Anthony21's Non-Stop Endeavor for Strength

[Assassin]

Box squats are great, but VERY easy to become a master of box squatting and forget what free squatting to depth feels like. I've had that happen in a few competitions where I built up an insane amount of stability to stand up with a grand at the top (bar weight + band tension) but then barely got 804 as an opener... Same principle as guys that have trouble touching in their bench shirts, and only do board work all the time. Helps get you stronger in a different way.

Your box squat form should mimic your free squat form at all times. At any point a person should be able to (hypothetically) take away the box and your form shouldn't change. I don't see you having this problem, but don't do box squats just because an article on Elite said they were good. To be honest, they don't have much of a purpose with non-geared lifting. Just my .02

Especially if you're staying raw, just get a belt and some shoes. Box squats can tear your hips up with a wide stance. What the article fails to mention is that briefs/loose briefs are used to help save the hips.

[Anthony21]

Box squats are great, but VERY easy to become a master of box squatting and forget what free squatting to depth feels like. I've had that happen in a few competitions where I built up an insane amount of stability to stand up with a grand at the top (bar weight + band tension) but then barely got 804 as an opener... Same principle as guys that have trouble touching in their bench shirts, and only do board work all the time. Helps get you stronger in a different way.

Your box squat form should mimic your free squat form at all times. At any point a person should be able to (hypothetically) take away the box and your form shouldn't change. I don't see you having this problem, but don't do box squats just because an article on Elite said they were good. To be honest, they don't have much of a purpose with non-geared lifting. Just my .02

Especially if you're staying raw, just get a belt and some shoes. Box squats can tear your hips up with a wide stance. What the article fails to mention is that briefs/loose briefs are used to help save the hips.

My man full of just knowledge. Thanks for this info. I'll be taking the boxes away going forward. Thanks a ton bro.

What kind of belt do you recommend?

[mmorton]

Are you drinking enough water? You should've dropped a pound or two by now. I'll guess 4.5 at the end assuming you aren't cheating

[Assassin]

My man full of just knowledge. Thanks for this info. I'll be taking the boxes away going forward. Thanks a ton bro.

What kind of belt do you recommend?

My personal belt for almost 10 years:
http://www.inzernet.com/detail_belt....RBELT_BUCKLE13


Elite just came out with a ridiculously nice one:
http://www.flexcart.com/members/elit...d=114&pid=5653

edit: whatever belt you get, make sure it's SINGLE PRONG!!!!!!!!!! The double prong buckles are a PITA when you need to cinch the belt up and smash a PR. One prong is all you need.


Yeah, they are expensive up front. But like I've said, I've literally used the same belt for almost 10 years. Quality belts break in and are just awesome. Save the pennies, skip Starbucks or whatever for a few weeks. It's worth it.

While we're on the topic, get these shoes (Wendler himself told me to get them, so I did):
http://www.adidas.com/us/product/tra...US&cm_mmca2=NA


The shoes are bit pricey as well, and a lot of people argue you can't go wrong with Do-Wins or Rogues. Having seen those in person, and seeing/owning these Adidas, the quality is a lot higher with the Adidas. The Nike Romaleos are solid too, several guys at the gym have them as well.

Don't freak out about the initial investment if you realize that you will literally be getting YEARS of training out of these things. The belt first, then save for a quality pair of shoes. They glue my feet to ground when squatting or OHP. Just started using them while benching for some leg drive.

[ktj4l]

Awesome advice, Ryan. Those Adidas do look sexy-as-fuark. They might just be my next pair as well (got Rogues right now).

[ddog171]

I have the Adidas power lift trainer shoes and I love them. Helps with squats and press, feet feel like they are glued to the floor.

[Anthony21]

My personal belt for almost 10 years:
http://www.inzernet.com/detail_belt....RBELT_BUCKLE13


Elite just came out with a ridiculously nice one:
http://www.flexcart.com/members/elit...d=114&pid=5653

edit: whatever belt you get, make sure it's SINGLE PRONG!!!!!!!!!! The double prong buckles are a PITA when you need to cinch the belt up and smash a PR. One prong is all you need.


Yeah, they are expensive up front. But like I've said, I've literally used the same belt for almost 10 years. Quality belts break in and are just awesome. Save the pennies, skip Starbucks or whatever for a few weeks. It's worth it.

While we're on the topic, get these shoes (Wendler himself told me to get them, so I did):
http://www.adidas.com/us/product/tra...US&cm_mmca2=NA


The shoes are bit pricey as well, and a lot of people argue you can't go wrong with Do-Wins or Rogues. Having seen those in person, and seeing/owning these Adidas, the quality is a lot higher with the Adidas. The Nike Romaleos are solid too, several guys at the gym have them as well.

Don't freak out about the initial investment if you realize that you will literally be getting YEARS of training out of these things. The belt first, then save for a quality pair of shoes. They glue my feet to ground when squatting or OHP. Just started using them while benching for some leg drive.

Thanks a ton buy. I was eyeing those Adidas and also the Rogue Do Wins. I'll take your advice about the adidas. I wonder what size I should get if I wear a 10 in my chucks.

[MakeGoBoom]

how the fack have you not dropped any weight yet bro? i think i was at like 4 lbs by then. numbers looked good, i'm still anti box just to chime in . you should of fought ronnie, you had the reach on him

[Anthony21]

Are you drinking enough water? You should've dropped a pound or two by now. I'll guess 4.5 at the end assuming you aren't cheating

how the fack have you not dropped any weight yet bro? i think i was at like 4 lbs by then. numbers looked good, i'm still anti box just to chime in . you should of fought ronnie, you had the reach on him

I have no idea. My carbs have been <30g these past 4 days. Tons of water is also being drank.

[MKW]

My personal belt for almost 10 years:
http://www.inzernet.com/detail_belt....RBELT_BUCKLE13


Elite just came out with a ridiculously nice one:
http://www.flexcart.com/members/elit...d=114&pid=5653

edit: whatever belt you get, make sure it's SINGLE PRONG!!!!!!!!!! The double prong buckles are a PITA when you need to cinch the belt up and smash a PR. One prong is all you need.


Yeah, they are expensive up front. But like I've said, I've literally used the same belt for almost 10 years. Quality belts break in and are just awesome. Save the pennies, skip Starbucks or whatever for a few weeks. It's worth it.

While we're on the topic, get these shoes (Wendler himself told me to get them, so I did):
http://www.adidas.com/us/product/tra...US&cm_mmca2=NA


The shoes are bit pricey as well, and a lot of people argue you can't go wrong with Do-Wins or Rogues. Having seen those in person, and seeing/owning these Adidas, the quality is a lot higher with the Adidas. The Nike Romaleos are solid too, several guys at the gym have them as well.

Don't freak out about the initial investment if you realize that you will literally be getting YEARS of training out of these things. The belt first, then save for a quality pair of shoes. They glue my feet to ground when squatting or OHP. Just started using them while benching for some leg drive.

Since we've got an expert in here, I figure now is a great chance to ask a question regarding the Inzer belt. I have one in the mail as we speak but have read a few different members on here recently talk about their rib injuries caused from Inzers. Any insight on this, or suggestions on how to minimize injuries with the Inzer?

BTW Anthony, sick picture with Ronnie. Damn!

[mmorton]

I think the inzer injuries is just evolution taking its course. I have one and ribs are fine. Awesome belt and pain in the ass to break in. Worth it

I also believe Anthony is fibbing

[Anthony21]

I think the inzer injuries is just evolution taking its course. I have one and ribs are fine. Awesome belt and pain in the ass to break in. Worth it

I also believe Anthony is fibbing

The most carbs I've had directly were this evening. I had 5 high fiber low carb tortillas. The net carbs were 6g each tortilla.

[Assassin]

Awesome advice, Ryan. Those Adidas do look sexy-as-fuark. They might just be my next pair as well (got Rogues right now).

If these shoes don't make the panties drop, I don't know what will. Besides, you LIVE in the Fatherland!!! You should be able to pick up a pair for pennies!!

Interesting fact on shoes: Anthony lives down the road from Nike headquarters, and you live within driving distance of Adidas headquarters. Why am I, the shoe collector, nowhere close to either?! And I'm half German!!

I have the Adidas power lift trainer shoes and I love them. Helps with squats and press, feet feel like they are glued to the floor.

^^^^^So much this!!

Thanks a ton buy. I was eyeing those Adidas and also the Rogue Do Wins. I'll take your advice about the adidas. I wonder what size I should get if I wear a 10 in my chucks.

Chucks usually run a half size big. So if you're a 10 in Chucks, you'd usually be a 10.5 in other shoes. I'm a 12 in Adidas no matter what, and 11.5 in my Chucks.

Since we've got an expert in here, I figure now is a great chance to ask a question regarding the Inzer belt. I have one in the mail as we speak but have read a few different members on here recently talk about their rib injuries caused from Inzers. Any insight on this, or suggestions on how to minimize injuries with the Inzer?

Not sure I'd call myself an expert, but I know a thing or two about a thing or two. (Reps to the person who can name who I just quoted...)

As for avoiding rib injuries: don't wear the belt on your ribs? I don't know what to tell you other than that. I've had zero rib injuries to date with my belt, or in general without my belt. I guess if a person had an abnormally large gap between their hip bone and bottom of the rib cage it could get stuck? But unless you're 8'4, I don't see how the standard 10mm or 13mm belt would cause any rib injuries.

I think the inzer injuries is just evolution taking its course. I have one and ribs are fine. Awesome belt and pain in the ass to break in. Worth it

^^This. Takes awhile to break in, but fits better than OJ's glove when it is.

[Filmbuff81]

Not sure I'd call myself an expert, but I know a thing or two about a thing or two. (Reps to the person who can name who I just quoted...)

Robert De Niro in This boy's life.


Gotta watch out for the dry gulch.


Edit: ah el-p says it in the Jig is up. Either way De Niro said it first lol.

[Filmbuff81]

The most carbs I've had directly were this evening. I had 5 high fiber low carb tortillas. The net carbs were 6g each tortilla.

Haha time to just Density Bulk then!

[ktj4l]

The most carbs I've had directly were this evening. I had 5 high fiber low carb tortillas. The net carbs were 6g each tortilla.

Haha time to just Density Bulk then!

Strong this. Sorry, Anthony. I think you may have applied female logic: Doesn't lose weight on first 4 days of CBL, eats more carbs than he should consume throughout the entire day in one meal. Good night, sweet prep phase.

If these shoes don't make the panties drop, I don't know what will. Besides, you LIVE in the Fatherland!!! You should be able to pick up a pair for pennies!!

Interesting fact on shoes: Anthony lives down the road from Nike headquarters, and you live within driving distance of Adidas headquarters. Why am I, the shoe collector, nowhere close to either?! And I'm half German!!

Pretty sure most Adidas stuff is still more expensive here than in the US. They're like, "Oh, the German economy is doing well, we'll just mark these up a bit more." Not sure they would have these shoes at an Adidas outlet, but I will check once I need a new pair for sure.

[Anthony21]

Strong this. Sorry, Anthony. I think you may have applied female logic: Doesn't lose weight on first 4 days of CBL, eats more carbs than he should consume throughout the entire day in one meal. Good night, sweet prep phase.

Well I was under the understanding during the prep phase you can keep carbs <30g which I did. Those 5 tortillas only totaled 30g of carbs.

[ktj4l]

Well I was under the understanding during the prep phase you can keep carbs <30g which I did. Those 5 tortillas only totaled 30g of carbs.

Pretty sure you're supposed to spread your carbs apart. You had nothing else with trace carbs the whole day? I'm still wondering how you haven't lost weight. What have you been eating?

[Anthony21]

Pretty sure you're supposed to spread your carbs apart. You had nothing else with trace carbs the whole day? I'm still wondering how you haven't lost weight. What have you been eating?

The only thing I had before that was 8 large eggs, 6 turkey sausage links, and cheese on top the eggs.

I've been eating things like chicken thighs, ground beef, green beans, mixed nuts(almonds, cashews etc), cheese, rib eye steaks, tuna.

I'm also wondering why I haven't dropped anything.

[ktj4l]

The only thing I had before that was 8 large eggs, 6 turkey sausage links, and cheese on top the eggs.

I've been eating things like chicken thighs, ground beef, green beans, mixed nuts(almonds, cashews etc), cheese, rib eye steaks, tuna.

I'm also wondering why I haven't dropped anything.

Did you eat that many eggs all at once? I think it's recommended not to do that on low carb because of leucine in the eggs that can spike your insulin. I keep it to 2-3 eggs with something that has a good bit of fat to go along with them (supposedly this helps) when I'm doing ultra low carb. Other than that, only the mixed nuts could be messing you up if you ate too many... or if you ate an absurd amount of green beans. If you really didn't go over 30g and didn't eat more calories than usual, I don't see how you didn't lose weight.

[Assassin]

Too much worrying in this thread about what Anthony did or did not eat...

Eating all 30g at once isn't going to cause him to retain any more weight. His body is adjusting to the prep phase and handling itself accordingly. Not everyone drops 15lbs in the prep phase or some ridiculous amount.

Anthony: don't get caught up in the scale. Besides, the weight you drop is just for a baseline of what your backloads will look like. They can always be adjusted (and should) as you figure out what works and what doesn't work for you. I was able to help out at a bench seminar with Vinnie Dizenzo this weekend, not having seen him in about 2 months. I've been density bulking this entire time, gaining muscle and losing fat. First words out of his mouth when I saw him, "Holy sh*t, man! What are you weighing these days? You're looking BIG." Coming from an almost 900lb bencher that I look up to? feelsgoodbro.jpg

Not trying to brag, but just trying to paint an example of what happens once you actually start CBL and stick with it. IT WORKS.

[Anthony21]

Did you eat that many eggs all at once? I think it's recommended not to do that on low carb because of leucine in the eggs that can spike your insulin. I keep it to 2-3 eggs with something that has a good bit of fat to go along with them (supposedly this helps) when I'm doing ultra low carb. Other than that, only the mixed nuts could be messing you up if you ate too many... or if you ate an absurd amount of green beans. If you really didn't go over 30g and didn't eat more calories than usual, I don't see how you didn't lose weight.

Yea I ate that many eggs but with high fat content like cheese and bacon.

Also he recommends eating veggies with your meal as the fiber content negates the actual carb count.

[Anthony21]

Too much worrying in this thread about what Anthony did or did not eat...

Eating all 30g at once isn't going to cause him to retain any more weight. His body is adjusting to the prep phase and handling itself accordingly. Not everyone drops 15lbs in the prep phase or some ridiculous amount.

Anthony: don't get caught up in the scale. Besides, the weight you drop is just for a baseline of what your backloads will look like. They can always be adjusted (and should) as you figure out what works and what doesn't work for you. I was able to help out at a bench seminar with Vinnie Dizenzo this weekend, not having seen him in about 2 months. I've been density bulking this entire time, gaining muscle and losing fat. First words out of his mouth when I saw him, "Holy sh*t, man! What are you weighing these days? You're looking BIG." Coming from an almost 900lb bencher that I look up to? feelsgoodbro.jpg

Not trying to brag, but just trying to paint an example of what happens once you actually start CBL and stick with it. IT WORKS.

Thanks bro. I just need to get past this prep phase. It's day 5 for me and whether I am dropping weight or not it's big for me to just stick this no carb thing out. I love carbs lol.

Hopefully once I get to CBL I can see some better results.

That's awesome you got to meet and teach beside Dizenzo. I also look up to him and guys like Spoto, Stan Efferding, Chris Duffin, Mark Bell, Ed Coan, Jim Wendler, Dave Tate etc.

[MKW]

Robert De Niro in This boy's life.


Gotta watch out for the dry gulch.


Edit: ah el-p says it in the Jig is up. Either way De Niro said it first lol.

ITT: Asks a movie question for reps, turns out a regular poster is named "Filmbuff", haha.

[Filmbuff81]

ITT: Asks a movie question for reps, turns out a regular poster is named "Filmbuff", haha.

Haha true not fair. Next time I'll refrain from answering hahahah.

Too bad he was thinking el-p. BUT as I said De Niro said it first soooooooo haha

[Assassin]

Robert De Niro in This boy's life.


Gotta watch out for the dry gulch.


Edit: ah el-p says it in the Jig is up. Either way De Niro said it first lol.

El-P was the answer I was hoping for, and to be honest, didn't know De Niro said it first.

And today, I learned something.

[MakeGoBoom]

lol el-p there's a name i havent heard in a bit.

about the eggs thing.... he say's if you're going to eat 6+ it's fine as long as you're eating bacon/sausage w/ it. i wouldn't stress it.

[Anthony21]

lol el-p there's a name i havent heard in a bit.

about the eggs thing.... he say's if you're going to eat 6+ it's fine as long as you're eating bacon/sausage w/ it. i wouldn't stress it.

I have been eating the eggs with bacon and stuff.

[MakeGoBoom]

I have been eating the eggs with bacon and stuff.

yeah dude, saw that. just saying i would stay the course. you're doing good brada, can't wait to get home, show my wife my 6 pack then instantly start density bulking again lol

[Filmbuff81]

Man I want bacon n eggs now.