the gym but in all aspects of your life.

Cheers,
jag

[Gunn27]

About bloody time! :D

[kimsquit]

*subscribed*

~ Chris

[ChocoChick]

Looks very well thought out, Jag. Good luck with it all.

[dbx]

Good luck in 07', Jag. Looks like you've got a great plan.

[eddied27]

Sorry.....had to subscribe! ;)

Looks like a solid routine jag.....looking forward to seeing some impressive work from ya.

Take care.....Ed

EDIT: jag....one question: you talk about resting 30-60 seconds to maximize strength. I've usually seen rest of >2minutes on strength programs dependent on the the lift. I'm assuming you're not going to failure on the 6x3's which is why you're keeping rest at 30-60 seconds. Do I have it right?? Curious....... :)

[jmc53]

EDIT: jag....one question: you talk about resting 30-60 seconds to maximize strength. I've usually seen rest of >2minutes on strength programs dependent on the the lift. Curious....... :)

What he said! ^^^
Good to see you back on page 1.

[Mr. Someday]

You wanna know the answer to all 3 of those goals Jag? I know you already know it, you just don't want to hear it!!!:D

Cardio, Cardio, Cardio

[boyscouT]

On board!

[StlBarbie]

BIG WAVES BIG CAT!!! :)
Can't wait to follow along!!! :)

[GREENFEATHER]

I missed you... no homo !! :D

[Chubby Mom]

Hi Jag :D good to have you back :D

[justtryn]

Hey Jag! Great to see you've got your new journal going. I like what you've got planned. Should set you on the road to continued growth. The Mrs. uses hyuralonic acid as well for her knees. Seems to get some benefit from it, as well. Onward!

[BoiseLifer]

Hey Jag! Good to see you back. How are the sinuses?

[GSCampbell]

Blah, Blah, Blah! :d

[joed]

What Mongo said, but less eloquently.

[jtroster]

Welcome back Jungle Cat.

[Flynn]

Hey Jag, Happy New Year. Btw, good detail. Let's see how long it holds - j/k :).

[jaguarr]

About bloody time!

:p


*subscribed*

~ Chris

It'll be like the copy of the crappy newsletter your neighborhood home owners association puts out that you don't even really read, won't it? :sadbutforgingonanywaysmiley:


Looks very well thought out, Jag. Good luck with it all.

Thanks, chocolategirl!


Good luck in 07', Jag. Looks like you've got a great plan.

Thanks, bro! I've gotten to where I've learned what does work for me and what doesn't. Just a matter of doing it and trying new things every now and again as well.


Sorry.....had to subscribe!

Looks like a solid routine jag.....looking forward to seeing some impressive work from ya.

Take care.....Ed

EDIT: jag....one question: you talk about resting 30-60 seconds to maximize strength. I've usually seen rest of >2minutes on strength programs dependent on the the lift. I'm assuming you're not going to failure on the 6x3's which is why you're keeping rest at 30-60 seconds. Do I have it right?? Curious....... :)

Yeah, the >2 minutes thing is pretty common with power lifting type routines and some other programs and is definitely strength focused, but I've always read the 30-60 second rest as being more geared towards strength than mass building. Glad to you have you on board!


What he said! ^^^
Good to see you back on page 1.

I slipped to page 2 again. I'm so embarrassed. :embarrassedsmiley:


You wanna know the answer to all 3 of those goals Jag? I know you already know it, you just don't want to hear it!!!

Cardio, Cardio, Cardio

You know what? I do know it and cardio has been sort of the big missing ingredient from my magic recipe. I do some, and I've gotten much better about it the last couple of months, but not nearly to the extent that I need to be. Thanks for the reality check and reminder, Steve.


On board!

We'll make ye stand on the poop deck, ye scurvy dog! Sorry...>I don't know where the hell that came from. :confused:


BIG WAVES BIG CAT!!!
Can't wait to follow along!!!

Barb, it's always a pleasure to have you in my journal. Your enthusiasm and support is such a big boost for me and everyone else around here to give it our all. Thank you.


I missed you... no homo !!

My brotha from anotha motha!!!!!!!


Hi Jag ! good to have you back

Thanks! It's still going to be pretty busy for me at work for awhile, but I'll do my best to keep up with ya'll!


Hey Jag! Great to see you've got your new journal going. I like what you've got planned. Should set you on the road to continued growth. The Mrs. uses hyuralonic acid as well for her knees. Seems to get some benefit from it, as well. Onward!

Thanks, Mark! After the holidays and some crazy business travel last week ( I didn't get TOO far out of line with my diet, but I didn't really get to work out like I prefer to), I'm ready to get dialed back in and start pounding the iron again. Is JT2 using the Jarrow brand of hyuralonic acid or a different one? Has it worked well for her?


Hey Jag! Good to see you back. How are the sinuses?

Thanks, man! The sinuses are doing great! How about yours!? You healed up and hitting the weight hard and heavy again?


Blah, Blah, Blah! :d

Oh, it's always about YOU, isn't it? :mad:


What Mongo said, but less eloquently.

Oh, it's always about Mongo, isn't it!? :mad:


Welcome back Jungle Cat.

Thanks, Joel! Looks like you're still wailing away on the iron in your journal! Keep up the good work!


Hey Jag, Happy New Year. Btw, good detail. Let's see how long it holds - j/k .

If I tell ya'll what I'm doing up front in great detail then I don't have to explain anything later on. :D

Hitting chest & tri's tonight after work. I also ordered my lat tower option for my power rack today. Looking forward to doing some tri pushdowns, cable rows, lat isolation and other fun things with it. Whoo!

Alright, back to work for me. It's still insanity around here.
jag

[justtryn]

Is JT2 using the Jarrow brand of hyuralonic acid or a different one? Has it worked well for her?

She's using NOW brand. I think it's been working pretty, well, although the cold weather seems to be bothering her knee a little bit.

[jaguarr]

She's using NOW brand. I think it's been working pretty, well, although the cold weather seems to be bothering her knee a little bit.

Check into the Jarrow brand. They've developed a formula that survives the gastric process and delivers the good stuff into the system more efficiently. BB.com doesn't carry it, but maybe if enough of us write in and ask them to start offering it (and why it's better than the other brands), they will.

jag

[Original Poster]

Hey Jag !

Nice to have you back Bud!
Kick some ass in 07.

[pastorgbc]

I like the periodization and I am starting to see some of the benefits of that myself. It is actually by accident with the holidays affecting my normal schedule and my having to move things around to make sure I get everything in.

I'll be interested in how your supplementation is working for you Hep-Cat. I'm trying some of the adaptogens right now (rhodiola and ginseng) and I do find they are holding the stress down.

Hang in there and welcome back.

Ray

[boyscouT]

We'll make ye stand on the poop deck, ye scurvy dog! Sorry...>I don't know where the hell that came from. :confused:

jag
LOL have you been watching PotC? ahahaha

[=M=]

Hyvaa iltapaiva, Jag!

Great to have you back. :)

[StlBarbie]

So looking forward to the CHEST/TRI summary ....... as always, we will be picking our jaws up off the floor!! :)
Hope you have a GREAT DAY BIG CAT!! :)

[mom24boys]

(((((JAGGIES)))) big hug, I missed you :) Hows things in the Jags household and with Mrs Jags?

[jaguarr]

Answering Reader Mail


Hey Jag !

Nice to have you back Bud!
Kick some ass in 07.

Thanks, brotha! The holidays are behind me and the business travel will hopefully be light the next couple of months so I can knuckle down on the lifting and the diet. Good grief is it hard to get enough to eat when you're on the road!


I like the periodization and I am starting to see some of the benefits of that myself. It is actually by accident with the holidays affecting my normal schedule and my having to move things around to make sure I get everything in.

I'll be interested in how your supplementation is working for you Hep-Cat. I'm trying some of the adaptogens right now (rhodiola and ginseng) and I do find they are holding the stress down.

Hang in there and welcome back.

Ray

Heya, Ray! The periodization is something I worked in awhile back to keep my routine from getting stale. I'm really liking what it's doing for me. The supplementation all seems to be working very well for me at the moment. I'm past the dabbling with designer supps and seem to be turning to only what I need and things that are tried and true for the most part.

LOL have you been watching PotC? ahahaha


Hyvaa iltapaiva, Jag!

Great to have you back.

Hyvaa iitapaiva?? Greenie!!!! Can you get in here and translate for your woman? :D


So looking forward to the CHEST/TRI summary ....... as always, we will be picking our jaws up off the floor!! :)
Hope you have a GREAT DAY BIG CAT!! :)

LOL! I don't know how much jaw will hit the floor, but thanks for the words of encouragement, Barb!


(((((JAGGIES)))) big hug, I missed you :) Hows things in the Jags household and with Mrs Jags?

Thanks, Lisa! Big hugs your way as well! Things are great here in the jungle. The puppies are growing like weeds and all is well now that the holidays and their associated stress are past and we're finally digging into the new year. :)

The Workout

Preface: Kept rest times between 75-90 seconds. Did 30 seconds of stretching of the targeted muscles after each round of sets in an exercise, followed by 10 second muscle group contractions/flexing of the worked muscle group. Man does that burn!

Warm Up: 10 minutes on the "epileptical"

Murderball Crunches - 3x25 w/25# plate on chest

Incline BB Presses - W/U - 135x8/ Working Sets: 205 - 3x6- So, it's been a year and a half since I did any pressing with the barbell. After being forced to use a smith machine last week during my business travel, I decided that I liked the change as it really does hit the muscle group in an entirely different way from the dumbbells and I think it's time to shake things up in the pec department a bit. My only concern about using the barbell, and the main reason I switched over to DB's to begin with, was that my shoulders would hold up as they have given me trouble with BB presses in the past. They held up fine during these, tonight.

Flat BB Bench - W/U - 135x8/Working Sets: 225x6/230x6/235x6 - So, a couple of observations about these, tonight. One, I discovered that I'm a little bit gunshy on these. Probably from them causing so much pain in my shoulders when I last did them regularly. My form was also a little iffy, having not done any of these in ~18 months. I'm mildly disappointed with the weight I was moving on these tonight. I wanted to keep things a little lighter and I discovered that I was really struggling on the last couple of sets. Hopefully I'll see some rapid improvement. I do plan to keep these in the mix for awhile. The pump and the working of the muscle I got tonight was excellent and seemed to hit some places the DB's really don't. I'm gonna have sore boobies tomorrow. :D

Flat DB Flies -65x6/70x6/65x6- PB! (each DB) - Very nice stretch on these tonight.

Reverse Grip Bench - 205x6/210x6/215x6 - Not too shabby considering I was off from them for a couple of weeks.

Dips -Bodyweight + 95x6/95x6/95x6 - Kept the weight backed off a bit in favor of form, tonight.

Cross-Bench DB Pullovers - 95x6 -- My tri's were fried by the end of these.

After that, I cranked out 15 minutes of cardio (yeah, I know it's not enough for what I need to be doing, Steve, but it's a start! :-D ). I got my Vitargo and BCAA's while I stretched out and put weights away. A whey shake is beckoning to me right now with dinner close behind.

Total lift time: 45 minutes. (not including warm-up/abs/cardio)

So, a solid workout, all in all, considering I don't really count what I did last week working out. I definitely hit the muscle groups I was aiming for. I've got some catching up to do on my bench, but it will come. At least the shoulders held up well. We'll see if they're sore tomorrow or not.

Have a good night, folks!
jag

[=M=]

Good afternoon, in Finnish...hey, I'm still trying to learn it, so I gotta practice on people who don't speak it. That way I don't resemble a butthead! :D

[jmc53]

Jag, as a fellow shoulder-issue-type-guy I would struggle with the large jump in weight from your warm-up weight to the first working sets (more so at the flat bench weights where the jump is 90 lbs.). Have you considered slipping an intermediate warm-up weight in there, around 175 to 185?
Damn impressive dips.

[jaguarr]

Good afternoon, in Finnish...hey, I'm still trying to learn it, so I gotta practice on people who don't speak it. That way I don't resemble a butthead! :D

That's a practical language to learn. :confused:


Jag, as a fellow shoulder-issue-type-guy I would struggle with the large jump in weight from your warm-up weight to the first working sets (more so at the flat bench weights where the jump is 90 lbs.). Have you considered slipping an intermediate warm-up weight in there, around 175 to 185?
Damn impressive dips.

Well, they really didn't bother my shoulders much, surprisingly enough. I figured I was warmed up enough from the inclines to just do a light warmup set to check for form before jumping into the heavier reps. Maybe I'll give an intermediary weight a try before doing that next week. Thanks for jarring my memory, Jason.

jag

[justtryn]

The first workout of the year that you've posted, and already a damn PB! Ok, fess up, you're Lee Major's son, aren't you! Jag, the Big Bionic Cat! Sheesh... we don't stand a chance! ;) :D

[boyscouT]

Flat BB Bench - W/U - 135x8/Working Sets: 225x6/230x6/235x6 - So, a couple of observations about these, tonight. One, I discovered that I'm a little bit gunshy on these. Probably from them causing so much pain in my shoulders when I last did them regularly. My form was also a little iffy, having not done any of these in ~18 months. I'm mildly disappointed with the weight I was moving on these tonight. I wanted to keep things a little lighter and I discovered that I was really struggling on the last couple of sets. Hopefully I'll see some rapid improvement. I do plan to keep these in the mix for awhile. The pump and the working of the muscle I got tonight was excellent and seemed to hit some places the DB's really don't. I'm gonna have sore boobies tomorrow. :D

Have a good night, folks!
jag
yay for sore boobies! :D

Pretty strong coincidence, I just tried flat benching for the first time in awhile yesterday as well..... same as you, the numbers were disappointing haha.

[StlBarbie]

Are we doing the SORE BOOBIE HAPPY DANCE in here????? :D

AWESOME JOB JAG .......... YOU are THE MAN!!!!!!!!!

and BIG CAT ......... I LOVE your music ........ being born and bred in STL .. blues ALWAYS has my heart!!! :)

HAVE A HAPPY HuMp DAY JAG!!! :)

[pastorgbc]

I wouldn't fret the sluggishness on the BB bench. The coordination required for the BB and the DB are different. I am sure it will come back to you and the weights will be much more satisfying.

Much props on the dips; that is some excellent work, Hep Cat.

Ray

[kethnaab]

The Workout

*snip*

Incline BB Presses - W/U - 135x8/ Working Sets: 205 - 3x6-

*snip*

Flat BB Bench - W/U - 135x8/Working Sets: 225x6/230x6/235x6 - *snip*
My form was also a little iffy, having not done any of these in ~18 months. I'm mildly disappointed with the weight I was moving on these tonight. I wanted to keep things a little lighter and I discovered that I was really struggling on the last couple of sets.

okay now, repeat after me

"I will warm up my shoulder girdle properly...I will warm up my shoulder girdle properly"

I had shoulder surgery, and before barbell presses, I just absolutely dedicate 30 minutes to stretching and warming up my entire rotator cuff.

that being said, 235x6 is not a bad deal on the flat bench, especially after inclines, especially since you haven't done them in awhile. don't be so eager to pound the weight already. (yes, listen to me and my hypocritical ass blather on and on about "keeping the weight jumps under control" :)


Patience, Jaguar-san...must have patience

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41058000/jpg/_41058072_morita_ap.jpg

[dbx]

I wouldn't fret the sluggishness on the BB bench. The coordination required for the BB and the DB are different. I am sure it will come back to you and the weights will be much more satisfying.

^^^^ I'll bet your weight goes up significantly within a couple of weeks. Nice first session, and welcome back!

[jaguarr]

The first workout of the year that you've posted, and already a damn PB! Ok, fess up, you're Lee Major's son, aren't you! Jag, the Big Bionic Cat! Sheesh... we don't stand a chance!

A PB? I did? Where? :corn-fused:


yay for sore boobies!

Pretty strong coincidence, I just tried flat benching for the first time in awhile yesterday as well..... same as you, the numbers were disappointing haha.

Yeah, my boobies are definitely sore this morning. This is a good thing for me because when I'm experiencing DOMS, my growth is optimal. I'll check your journal to see how things went with the benching for you, yesterday. Considering it's been a year and a half since I did it last, I'm not worrying too much just yet. I'm just starting over with the exercise, is all.



Are we doing the SORE BOOBIE HAPPY DANCE in here????? :D

AWESOME JOB JAG .......... YOU are THE MAN!!!!!!!!!

and BIG CAT ......... I LOVE your music ........ being born and bred in STL .. blues ALWAYS has my heart!!! :)

HAVE A HAPPY HuMp DAY JAG!!! :)

Thanks, Barb! My sore boobies aren't exactly dancing but they are sore. Haha! Glad you're enjoying the music. It's one of my favorite creative outlets!



I wouldn't fret the sluggishness on the BB bench. The coordination required for the BB and the DB are different. I am sure it will come back to you and the weights will be much more satisfying.

Much props on the dips; that is some excellent work, Hep Cat.

Ray

Thanks, Ray! I do know it's a matter of getting the feel and form back. Getting past the mental block I seem to have developed about the bench will come as well. It's just a matter of time. I'll be pushing on getting myself back up to 105 on those weighted dips (and beyond). Digging in hard after a bit of a break is always a challenge.


okay now, repeat after me

"I will warm up my shoulder girdle properly...I will warm up my shoulder girdle properly"

I had shoulder surgery, and before barbell presses, I just absolutely dedicate 30 minutes to stretching and warming up my entire rotator cuff.

that being said, 235x6 is not a bad deal on the flat bench, especially after inclines, especially since you haven't done them in awhile. don't be so eager to pound the weight already. (yes, listen to me and my hypocritical ass blather on and on about "keeping the weight jumps under control" :)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41058000/jpg/_41058072_morita_ap.jpg

LOL! Thanks, Mr. Miyagi. I needed the pep talk. I think my shoulder girdle was fairly well warmed up by the time I hit flat bench. I probably should have done more to warm it up prior to the inclines, though.


^^^^ I'll bet your weight goes up significantly within a couple of weeks. Nice first session, and welcome back!

Thanks, bro! Good to be back!

The boobies are sore today. So are the tri's. A sure sign for me, personally, that I hit things plenty hard last night. Aiming for a bit of cardio after work. Wish me luck! Have a great Hump Day, folks!

jag

[kimsquit]

lookin' good, Jag!

good to see you pushing those benching boundaries - slow & steady is the smart move!

~ Chris

[justtryn]

A PB? I did? Where? :corn-fused



Flat DB Flies -65x6/70x6/65x6- PB!

Now you made me go back and look... I knew I saw a PB in there. Typo?

[aqua-beowulf]

Subscribed :)

Good luck with your goals this year Jag!

[eddied27]

Damn!! You just jump right in don't ya! :D

Excellent kick off to the New Year jag....looking forward to some big things from ya in 07!

Take care.....Ed

[GREENFEATHER]

Throw a few sets of 20 reppers in there if you really wanna feel like your pecs are gonna explode.

[StlBarbie]

HAPPY THURSDAY BIG CAT!!!:)
Hope YOURS .. ROCKS!!! :D


http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q264/stlbarbie/thmsndollzu_1374635014.gif

[jaguarr]

lookin' good, Jag!

good to see you pushing those benching boundaries - slow & steady is the smart move!

~ Chris

Thanks, Chris! At this point I'm just feeling out the edges of the beginning of the fringes of the boundaries. :D I'll be taking my time with them. I'm in no hurry to aggravate my shoulders, which seem to be doing very well following the benching I did on Tuesday.



Now you made me go back and look... I knew I saw a PB in there. Typo?

Made you look! Made you look! :p Yeah, that was a typo from my cut and paste from my old journal. Oops. No PB's the other night.


Subscribed

Good luck with your goals this year Jag!

Hey, Aqua! Good to see you around, here! Many thanks for the well wishes. Last year was a good one for me, and I plan to keep the momentum going this year.



Damn!! You just jump right in don't ya!

Excellent kick off to the New Year jag....looking forward to some big things from ya in 07!

Take care.....Ed

Well, one thing I learned from my granddaddy: either you do it or you don't. There is no in between. :) Thanks for swinging by, Beast. I'll be pushing hard this year!


Throw a few sets of 20 reppers in there if you really wanna feel like your pecs are gonna explode.

I've been considering implementing some of the Widowmaker concept from DC Training into what I'm doing, actually, by picking a weaker body part or lift and doing a 20 rep blast on it after finishing up my working sets. Bench is one I'll probably do this with once I'm feeling more comfortable with the movement once again. It felt pretty awkward the other night, so it may take a couple two or three weeks, but I'll get there.


HAPPY THURSDAY BIG CAT!!!
Hope YOURS .. ROCKS!!!


http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q264/stlbarbie/thmsndollzu_1374635014.gif

Thanks, Barb! YOU rock! :)


Finally feel like I'm getting my diet back on track after all the travel last week. I did an OK job of not getting too carried away with eating crappy stuff, but the biggest problem I had was just not getting enough to eat. When you're pulling 10-12 hour days in the kind of working environment I was in, it becomes horribly difficult to meet your caloric intake. And, it's sometimes hard to eat as cleanly as you like as well. I'm finally starting to dump the bloat and smoothness my body had taken on from last week and am getting the calories that I need. I'll just call it a short cutting cycle and move on. :D

Legs and shoulders tonight. Should be interesting. I had a horrible charlie horse in my middle back last week from a not so comfortable bed and it's still a little sore back there. Hopefully it doesn't hold me back on the squats tonight.

Have a great day, folks!
jag

[Chubby Mom]

congrats on dumping the bloat Jag :D

[jaguarr]

congrats on dumping the bloat Jag :D

Hahaha! I bet you say that to all the boys. :eek:


The Workout

Well, started feeling kind of run down and tired, even a little feverish, around 3pm this afternoon. Nothing too heavy, but enough to make me wonder if my wild week of travel last week replete with lack of sleep, crappy diet and more booze than I usually consume had finally caught up with me. Came home to find Lady Jag bundled up on the couch and running a fever. Might be a bug in the house. :mad: At any rate, between that and my back still feeling a little tight and sore from sleeping on that plywood mattress at the hotel last wek, I wasn't sure what sort of workout I was in for. Here's how it went:

reface: 30 second stretch from multiple angles after each segment/exercise followed by a 10 second hard flex of the worked muscle group . I work this in and out on random weeks. Kept rest times between 70-90 seconds.

Warmup - 10 minutes on the "epileptical". Still liking this as a warmup over the jumprope at the moment. When I get bored with it I'll go back to jumprope. :)

Murderball Crunches - 3x25 w/25 lb. plate.

ATG Barbell Squats – W/U -185 x 10; /205x8/215x8/225x8 - So, kept it a little lighter on these tonight so as not to aggravate my back. Seemed to hold up alright but I quickly discovered that my strength was WAY down tonight and I wound up having to work for these a bit.

Standing Calf Raises - 3x20 @ 135 - Still rehabbing that left calf. These felt pretty good tonight.

SLDL's - 210/215/220 - 3x6 - Again, kept the weight backed off quite a bit on these tonight to protect my back.

One Arm Shoulder Press – 45x6/50x6/55x6- Back held up pretty well on these.

BB Shrugs - 225/230/235 - 3x10- Alternated between a close and shoulder-width grip. 3 count at the top of most reps and held the bar at the bottom for 10 on each set. Did these nice and slow to get maximum burn since I was working with lighter weight tonight.

Standing Side Lateral Raises - 45 @ 3x6-- I was starting to lose steam by the time I got to these, tonight.

Rear Delt Row - 95 @ 3x6 -- Was pretty much done when I finished these. Energy levels were toast.

I wasn't up for cardio after all that tonight, so I added a bit of extra water to my BCAA's and then threw in a couple scoops of Vitargo, which I chugged while I was stretching out and putting away the weights. Supershake(tm) soon to follow.

Total Lift Time - 55 minutes. (warmup/abs not included)


So, not a stellar workout, but I got through it. I really hope I'm not coming down with something. My energy and strength levels were off by quite a bit tonight, and I've changed nothing in my pre-workout nutrition protocol. Hopefully it's just an off night and nothing a good night or two of sleep won't fix.

Buenos Noches, amigos!
jag

[mom24boys]

hope you dont get sick and lady Jag feels better soon.

[boyscouT]

Jag, what does holding the bar at the bottom of the rep during shrugging actually do for traps?

[kimsquit]

hope you & the Missus get over it, whatever it is!

[jaguarr]

Phew! Busy couple of days at work the last part of the week! :eek:


hope you dont get sick and lady Jag feels better soon.

Thanks, Mom! I seem to be doing better. I never quite whatever it was full blown, but I still don't feel quite 100%. Hopefully working out today will help shake it out.


Jag, what does holding the bar at the bottom of the rep during shrugging actually do for traps?

Why don't you give it a try with a slow ten count and tell me what you think they do. :)



hope you & the Missus get over it, whatever it is!

Thanks, bro!

Back & Bi's later today and then off to some work function thing for my wife that she promises will be "fun". I remain suspicious. :D

jag

[camchad]

Glad you and Lady Jag are feeling better.

I'm sure you'll have a kick ass workout again today.

Enjoy the "work thing" with the missus and make the best of it.

Hey do you have any updated pics of those cute puppies?

Have an awesome weekend.
camchad

[jaguarr]

Thanks, camchad! Yeah, I've got a ton of pics of the pups. I'll get some together and post 'em when I get a moment. They're getting HUGE (for Pomeranians :D ).

The Workout

Well, this workout finally felt like I'm getting back to my usual standards again, following a Week Of Weak. :D Here's how it went:

Preface: 30 second stretch from multiple angles after each segment/exercise. Kept rest times between 45-90 seconds depending on the lift.

Warmup: 10 minutes on the "epileptical".

Murderball Crunches - 3x25 w/25#'s

Murderball Crotch Pass - 3x10 - :D I really don't know what the hell to call these, so they get a creative name. I lay on the floor on my back and take the Swissball in my hands, holding it straight back past my head and then bring it up and over my head while raising my legs off the floor at the same time and pass the ball to my feet and then back to the starting position, except with the ball now in my feet, and then back once again in the same fashion passing the ball back to my hands. That's one repetition. Fun for the core.

10x2 - Shoulder Width Grip Pullups - BW
10x2- Hammer Grip Sternum Pullups - BW
10x2- Rack Chins - BW


Rack Pull Deads - W/U1 135x10 / W/U2 - 205x8 - Work sets - 295x6/300x6/305x5 -- Felt a bit stronger on my compounds today, finally. Looking back at my records, it's been over three weeks since I played with weight over 300 on these, so I'm very happy to be hitting it so strong after time away like this.

Bench Supported Barbell Rows -165/170/175 x 6 - Picked right up where I left off with these, including the 175 which is my previous working PB.

Standing BB Curls - 110/115/120 x6 - Decided to work some BB curls back into the mix on these, today. I'm gonna feel 'em in the morning. Wrists held up very nicely.

Superset
Chinups - 3x6

Concentration Curls - 50 lbs. - 6x3 - PB- Done seated, elbow braced against thigh and leaning forward to take the back out of the movement. Up another 5 #'s. New territory for me.

Did a set of chinups immediately followed by the concentration curls. *whimper*

Superset
Reverse Grip BB Curls - 90
BB Forearm Curls - 90

Another superset to finish things off. Ouch.

Cranked out 20 minutes of cardio and then mixed some Vitargo with the rest of my BCAA's and chugged it down. Whey shake coming soon. Stretched out after I put the weights away.

Total Lift Time - 55 minutes. (abs/warmup/cardio not included)

So, this is more like it and closer to my personal standards for my workouts. A couple days of R&R with maybe a cardio session thrown in and hopefully I'll be able to head into next week with some momentum.

Time for a shake and to get cleaned up for my wife's work thing tonight. Gotta get some practice being a company husband for when she strikes the jackpot and I get to retire early. :D

Have a great Saturday, everyone!

jag

[mom24boys]

waves hiyas :)

[justtryn]

Good looking session, Jag! Those murder ball passes sound nasty. Just don't drop them when you grab them with your feet! :eek:

[boyscouT]

Why don't you give it a try with a slow ten count and tell me what you think they do. :)

jag
Yea I did holds awhile ago, but I never could find the actual reason for doing them.

Congrats on the concentration curls! You're almost catching up to me ;) :p.

[Chubby Mom]

Happy Monday Jag hope you had a great Weekend :D

[pastorgbc]

The trainer at our gym calls them leg-to-hand ball passes, but I like murderball crotch pass a lot better. Sounds like a gadget play in football.

Looking good Hep-Cat.

Ray

[=M=]

Hei Jag!
Kiva tyo!! (great work in Finnish!!) :D

[someday]

muder ball crotch pass :D only you!

[jaguarr]

waves hiyas

Hiya, Moms! :)


Good looking session, Jag! Those murder ball passes sound nasty. Just don't drop them when you grab them with your feet!

Well, it is only a Swiss Ball, so it shouldn't hurt TOO bad if I ever drop it in my crotch. However, my stomach has been SORE the last couple of days from this new addition to my ab/core routine. I highly recommend them!


Yea I did holds awhile ago, but I never could find the actual reason for doing them.

If you're flexing while you do the holds, you're pushing blood into the muscle of the targeted area which can aid in growth.



Congrats on the concentration curls! You're almost catching up to me

Now, now. This is all about competition with ourselves not others, youngblood. Let me enjoy my small victories so soon after returning to the weight following time off. ;)


Happy Monday Jag hope you had a great Weekend

Thanks, NSCM! Had a very nice, if too short, weekend. Hope yours was beautiful!


The trainer at our gym calls them leg-to-hand ball passes, but I like murderball crotch pass a lot better. Sounds like a gadget play in football.

Looking good Hep-Cat.

Ray

Yeah, I like my name for 'em better too, Ray. Heh! They sure are effective, I'll say that!


Hei Jag!
Kiva tyo!! (great work in Finnish!!)

Ankyouthay evervay uchmay, M-ay! :D


muder ball crotch pass only you!

Hahahaha! Admit it. It's a catchy name.


Had a decent weekend with the Missus. Got caught up on my sleep and a few things around the house. Did manage to do 30 minutes of cardio this evening on the "epileptical" as well, so that was a good thing. I also got some great news from my urologist today during my visit with him; my sperm count and motility are up and pretty much normal which is a pretty big improvement over where it was at in September. I'm ecstatic about this as it gives me and the Missus hope. We're tryin', dammit! :D I'm still reeling from the shock of paying someone $100 to let me hang out in their office and jerk off in a cup, though. It's like I pimped myself out to....myself. :confused: Was that too graphic for everyone? Ooops. :D At any rate, he's going to keep me on the HCG for another three months and then see where we're at.

Happy Monday, folks!
jag

[StlBarbie]

HEY BIG CAT .. so hope you don't mind because you can crush me :eek:.. but I used THIS IS WHO I AM .. for SPINNING WARM UP today ...........
THEY LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D


HAPPY MONDAY BIG CAT!! :)

[jaguarr]

HEY BIG CAT .. so hope you don't mind because you can crush me :eek:.. but I used THIS IS WHO I AM .. for SPINNING WARM UP today ...........
THEY LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:

HAPPY MONDAY BIG CAT!! :)

Hey, Barb! That's awesome! I'm glad they enjoyed it! Just don't play "Tapping The Devil's Tattoo" for them! :eek:

:D

Happy Monday to you!

jag

[StlBarbie]

Ok .. SO AGREED on THAT ONE!! ;) :p
BUT .. I can't WAIT to use GO FOR THE JUGULAR ...
THAt will be PERFECT for HILLCLIMBING!!! :D

You've got some awesome stuff here JAG!!!:)

[Forge3]

Hey Jag. First time I think I've dropped in to check out your log.

I must say you keep a really organized log and that reflects as keeping detailed notes on your training. It may sound like I'm a school teacher grading a students campus note book but I just see the signs of dedication (working hard and smart) :D


Keep up the good work and best wishes with getting bigger, stronger and lowering the BF % ;)

[jaguarr]

Ok .. SO AGREED on THAT ONE!! :p
BUT .. I can't WAIT to use GO FOR THE JUGULAR ...
THAt will be PERFECT for HILLCLIMBING!!!

You've got some awesome stuff here JAG!!!:)

LOL! Yeah, that song is a little too racey for a spinning class! I'm glad you're enjoying the tunes, Barb! Nice to get a little feedback on my work. Have a great Tuesday! :)


Hey Jag. First time I think I've dropped in to check out your log.

I must say you keep a really organized log and that reflects as keeping detailed notes on your training. It may sound like I'm a school teacher grading a students campus note book but I just see the signs of dedication (working hard and smart) :D


Keep up the good work and best wishes with getting bigger, stronger and lowering the BF % ;)

Hey, thanks for dropping in, Professor Forge. :D Over the last couple of years, I've managed to learn what will and what won't work for me through trial and error and thanks to all of the amazing, knowledgeable folks here on these forums. The trick is following through on all of that and staying consistent. My last journals have been a great melting pot of interesting information on training, diet and supplements that I've picked up, my workout log and spontaneous bouts of inspired madness for myself and many others. If people don't learn anything from my journal, it's likely they'll be entertained (or offended! LOL!). Glad to see you in here.

Chest & Tri's tonight. Should be interesting to see how my second week of BB benching after 18 mos. of strictly doing DB benching goes. Still working on getting my form and confidence back on that lift while keeping my shoulder safe. Good times!

Happy Tuesday, gang!
jag

[boyscouT]

LOL @ all the nicknames you're giving us.

[aqua-beowulf]

LOL @ all the nicknames you're giving us.
Yeah, I like the one he gave me better than my own :(

[StlBarbie]

AH BIG CAT .. GO FOR THE JUGULAR is SO WELL NAMED!!! :eek:
I took myself out on the SQUATS today .. and of course, I blame it on YOU!!! :D:D:D

HAPPY TUESDAY BIG CAT!!! :)

[jaguarr]

Answering Reader Mail


LOL @ all the nicknames you're giving us.

Funny you should mention that, since you got yourself a new nickname in your own journal today. :D


Yeah, I like the one he gave me better than my own :(

:D


AH BIG CAT .. GO FOR THE JUGULAR is SO WELL NAMED!!!
I took myself out on the SQUATS today .. and of course, I blame it on YOU!!!

HAPPY TUESDAY BIG CAT!!!

Love that you're getting such great use out of my music, Barb! :)


The Workout

Preface: Kept rest times between 75-90 seconds except on flat bench, which gravitated more towards 2 minutes. Did 30 seconds of stretching of the targeted muscles after each round of sets in an exercise, followed by 10 second muscle group contractions/flexing of the worked muscle group. Man does that burn!

Warm Up: 10 minutes on the "epileptical"

Murderball Crunches - 3x25 w/25# plate on chest

Murderball Crotch Pass - 3x10 - : D I really don't know what the hell to call these, so they get a creative name. I lay on the floor on my back and take the Swissball in my hands, holding it straight back past my head and then bring it up and over my head while raising my legs off the floor at the same time and pass the ball to my feet and then back to the starting position, except with the ball now in my feet, and then back once again in the same fashion passing the ball back to my hands. That's one repetition. Fun for the core.

Incline BB Presses - W/U - 135x10/ W/U 2 - 175x8/ Working Sets: 205x6/210x6/215x6 - Shoulder still holding up great with the presses. Form was a little better tonight. Still not feeling 100% confident with them, though, but getting better. Wound up 10 #'s up from last week.

Flat BB Bench - W/U - 135x10/ W/U 2 - 185x8/Working Sets: 225x6/230x6/235x6/245x2/255x1 - Still a bit gunshy on these damn things. Going to take longer than I thought to really get back into some serious weight on these, so I threw in a couple of heavier sets than my working sets with just a rep or two to start conditioning myself to pushing a bit heavier weight. Gonna have to work my way back up on these the old fashioned way. Still, that one rep set puts me 20 #'s up over last week. I think doing this every week will help me in the confidence game and help condition my muscles for moving up into heavier territory.

Flat DB Flies -65x6/70x6/75x6- (each DB) - Very nice stretch on these tonight. Back up to my 75# working weight, which is my current personal best. 80's are in my future!

Close Grip Bench - 205x6 - So, I quickly discovered that all that benching left me feeling a bit on the low side of strong when I got to my tri's. Hehehe! Had to keep it a little lighter on these, tonight.

Cross-Bench DB Pullovers - 95x6 -- My tri's were fried by the end of these.

Dips -Bodyweight + 45x6/45x6/45x6 - I was toast by the time I got to these, and my glucogens were dipping hard, so I kept the extra weight on the really low side tonight and just cranked these out quick before I crashed.

I got my Vitargo and BCAA's while I stretched out and put weights away, and then ran off to the showers. No time for cardio, as I had a guy coming by to look at one of my old PowerBooks I had for sale and needed to not smell like a giant armpit as I didn't think that would help the sale. It must have been a good idea, because I sold it. :D I did get a whey shake before he got here and dinner is on it's way.

Total lift time: 60 minutes. (not including warm-up/abs)

One observation I made tonight while lifting is that I am VERY out of alignment and I know that can impact my energy and strength levels. So, I'll be seeing if I can get into the chiro tomorrow to get myself straightened out. I'm having a difficult time getting my energy and strength levels up to my particular standards the last couple of weeks and that's about the only thing I can think of that might be different as diet, rest and everything else has been spot on the last couple of weeks (though my business trip prior to that definitely messed up my diet). Ahh, well. It will all come back. It all goes in cycles, ya know.

Have a great Hump Day's Eve, folks!

jag

[Forge3]

LOL! Yeah, that song is a little too racey for a spinning class! I'm glad you're enjoying the tunes, Barb! Nice to get a little feedback on my work. Have a great Tuesday! :)



Hey, thanks for dropping in, Professor Forge. :D Over the last couple of years, I've managed to learn what will and what won't work for me through trial and error and thanks to all of the amazing, knowledgeable folks here on these forums. The trick is following through on all of that and staying consistent. My last journals have been a great melting pot of interesting information on training, diet and supplements that I've picked up, my workout log and spontaneous bouts of inspired madness for myself and many others. If people don't learn anything from my journal, it's likely they'll be entertained (or offended! LOL!). Glad to see you in here.

Chest & Tri's tonight. Should be interesting to see how my second week of BB benching after 18 mos. of strictly doing DB benching goes. Still working on getting my form and confidence back on that lift while keeping my shoulder safe. Good times!

Happy Tuesday, gang!
jag

I think one's journal is like the autobiography of a bodybuilder. I still have a lot of chapters to add onto mine. (NO PROFESSORSORIO) :D

[boyscouT]

mmmmmm crotch passes........

and nice benching!

how come your PBs aren't in red anymore? forgetting to color code?

[jaguarr]

Jagster, as far as I know these are called hand to foot, foot to hand passes - I personally think there has to be a better name for these :)

Nice looking work-out as usual.

Have a great evening.
camchad

Ahhh, but there IS a better name for them: Murderball Crotch Pass! :D Thanks, cam! Always nice to have you visit me in the loony bin.


I think one's journal is like the autobiography of a bodybuilder. I still have a lot of chapters to add onto mine. (NO PROFESSORSORIO) :D

Amen to that, Professor! I think we've all got a lot of chapters to write. What's been interesting has been to go back and read my journals from the last couple of years and see how much I've progressed and how much I've learned. One great thing about what we do is that the knowledge never stops coming as better ways are discovered to do some of this and new ideas are brought forward. :cool:


mmmmmm crotch passes........

and nice benching!

how come your PBs aren't in red anymore? forgetting to color code?

Yeah, that wasn't a PB. I was cutting and pasting and forgot to take that out of there. So, that's why there was no red. As far as the crotch passes, those things are brutal, dude. My abs are STILL sore from the last time I did 'em! :eek: Benching's nowhere near where it should be, but it'll come along over time. After pushing the DB's for 18 months, it's going to just take some time and hard work to get there is all. The good news is that the shoulder is holding up nicely with this BB press work.

And now, it's time for some sleep. G'night, folks!
jag

[boyscouT]

I'm the opposite.... i've been pushing the BB for so long, i'm afraid to touch the DBs :eek: :(.

[kethnaab]

yeah, but when you make the switch, the mass gains come pretty rapidly

[GREENFEATHER]

Had a decent weekend with the Missus. Got caught up on my sleep and a few things around the house. Did manage to do 30 minutes of cardio this evening on the "epileptical" as well, so that was a good thing. I also got some great news from my urologist today during my visit with him; my sperm count and motility are up and pretty much normal which is a pretty big improvement over where it was at in September. I'm ecstatic about this as it gives me and the Missus hope. We're tryin', dammit! :D I'm still reeling from the shock of paying someone $100 to let me hang out in their office and jerk off in a cup, though. It's like I pimped myself out to....myself. :confused: Was that too graphic for everyone? Ooops. :D At any rate, he's going to keep me on the HCG for another three months and then see where we're at.

Happy Monday, folks!
jag


That not 1/2 as much fun as handing one in to have them tell you your shooting blanks.:eek:

Still think the sage we said for you last week was a waste? :D Gerry will be pleased to know this and that his streak may still remain 100%. Hopefully we'll be hearing that there will be some spotted kittens running amuck shortly.

Sorry for not stopping by, I've had quite a bit on my mind the last few days.

[jaguarr]

I'm the opposite.... i've been pushing the BB for so long, i'm afraid to touch the DBs :eek: :(.

Once I get my bench back on track, I plan to start alternating between DB's and BB bench to keep things fresh for myself, actually. I think I went a little too long with the DB's than I should have, but I did really strengthen up my shoulders with them (and the weighted dips) and that's going to pay off with my bench.


yeah, but when you make the switch, the mass gains come pretty rapidly

That I can already attest to. I've seen some pretty good growth in the last week already from my bench activity. I saw the same thing when I switched over to DB's 18 months ago, too. Really emphasizes the importance of keeping things fresh.


That not 1/2 as much fun as handing one in to have them tell you your shooting blanks.:eek:

Still think the sage we said for you last week was a waste? :D Gerry will be pleased to know this and that his streak may still remain 100%. Hopefully we'll be hearing that there will be some spotted kittens running amuck shortly.

Sorry for not stopping by, I've had quite a bit on my mind the last few days.

Yeah, well I was dangerously close to shooting blanks myself. Not cool. Tell Gerry the gun's got ammo and I'm doing plenty of target practice. LOL! :D (And tell him thanks.). You know where to find me if you need something, bro!


Well, I've got sore boobies this morning. The benching is working it's magic. I also checked the air quality this morning because I've been having a lot of problems with my asthma since I got back from my business trip a couple of weeks ago. Looks like we've had a hella-nasty inversion in the valley that settled in while I was gone and the air quality is absolute **** right now. No wonder I've had problems breathing. Would help explain why my energy levels and such haven't been 100%, as well. Hopefully things will open up and get some fresh air in here, pronto.

Have a great day, folks. It IS Hump Day, after all!

jag

[HoosierHardGain]

Once I get my bench back on track, I plan to start alternating between DB's and BB bench to keep things fresh for myself, actually. I think I went a little too long with the DB's than I should have, but I did really strengthen up my shoulders with them (and the weighted dips) and that's going to pay off with my bench.


This has been my experience as well. It seems my strength number slow down when using a lot of db's for bench, but the size picks up. Funny business this iron game.

[Flynn]

Yeah, I like the one he gave me better than my own :(

Same here! I forgot about the film (character), "The Mighty Flynn" - only Jag :).

[Mr. Someday]

No time for cardio, as I blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.



Can someone please rename this thread "Jag's 1 million and one excuses on how to get out of doing cardio"? :D

[jaguarr]

I was gonna do cardio, but I had to respond to Steve's post. :D

jag

[jaguarr]

Oh, and for those of you who need a surreal yet incredibly funny experience to get you through the rest of the week, I present you with:

Charlie and the Candy Mountain (http://youtube.com/watch?v=JPONTneuaF4&mode=related&search=)

jag

[dbx]

Oh, and for those of you who need a surreal yet incredibly funny experience to get you through the rest of the week, I present you with:

Charlie and the Candy Mountain (http://youtube.com/watch?v=JPONTneuaF4&mode=related&search=)

jag

LOL. My daughter (14) showed me that a couple of weeks ago. It's so stupid that it's funny.

[StlBarbie]

Oh, and for those of you who need a surreal yet incredibly funny experience to get you through the rest of the week, I present you with:

Charlie and the Candy Mountain (http://youtube.com/watch?v=JPONTneuaF4&mode=related&search=)

jag

LMAO at THIS!!! :D
and KUDOs on the sore boobies ... WELL EARNED BIG CAT!!! :)

I guess I will never be calling you CARDIO CAT, now will I??? :p

[Forge3]

Once I get my bench back on track, I plan to start alternating between DB's and BB bench to keep things fresh for myself, actually. I think I went a little too long with the DB's than I should have, but I did really strengthen up my shoulders with them (and the weighted dips) and that's going to pay off with my bench.
That I can already attest to. I've seen some pretty good growth in the last week already from my bench activity. I saw the same thing when I switched over to DB's 18 months ago, too. Really emphasizes the importance of keeping things fresh.
Nn

:D

Yepper. I find even on a mental level it helps to keep things fresh. Neverending squat and deadlift work can seem daunting at times. The Leg press can be a good change of pace from time to time. And dumbbells are great in that I find it helps with the stabilizer muscles (IE conditioning, neuropathway work). Then when you return to the bench after a three week run of Dbs, and take time to adjust, you find increased capacity to control the level and arc of the bar, even as involved muscles reach fatigue limits.

[GREENFEATHER]

http://www.worth1000.com/entries/294500/294798BGjF_w.jpg

[kimsquit]

good lookin' workout, Jag!

have you seen your chiropractor yet?

[jaguarr]

LOL. My daughter (14) showed me that a couple of weeks ago. It's so stupid that it's funny.

The absurd and bizarre are highly entertaining to me. Heh!


LMAO at THIS!!!
and KUDOs on the sore boobies ... WELL EARNED BIG CAT!!!

I guess I will never be calling you CARDIO CAT, now will I???

Thanks, Barb! Ya know, I've actually been doing better with my cardio lately than I have for quite some time. Tuesday was just sort of FUBAR and I was actually disappointed that I didn't have time for my cardio. It may be a sign of mental health issues. :o




Yepper. I find even on a mental level it helps to keep things fresh. Neverending squat and deadlift work can seem daunting at times. The Leg press can be a good change of pace from time to time. And dumbbells are great in that I find it helps with the stabilizer muscles (IE conditioning, neuropathway work). Then when you return to the bench after a three week run of Dbs, and take time to adjust, you find increased capacity to control the level and arc of the bar, even as involved muscles reach fatigue limits.

Haha! The Nicknamer. Makes me sound like a B-Movie supervillain. I'm learning more and more about how to keep things fresh both from a mental and physical perspective. The good news is that my cable attachments for my powercage finally arrived and that's going to open up more options for me.


http://www.worth1000.com/entries/294500/294798BGjF_w.jpg

:D


good lookin' workout, Jag!

have you seen your chiropractor yet?

Thanks, Chris! Yeah, I went in and got straightened out on Wednesday. I was long overdue without a doubt. To the point that I felt really out of it and even a bit ill yesterday, which sometimes happens when I wait too long to get adjusted and then get put back into place all of a sudden. I decided to postpone my leg/shoulders day as a result and just rest, which I think was a good decision. I'll see about getting that done today, though.

Man, am I glad it's Friday! Hope ya'll have an excellent weekend!

jag

[boyscouT]

LOL!!!

"It's a land of joy.......... and joyness......"

[jtroster]

Jag,

Isn't it time for more puppy pictures?

[StlBarbie]

TGIF BIG CAT!!! :)

AH .. a chiropractor .. I so need some readjusting ....
that sounds fabulous!!! :)

Hope you and the MRS. have a great weekend JAG!! :)

[=M=]

Hei Jag!
Hyva viikonlopua! (Hi, Jag..have a good weekend)

[boyscouT]

Have a great weekend jag!

[Lucky K]

Was it just me, or did the candy cave look like a part of the female anatomy?

Lookin good Jag!

[jaguarr]

Answering Reader Mail


LOL!!!

"It's a land of joy.......... and joyness......"

"Look, it's a magical liopleuridon! He's going to show us the wayyyyyyy!" :D Haha! My wife has been running around for the last few days going "Charrrrrlieeeee! Charrrllieeee! We're going to Candy Mountain, Charrrrlieeee!" Hahaha!


Jag,

Isn't it time for more puppy pictures?

Yeah, probably so. Need to get 'em off the cameras and upload a few.


TGIF BIG CAT!!! :)

AH .. a chiropractor .. I so need some readjusting ....
that sounds fabulous!!! :)

Hope you and the MRS. have a great weekend JAG!! :)

Thanks, Barb! It definitely felt good to be put back into alignment. My only regret is that I waited so long. I've been looking into getting an inversion table to help keep me straightened out. Found a great one on Amazon for a reasonable price, too. The only problem is that we don't really have any place to put one, so it may have to wait until we get the new house. Hope your weekend is great!


Hei Jag!
Hyva viikonlopua! (Hi, Jag..have a good weekend)

Thanks, M! :)


Have a great weekend jag!

Thanks, youngblood! Same to ya!


Was it just me, or did the candy cave look like a part of the female anatomy?

Lookin good Jag!

Well, why do you think it's called Candy Mountain in the first place? :D Thanks for swinging by, LK!

The Workout

So, I still felt a little bit funky today, but well enough to hit the weight a bit. I decided I'd just do a "Man Without A Plan" workout and focus on my legs, shoulders, back and bi's since I missed my leg/shoulder routine and my back/bi's routine was scheduled for today. I also wanted to play with my new cable attachments for my powercage and see how those are going to work for me. I decided to keep it kind of light and just have some fun, so this is what I did today:

Preface: Kept rest times between 75-90 seconds except on flat bench, which gravitated more towards 2 minutes. Did 30 seconds of stretching of the targeted muscles after each round of sets in an exercise, followed by 10 second muscle group contractions/flexing of the worked muscle group. Man does that burn!

Warm Up: 10 minutes on the "epileptical"

Murderball Crunches - 3x25 w/25# plate on chest

Murderball Crotch Pass - 3x10 - : D I really don't know what the hell to call these, so they get a creative name. I lay on the floor on my back and take the Swissball in my hands, holding it straight back past my head and then bring it up and over my head while raising my legs off the floor at the same time and pass the ball to my feet and then back to the starting position, except with the ball now in my feet, and then back once again in the same fashion passing the ball back to my hands. That's one repetition. Fun for the core.

ATG Squats - 185x10/195x10/205x10 - Three second pause at the bottom of each rep. Kept the weight nice and light and just really enjoyed these today. I'll probably even be a little sore tomorrow from the pause at the bottom. Heh!

Calves - 135 - 3x25 -- Still having to go a bit lighter on these. My left calf isn't 100% yet since I'd tweaked it awhile back. Slow and sure goes the rehab.

SLDL - 220x10/230x10 -- Again, nice and light with the weight on these. Great stretch on the hammies.

Lat Giant Set
Pullups (Shoulder Width Grip) - BW only - 2x10
Pullups (Hammer Grip) - BW only - 2x10
Rack Chins - BW only - 2x10
Cable Pulldowns - 90 #'s - 2x10

Observations - The cable mechanism on my new setup is a little stiff, so I had to keep the weight on the low side (felt more like about 185). I'm hoping that the mechanism loosens to be a bit more free-moving after some use.

Face Pulls - 50#'s 2x10 - I'd never done these before but have seen them talked up a great deal. After doing then, I'd have to agree. GREAT shoulder/back exercise! Wow!

Cable Row - 90 #'s - Oooh, I like these. I've never really put any time into them before. Great new back exercise for me! This is the point in the workout where I started feeling my blood sugar drop, though. I thought I'd done better with my pre-workout meal timing, but apparently not.

Cable Shrugs - 90 #'s - 2x10 - Nothing too fancy. I prefer the BB for these, but it was a fun novelty to use the cables for a change.

Standing Side Lateral Raise - 45 # DB's - 2x8

Superset
DB Hammer Curls - 45 # DB's - 2x8
Cable Curls - 40 #'s - 2x8

At this point, my blood sugar had dropped so low I had the shakes and was nauseous. Time to stop. Got my Vitargo. Put the weights away and then focused on my PWO nutrition. I'll get my cardio in tomorrow. Took me awhile to get myself feeling halfway normal again. Been a long time since my blood sugar dropped that low. Not fun. I think I know what I did wrong with my pre-workout nutrition, though, and it won't happen again.

Total workout time: 60 minutes (abs/warmup not included)

At any rate, the cable option was a great addition to my home gym powercage. Hopefully the fluidity of the mechanism will loosen up a bit with some use as it's pretty stiff. All in all, I'm happy with my purchase. This will open up some doors for me to do some exercises I've been unable to do so I can start rotating a greater range of exercises through my routines and keep things from getting stale as well as keep the boredom factor to a minimum. I'm going to rest a couple of days and then start fresh with my usual cycle on Tuesday.

Hope ya'll are having a great weekend!
jag

[Chubby Mom]

Great Job on the "Man Without A Plan" workout Jag but don’t hit it so hard when you are still feeling a little bit funky :)

[Forge3]

Haha! The Nicknamer. Makes me sound like a B-Movie supervillain. I'm learning more and more about how to keep things fresh both from a mental and physical perspective. The good news is that my cable attachments for my powercage finally arrived and that's going to open up more options for me.


It's good to have some good equip handy. I'm looking into getting a stand with heavy bag and speed bag. My own weight training will focus more on kick boxing goals instead of teh bulking etc.

[eddied27]

Jag,

Isn't it time for more puppy pictures?

Oooohh.....puppies....I like puppies!

We are talking dogs....correct? :p

Hey jag.... :D

[jtroster]

Great workout. I'll have to add face-pulls to my plan soon.

[GREENFEATHER]

Jag, we use the Vitargo mixed with some BCAA's and glutamine as a drink DURING our workout as well. It keeps you from crashing and burning, you'd be surprised at the difference it makes. We've been doing all of these reps and sets and without it, we'd be screwed! :mad:

[jaguarr]

Great Job on the "Man Without A Plan" workout Jag but don’t hit it so hard when you are still feeling a little bit funky :)

Thanks! I think it helped shake off the rust, actually, despite my blood sugar bottoming out.


It's good to have some good equip handy. I'm looking into getting a stand with heavy bag and speed bag. My own weight training will focus more on kick boxing goals instead of teh bulking etc.

Careful with the heavy bag. I've got one and I've found it's a very fast way to piss off my shoulders. :( Still, the cable gear is a nice addition to my home gym. I've got pretty much everything I could want at this point.


Oooohh.....puppies....I like puppies!

We are talking dogs....correct? :p

Hey jag.... :D

LOL! Yeah, we're talking about dogs. :p Pics soon!


Great workout. I'll have to add face-pulls to my plan soon.

I'd never done them before, but I'll definitely be finding a place for them in the rotation. Definitely recommend them.


Jag, we use the Vitargo mixed with some BCAA's and glutamine as a drink DURING our workout as well. It keeps you from crashing and burning, you'd be surprised at the difference it makes. We've been doing all of these reps and sets and without it, we'd be screwed! :mad:

I've never used the Vitargo DURING a workout. Usually it's not a problem for me, but I tried something a little different with my pre-workout nutrition yesterday and it didn't work out quite like I hoped it would. Back to my usual protocol.

Cranked out a nice 30 minutes of heavy cardio on the "epileptical" today. Felt good to get the lungs cleared out a bit now that the inversion in the valley is starting to subside a bit.

Happy Sunday, folks!
jag

[eddied27]

Face Pulls - 50#'s 2x10 - I'd never done these before but have seen them talked up a great deal. After doing then, I'd have to agree. GREAT shoulder/back exercise! Wow!


Interesting read: http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1426252

Did a search after I read your post of you're doing them. Definate add on when I get back at it.

Take care.....Ed

[Original Poster]

Hey Cat Man !

Awsome WO bud !

[boyscouT]

Jag, we use the Vitargo mixed with some BCAA's and glutamine as a drink DURING our workout as well. It keeps you from crashing and burning, you'd be surprised at the difference it makes. We've been doing all of these reps and sets and without it, we'd be screwed! :mad:
Replace that glutamine with some leucine and you've got a banging concoction! :D

[pastorgbc]

Interesting workout, Jag. Sounds like you hit everything by chest.

I am going to have to give those facepulls a shot myself.

Ray

[HoosierHardGain]

Cranked out a nice 30 minutes of heavy cardio on the "epileptical" today. Felt good to get the lungs cleared out a bit now that the inversion in the valley is starting to subside a bit.

jag

Great job on the cardio, big guy! I know it's a pain to get back into doing it, but it pays off!

GO COLTS!

[Flynn]

Cranked out a nice 30 minutes of heavy cardio on the "epileptical" today. Felt good to get the lungs cleared out a bit now that the inversion in the valley is starting to subside a bit.

jag

Jag did Cardio :eek: - stand back lightening might strike :p.

[jaguarr]

Interesting read: http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1426252

Did a search after I read your post of you're doing them. Definate add on when I get back at it.

Take care.....Ed

Good article, Beast! After having done them, I can easily say they really are a great exercise


Hey Cat Man !

Awsome WO bud !

Thanks, Petey! Kind of felt good to just go in and have at it in the gym for a bit and break away from the structured routine I've been doing for awhile. Time to start interjecting some variety into my workouts more often, I think.


Replace that glutamine with some leucine and you've got a banging concoction! :D

Well, Xtend already has glutamine and leucine in it, so I don't know that MORE will make that big of a difference for me. :)


Interesting workout, Jag. Sounds like you hit everything by chest.

I am going to have to give those facepulls a shot myself.

Ray

Yeah, I left chest and tri's out of the equation as I did work those earlier last week. Everything else was fair game. Highly recommend the face pulls!


Great job on the cardio, big guy! I know it's a pain to get back into doing it, but it pays off!

GO COLTS!

Well, as I'm well aware (and Mr. S has taken great delight in reminding me), lack of cardio has been sort of the missing piece of my routine. The lifting is spot on, the diet's looking good, so cardio is the one piece I need to turn my attention to, now. With the inversion clearing out, I'm actually able to do it without risking a nasty asthma attack, so that's always nice. :D


Jag did Cardio :eek: - stand back lightening might strike :p.

Yeah, and it's contagious, too! *breathes on Flynn* :D


Crazy day at work. Yikes! Monday's here in full force. Back to the salt mines for me. Have a great one, folks!

jag

[mom24boys]

Jaggies and Hoos' doing cardio OMG :eek: whats going on? LOL Happy Monday Jags

[dbx]

ATG Squats - 185x10/195x10/205x10 - Three second pause at the bottom of each rep. Kept the weight nice and light and just really enjoyed these today. I'll probably even be a little sore tomorrow from the pause at the bottom. Heh!

Exactly ^ what I want to do next week. Good job.




Observations - The cable mechanism on my new setup is a little stiff, so I had to keep the weight on the low side (felt more like about 185). I'm hoping that the mechanism loosens to be a bit more free-moving after some use.

Jag, I had the same issue with the lat attachment I recently got for my cage. The company quickly sent me some reduced bushings and some silicone spray (supposedly especially for treadmills :rolleyes: ), and all I needed was the silicone. Without this, I was a good 20-30# off on exercises. Not sure what kind of set-up you have, but if it's a square vertical column/shaft, silicone will work magic.

[aqua-beowulf]

Great last workout Jag. So you're doing kind of a full body type routine? BTW, Congrats on the new addition to your home gym.

[jaguarr]

Jaggies and Hoos' doing cardio OMG :eek: whats going on? LOL Happy Monday Jags

It's like the apocalypse only different! :eek:


Exactly ^ what I want to do next week. Good job.

Felt good to go a little lighter this time around. I'm sore from the three second pause at the bottom, that's for sure. Heh! Give it a try.



Jag, I had the same issue with the lat attachment I recently got for my cage. The company quickly sent me some reduced bushings and some silicone spray (supposedly especially for treadmills :rolleyes: ), and all I needed was the silicone. Without this, I was a good 20-30# off on exercises. Not sure what kind of set-up you have, but if it's a square vertical column/shaft, silicone will work magic.

Thanks. That confirms the thought I had about tracking down some silicone spray for it. It's a vertical column and shaft. Apparently like all vertical columns and shafts it just needs a little lube. :confused:


Great last workout Jag. So you're doing kind of a full body type routine? BTW, Congrats on the new addition to your home gym.

Nahhh, I just did that this week to cram two days worth of workouts into one since I wasn't feeling too hot part of last week and missed my leg/shoulders workout.

Been an eventful day. The inversion kicked back in so the air quality in the valley sucks again. Should be a fun week because of that. I also got offered a job with my old boss's group. It'd be with a great team that I already know, working for a great boss and doing work that I love to do. So, of course I said yes. My current boss is not thrilled, though. I'll have some fall-out to manage the next few days. :D

jag

[joed]

No one likes to lose a good employee but the new job sounds like a winner. Good for you.

[justtryn]

Hey Jag! Great news on the job front! :) Good for you!

[StlBarbie]

I hope the job situation works out to be all you want Jag!!! :)
Thanks for all your support, BIG CAT!! :)

[Lucky K]

Well jag, I don't think all collumns and shafts like the silicone based lubricants;). But I do know that they are even putting silicone in indoor tanning lotions now! Sorry to hear about the asthma, had many issues w/that in my younger days. Congrats on the improved work/jungle !

[boyscouT]

Can I have your old job? :D

[Hank1962]

Jag,
Trying to get caught up on your thread. Lots of good stuff.

[Hibiscus09]

Morning, hottie! Cool beans about the job! I hope it works out for you. :)

[jtroster]

Its always great to work with a good manager.

[Seosaid]

Hi, Jag.. stopping by to wish you a good Tuesday
;)

[jaguarr]

No one likes to lose a good employee but the new job sounds like a winner. Good for you.

Thanks, Joe! I'm looking forward to the change. I learned a long time ago to pursue the things that will make me happy in my career, regardless of what other people may want. It's not their life, it's mine. :)


Hey Jag! Great news on the job front! Good for you!

Thanks, Mark!


I hope the job situation works out to be all you want Jag!!!
Thanks for all your support, BIG CAT!!

Thanks, Barb! You are awesome!


Well jag, I don't think all columns and shafts like the silicone based lubricants. But I do know that they are even putting silicone in indoor tanning lotions now! Sorry to hear about the asthma, had many issues w/that in my younger days. Congrats on the improved work/jungle !

Well, that's true. There's also the water soluble solutions and lubes that are less greasy, wash off easier, and are also much easier on latex and toys. :D


Can I have your old job? :D

Sure, but this is what we'll do to you every day:

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/NuclearZombie/officewars.gif


Jag,
Trying to get caught up on your thread. Lots of good stuff.

Hey, thanks for swinging by, Hank! Hope you find some of it useful or at least entertaining. At least you're not trying to catch up on my OLD journal! :eek:


Morning, hottie! Cool beans about the job! I hope it works out for you.

Thanks, Hibby!!!!


Its always great to work with a good manager.

It makes a huge difference. I've had the boss from hell before. I'll never work for someone I don't like and respect ever again.


Hi, Jag.. stopping by to wish you a good Tuesday


Thanks, ya hottie!

Busy day at work and then a chest/tri's day planned afterwards. My tricep rope isn't here yet, unfortunately. Bummer.

Happy Tuesday, folks!
jag

[=M=]

Hei Jag..mita kuuluu? (Hi Jag, what's up?)

Hyva iltapaiva! :) (Have a nice day :) )


See, I even translated for ya.

[GREENFEATHER]

CHARLIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! It's Candy Mountain Charlie, lol!! Someone stole my fukn kidney! :mad: :D Our boxer walked over to my puter when I played that tilting his head.

[ChocoChick]

Hi Jag. :)

[mom24boys]

Hiyas jaggies...LMAO at the staple tie pic...GL on the job switch and Happy Hump Eve

[jaguarr]

Answering Reader Mail


Hei Jag..mita kuuluu? (Hi Jag, what's up?)

Hyva iltapaiva! (Have a nice day )

See, I even translated for ya.

It's good you're translating or I'd be completely lost. :D It was a pretty good day here in the jungle. Hope it was the same over at the teeppee!


CHARLIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! It's Candy Mountain Charlie, lol!! Someone stole my fukn kidney! :mad: Our boxer walked over to my puter when I played that tilting his head.

LOL! My wife has been running around going "Charrrrrlieeeeeeee! We're going to Candy Mountain, Charrrlllieeeee! Wake up, sleepyhead!". Hahaha! I can only image poor Charlie the boxer and how he reacts to that.


Hi Jag.

Heya, db! Nice to see you! :)


Hiyas jaggies...LMAO at the staple tie pic...GL on the job switch and Happy Hump Eve

Heya, Mom! Haha! Yeah, that one's pretty funny. Hope you're all set for a big, giant, fun Hump Day, tomorrow!

The Workout

The inversion really settled into the valley this afternoon, so the air quality is absolute ****. It's been impacting my breathing a bit, and I've noticed my strength isn't quite up to 100% when my oxygen intake gets impacted from that. Still, had a stellar workout despite that, tonight. Here's how it went:

Preface: Kept rest times between 75-90 seconds except on flat bench, which gravitated more towards 2 minutes. Did 30 seconds of stretching of the targeted muscles after each round of sets in an exercise, followed by 10 second muscle group contractions/flexing of the worked muscle group. Man does that burn!

Warm Up: 10 minutes on the "epileptical"

Murderball Crunches - 3x25 w/25# plate on chest

Murderball Crotch Pass - 3x10 - : D I really don't know what the hell to call these, so they get a creative name. I lay on the floor on my back and take the Swissball in my hands, holding it straight back past my head and then bring it up and over my head while raising my legs off the floor at the same time and pass the ball to my feet and then back to the starting position, except with the ball now in my feet, and then back once again in the same fashion passing the ball back to my hands. That's one repetition. Fun for the core.

Incline BB Presses - W/U - 135x10/ W/U 2 - 175x8/ Working Sets: 205x6/210x6/215x6 - Shoulder still holding up great with the presses. Form was a little better tonight. Still not feeling 100% confident with them, though, but getting better. Same as last week, but felt pretty solid.

Flat BB Bench - W/U - 135x10/ W/U 2 - 195x8/Working Sets: 230x6/235x6/235x5/245x2/260x1 - Slowly getting my confidence back with these. Started my working sets 5 #'s higher than last week. Felt fairly solid but I wasn't able to go up to 240 like I was hoping. Still, that's a bit of an improvement. I also added 5 #'s to my post-working set heavy reps that I'm throwing in to encourage my muscles to get the feel for the heavier weight.

Flat DB Flies -65x6/70x6/75x6- (each DB) - Very nice stretch on these tonight. Damn near failure by the last couple reps on the 75's. Thought I was going to lose it on the 5th & 6th reps, but I held in there.

Reverse Grip Bench - 210x6/215x6/215x5 - That last rep of the last set...sooooo close! :mad:

Dips -Bodyweight + 90x6/90x6/90x4 - Last two reps of that last set just weren't happenin'. LOL!

Superset
Cross-Bench DB Pullovers - 90 - 3x6
Tricep Rope Pushdown - 50 #'s
-So, I ran a set of pullovers and then immediately did a set of pushdowns. I wanted to cry by the time I got to the second set! :eek: These were brutal! I backed the weight off a little bit on my pullovers to accommodate the superset. The stiffness in the cable system will have me looking for some silicone spray in the very near future, too. But, man...what a hell of a superset combo. My triceps were about to just burst off my arm. Wow!

After that, I did 20 minutes on the "epileptical", despite the inversion (so STFU, Steve! :D ) and then got my Vitargo and BCAA's while I stretched out and put weights away, and then ran off to the showers. Whey shake comin' up and a nice chicken, yams & broccoli dinner after that.

Total lift time: 70 minutes. (not including warm-up/abs/cardio)

Observations: Strength was mildly impacted by the inversion but I still made some good forward progress tonight. Got a great pump. My chest and tri's are definitely showing the signs of being heavily worked, so all is well. I did put a scoop of Vitargo in with my BCAA's to sip on during my workout and that also helped keep me level, so thanks for the tip, Greenie.

Planning on some cardio tomorrow. I've got a bit of a lighter step today as my new job got greenlighted and now it comes down to planning my transition and getting the hell out of the crappy stuff I've been working on! Whoo!

Happy Hump Day's Eve, folks!
jag

[GREENFEATHER]

I'ma take your advice on the nose thing. But I **** you not, if it doesn't work I'ma hunt yer ass down!! :D Good talkin' at you tonight, thanks again man!!

[=M=]

Hyva paiva, Jag. (Good night Jag.)

[Stenn]

Hey, neato! Someone who writes even more about their workouts than I do. I think I may stick around here for a bit if you don't mind. I think I might learn something. :)

[ChocoChick]

Jag, I had no idea! http://www.*********************.com/index.php/Furniture_Porn

The beauty of bb.com is that you learn something new every day. ;)

[Seosaid]

Warm Up: 10 minutes on the "epileptical"



LOL love it Jag!!!!!

Amazing Workout there hun!!

[kimsquit]

good job on the follow-up cardio, Jag - I can imagine what a PitA you find it to be ;)

[Mr. Someday]

The inversion really settled into the valley this afternoon, so the air quality is absolute ****. It's been impacting my breathing a bit, and I've noticed my strength isn't quite up to 100% when my oxygen intake gets impacted from that.



After that, I did 20 minutes on the "epileptical", despite the inversion (so STFU, Steve! :D )


Too funny....after reading your workout preface, I had my finger on the quote button so I could translate that long winded excuse not to do cardio....then you go and surprise me!:D It's comforting to know I'm in your head giving you **** about cardio when you're trying to talk yourself out of it.....I'm picturing a mini-me on your shoulder calling you a pussy!:D

[dbx]

Nice work, Jag. Next time, you should try flat bench first, and then incline. Your flat numbers will be higher, and then when you do incline with less weight, it'll feel even lighter! :)

[boyscouT]

Sure, but this is what we'll do to you every day:

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/NuclearZombie/officewars.gif

LOL!

That's cruel, but oh so funny ahahhaa.

[justtryn]

Glad to hear the job got the green light, buddy! Nice looking workout, again, Jagster. I like that Tricep superset of yours! You're gonna pop! (almost typed poop!) LOL!

[StlBarbie]

LOVE THAT PIC ... CLASSIC BIG CAT!!!! :D

WOWZA to the SS of the Cross-Bench DB Pullovers and the
Tricep Rope Pushdown!!! That one sounds really intense!!! :eek:

The MURDERBALL CROTCH PASSES .. sound a tad dangerous!!! :eek: :p

Have an awesome day JAG!! :)

[jaguarr]

I'ma take your advice on the nose thing. But I **** you not, if it doesn't work I'ma hunt yer ass down!! Good talkin' at you tonight, thanks again man!!

You won't believe the difference in your breathing, bro. As long as you're gonna be down with recovery time anyway, might as well get it all taken care of and be done with it. It's worth it. I promise. And if it isn't, then you'll just have to come to ummm.....Nebraska.....and kick my ass. :D


Hyva paiva, Jag. (Good night Jag.)

Good morning, M! :)


Hey, neato! Someone who writes even more about their workouts than I do. I think I may stick around here for a bit if you don't mind. I think I might learn something.

Heya! The more the merrier around here! If you ever have questions about anything I'm doing, just ask.


Jag, I had no idea! http://www.*********************.com/index.php/Furniture_Porn

The beauty of bb.com is that you learn something new every day.

It's okay to look at furniture porn, dbfl. If you start to get turned on by it, though, it may be an indication that you have a problem, though. :p


LOL love it Jag!!!!!

Amazing Workout there hun!!

Thanks, Josie! I call it the "epileptical" because that's what my wife first called it when we got it. She'd never heard the word before so it came out kind of funny the first try and the name has stuck ever since. Haha!


good job on the follow-up cardio, Jag - I can imagine what a PitA you find it to be

Thanks, bud! You know, I don't really mind the cardio most of the time and actually enjoy doing it on my off days. The trouble comes with there's an inversion or some other thing causing the air quality in the valley to suffer. Between my allergies and asthma (which is both allergen and exercise induced), I'm just miserable and have a hard time breathing when that's going on. Makes cardio pretty rough and most people don't really fathom that unless they've got similar issues to mine.


Too funny....after reading your workout preface, I had my finger on the quote button so I could translate that long winded excuse not to do cardio....then you go and surprise me! It's comforting to know I'm in your head giving you **** about cardio when you're trying to talk yourself out of it.....I'm picturing a mini-me on your shoulder calling you a pussy!

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/ADVG/390~Mini-Me-Goldmember-Posters.jpg

Haha! I knew I was gonna suck you in with that lead in. I do know my cardio hasn't been where it needs to be, so I appreciate the kick in the butt. It can only make me better since it's really the only piece that's been missing from what I've been doing.


Nice work, Jag. Next time, you should try flat bench first, and then incline. Your flat numbers will be higher, and then when you do incline with less weight, it'll feel even lighter!

Ahhh, but there are a couple of reasons that I do inclines first, Smokey :-D The first is that, like the vast majority of people who are bodybuilding, my upper pectorials are lagging and need more work, so I like to be fresh for those to be able to put good effort into them. The second is that the inclines serve as a very good shoulder girdle warm-up so that when I do move on to my flat pressing, I'm at less risk for injury. If I were TRULY chasing numbers, yeah...I'd flat bench first. But I'm not, so I don't. But thanks for the suggestion. There's just a method to my madness. :-)



LOL!

That's cruel, but oh so funny ahahhaa.

I honestly want to do that to someone, now. LOL!


Glad to hear the job got the green light, buddy! Nice looking workout, again, Jagster. I like that Tricep superset of yours! You're gonna pop! (almost typed poop!) LOL!

Thanks, bro! I'm going to be much happier in my new role. And yeah, that tricep superset was a killer. I'm keeping it in the rotation, for sure. As for the poop part...well, I AM eating 3500 calories a day! Hahaha!


LOVE THAT PIC ... CLASSIC BIG CAT!!!!

WOWZA to the SS of the Cross-Bench DB Pullovers and the
Tricep Rope Pushdown!!! That one sounds really intense!!!

The MURDERBALL CROTCH PASSES .. sound a tad dangerous!!!

Have an awesome day JAG!!

Thanks, Barb! I'm starting to ratchet up the intensity again!


I was experiencing some real major breathing issues yesterday. The air quality was slightly better than the day before, but not by much, and it was really affecting me. To the point that I decided that cardio would probably be a BAD idea, given how exercise can set off my asthma if I'm not careful, and decided to fore go it even though I really wanted to hit it from a mental standpoint. Better to live to fight another day, so to speak. The good news is that the mental part of sticking to my cardio is there, even if my system isn't quite up for it. The air is not good again today, and I'm still having some breathing issues. I'm hitting the inhaler much more than usual, and I've got some antihistamines that will hopefully help as well. I'll be uber-pissed if I have to postpone my legs/shoulders workout this afternoon.

Hapy Thursday, folks! Back to work for me!
jag

[Mr. Someday]

The air is not good again today, and I'm still having some breathing issues. I'm hitting the inhaler......


http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/malcolm/images/800/stevie2.jpg

[jaguarr]

^^^
Haha! It feels more like this, though:

http://www.pureawakening.net/pa/images/2005/3/12/2004-12-31-jilin1.jpg

People take breathing for granted. I don't. :(

jag

[Flynn]

Haha! People take breathing for granted. I don't. :(

jag

Not moi! I don't know what I would do w/o it :p. Nice workout despite the breathing issues. Is the impact the same when indoors?

[someday]

^^^
Haha! It feels more like this, though:

http://www.pureawakening.net/pa/images/2005/3/12/2004-12-31-jilin1.jpg

People take breathing for granted. I don't. :(

jag

i'll agree with you about the breathing.....we were in denver about a year ago and i noticed a huge difference doing my cardio because of the elevation......steve just told me to do my cardio and suck it up :D

[boyscouT]

Jag... I think you new job changed you! :p

[jaguarr]

Answering Reader Mail


Not moi! I don't know what I would do w/o it. Nice workout despite the breathing issues. Is the impact the same when indoors?

Thanks, Flynn! It's a little better indoors but not by a whole lot, so I stay inside as much as I can when the air quality goes to ****.



i'll agree with you about the breathing.....we were in denver about a year ago and i noticed a huge difference doing my cardio because of the elevation......steve just told me to do my cardio and suck it up

Imagine that feeling you had in Denver because of the elevation amplified by about 100,000 and you start to get an idea of what it's like for me when the air quality is really bad. It closes up my airways and makes my lungs feel like they're both shut down and being squeezed. It can make me nauseous and really tired, even make me feel really sick (which I had a bit of yesterday, actually). Not fun. Last summer when the forest fires were raging in the area, I thought I was gonna die.


Jag... I think you new job changed you!

LOL! Nahhh...the OLD job is what changed me. I'll be able to get back to more like myself with less stress, anger and lack of motivation when I move over to the new job. I'm going to enjoy myself with that gig.

The Workout

Put a few tricks (and an emergency stash of meds) into effect this afternoon to address my breathing problems due to the air quality issues. Seems to have paid off and I got a hell of a workout in. Hopefully I don't have a backlash with my breathing tomorrow as a result, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve if I do. Tonight I started ratcheting the intensity back up. Here's how it went:

Preface: 30 second stretch from multiple angles after each segment/exercise followed by a 10 second hard flex of the worked muscle group . I work this in and out on random weeks. Kept rest times between 70-90 seconds.

Warmup - 10 minutes on the "epileptical". Still haven't gotten bored with this enough to move back to the jumprope.

Murderball Crunches - 3x25 w/25 lb. plate.

Murderball Crotch Pass - 3x10 - :-D I really don't know what the hell to call these, so they get a creative name. I lay on the floor on my back and take the Swissball in my hands, holding it straight back past my head and then bring it up and over my head while raising my legs off the floor at the same time and pass the ball to my feet and then back to the starting position, except with the ball now in my feet, and then back once again in the same fashion passing the ball back to my hands. That's one repetition. Fun for the core.

ATG Barbell Squats – W/U -185 x 10;/ W/U2 - 225x8/240x6/245x6/250x6/185x20 - Started moving back into heavier weight territory on these tonight. Felt good, though my lower back complained a tad. Threw in a set of widowmakers at the end because that seems to be all the rage with the kids these days and I'm a hardcore mofo. :D

Standing Calf Raises - 3x20 @ 185 - Freestanding BB calf raises with my toes on a couple of plates inside my power cage to catch me if I fall over. How's YOUR balance? :-D Heaviest weight I've done since I injured my left calf. Nice. The rehab contiues.

SLDL's - 245/250/255 -PB! - 3x6 - Pushed into new territory on these tonight. Excellent!

BB Shrugs - 275/280/285 - 3x10- Alternated between a close and shoulder-width grip. 3 count at the top of most reps and held the bar at the bottom for 10 on each set. Did these nice and slow to get maximum burn. Started moving back towards heavier weight on these again.

Superset
One Arm Shoulder Press – 45x6/50x6/55x6- Nice form and good pump on these..
Face Pulls - 50 lbs. - I'm gonna have to get some silicone spray for my cable system this weekend. Still, these felt great and make for an AWESOME superset with the shoulder presses. I'll be keeping this superset.

Standing Side Lateral Raises - 45/50/45x6-- These felt great tonight! I may be looking to give the 55's a go pretty soon!

Rear Delt DB Row - 100/105 -PB!/100x6 -- These went awesome tonight. Killer finish to the routine and I bumped into new weight on these tonight. :cool:

20 minutes of "STFU Steve" on the "epileptical" after all that. :D

Added a bit of extra water to my BCAA's and then threw in a couple scoops of Vitargo, which I chugged while I was stretching out and putting away the weights. Supershake(tm) is being consumed now. Dinner soon to follow.

Total Lift Time - 60 minutes. (warmup/abs/cardio not included)

This was an intense workout, but my energy levels were up for it and I'm starting to feel a little stronger again, finally. Hopefully my breathing stays good the next few days.

Have a good night, folks!
jag

[mom24boys]

woo hoo jaggies PBs are back

[powerman2000]

I work quite a bit of periodization into my split, changing things up every two to three weeks to keep my muscles from "learning" my routine. I like the assortment of exercises that I work with, so this approach lets me keep using them without them becoming stale. So, I'll run two to three weeks of say 6x3's, switch to 3x6's and do the same, and so forth with other configs including 3x8's and 4x10's. This approach has definitely helped keep things fresh and prevent my body from adapting to my routine. I also tend to use some different rep/set ranges on certain lifts where I've found something different to be more effective, such as using more reps and sets on calves and lats for example. In addition, I've found using slow negatives and pauses at the bottom of lifts to bring good success, so I try to incorporate those where I can as well.

That's awesone Jag!

Very intelligent, indeed.

[powerman2000]

And, I just started a trial with some hyuralonic acid. Glucosamine is basically a precursor to it, so using it skips the conversion step in the body. It feeds and lubricates the joints and ligaments, only 20 times more efficiently than glucosamine. It doesn't survive the gut very well, though, but Jarrow has patented a formula that enables hyuralonic acid to survive the digestion process. It takes awhile to kick in and I've only been on it for a couple weeks, so I'll have a better idea on whether I'll continue this one in maybe another four weeks or so. I know guys who swear by this stuff, even though it's a little pricey.

Awesome info here!

Is Jarrow the brand name that you are using?

I went through several bottles of a joint support supp that had it all. Hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, msm and chondroitin. It failed miserabley. I thought the level of hyaluronic acid it contained was a bit on the low side and I didn't know that it doesn't pass the digestion process very well. I wonder if an ethyl ester can be added to it for better absorption into the blood stream.

What is an effective dosing for hyaluronic acid anyway?

[StlBarbie]

Awesome info here!

Is Jarrow the brand name that you are using?

I went through several bottles of a joint support supp that had it all. Hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, msm and chondroitin. It failed miserabley. I thought the level of hyaluronic acid it contained was a bit on the low side and I didn't know that it doesn't pass the digestion process very well. I wonder if an ethyl ester can be added to it for better absorption into the blood stream.

What is an effective dosing for hyaluronic acid anyway?

THIS . IS AN AWESOME READ!!!! :)
You have me very intrigued .....

GREAT WO BIG CAT .. LOVE SEEING YOU HIT THOSE PBS!!!!!:)

TGIF!! Hope you and the Mrs have a great weekend!
Anything fun on the agenda???

[Forge3]

Congrats on the PBs.

[ChocoChick]

Congrats on the PBs.

Make a file with those words because you'll be using them a lot in this journal. ;)

[Seosaid]

Thanks, Josie! I call it the "epileptical" because that's what my wife first called it when we got it. She'd never heard the word before so it came out kind of funny the first try and the name has stuck ever since. Haha!



I will so use it!!

TGIF Jag, any fun plans?

[kimsquit]

Hi Jag, how's the air this morning?

you've sure come a long way on those rear delt rows!


~ Chris

[Chubby Mom]

PBs an 20 min on the elliptical,GREAT JOB!Jag :D

[jaguarr]

woo hoo jaggies PBs are back

Thanks, Mom! Finally starting to get back into the swing of this again.


That's awesome Jag!

Very intelligent, indeed.

Hey, thanks, PM2K. I'm getting too old to train like I used to when I was in my 20's. I've had to learn how to be smarter about all this, without a doubt. Funny you keyed in on my periodization, too, since I'm planning to move to 6x3's for a few weeks starting next week.


Awesome info here!

Is Jarrow the brand name that you are using?

I went through several bottles of a joint support supp that had it all. Hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, msm and chondroitin. It failed miserabley. I thought the level of hyaluronic acid it contained was a bit on the low side and I didn't know that it doesn't pass the digestion process very well. I wonder if an ethyl ester can be added to it for better absorption into the blood stream.

What is an effective dosing for hyaluronic acid anyway?

I guess I owe everyone an update on my mad scientist experiments, huh? So far, I'm impressed with the Jarrow hyaluronic acid stuff. I ran it for almost two months before I ran out. I was just doing one cap in the mornings and one in the evenings. I have to say, I did see a difference in my joint pain and fluidity. My skin also became more supple and youthful looking as well. I ran out of it and let it go for a month before I reordered and I was starting to feel the creaks in my neck, shoulder and lower back a bit more than I did while I was using the stuff. I'm sold. It works, but the Jarrow brand is the one to use for sure. Baldie covers it better here as to the why:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=630643&highlight=jarrow

As far as dosage, I suspect everyone's going to be a little bit different. What works for me may not be enough for someone else and vice-versa. I'm of the train of thought that I want to take enough to get the benefits without overdoing it and more sometimes isn't always better.

The other supplement I've been playing with has been green tea caps. I'm using the NOW brand, which is very reasonably priced; one cap in the morning and one at night. I've noticed a couple of things since started this stuff about a month ago. The first is that the IBS that I frequently used to get due to the Nexium I have to take for my acid reflux has been almost completely gone. This was the primary reason I wanted to try it, and it's worked wonders for me. The second is that my recovery time overall seems to be getting better, probably do to the anti-oxidant and anti-freeradical properties of the green tea caps. I now understand why so many seem sold on this stuff.


THIS . IS AN AWESOME READ!!!! :)
You have me very intrigued .....

GREAT WO BIG CAT .. LOVE SEEING YOU HIT THOSE PBS!!!!!

TGIF!! Hope you and the Mrs have a great weekend!
Anything fun on the agenda???

Thanks, Barb! Felt good heading back into PB territory after struggling the last couple of weeks. Today is my wife's birthday. She's been running around doing a few things for work, stopping by a couple times today to ask me if she can open the big giant wooden crate that's been sitting in our living room for the last couple of days. I've been making her wait. :D I'm going to take her for a nice dinner tonight and then we're meeting up with friends for some drinks and to celebrate. Should be a nice time, though I won't get too carried away since I'm driving and intend to do a back/bi's workout tomorrow. Have a great weekend yourself!


Congrats on the PBs.


Make a file with those words because you'll be using them a lot in this journal. ;)

Hahaha! Thanks, Forge and dbfl! I'm hoping you're right about that and that I've had a return to form with my lifting.


I will so use it!!

TGIF Jag, any fun plans?

Thanks, Josie! See above! :D


Hi Jag, how's the air this morning?

you've sure come a long way on those rear delt rows!



Thanks, Chris! The air's a little rough today, still. I am going to do a bit of cardio this afternoon, though, despite it. Being an asthmatic sucks. :(

So, my job change officially gets announced on Monday. I'm excited and ready to get the hell out of my current position. I'm pushing my current management to get my replacement identified ASAP as my new management is only allowing for a month's worth of transition time. Is it next month, yet? :D

Well, time to hopefully wrap up what's been a busy work day, get a bit of time on the "epileptical", and then take the wifey out for a nice dinner and some fun with friends. Have a great Friday, folks!

jag

[joed]

Happy birthday to lady jag. Ummm, about that wooden crate, I'm guessing it's one of those reclining massage chairs.

[boyscouT]

Very, very nice SLDLs. Do you wear a belt during them?

[jtroster]

I was able to get the Jarrow brand of Hyaluronic acid here at a store called Ambrosia on Doncaster avenue.

[jaguarr]

Answering Reader Mail


Happy birthday to lady jag. Ummm, about that wooden crate, I'm guessing it's one of those reclining massage chairs.

Heh! It was a wall fountain, actually. She's wanted one for quite awhile so I started watching eBay and other various places for them a couple of months ago. Finally found one that wasn't ridiculously overpriced but still high in quality. She was really happy with it and I definitely managed to surprise her. Ain't that what birthdays are for? :D


Very, very nice SLDLs. Do you wear a belt during them?

Thanks, scout! Nope. No belts, no straps. Just me and my hamstrings.


I was able to get the Jarrow brand of Hyaluronic acid here at a store called Ambrosia on Doncaster avenue.

Great! You'll have to let me know what you think. From the reading I did in Baldie's thread, you need to take it a good 4-6 weeks for it to kick in as it has a cumulative effect. If you're not feeling a difference by then you might try upping the intake a bit.

The Workout

Had a couple of nice cocktails last night, helping Lady Jag celebrate her birthday, so I was moving a tad bit slow this morning. :D By late afternoon I was ready for action, though. Here's how it went:

Preface: 30 second stretch from multiple angles after each segment/exercise. Kept rest times between 45-90 seconds depending on the lift.

Warmup: 10 minutes on the "epileptical".

Murderball Crunches - 3x25 w/25#'s

Murderball Crotch Pass - 3x10 - I really don't know what the hell to call these, so they get a creative name. I lay on the floor on my back and take the Swissball in my hands, holding it straight back past my head and then bring it up and over my head while raising my legs off the floor at the same time and pass the ball to my feet and then back to the starting position, except with the ball now in my feet, and then back once again in the same fashion passing the ball back to my hands. That's one repetition. Fun for the core.

10x2 - Shoulder Width Grip Pullups - BW
10x2- Hammer Grip Sternum Pullups - BW
10x2- Rack Chins - BW
10x2 - Pull-Downs - 90 lbs.

Notes: This is quite the upper back and lats workout! Whew! Still need to go get some silicone spray for the cable system, though.

Rack Pull Deads - W/U1 185x10 / W/U2 - 265x8 - Work sets - 300x6/305x6/310x6 -- Up 5 #'s from where I was last time I did these two weeks ago. I'm also only 10 #'s under my working weight PB, so I should be back to that very soon. Nice to be making forward progress on these once again. Deads will always be my weak lift, thanks to a lower back I have to nurse and protect. Doesn't keep me from doing these, though, and they do help that as a weak spot for me.

Superset
Bench Supported Barbell Rows -170/175/180 -PB x 6 - UP 5 #'s from my previous working weight PB on these. Nice!
Cable Rows - 90 lbs - 3x6

Standing DB Curls (palms up)- 45 (each DB) x8 - Worked the DB curls back into the mix. I'm going to alternate between these and BB curls. Tacked on a couple of extra reps per set to increase the volume a tad.

Superset
Chinups - 3x6
Concentration Curls - 45 lbs. - 3x6- Done seated, elbow braced against thigh and leaning forward to take the back out of the movement.

-Notes: This is a killer superset going from the chins directly into the concentration curls. Highly recommend!

Superset
Reverse Grip Cable Curls - 30
Forearm Cable Curls - 30

Another superset to finish things off. Ouch.

Cranked out 20 minutes of STFU Steve(tm) and then mixed some Vitargo with the rest of my BCAA's and chugged it down. Whey shake coming soon. Stretched out after I put the weights away.

Total Lift Time - 65 minutes. (abs/warmup/cardio not included)

Strong workout, overall. Definitely getting back into the groove, finally. The air quality still ain't great and I'm staying indoors as much as possible while raiding my little drug stash as needed. Seems to be helping quite a bit. Hopefully things get better soon on that front.

Have a great Saturday night, folks!
jag

[GREENFEATHER]

You got drugs and you're not sharing? DAMNIT MAN!! :mad: :D I got some Antivert and Lorazepam I could share. :D Just in case we get dizzy from your stuff, we could take mine and be all better. :D

[boyscouT]

Your lower back must be insanely strong to support that much on SLDLs :eek:

And what exactly are bench supported bb rows? :confused:

[jaguarr]

You got drugs and you're not sharing? DAMNIT MAN!! :mad: :D I got some Antivert and Lorazepam I could share. Just in case we get dizzy from your stuff, we could take mine and be all better. :D

LOFL! We'll put on some lava lamps and black lights and watch Pink Floyd's "The Wall"!


Your lower back must be insanely strong to support that much on SLDLs :eek:

So, I'm putting ALL the strain on my hammies with these. They don't really bother my lower back. What DOES put strain on my lower back more than anything else I do are the rack deads, and I can't go very heavy on those because I do have to protect my lower back.



And what exactly are bench supported bb rows? :confused:

They're sort of like these (http://www.shapefit.com/middle-back-exercises-middle-back-shrugs.html), except I use a barbell.


Took Lady Jag out for a nice brunch this morning and to get a little shopping done, and then slammed out 30 minutes of "STFU Steve(tm)" on the "epileptical". We've got some friends and family coming over for the big game today, so it's time to get cleaned up and ready for that. I plan to root for whoever everyone else is against. :D

Have a great Sunday, folks!
jag

[boyscouT]

Go Colts!!

[StlBarbie]

Glad you and the MRS. enjoy her birthday!!! :)
Certainly, sounds like you were still enjoying it in the morning!!! :eek:

JAG .. what a WO ... man, I just LOVE reading them ...
I can feel the pain thru the words ........................ :eek:
AWESOME JOB BUD!!! :)

So wish you and the MRS. were making the ARNOLD this year .. maybe next????

[mom24boys]

How was your weekend Jaggies..? Did ya see the game? Happy late birthday to Mrs jaggies

[eddied27]

'sup Jag! :cool:

[jaguarr]

Go Colts!!

Haha! I ended up rooting for the Colts because everyone else at my house was rooting for Chicago. I even took the Colts on a bet with my Dad, right after the Bears scored that first touchdown. He thought for sure he was gonna get $10 out of me. Fat chance, old man! :D


Glad you and the MRS. enjoy her birthday!!!
Certainly, sounds like you were still enjoying it in the morning!!!

JAG .. what a WO ... man, I just LOVE reading them ...
I can feel the pain thru the words ........................
AWESOME JOB BUD!!!

So wish you and the MRS. were making the ARNOLD this year .. maybe next????

Thanks, Barb! It was an exciting weekend! Lots going on. No Arnold this year, unfortunately. Don't know about next year yet, either. We'll see. That workout was a good one. Great way to shake off a bit of a martini headache! Hahaha!


How was your weekend Jaggies..? Did ya see the game? Happy late birthday to Mrs jaggies

Yep. It was a good game! The Missus had an awesome birthday! :)


'sup Jag! :cool:

'Sup? I'll tell you what's up. I'm gonna be a daddy. :D My wife found out on her birthday of all days, with the home test. Preliminary bloodwork at her obgyn's today confirmed it. Now the trick is making sure it stays in there, since we're all old and stuff over here. :D Whoooooo! I have unleashed my demon spawn upon the world! You will all kneel at the feet of my child someday! :mad:

jag

[jtroster]

I'm gonna be a daddy
Let me be the first one to wish you a hearty Mazel Tov.

[kimsquit]

in case anyone missed it...


I'm gonna be a daddy.


That's AWESOME! I'm so pleased for you two!!!

Congratulations!!

:D

[justtryn]

'Sup? I'll tell you what's up. I'm gonna be a daddy. :D My wife found out on her birthday of all days, with the home test. Preliminary bloodwork at her obgyn's today confirmed it. Now the trick is making sure it stays in there, since we're all old and stuff over here. :D Whoooooo! I have unleashed my demon spawn upon the world! You will all kneel at the feet of my child someday! :mad:

jag

CONGRATS TO YOU AND THE MRS. JAG!!! THAT'S AWESOME!!!

[Seosaid]

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!

[ExCompetitor]

Congratulations To You Both Jag.....that`s Fantastic News!!

[pastorgbc]

Again, a creative and solid workout, Hep Cat. I'll be watching to see how the supps workout for you. I like green tea also, but I drink it. It also shows up as an add-in to serveral supps as well.

The bench supported rows will really add some size and strength. That is an excellent movement.

I should have read all the posts. Congrats to you and Mrs. Jag. You will be excellent parents. Our prayers will be with you.

Ray

[Mr. Someday]

Big time congrats Stevie!!! :D


Being a dad is absolutely one of the coolest things in the world as long as you show up and put some time and effort into it!

[Chubby Mom]

OH My gosh! Congratulations! To you and Mrs. Jag :D :D :D

[mom24boys]

LOL uh oh ....Congrats Jaggies

[Flynn]

CONGRATS TO MRS. JAG. She has to do all the hard work ;). In no time there will be a little jag running around :p. Again, Congrats J.

[kimsquit]

CONGRATS TO MRS. JAG. She has to do all the hard work ;)

Here's a little something to let folks know that Jag played his part too!

http://images.cafepress.com/product/40723807_240x240_Front.jpg

[mom24boys]

and this is what ya get when Dads babysit LOL
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q195/lisabethr/images.jpg

[ChocoChick]

Congrats Jag!!! Wishing you and Mrs. Jag an uneventful 9 months. :)

[eddied27]

'Sup? I'll tell you what's up. I'm gonna be a daddy. :D My wife found out on her birthday of all days, with the home test. Preliminary bloodwork at her obgyn's today confirmed it. Now the trick is making sure it stays in there, since we're all old and stuff over here. :D Whoooooo! I have unleashed my demon spawn upon the world! You will all kneel at the feet of my child someday! :mad:

jag

Many congratulations and best wishes to you and yours!! Woot....woot!!!

Big, huge, tremendous news there big fella! :D

My only question: when does the Baby Jag Countdown thread begin or better yet the Guess Baby Jag's Birth Weight thread!! ;)

Congrats again jag!!!

[Forge3]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k20/trak342/clap4gnxp7.gifhttp://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k20/trak342/clap4gnxp7.gif

[GSCampbell]

Holy Mother of Pearl!

What great news! Great, great, great news!

[joed]

How cool is that!

[jaguarr]

Answering Reader Mail


Let me be the first one to wish you a hearty Mazel Tov.

Thanks, Joel! You are indeed the first to wish us Mazel Tov (and a hearty one at that!)


in case anyone missed it...

That's AWESOME! I'm so pleased for you two!!!

Congratulations!!



Thanks, Chris! They said it couldn't be done, but my boys can swim! :-D



CONGRATS TO YOU AND THE MRS. JAG!!! THAT'S AWESOME!!!

Thanks, Mark! We are ecstatic!


CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much, Josie. I already told my wife about you and your impressive comeback to form after your own pregnancy. Expect we'll be in touch for some ideas and input from you in ten months or so.


Congratulations To You Both Jag.....that`s Fantastic News!!

*blink* Leon!? You salty old dog! Have you been lurking around here? Heh! Good to see you, and thank you, my friend!


Again, a creative and solid workout, Hep Cat. I'll be watching to see how the supps workout for you. I like green tea also, but I drink it. It also shows up as an add-in to serveral supps as well.

The bench supported rows will really add some size and strength. That is an excellent movement.

I should have read all the posts. Congrats to you and Mrs. Jag. You will be excellent parents. Our prayers will be with you.

Ray

Thank you so much, Ray. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.

I also drink a bit of green tea here and there. I actually like it and prefer it without any sweetener. Heh! As for the bench rows, I'm really loving those. Talk about really isolating the middle back. Those truly do the trick!


Big time congrats Stevie!!!

Thanks, Stevie! LOL!



Being a dad is absolutely one of the coolest things in the world as long as you show up and put some time and effort into it!

I have been preparing my whole life for this moment. :-)


OH My gosh! Congratulations! To you and Mrs. Jag

Thanks, Roseanne! You should see the glow my wife has from the news!


LOL uh oh ....Congrats Jaggies

Uh oh? Not on your life! At least, until my Hellspawn has exerted his or her will upon the world.


CONGRATS TO MRS. JAG. She has to do all the hard work . In no time there will be a little jag running around. Again, Congrats J.

Thanks, Flynn! We'll probably go the c-section route, so at least she won't squeeze my fingers off of my hand during delivery. :-O


Here's a little something to let folks know that Jag played his part too!

http://images.cafepress.com/product/40723807_240x240_Front.jpg

Hahahaha!!!!


and this is what ya get when Dads babysit LOL
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q195/lisabethr/images.jpg

My child shall be an artist with their middle finger. An ARTIST!!!!


Congrats Jag!!! Wishing you and Mrs. Jag an uneventful 9 months.

That's probably the sweetest thing anyone's wished for us so far, E. Thank you. :-)


Many congratulations and best wishes to you and yours!! Woot....woot!!!

Big, huge, tremendous news there big fella!

My only question: when does the Baby Jag Countdown thread begin or better yet the Guess Baby Jag's Birth Weight thread!!

Congrats again jag!!!

Thanks, Ed! We'll get the appropriate betting pools structured when they're appropriate. LOL!


http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k20/trak342/clap4gnxp7.gifhttp://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k20/trak342/clap4gnxp7.gif

Haha! Thanks, Forge!


CONGRATS to you and Lady Jag - I so hope you are better at posting pics of baby jag than you are with those new puppies

Hope these 9 months fly bye so that you can enjoy that little munchkin.

Take care of you,
camchad

Thanks, cam! Yeah, I'm pretty bad about the pictures, huh? :-(


Holy Mother of Pearl!

What great news! Great, great, great news!

Thanks, Scott! We are excited!

The Workout

Switched over to a 6x3 config tonight. I had a massage yesterday, so working out was the LAST thing I wanted to do today. LOL! I made myself do it. I expected my strength to be on the low end, as it usually is the day after a deep tissue massage like that. It was, but not quite as bad as I was anticipating. Here's how it went.

Preface: Kept rest times between 30-60 seconds except on flat bench, which gravitated more towards 2 minutes. Did 30 seconds of stretching of the targeted muscles after each round of sets in an exercise, followed by 10 second muscle group contractions/flexing of the worked muscle group. Man does that burn!

Warm Up: 10 minutes on the "epileptical"

Murderball Crunches - 3x25 w/25# plate on chest

Murderball Crotch Pass - 3x10 - :-D I really don't know what the hell to call these, so they get a creative name. I lay on the floor on my back and take the Swissball in my hands, holding it straight back past my head and then bring it up and over my head while raising my legs off the floor at the same time and pass the ball to my feet and then back to the starting position, except with the ball now in my feet, and then back once again in the same fashion passing the ball back to my hands. That's one repetition. Fun for the core.

Incline BB Presses - W/U - 135x10/ W/U 2 - 185x8/ Working Sets: 205x3/210x3/215x3/220x3 -PB/215x3/205x3 - Shoulder still holding up great with the presses, but I wasn't feeling as strong as usual even though I finally broke over the 215 barrier. On 6x3's I should have been able to hit 225. Next week for sure.

Flat BB Bench - W/U - 135x10/ W/U 2 - 195x8/Working Sets: 230x3/235x3/240x3/245x3/240x3/230x3/255x1/135x20 - Still not feeling 100% comfortable with these, but slowly getting there. After I ran my 3x6 I thought I would push a little heavier as I have been to keep introducing my muscles to the heavier weight. I hit 255 but it was a little more difficult than I was anticipating. Definitely wasn't feeling 100% strength tonight and that showed it, but not as weak as I thought it would be. After that I dropped down to 135 and ran a widowmaker set.

Flat DB Flies -65x3/70x3/75x3/80x3 -PB70x3/65x3- (each DB) - Very nice stretch on these tonight. First time I've ever pushed the 80's on this. Man was that a challenge! Whew!

Reverse Grip Bench - 210x3/215x3/220x3/220x3/215x3/210x3 - Up another 5 lbs. over last week. This puts me 5 lbs. under my previous working weight best. I expect to break that in the next week or two.

Dips -Bodyweight + 100x3/100x3/100x3/100x3/100x3/BWx3 - Couldn't quite get that last set with weight, so I ran it with bodyweight only. Whew!

Superset
Cross-Bench DB Pullovers - 100 - 6x3
Tricep Rope Pushdown - 50 #'s - 6x3
-So, I ran a set of pullovers and then immediately did a set of pushdowns. I wanted to cry by the time I got to the second set! Possible the most brutal superset I've ever worked with. My tri's are all swole and ****, as the teen section people would say. haha!

After that, I did 15 minutes on the "epileptical" and then got my Vitargo and BCAA's while I stretched out and put weights away, and then ran off to the showers. Just had my whey shake while I was logging this. Air quality is still crappy and I felt it today, which didn't do me any favors, either. Such is life.

Total lift time: 75 minutes. (not including warm-up/abs/cardio)

Now I hear food calling my name. G'night, folks!
jag

[jaguarr]

How cool is that!

It is the coolest, Joe. :cool:


:)

jag

[StlBarbie]

What can I say??? :)
But THAT is quite simply ... THE BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!:):):)

[Baldsnake]

Glad I dropped bye....WOW...thrilled for ya my friend. Awsome news.

[boyscouT]

'Sup? I'll tell you what's up. I'm gonna be a daddy. :D My wife found out on her birthday of all days, with the home test. Preliminary bloodwork at her obgyn's today confirmed it. Now the trick is making sure it stays in there, since we're all old and stuff over here. :D Whoooooo! I have unleashed my demon spawn upon the world! You will all kneel at the feet of my child someday! :mad:

jag
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/aktion/action-smiley-035.gif http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/aktion/action-smiley-035.gif http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/aktion/action-smiley-035.gif

Congrats man!!!!!!!!!!

[kethnaab]

I'm gonna be a daddy. :D My wife found out on her birthday of all days, with the home test.

holy macaroni, congrats Jag! That's awesome news! *wild thunderous applause*

[Minotaur]

'Sup? I'll tell you what's up. I'm gonna be a daddy. :D My wife found out on her birthday of all days, with the home test. Preliminary bloodwork at her obgyn's today confirmed it. Now the trick is making sure it stays in there, since we're all old and stuff over here. :D Whoooooo! I have unleashed my demon spawn upon the world! You will all kneel at the feet of my child someday! :mad:

jag

A jaguar cub! :D

Congratulations!

[jaguarr]

What can I say???
But THAT is quite simply ... THE BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much, Barb! We're really excited! :)


Glad I dropped bye....WOW...thrilled for ya my friend. Awsome news.

Thanks, Baldie! Looks like you're gonna be a GREAT Uncle. Haha! :D



Congrats man!!!!!!!!!!

Hehe! You KNOW a kid of mine is gonna know how to RAWK! Thanks, youngblood!


holy macaroni, congrats Jag! That's awesome news! *wild thunderous applause*

Thanks, big guy!


A jaguar cub!

Congratulations!

Thanks, Frank!

Well, let's see. Today's been a big day around The Jungle. Lady Jag went in for more tests this afternoon, but I haven't heard anything back about that, yet. My new job got formally announced, so that's a done deal. I got a raise and an excellent performance evaluation. And, my boobies and tri's are sore from last night's workout. What is NOT to love right now, I ask you? I hope Hump Day is treating you all as well as it's treating me. :)

jag

[Stenn]

Well, let's see. Today's been a big day around The Jungle. Lady Jag went in for more tests this afternoon, but I haven't heard anything back about that, yet. My new job got formally announced, so that's a done deal. I got a raise and an excellent performance evaluation. And, my boobies and tri's are sore from last night's workout. What is NOT to love right now, I ask you? I hope Hump Day is treating you all as well as it's treating me. :)

My Hump Day has me on my back with a cold, but I'm not too out of it to wish you the best on your new adventure. Kids are lots of fun once you figure out where they're ticklish. :D

[jmc53]

Congrats on the news Jag.
(Impressive dips and flys mate).

[dbx]

Congrats to you both, and welcome to the club! Your life will be changed forever..........and this is a good thing :cool:

[jtroster]

Congrats to you both, and welcome to the club! Your life will be changed forever..........and this is a good thing :cool:
Right!
Babies are merely physically exhausting. Then, as they grow up they become intellectually exhausting and then financially exhausting. But its all worth it.

[Seosaid]

Right!
Babies are merely physically exhausting. Then, as they grow up they become intellectually exhausting and then financially exhausting. But its all worth it.


Hey, I'm only 3 months into this, don't scare me too much :D

Jag is this your first?????

[Gunn27]

Congratulations to you both, this is fantastic news and I am very happy for both of you. Pretty soon you're going to know what it's like to really be tired and drag your ass to a workout, LOL. :D

[StlBarbie]

Congratulations to you both, this is fantastic news and I am very happy for both of you. Pretty soon you're going to know what it's like to really be tired and drag your ass to a workout, LOL. :D

OH LMAO ... is that SO TRUE or WHAT???? :D

Happy Thursday BIG CAT!!! :)

[Hibiscus09]

WooHoo!!!! Here's a big hug for both of you!! HOW EXCITING!! I want a baby. :)

Congratulations, jag!! You'll have to add a baby cub to your tattoo collection now. :)

[jaguarr]

Hi, folks. Sorry I've been away for a bit. It has been a very rough several days here in The Jungle. Long story short, I'm no longer going to be a daddy at this point. :( Lady Jag's finally stabilizing physically and is doing a bit better emotionally, but we're very sad about our loss. Hopefully everything will resolve itself properly and she won't have to have any surgery and we'll be granted another chance to bring a child into the world. We're hopeful and optimistic, but taking some of our favorite words of wisdom to heart at the moment: It always is what it was supposed to be, even if you didn't think that's what it was supposed to be. At any rate, I'm sticking hard to my lifting and having some pretty hellacious workouts, actually. I just haven't felt like posting here, much, including logging my lifting. It'll come back with time. I just wanted all of you to be aware as your support and love over our initial news has been so beatiful and touching. All our best to you and yours.

jag

[Minotaur]

I am so sorry.

[joed]

Oh no.

[Flynn]

I'm also very sorry Jag. How are you holding up?

[jtroster]

Jag,

I'm sorry to hear your news. You know we all send our thoughts out to you and your wife.

Keep Well.

[mom24boys]

I am sorry Jags Hugs to you both.

[justtryn]

Yah, buddy, how are YOU holding up?

[boyscouT]

You and your wife will be in my thoughts jag. :(

[=M=]

Hugs to you and your wife, Jag. I'm so sorry.

[pastorgbc]

We love you Jag.

Our prayers are with you and your wife.

Ray

[Gunn27]

We're hopeful and optimistic, but taking some of our favorite words of wisdom to heart at the moment: It always is what it was supposed to be, even if you didn't think that's what it was supposed to be.Hold on to those words, Jag. My wife and I used those same thoughts to help get through the same circumstances.

My thoughts and prayers are with you both, take are of each other as I know you will.

[jspirate]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yoru wife Jag.

[jmc53]

Sorry to hear your news mate.

[ChocoChick]

So sorry to hear this, Jag. My heart goes out to you and your wife.

[Chubby Mom]

Sorry Jag Hugs for you and your wife

[someday]

Our thoughts are with both of you. We are so very sorry for your loss.

[StlBarbie]

I am so very sorry BIG CAT :(.... my heart and prayers are with you and your wife ...

[Seosaid]

Jag,

I'm sorry to hear your news.

But I'm also sure it will happen again very soon!

Nico & I are sending goods vibes your way

Josie

[Hibiscus09]

I feel so sad reading this, jag. I am very sorry for your loss. I hope God gives you peace in this situation. I also pray that the two of you will be able to conceive again and have a beautiful, healthy baby.

[jaguarr]

Folks, I can't tell you enough how much your kind words here and in PM's mean to me and Lady Jag. It's very much appreciated, so thank you so much. I'm doing alright on a personal level and have come to terms with things for the most part. I've grieved in my own personal way while still being strong for my wife through all of this, and it has brought us even closer together. More than anything I'm just relieved that it's looking like Lady Jag won't have to have any surgery which would have been my worst fears realized. That she's healthy and alive is of the utmost importance to me. Again, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. You are all explempary of what makes a human being beautiful.

Had a killer chest/tri's workout tonight but I'm not quite up for logging it. It was really awesome and it was ALL PB's. :D Okay, maybe not. I'll log it later this week, most likely, along with my other missing workouts and get this thing up to date again.

Have a great night!
jag

[eddied27]

Jag.....you and your wife will be in my prayers! I'm am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Be strong Jag! As you said, it all happens for a reason and find faith that another blessing is just around the corner for you both.

My best and my sympathies......Ed

[kimsquit]

my thoughts are with the two of you, Jag.

[GSCampbell]

Jag,

I've been where you are right now and I know that doesn't mean squat at the moment but this too shall pass. You are my friend and I hurt for you both. I'm sorry.

[Stenn]

I'm very sorry Jag. That's terrible news. The same sort of thing happend to my wife and I. Once we got our wits back we tried again and got ourselves a beautiful child who amazes and challenges us to this day. I'm sure the same will happen for you.

Take care,
Steve

[Seosaid]

Happy Valentines Day You Two!!

[eddied27]

Jag....just checking in on ya big fella!! I have trouble finding the right words so I'll just simply say I hope you and yours are doing okay!!

My best.....Ed

[StlBarbie]

Just dropping in to say "hi" BIG CAT .. and let you know you are in my thoughts ... :)

[jaguarr]

Hey, thanks, folks. It's been pretty hectic around here what with my trying to transition out of my current role and into my new one, our pregnancy issues and keeping Lady Jag safe (so far so good, more labwork to come today to see where we're at), Valentine's Day, a ton of birthdays, anniversarry's for our parents, family in from out of town and so on. My internet time has suffered for it. Such is life. The workouts are still going great, though. And, my time away from my journal has enlightened me to something I hadn't realized; I've become burnt out on logging each and every single workout of mine and it's become work for me to do it. So, I'm rethinking how I'm going to approach this journal going forward to make it still insightful and informative. But, I'm logging my workouts in my logbook already and transferring them over is more of a chore than I care to keep up at this point with so much going on in my life. So, I'm not going to do it anymore. More thoughts on what this journal will look like in the future as they come to me.

Hope you are all doing great! I'll try to check in on everyone's progress when I get a moment.

Cheers!
jag

[StlBarbie]

Thank you so much for the pic retrieval BIG CAT .. very much appreciated!!! :)

[jtroster]

Good to hear from you Jag.

[boyscouT]

Jag, don't you just quote a prior workout, and make edits to it?

And nice to hear you and lady jag are doing as well as you guys can :).

[kimsquit]

I've become burnt out on logging each and every single workout of mine and it's become work for me to do it. So, I'm rethinking how I'm going to approach this journal going forward to make it still insightful and informative.oddly enough I was thinking this very same thing this morning (about my journal, not yours :p)

Perhaps a switch to a weekly update would work? I like the way that Eddied summarizes the end of each training cycle by listing his original starting weights and comparing them to his gains.

hang in there big guy!

~ chris

[Forge3]

Hey Jag I didn't know about the bad news till just now. My best wishes and prayerful hopes for the future. Glad you guys are doing well with it now. Maybe my crazy cats/dogs pm came at a good time ;)

[jaguarr]

Thank you so much for the pic retrieval BIG CAT .. very much appreciated!!!

Pic retrieval? What'd I do? What'd I do!? :confused:


Good to hear from you Jag.

Thanks, Joel. It's been a crazy time for me, and I just haven't had as much time to check in here as I used to. :(


Jag, don't you just quote a prior workout, and make edits to it?

http://media.g4tv.com/images/ImageDB/article/47875/ronlivingston-small.gif

Yeah, but I really don't like it and I'm not going to do it anymore.



And nice to hear you and lady jag are doing as well as you guys can .

Thanks, bro!



oddly enough I was thinking this very same thing this morning (about my journal, not yours :p)

Perhaps a switch to a weekly update would work? I like the way that Eddied summarizes the end of each training cycle by listing his original starting weights and comparing them to his gains.

hang in there big guy!

~ chris

I'm still mulling it over about how I want to go about this. I have a few ideas kicking around but I feel like the value of just logging workouts here has sort of lost it's value for me and probably for everyone else, too. I want to find a way to capture the little things I'm doing and learning that might be different or new to everyone else so that they can maybe try them as well. At first glance, my workouts tend to look all about the same except for variances in weights and reps/set and perhaps a few different exercises I rotate in and out. But, I'm also always experimenting with this stuff and maybe I can look at a way of incorporating some of that stuff into a weekly update. We'll see. I'm going to think about it some more. Thanks for the words of encouragement, Chris!


Hey Jag I didn't know about the bad news till just now. My best wishes and prayerful hopes for the future. Glad you guys are doing well with it now. Maybe my crazy cats/dogs pm came at a good time ;)

Thanks, Forge! Yeah, that crazy PM came at a very good time, bro. http://forum.bodybuilding.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

So, after all the craziness of a small family reunion last week to celebrate my grandfather's 90th birthday, various members of my family started coming down with the creeping crud. I'd managed to avoid it and had a KILLER chest/tri's workout on Tuesday and made some excellent gains in the weight I'm pushing (I'll clear 300 for working weight on my flat BB bench in a couple of months easily, which will be great to get back up to a respectable weight on these) and then by Thursday morning was feeling the signs of the flu starting to sink in. By Thursday night I was full blown sick and Lady Jag was starting to feel it, too. We've spent the weekend with our brains leaking out of our noses and trying to keep this crap from getting into our chests. Thank God for Nyquil! Needless to say, I haven't gotten any more lifting or cardio in this week. I haven't had something this nasty for well over a year. Bleh! All in all, though, we're doing pretty well and are coming to terms with our recent loss. Lady Jag's now checked out with a clean bill of health and we'll hopefully be able to give another go at having a baby pretty soon.

At any rate, I feel a nap coming on. Hope ya'll are doing great!
jag

[eddied27]

All in all, though, we're doing pretty well and are coming to terms with our recent loss. Lady Jag's now checked out with a clean bill of health and we'll hopefully be able to give another go at having a baby pretty soon.

At any rate, I feel a nap coming on. Hope ya'll are doing great!
jag

That could be the greatest post I've seen you make on here jag!

I have trouble sometimes putting into words my thoughts when others are suffering so I'll simply wish you and yours the best during this time.

Be well.....everyday!!

My best,

Ed

[jmc53]

I'll be interested to see what plans you have for your journal mate. I find lately that just posting my workouts and keeping up with correspondance in my own journal sometimes means I have no time left to visit other journals - which is half the point of being here.

[jaguarr]

That could be the greatest post I've seen you make on here jag!

I have trouble sometimes putting into words my thoughts when others are suffering so I'll simply wish you and yours the best during this time.

Be well.....everyday!!

My best,

Ed

Thanks, bro! It was the nap part, wasn't it? Brought a tear to my eye, too. :)


I'll be interested to see what plans you have for your journal mate. I find lately that just posting my workouts and keeping up with correspondance in my own journal sometimes means I have no time left to visit other journals - which is half the point of being here.

Thanks, mate. Still trying to figure out how I want to approach this to make this journal informative and fun without being a time suck and a drag for me. Like you, I rarely have time to visit other folks' journals these days, and that's something I'd like to remedy.

First, though, I need to get rid of this head/chest cold that I've picked up. I have a colony of banana slugs living in my sinuses right now, and I'm really not cool with that. I've tried a wide selection of various pharmaceuticals and have discovered that Tylenol and Sudafed, when mixed in a wicked cocktail strong enough to down an elephant, give me some relief with my sinuses and I start feeling somewhat functional again. Lady Jag's in rough shape, too. Thank God for Nyquil at night. We may be heading to the doc tomorrow if we're still feeling this way tomorrow. At any rate, hope ya'll are doing well!

jag

[boyscouT]

Sucks about your cold... but glad to hear lady jag is a-OK.

[Hibiscus09]

First, though, I need to get rid of this head/chest cold that I've picked up. I have a colony of banana slugs living in my sinuses right now, and I'm really not cool with that. I've tried a wide selection of various pharmaceuticals and have discovered that Tylenol and Sudafed, when mixed in a wicked cocktail strong enough to down an elephant, give me some relief with my sinuses and I start feeling somewhat functional again. Lady Jag's in rough shape, too. Thank God for Nyquil at night. We may be heading to the doc tomorrow if we're still feeling this way tomorrow. At any rate, hope ya'll are doing well!

jag

Yikes! Your descriptions are exactly how I feel when I get sinus stuff from allergies or illness. I'm sorry you guys are feeling so cruddy. Hopefully, the doctor will be able to hook you up with the magic potion. :)

[kimsquit]

Hopefully your sinuses dry out soon!

[Chubby Mom]

Hi Jag Hope you and Lady Jag feel better soon.

[jaguarr]

Thanks, folks. My cold has settled into a lovely case of bronchitis. Lady Jag has walking pneumonia. We have about half a pharmacy worth of drugs in our house. Haha! A nice, mellow weekend of recover is ahead of us. Hopefully we're on the upswing. Bleh! Have a great weekend, folks!

jag

[ChocoChick]

Feel better, Jags. :)

[mom24boys]

I miss ya 'round here Jaggies :)

[ms_mac]

Sorry to hear you and Lady Jag are sick. Rest up over the weekend and feel better soon!

[jaguarr]

Thank you, ladies! I'm finally starting to feel like my old self again. Still a little bit of a cough and some junk in the lungs, but just about there again. Same with Lady Jag. In fact, she's been a full month without smoking and actually did some work on the "epileptical" this morning! :eek: I think the Lunar Eclipse may have effected her. We'll see if it continues. *fingers crossed*

I'll probably do a little cardio today or tomorrow to shake some more of the bugs out of my system. Planning on hitting the weight again for the first time in almost three weeks on Sunday. That should be a good reminder of how weak I've gotten while I've been sick. :( At any rate, I'm alive and wanted to check in. Hope ya'll are doing fantastic! :)

jag

[pastorgbc]

Its great to hear from you, hep cat. I hope things clear up soon.

We miss you.

Ray

[batteryrequired]

Holy smokes....its been going around here too but have managed to avoid it. Its taking people weeks to shake it. I don't want it! Hang in there and get strong again.

[jtroster]

Good to hear from you again.

[StlBarbie]

BIG CAT >> It is just AWESOME to see your smiling face in these parts!!! :)