Bluebirds, Butterflies, and Barbells - A Starting Strength Journal

[PeterGibbons316]

Texas Method - Week 20 Volume
BW: ???

Color code:
Estimated 1RM PR (weight + 0.033 x weight x reps)
PR for reps/weight

Squat
45x5
45x5
155x5
245x3
315x2
385x5
385x5
385x5
385x5
385x7 (vid) PR

First four sets just weren't really challenging enough so I added a couple reps to the last one.

Bench Press
45x5
45x5
65x5
85x2
215x5
215x5
215x5
215x5
215x10 (vid)

First four sets just weren't really challenging enough so I added a couple reps to the last one.

Pendlay Row
95x5
95x5
215x5
215x5
215x5

No issues.

Hanging Leg Raises
BWx4/4/4

Actually superset these with my rows to save time. Pretty tough still. Would like to get these up to 5 reps for 3 sets, but I'm just not there yet.

Vid:



Notes:
So the gym I usually go to near the in-laws is closed all this week, so I won't be able to max. Probably for the best since I'm still not really feeling well - pretty bad head cold and still feeling light-headed at times. So since I won't be able to get an intensity day in today I decided to got with a Farley-esque AMRAP final set on my squat and bench today just for kicks. I probably could have done an 8th rep on the squat, but might have passed out due to the light-headed feelings I mentioned. My best bench set on the PR board is 255x10, and I was too embarrassed to write a girly 215x11 weight on there so I cut it at 10.

So yeah, I'll just be taking the rest of the week off and enjoying the holidays with the family. A little rest will probably do me some good.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

[Woody-5]

385 x 7, damn
Hope you can kick the cold soon mate!
Have an excellent Christmas! The little one will have a blast!

[Sinaku5]

385x4x5 wasn't challenging enough?...isthisreallife.jpg?

Merry x-mas Peter.

Stay safe

[Juggernaut0]

385x4x5 wasn't challenging enough?...isthisreallife.jpg?

Merry x-mas Peter.

Stay safe

lol Agreed.

Happy Holidays!

[/JV/]

5lbs/week for 18 weeks with a switch from 5s to 3s - not unreasonable. Just have to hit the gym for 18 weeks straight

Still going up 5 lbs per week on your intensity day in the mid-400s? That's good stuff.

[PeterGibbons316]

385 x 7, damn
Hope you can kick the cold soon mate!
Have an excellent Christmas! The little one will have a blast!

385x4x5 wasn't challenging enough?...isthisreallife.jpg?

Merry x-mas Peter.

Stay safe

lol Agreed.

Happy Holidays!

Still going up 5 lbs per week on your intensity day in the mid-400s? That's good stuff.

Thanks dudes!

It's going to be nice to take a little time off and just watch the little guy have fun with the in-laws.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

[jshaw5]

I have the Trainer, #1, #1.5, and #2

The #2 I can only close with my right hand. I'd recommend starting with #1, but even the trainer is tough enough to give you a good grip workout.

Did you build up to closing the #2, or could you do that when you got them? My wife got me #1, #1.5, and #2 for xmas. I can only close the #1 with my right hand. I can get it about 1 cm from closing with my left. That's about how close I can get the #1.5 with my right hand too. I'm gonna order the trainer, but I'm trying to decide if I want the #0.5 too.

How was your Christmas? This wasn't your first one with the little guy, was it? Did he enjoy getting presents, or is he still at the point where the wrapping paper is more exciting than what in it?

[PeterGibbons316]

Did you build up to closing the #2, or could you do that when you got them? My wife got me #1, #1.5, and #2 for xmas. I can only close the #1 with my right hand. I can get it about 1 cm from closing with my left. That's about how close I can get the #1.5 with my right hand too. I'm gonna order the trainer, but I'm trying to decide if I want the #0.5 too.

How was your Christmas? This wasn't your first one with the little guy, was it? Did he enjoy getting presents, or is he still at the point where the wrapping paper is more exciting than what in it?

I think I had the #1 and #1.5 for a few months before I got the #2, which I could close with my right hand, but not quite with my left. I didn't even realize they had the #0.5 til just now. I think you can probably work your way up to the #1 with just the Trainer though.

This is our second Christmas with the little guy. He doesn't understand presents yet, and definitely has more fun climbing on and in the boxes then opening them. He did get a little plastic lawn mower thing that he loves to push around.

I had a pretty good Christmas myself - got my elbow sleeves, and a Garmin Forerunner. Need to go ahead and order those Rehbands myself though - didn't add them to my list until everyone had finished all their shopping.

[PeterGibbons316]

Texas Method - Week 21 Volume
BW: 224.8

Color code:
Estimated 1RM PR (weight + 0.033 x weight x reps)
PR for reps/weight

Squat
45x5
45x5
155x5
245x3
340x2
390x5
390x5
390x5
390x5
390x5 (vid)

Not easy. Not hard. Wore my new elbow sleeves, not sure if I like them or not yet. They were pretty restrictive to the blood flow beyond my elbow and I actually had to take them off between sets. Perhaps they will loosen up some as I use them who knows.

Press
45x5
45x5
65x5
85x2
105x5
105x5
105x5
105x5
125x5
125x5 (vid)
125x5 (vid)

So for the second time in a row I screwed up the weight on my press and did 105 instead of 115. I realized it after my 4th set and was pissed so I did 3 sets of 5 with 125. I tried a couple sets with the elbow sleeves on and wasn't overly excited about it.

Cajun Row
95x5
95x5
115x5
115x5
115x5

No issues.

DE Deadlifts
205x1
205x1
255x1
275x1(x15)

One rep as fast as possible every minute for 15 total reps. These were mentally exhausting.

BB Sit-ups
45x3
65x3
85x10/10/10

These were tough. The last couple reps were a struggle, but this is +10 lbs from the last time I did them, so good progress here.

Vid:



Notes:
Enjoyed the time off. Really did a lot of work today, and feel pretty good. I'm still battling some sort of cold/sinus infection, but hopefully it doesn't hold me back on Thursday's intensity day. I think I will just attempt 450x3 again.

[johnblythe]

Texas Method - Week 21 Volume
BW: 224.8

Color code:
Estimated 1RM PR (weight + 0.033 x weight x reps)
PR for reps/weight

Squat
45x5
45x5
155x5
245x3
340x2
390x5
390x5
390x5
390x5
390x5 (vid)

Not easy. Not hard. Wore my new elbow sleeves, not sure if I like them or not yet. They were pretty restrictive to the blood flow beyond my elbow and I actually had to take them off between sets. Perhaps they will loosen up some as I use them who knows.

Press
45x5
45x5
65x5
85x2
105x5
105x5
105x5
105x5
125x5
125x5 (vid)
125x5 (vid)

So for the second time in a row I screwed up the weight on my press and did 105 instead of 115. I realized it after my 4th set and was pissed so I did 3 sets of 5 with 125. I tried a couple sets with the elbow sleeves on and wasn't overly excited about it.

Cajun Row
95x5
95x5
115x5
115x5
115x5

No issues.

DE Deadlifts
205x1
205x1
255x1
275x1(x15)

One rep as fast as possible every minute for 15 total reps. These were mentally exhausting.

BB Sit-ups
45x3
65x3
85x10/10/10

These were tough. The last couple reps were a struggle, but this is +10 lbs from the last time I did them, so good progress here.

Vid:



Notes:
Enjoyed the time off. Really did a lot of work today, and feel pretty good. I'm still battling some sort of cold/sinus infection, but hopefully it doesn't hold me back on Thursday's intensity day. I think I will just attempt 450x3 again.

good to have you back. in for that 450x3 reattempt

[HunterMC6]

390x5! Good grief I need to get my ass in gear. Nice work on those Squats PG!

[PeterGibbons316]

Texas Method - Week 21 Volume
BW: 224.8

Color code:
Estimated 1RM PR (weight + 0.033 x weight x reps)
PR for reps/weight

Squat
45x5
45x5
155x5
245x3
340x2
390x5
390x5
390x5
390x5
390x5 (vid)

Not easy. Not hard. Wore my new elbow sleeves, not sure if I like them or not yet. They were pretty restrictive to the blood flow beyond my elbow and I actually had to take them off between sets. Perhaps they will loosen up some as I use them who knows.

Press
45x5
45x5
65x5
85x2
105x5
105x5
105x5
105x5
125x5
125x5 (vid)
125x5 (vid)

So for the second time in a row I screwed up the weight on my press and did 105 instead of 115. I realized it after my 4th set and was pissed so I did 3 sets of 5 with 125. I tried a couple sets with the elbow sleeves on and wasn't overly excited about it.

Cajun Row
95x5
95x5
115x5
115x5
115x5

No issues.

DE Deadlifts
205x1
205x1
255x1
275x1(x15)

One rep as fast as possible every minute for 15 total reps. These were mentally exhausting.

BB Sit-ups
45x3
65x3
85x10/10/10

These were tough. The last couple reps were a struggle, but this is +10 lbs from the last time I did them, so good progress here.

Vid:



Notes:
Enjoyed the time off. Really did a lot of work today, and feel pretty good. I'm still battling some sort of cold/sinus infection, but hopefully it doesn't hold me back on Thursday's intensity day. I think I will just attempt 450x3 again.

page bump

good to have you back. in for that 450x3 reattempt

390x5! Good grief I need to get my ass in gear. Nice work on those Squats PG!

Thanks dudes!

[PeterGibbons316]

Texas Method - Week 21 Light Day
BW: 227.0 lbs.

Color code:
Estimated 1RM PR (weight + 0.033 x weight x reps)
PR for reps/weight

Squat
45x5
45x5
155x5
225x3
255x2
315x5
315x5

This was awful. I've never been so sore throughout my working sets like I was today.

Bench Press
45x5
45x5
95x5
125x3
155x2
195x5
195x5
195x5

Nice and slow.

Pendlay Row
95x5
95x5
225x5
225x5
225x5

Tough, but kept them strict.

Captains of Crush - Grip Training
Tx1/1/1
#1x6
#1x6
#1x6
#1x1, 18s hold

Added a rep to each set and 6 seconds to my hold from last time.

Vid:

No vid today.

Notes:
Went to the Music City Bowl yesterday and sat in the cold for 4 hours. Also sat and drove like 3 hours there and back. Probably a big part of why my legs were still so sore today. Thursday's ID should be interesting.

[12ccopeland]

315 squats on light day. Gjdm

What's 2013 have in store for you?

[400Lb Gorilla]

In for 500+ squat..... or negs!!!

[12ccopeland]

In for 500+ squat..... or negs!!!

^what this ******* said

[jshaw5]

Wtf happened to keeping VD steady for a few weeks? Jerk

Nice work on VD and RD. What's in store for ID, shooting for 450x3 again?

[ngolsen]

why the elbow sleeves for squats? if you are getting upper arm pain, then fix the grip.... shouldnt be any load on the elbows......

squats looked awesome.

also, with RD, you might want to do Squat after bench... its especially hard getting warm and limber for recovery getting warm from bench first helps me.

[PeterGibbons316]

In for 500+ squat..... or negs!!!

haha

It will happen, probably some time in the next 8 weeks barring massive sickness or injury.

Wtf happened to keeping VD steady for a few weeks? Jerk

Nice work on VD and RD. What's in store for ID, shooting for 450x3 again?

lulz, I keep adding 5 lbs to my volume weight and it keeps not getting much harder - table says to keep adding weight.

Yeah, I think 450x3 is the right move this week.

What's 2013 have in store for you?

Good question. I'll probably continue with TM for another 8-10 weeks, then switch up to some conditioning and do what I can to maintain my strength while losing some of the fat I've gained over the past 21 weeks. Back to TM again in the summer most likely.

[400Lb Gorilla]

Your progress on the King of Exercises has been amazing the last few months. You and Texas Method have been a damn good match so far

[Ironlife]

Still smashing heavy weights even after time off, hope the holidays were good for you my man and looking forward to some big numbers 2013!

[dk240t]

You setting any lifting goals for the new year? Come to my log, help me work on mine...

[PeterGibbons316]

You setting any lifting goals for the new year? Come to my log, help me work on mine...

I don't want to set firm lifting goals for the year. My lifting goals in general are just a 1500 lb total. If that happens this year, awesome. If it doesn't happen til 2020, that's fine too.

I do have some non-lifting related goals - mainly I want to be able to dunk a basketball. I want to lose some weight, and maintain strength while I do it. I want to be able to keep an elevated heart rate for about 90 minutes straight. Basically I want to be a better athlete.

[Sinaku5]

Basically I want to be a better athlete.

Always a great goal.

And your 1500lb total - with the way you're progressing on the lifts you should be there in about 1 month or 2 :P.

Seriously insane work on your lifts Peter.

[dopamine72]

Do you even stall?

Sick stuff bro

[adamdavidson47]

Yoga pants of strength.

[moshvr]

lol at your "light day" squats ... I need to do work.

Good stuff man

[12ccopeland]

PG and friend's I'd be honored if y'all subbed to my first ever sponsored supp log. OP will surely deliver .

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=150813993

[PeterGibbons316]

Texas Method - Week 21 Intensity
BW: 225.0

Color code:
Estimated 1RM PR (weight + 0.033 x weight x reps)
PR for reps/weight

Squat
45x5
45x5
155x5
265x3
360x2
460x1+Fail (vid) PR
450x2 (vid) PR

I screwed up. Unsure of what do to next week.

Press
45x5
45x5
75x5
120x3
135x2
160x5 (vid)

These felt easier than last week. Maybe the elbow sleeves make these a bit easier? Not sure. Certainly made my elbows feel better though - will probably stick with them.

Deadlift
95x10
225x5
315x3
385x1
445x3 (vid)
445x3 (vid)

Should have done the first set DOH, but just used the straps on both. Back looks like it was rounding, but it didn't feel like it gave at all while I was lifting, so I think I'm not worried about it yet.

Vid:



Notes:
Really strange day today. Not sure what happened on my first squat set (outside of the obvious accidental +10 lbs) - I still should have had that 460x2. I waited about 90 seconds and then did my 450x2, and that second one was a hell of a grinder. I started to fall forward like I did on the 2nd rep of 460 but just didn't give up on it. To be honest, I kind of like the thought of doing a heavy single and then a still heavy double as a back-off on intensity day, but that might be a little advanced for me right now. I could try 450x3 again next week, or switch to doubles - thoughts?

[Woody-5]

Nice work fella!
Even with the miss you still hit 3 heavy ass squat reps. Maybe shoot for the 450x3 next week?
Press and deads looked like gravy!