...INTENSITY...INSANITY...WATCH ME GROOW!!! - NaturalPursuit's Offseason Journey

[NaturalPursuit]

For those who have been messaging and emailing me about when I'm going to compete in a powerlifting meet...no definitive date

Episode 18 - Future Powerlifting Meet and Testing Thoughts

[demonwareltd]

Interesting take on competing in untested shows vs tested. I have shared a similar opinion when it comes to it, at least until recently. I have had decent success competing in untested shows with NABBA UNTIL competing in a national level show where the guys where all massive and at least half had good conditioning

With local untested shows I noticed there are bigger guys but the conditioning is a bit less than I've seen in tested shows. I am at the point now that I can either start enhancing my physique with gear and work to compete at the national level Or be content competing in state and regional shows. The 3rd option is to try out competing in another org as natural. Will decide sometime in the next two years while in off season.

When it comes down to it though, if u aren't interested in competing for money (or maybe just aren't at that level yet), a trophy is a trophy and ultimately we strive to improve ourselves from show to show. Which stage u step on to display the physique u built has little impact on how your physique will turn out.

[NaturalPursuit]

Interesting take on competing in untested shows vs tested. I have shared a similar opinion when it comes to it, at least until recently. I have had decent success competing in untested shows with NABBA UNTIL competing in a national level show where the guys where all massive and at least half had good conditioning

With local untested shows I noticed there are bigger guys but the conditioning is a bit less than I've seen in tested shows. I am at the point now that I can either start enhancing my physique with gear and work to compete at the national level Or be content competing in state and regional shows. The 3rd option is to try out competing in another org as natural. Will decide sometime in the next two years while in off season.

When it comes down to it though, if u aren't interested in competing for money (or maybe just aren't at that level yet), a trophy is a trophy and ultimately we strive to improve ourselves from show to show. Which stage u step on to display the physique u built has little impact on how your physique will turn out.

Yeah natural, enhanced, whatever...I really don't care lol

[NaturalPursuit]

Sheiko #37 - Week 4 - Day 3
"Last day of sheiko #37...I have the new Rob Bailey (Lost Souls) album blasting on my ipod...combining the last official workout of sheiko with tomorrow's hypertrophy fluff day...I'm ending this program WITH. A. BANG..."

Squat
(215 x 5) x 1 set
(255 x 4) x 1 set
(300 x 3) x 2 sets
(340 x 3) x 6 sets

...backs still sore from deadlifts...should I use a belt?....F&CK. NO...all raw **** in here....last increase was so easy I added pauses in the hole...NOW INTENSITY IS TAKIN OFF!!!

Bench
(130 x 5) x 1 set
(155 x 5) x 1 set
(185 x 5) x 5 sets

...last increase called for 180...gettin my pause and bustin this shyt out!!!

Dumbbell Fly- 5 sets - 10 reps
(35 x 10) x 5 sets

HUGE PUMP!!! Chest is EXPLODING out of my shirt!!!

Seated Dip - 5 sets - 8 reps
(4 plates x 8) x 5 sets

MORE!!! I go to rest my head down in between sets and my chin hits my upper chest...chest progress?...HELL YEAH!!!

Sitting Good Morning - 5 sets - 5 reps
(95 x 5) x 5 sets

...maximum of 30 seconds rest between sets for the rest of the workout...time to burn...

Standing bb curl (45 lb bar)- 2 sets
(shoulder width)
65 x 15
65 x 15

BLOWING THESE ARMZZZ UP!!!

Rope pulldowns ss close cable curls- 2 sets
Pulldowns- Lvl 7 x 15
Lvl 7 x 15
Curls- lvl 7 x 8
Lvl 7 x 8

you cant keep up...YOU CANT COMPETE WITH THIS INSANITY!!!

High rows- 2 sets
1 plate + 25 ps x 9
1 plate + 25 ps x 9

here's how that last of rows goes down...the lactic acid is burning so hard...I'm pushing through pain like never before...I squeeze hard for a 4 count of every rep...on the last rep I squeeze...and squeeze...AND SQUEEZE!!!! The burn is so insane I vomit and drop the weight...at this point you go home...I'VE GOT MORE WORK TO DO...

Wide Grip Pulldowns- 2 sets
Lvl 8 x 8
Lvl 8 x 8

back is FILLED. WITH. BLOOD...and I am CRAZY. MOTIVATED!!!

Db side lateral- 2 sets
45 x 8
45 x 8

hittin 45 lb dbs and slappin MASS on these deltzzzz!

Pec deck rear delt- 2 sets
(standing leaning chest forward)
90 x 12
90 x 12

rear delts lookin RAZOR. SHARP.

Cable forearms curls- 2 sets
(other cables)
Lvl 5 x 20
Lvl 5 x 12

forearms are lookin THICK!!! still veins blowin out at 190 lbs? still gaining size on these?...BELIEVE...

Calf press machine- 2 sets
(pause at top and bottom)
(toes forward) 4 plates x 15
(toes out) 4 plates x 15

Able to see my calves through sweat pants during those! PUMPED AS HELL!!! FINISH THIS DAY OFF!!!

Decline db crunches ss hanging leg raise- 1 set
Decline- 75 x 16
Hanging- 0 x 16

...sheiko #37 is officially over...started this program with a 405 squats, 235 bench, and 430 deadlift...ended the program with 425 squats, 255 bench, and 470 deadlift...went from a 1070 total to a 1150 total...ALL RAW...sheiko #37 will go down in my books as DESTROYED...

[Balddude]

An 80LBS increase in 1 month? LEGIT WORK MAN

[wrkoutfrq]

solid solid work Alex... i agree with the last episode too that it really doesn't matter whether the organization is tested or not (provided you're natural of course), if you go and beat guys who are on gear then that's a plus for you. well done on sheiko! can't wait for the next round of PHAT!

[The Solution]

A little deload then what's on the menu?

How about smolov

[demonwareltd]

I take it that all those extra movements you did in that workout were not prescribed by Sheiko, but just your obsession with ridiculous volume? Sheiko workouts have been taking me a minimum of an hour to an hour and fifteen. I can't imagine adding in all of that other stuff. I'm also spent beyond belief by the time I'm done with all the Sheiko work, that even a few sets of crunches would be an effort

[Spidey22]

GREAT progress man. You've been pausing all your Benching, correct? Do you think that's still effective even with high reps? (8+ reps)??

But seriously, great work man, you're progress is insane!!

[wrkoutfrq]

GREAT progress man. You've been pausing all your Benching, correct? Do you think that's still effective even with high reps? (8+ reps)??

But seriously, great work man, you're progress is insane!!

I think pausing is a great tool for bench... That's the range of the lift where most people are weakest, and pausing can REALLY help with that. Plus if you're into PL it's good movement training

[Rypt1]

Dem squats are looking mighty strong. Bench is coming along nicely, too. Keep the progress coming, very motivational.

[SteveR40]

[B][U]
...sheiko #37 is officially over...started this program with a 405 squats, 235 bench, and 430 deadlift...ended the program with 425 squats, 255 bench, and 470 deadlift...went from a 1070 total to a 1150 total...ALL RAW...sheiko #37 will go down in my books as DESTROYED...

Thats a solid increase in weight Alex.

[Ccm644]

...sheiko #37 is officially over...started this program with a 405 squats, 235 bench, and 430 deadlift...ended the program with 425 squats, 255 bench, and 470 deadlift...went from a 1070 total to a 1150 total...ALL RAW...sheiko #37 will go down in my books as DESTROYED...

I agree you destroyed skeiko 37

Well done

As always great work

[fittofattofit]

80lbs on the big lifts in a month! FML!
killing it and I'm mirin those 340 x 3 squats with a pause in the hole!
Awesome work on those accessories as well

Sheiko 37 has given you a great Christmas present with a 1150 total and maybe a 1200 test for Christmas day itself. Great job Alex!

[jpfaherty]

DESTROYED! I like it

[demonwareltd]

So Sheiko #29, Week 3 / Day 3 has listed an exercise "Press" for 5 sets of 4. I was going to do OHP with a barbell or do you think this is maybe DB Bench press. How had you interpreted it?

[wrkoutfrq]

So Sheiko #29, Week 3 / Day 3 has listed an exercise "Press" for 5 sets of 4. I was going to do OHP with a barbell or do you think this is maybe DB Bench press. How had you interpreted it?

i think i did OHP... not sure why, but it seemed right

[Opeth09]

Insane dude. Your lifts went up a hell of a lot for such a short time. Good job

[demonwareltd]

i think i did OHP... not sure why, but it seemed right

Indeed. I think that's what I will go with as well. Don't like doing DB Chest Presses anyways for such low reps. Heavy DBs are a pain in the rear

[NaturalPursuit]

An 80LBS increase in 1 month? LEGIT WORK MAN

Thanks bro! Gainz are only going to keep increasing!

solid solid work Alex... i agree with the last episode too that it really doesn't matter whether the organization is tested or not (provided you're natural of course), if you go and beat guys who are on gear then that's a plus for you. well done on sheiko! can't wait for the next round of PHAT!

Thanks man! And yeah I think too much people get caught up in stuff and not worrying about their own progress….next round of PHAT is gunna be insane!!!!

A little deload then what's on the menu?

How about smolov

Yup haha, my normal 3+ days off in between programs then onto my next cycle of PHAT! After that, I was actually considering smolov! Have to read up more before deciding for sure

I take it that all those extra movements you did in that workout were not prescribed by Sheiko, but just your obsession with ridiculous volume? Sheiko workouts have been taking me a minimum of an hour to an hour and fifteen. I can't imagine adding in all of that other stuff. I'm also spent beyond belief by the time I'm done with all the Sheiko work, that even a few sets of crunches would be an effort

…my name is alex and I’ve been a volumholic for 20 years….

Yeah haha those weren’t prescribed…it was my last day of 37 and I was PUMPED with focus so just combined my fluff day with it!

GREAT progress man. You've been pausing all your Benching, correct? Do you think that's still effective even with high reps? (8+ reps)??

But seriously, great work man, you're progress is insane!!

I think pausing is a great tool for bench... That's the range of the lift where most people are weakest, and pausing can REALLY help with that. Plus if you're into PL it's good movement training

Thanks spidey! Yeah pausing on 90% of my sets and I feel it really helps with strength AND size gains because of the TUT and the explosive nature of the positive portion of the life…def try it out and see how you like it!

Dem squats are looking mighty strong. Bench is coming along nicely, too. Keep the progress coming, very motivational.

Thanks man! More progress and MORE motivation to come!!!!

Thats a solid increase in weight Alex.

Thanks Steve!

I agree you destroyed skeiko 37

Well done

As always great work

Gotta push harder! Thanks man!

80lbs on the big lifts in a month! FML!
killing it and I'm mirin those 340 x 3 squats with a pause in the hole!
Awesome work on those accessories as well

Sheiko 37 has given you a great Christmas present with a 1150 total and maybe a 1200 test for Christmas day itself. Great job Alex!

LMAO! Thanks bro! Those 340 squats weren’t bad even after adding the pause…still enjoyed the workout though! 1200 total….gunna be mine

DESTROYED! I like it

haha thanks man!

So Sheiko #29, Week 3 / Day 3 has listed an exercise "Press" for 5 sets of 4. I was going to do OHP with a barbell or do you think this is maybe DB Bench press. How had you interpreted it?

i think i did OHP... not sure why, but it seemed right

Indeed. I think that's what I will go with as well. Don't like doing DB Chest Presses anyways for such low reps. Heavy DBs are a pain in the rear

Yep its OHP…I remember thinking the same thing lol

Insane dude. Your lifts went up a hell of a lot for such a short time. Good job

Thanks man! I really like the 4 week cycles of a power hypertrophy program and a strength hypertrophy program. With the 3+ days off in between programs I’ve been seeing constant and equal size and strength gains…may have to make a video explaining this more thoroughly but long story short, my original idea at the beginning of this offseason has been confirmed over these past couple of weeks!

[NaturalPursuit]

As you guys know, I am a camera man for my brother's business DropTyme, which is a podcast for everything outdoors. This weekend we will be traveling to mendon Illinois to hunt with Chris Bracket, Chip City, and a lot of other well known hunters in the hunting and outdoor industry. Plans are still finalized but I will be packing and heading out soon. Extremely excited!

If anyone from here is in the area let me know and hopefully we can get a workout or something in!

[SteveR40]

As you guys know, I am a camera man for my brother's business DropTyme, which is a podcast for everything outdoors. This weekend we will be traveling to mendon Illinois to hunt with Chris Bracket, Chip City, and a lot of other well known hunters in the hunting and outdoor industry. Plans are still finalized but I will be packing and heading out soon. Extremely excited!

If anyone from here is in the area let me know and hopefully we can get a workout or something in!

What are they hunting for? Sounds like a nice cold, wet, and windy time. Enjoy my man.

[NaturalPursuit]

What are they hunting for? Sounds like a nice cold, wet, and windy time. Enjoy my man.

Actually I was suppose to be a co-cameraman on the set for the outdoor channel's tv show "Fear No Evil" but turns out the episode has to be pushed back...oh well...looking forward to it in the future!

[AustrianOakJr]

. I am at the point now that I can either start enhancing my physique with gear and work to compete at the national level Or be content competing in state and regional shows. The 3rd option is to try out competing in another org as natural. Will decide sometime in the next two years while in off season.

.

Im gonna vote for sticking natural. The way I have always looked at it is that I want to strive for ELITE. If I am to strive for that level in the untested world, I have to be willing to be a walking science experiment.....well beyond "healthy" use of anabolics.

As you guys know, I am a camera man for my brother's business DropTyme, which is a podcast for everything outdoors. This weekend we will be traveling to mendon Illinois to hunt with Chris Bracket, Chip City, and a lot of other well known hunters in the hunting and outdoor industry. Plans are still finalized but I will be packing and heading out soon. Extremely excited!

If anyone from here is in the area let me know and hopefully we can get a workout or something in!

Sounds like an AWESOME trip, man. Enjoy!

[NaturalPursuit]

Im gonna vote for sticking natural. The way I have always looked at it is that I want to strive for ELITE. If I am to strive for that level in the untested world, I have to be willing to be a walking science experiment.....well beyond "healthy" use of anabolics.



Sounds like an AWESOME trip, man. Enjoy!

Trip was postponed but I'll have fun being the camera man on a nationally televised show once it goes thru!

[NaturalPursuit]

PHAT - Upper Power "4 days of rest in between programs...woke up in the middle of the night last night with a horrible stomach ache...apparently there's a stomach bug going around in my family...should I go to the gym or rest?...HA...is that a serious question?"


*Pre Workout- stretching and calf/ab warm up
Leg press calf press ss decline quick crunches- 1 set of 20-50 reps
Calf- 2 plates x 33
Crunch- 0 x 36

new warm ups...LOVING THISSSS...these 10-20 min warm ups are used to focus in the my muscles and prepare myself for the task ahead...LETZ GO...

BB Rows (overhand)- 3 sets of 3-5 reps
(dead stop with upperbody around 60 degrees)
225 x 5
225 x 5
225 x 5

PULLIN this shyt up and SQUEEZING hard!

High Rows (palms facing)- 2 sets of 6-10 reps
6 plates x 6
6 plates x 6
6 plates x 5

THIIIICK back! LETS GO!!!

Wide Grip Pulldowns (Overhand Grip)- 2 sets of 6-10 reps
180 x 6
180 x 6

now we're pouring with sweat...leavin BLOOD on this iron!

Flat BB press-3 sets of 3-5 reps
225 x 3
225 x 3
205 x 4

COME ON! Your sore...your tired...you stay home...stomach is killin me at this point...GOTTA PUSH IT HARDER!!!

Seated dips- 2 sets of 6-10 reps
8 plates x 6
8 plates x 6

INSAAAANE lower chest pump! Since I walked in the gym I've been getting stared at by everyone...I dont like that...threw on my hoodie over my lifting shirt...go train...dont watch others doing it...

OHP- 3 sets of 6-10 reps
135 x 6
115 x 6
115 x 6

gotta hit all sets for a plate...GUNNA HAPPEN...watch...learn...

BB curls (45 lb thick silver bar)- 3 sets of 6-10 reps
75 x 6
75 x 7
75 x 6

grab the THICKEST damn bar and OWN IT! Arms are on FIIIRE!!!

Skullcrushers (curl bar, elbows toward opposite wall)- 3 sets of 6-10 reps
50 x 8
50 x 8
50 x 8

gotta get these triceps to BULDGE outta my shirt! FINISH THIS!!!

BB forearm superset (palms down into palms up)- 2 sets
(45 lb bar)
Palms down- (bar x 10) x 2 sets
Palms up (down to fingertips)- (bar x 20) x 2 sets

...felt like complete **** the entire workout...this was NOT the start I wanted...

[Balddude]

Killer workout with the stomachflu? Extra respect there mate

[The Solution]

4 days off. I am joining the train brother. welcome back.

[wrkoutfrq]

Being sick is never any fun training, but you still killed it Alex! Get better quick, stomach bugs are no good for growth!

[jpfaherty]

"I always thought when people got sick and said "yeah, it's going around" that it was complete BS. Then ******** was invented and you can tell when people are sick and these things really go "go around!" lol. Crazy.