DB Challenge

[Plateauplower]

Nice pressing Mark1T, looked good. I'm impressed you can get those back to your knees after the set. I think my elbows would explode and I would have bruised legs if I tried that with anything over 80s.

[pryme]

Nice work on the last few vids I watched guys.

[Mark1T]

Nice pressing Mark1T, looked good. I'm impressed you can get those back to your knees after the set. I think my elbows would explode and I would have bruised legs if I tried that with anything over 80s.

Thanks, Plateau. After the set, I just reverse all movements for the dismount. I bring my knees up to catch the weight, so it's not bad on the knees at all. No issues with the elbows, either.

[EarlA]

No progress, still working with the 100's. I did fix the way I get set up though.

[Mark1T]

No progress, still working with the 100's. I did fix the way I get set up though.

Nice. That is progress if you improve on your setup. That makes all the difference between a good set and a not so good set. Your setup has greatly improved and your strength will improve in due course. Just keep doing what you're doing.

[trickyB]

Nice work JJ, Keep it going!

Mark, Great work and good progress.

Earl- You still here grinding, keep it going, thats progress.

[anonymous]

Nice Mark, that's really impressive on inclines - once I can incline again do you want to 'race' to 10 reps with the 120s? I still am taking a break from them until I get my shoulder checked

my chiro says if there was anything major I wouldn't be able to do any of the stuff I can do, and none of his tests elicited pain so it might just be a huge build up of scar tissue after all. I'll find out next week!

Tonight - I did 'regular speed' reps instead of my usual slow, paused and got 9 with the 140's then 20 with the 108's (my heavy AF '105s' lol)

[Mark1T]

Nice Mark, that's really impressive on inclines - once I can incline again do you want to 'race' to 10 reps with the 120s? I still am taking a break from them until I get my shoulder checked

my chiro says if there was anything major I wouldn't be able to do any of the stuff I can do, and none of his tests elicited pain so it might just be a huge build up of scar tissue after all. I'll find out next week!

Tonight - I did 'regular speed' reps instead of my usual slow, paused and got 9 with the 140's then 20 with the 108's (my heavy AF '105s' lol)

Thanks, Half. Your set was great. I feel it is harder to control those bigger weights with regular speed. I go slower because it's the only way I can control them. So, you going at regular speed is more impressive, to me. Plus, the 140s. Big weight.

When you are up to it, I would be happy to race you to 10 reps with the 120s. Although, you could do that now. Let me know when you're ready and we'll do it.

Nice work and thanks for posting.

[Plateauplower]

Great pressing Vids EarlA and Halfway. Hope that shoulder is nothing serious. A scan will give you a better idea of whats going on.
If you have a high pain threshold it might not reveal if there is damage just taking it through the ROM etc, hopeully just some inflammation etc.

I made some progress today on my higher volume work for DB incline. Each set was supersetted with a set of pull-ups. No vid of these, just focusing on slow controlled pressing and trying to make the pecs do the work.

DB Incline
70sX12
80sX10
80sX10 (+1)
80sX10 (+1)
80sX8 (+1)
80sX7 (Extra set)

Then I tried to get a better DL vid to see if there is anything that needs work mechanically. They felt better today up to 405 even though my lower back was sore going in. 455 felt a bit much but managed a few.

455x3 DL


went
135x5
225x5
315x5
405x5
455xFail (got forward, set it down)
455x3* ugly 3rd
405x5

[Mark1T]

Good workout, Plateau. Time to move up since you have that higher volume down with the 80s. Great effort on the DL. Strong.

[induced_drag]

Tonight - I did 'regular speed' reps instead of my usual slow, paused and got 9 with the 140's

OK....thats it....I quit! I only got two dumbbell workouts in and I'm done after seeing that!



j/k Awesome set man! That is some serious power. I am going to see what I have tonight. I have been dropping carbs pretty low lately as I am having a pool party this sat. Want to save up for a real good binge (and look good while stuffing my face and drinking too much )

Thanks for the motivation! Hope the shoulder turns out OK!

Then I tried to get a better DL vid to see if there is anything that needs work mechanically. They felt better today up to 405 even though my lower back was sore going in. 455 felt a bit much but managed a few.

I can tell a lot from that view. Classic issue of not driving through your heels. You have a strong lower back and that is overcoming it. Put the vid full screen and watch your heels on your initial pull. They roll and peel off the ground. Fix this and you will add 25-30 lbs immediately to your dead.

You have to learn to pull BACK and not up! If you let go of the bar on your initial pull, you should fly backward if pulling right. Try pre-tensioning the bar and then pulling. Deficits can also help you feel the engagement.

[Plateauplower]

I can tell a lot from that view. Classic issue of not driving through your heels. You have a strong lower back and that is overcoming it. Put the vid full screen and watch your heels on your initial pull. They roll and peel off the ground. Fix this and you will add 25-30 lbs immediately to your dead.

You have to learn to pull BACK and not up! If you let go of the bar on your initial pull, you should fly backward if pulling right. Try pre-tensioning the bar and then pulling. Deficits can also help you feel the engagement.

Thanks, I have noticed the heels rising in a lot of my vids,will work on that. I get forward frequently on failed lifts. I think that is tied in with me feeling like I'm not getting enough leg drive from the floor and feeling like my lower back is going to snap in half on heavy pulls. When I have done deficits in the past it seems to help (at least for a while) with the leg drive. I will focus on pulling back instead of just keeping my back straight chest high and pulling up. Appreciate it.

back to Heavy presses wont post anymore DL vids ITT

[Mr. Someday]

Tonight - I did 'regular speed' reps instead of my usual slow, paused and got 9 with the 140's then 20 with the 108's (my heavy AF '105s' lol)

Man...nice set. I feel like a pu$$y for only getting 6 last night with 140's (no vid since those wouldn't be PR's for me). Still....this thread inspired me to shoot for the 140's at least.

[SmarterFitness]

Well I could offer a challenge I am 160lbs and 64 years old I would challenge anyone my age to do the DB flat bench with 80"s like I have. If you want a video of it you might have to wait a bit I got diagnosed with a heart problem and am 4 months off the gym and just got back. at this age muscle loss can be far more rapid than muscle gain. But I promise I will post the 80's DB flat bench in 90 days from now. You can count on it. It is never too late to get fit! we can add a 350 lb deadlift to that also

[Mark1T]

Well I could offer a challenge I am 160lbs and 64 years old I would challenge anyone my age to do the DB flat bench with 80"s like I have. If you want a video of it you might have to wait a bit I got diagnosed with a heart problem and am 4 months off the gym and just got back. at this age muscle loss can be far more rapid than muscle gain. But I promise I will post the 80's DB flat bench in 90 days from now. You can count on it. It is never too late to get fit! we can add a 350 lb deadlift to that also

Welcome and looking forward to your participation. Best on your recovery.

[induced_drag]

That time of the week again! Halfways effort crushed me, but mine is respectable. What I am amazed at is the CNS improvement in only 2 workouts (this being the third). I managed 140x8

Again, most awesome thing is ZERO shoulder pain. I think I am going to drop down to 120's and work them for a while and then a few weeks down the road, come back and visit the 150's I can still feel my coordination is not 100%. I need to spend some time working the movement and that time will surly not be a waste.

My phone had a weird light effect when I watched it back. Not sure why....maybe dirty lens?....

[Plateauplower]

Nice pressing ID looked very well controlled to me. I know for me personally sometimes they look better on a vid than what they feel like though. I always liked pressing my Ironmasters better than conventional DBs as they seemed less awkward for the weight. What will you woork the 120s up to before going back after the 150s 10-12 rep sets?

[mikieson]

Nice pressing ID looked very well controlled to me. I know for me personally sometimes they look better on a vid than what they feel like though. I always liked pressing my Ironmasters better than conventional DBs as they seemed less awkward for the weight. What will you woork the 120s up to before going back after the 150s 10-12 rep sets?

So you really like the Ironmasters? They are the ones where you can select the lbs right??

[Plateauplower]

So you really like the Ironmasters? They are the ones where you can select the lbs right??

No they are plate loaded (square plates) with collers that slide into the handle and turn to lock. They are not much faster than spin lock collars IMO, they feel like regular DBs but are narrower for the weight from most DBs I have seen. The advanatge is there is no bar sticking out likie a spin lock and they are durable enough to be dropped. I sold mine when my son was born since I lost my space to have them. The bench is one of the best on teh market too for the price IMO.

http://www.ironmaster.com/categories/packages

I bought the wife Powerblocks and they are faster to change but they are Wide AF with appreciable weight on them and seem awkward for heavy pressing and are not as durable as the ironmasters. She likes them though and is making teh gainz with them.

[Mark1T]

Excellent lifting, ID. Thanks for posting.

[induced_drag]

Nice pressing ID looked very well controlled to me. I know for me personally sometimes they look better on a vid than what they feel like though. I always liked pressing my Ironmasters better than conventional DBs as they seemed less awkward for the weight. What will you woork the 120s up to before going back after the 150s 10-12 rep sets?

Not really sure what the plan is. I know my coordination is not there and I feel like I am pushing unnecessary risk going up in weight so quick. Lots of little stabilizer muscles working to pull off DB presses. Couple that with the fact that I have pretty much stayed at 225 on bb presses for the past year (due to letting my shoulder heal) I have to not let my ego get carried away.

I am just going to pull back and get to the point where I am comfortable with the lift. I can feel I am not engaging efficiently on the press and that will just take some time. I have been taking a much more laid back approach to training lately (something I dont recommend to anyone as it pretty much guarantees no progress), but I am honest enough to know what progress I have left will mostly be neuro-muscular and compositional.....so I am OK.

Maybe if I could start eating again, I could see attempting a progressive routine......heck, I dont know?! I am in a wait and see mode! All I know, is I am enjoying the feeling of getting REAL and deep engagement of the chest and not killing my shoulder in the process. Appreciate the support and props! And...second your thoughts on the Ironmasters! They are top notch. BUT....I was too lazy to use them most of the time. I am not a big isolation guy anyway....but you cant beat them for sure.

Excellent lifting, ID. Thanks for posting.

No....thank YOU for starting this thread. Like I have said.....I needed a little kick in the a$$!

[mirroroferised]

No....thank YOU for starting this thread. Like I have said.....I needed a little kick in the a$$!

Agree with this! I've added more db work in twice a week now thanks to this thread and really enjoying it.




I'm going to a real gym tonight after work. Going to give some heavier db's a go and see what happens. I'll post a vid (for better or worse ) in a couple of days.

[Mark1T]

No....thank YOU for starting this thread. Like I have said.....I needed a little kick in the a$$!

Agree with this! I've added more db work in twice a week now thanks to this thread and really enjoying it.

I'm going to a real gym tonight after work. Going to give some heavier db's a go and see what happens. I'll post a vid (for better or worse ) in a couple of days.

Glad the thread holds some value. Looking forward to more videos.

mirroroferised, no worries if your form or weight is less than what you think is ok. We are here to help with form, suggestions, etc. Just like when I posted that fail, it is how we get back at it is what counts, at any weight. Light weight and lots of reps or good form is fine. Failure is not trying.

[striktus]

Male and female. Flat or incline.

This morning. Body-weight 196.



No rules. This is not intended to be the highest weight necessarily, but your highest weight or highest reps.

This thread is to challenge yourself to improve, or progress.

Awsome lift! But that looks like a very small incline bench than to a regular 45 degree incline when you put your butt up like that, still great lift!

Are you stronger in incline than flat?

I have videos myself on flat, but can't do it now from phone. I dont know the weights in pounds. But I'm sure they are around 120-130.

[anonymous]

That time of the week again! Halfways effort crushed me, but mine is respectable. What I am amazed at is the CNS improvement in only 2 workouts (this being the third). I managed 140x8

Again, most awesome thing is ZERO shoulder pain. I think I am going to drop down to 120's and work them for a while and then a few weeks down the road, come back and visit the 150's I can still feel my coordination is not 100%. I need to spend some time working the movement and that time will surly not be a waste.

My phone had a weird light effect when I watched it back. Not sure why....maybe dirty lens?....

Damn, nice Id, I think you've got ten there at least. 150s next time? Go on..

The thing that amazed me the most about that vid is the jackasses almost jumping over you as they move around your bench! Holy chit, that reminds me why I train at home most time

[Mark1T]

Awsome lift! But that looks like a very small incline bench than to a regular 45 degree incline when you put your butt up like that, still great lift!

Are you stronger in incline than flat?

I have videos myself on flat, but can't do it now from phone. I dont know the weights in pounds. But I'm sure they are around 120-130.

Thanks. I use a 30 degree incline and I do arch my back a lot. Most people do use a 45 degree angle, but to me, that incorporates too much shoulders. I am working chest.

Please post your videos. Flat or incline.

[striktus]

88ish i think, 40 kg. First breath after 13 14 reps if I remember right.

[striktus]

Got challenged at the gym earlier this year regarding feets up. Not my best day, but fu is harder, so no excuses

Is 110ish i think.

[Plateauplower]

Thats Impressive Strikus are you 156 lbs in those vids? Look big for those stats. Strong work

[induced_drag]

Got challenged at the gym earlier this year regarding feets up. Not my best day, but fu is harder, so no excuses

Is 110ish i think.

Impressive strength for a guy your weight. With a 1200+ total in 148's is VERY competitive.