Bumper Plates, Hook Grip, Chalk and Singlets. A Texas Farmer Lifts.

[NorwichGrad]

JJ,

As Astro would say, RUH ROH.

I think there is some confusion. Shoulders are always behind bar at launch. Both snatch and clean. This is easy to fix. Just wait a little longer then go BAM!

[jjeane]

Hammie, that kitten has no fear I swear!!!
I did have to summon some inner Ham on the FS!!

Joel I meant above the bar at set up. Sorry I miss spoke. I had them behind and we moved it forward and I finally got my depth back. The hinge is working again!! So progress!! And congrats again!

[NorwichGrad]

Hammie, that kitten has no fear I swear!!!
I did have to summon some inner Ham on the FS!!

Joel I meant above the bar at set up. Sorry I miss spoke. I had them behind and we moved it forward and I finally got my depth back. The hinge is working again!! So progress!! And congrats again!

Thank you!!

No problem..

[jjeane]

Thank you!!

No problem..

I was thinking lift off not launch. DUH!

So, my DL really is in the dump. I am trying to decided what method to use to get it out of the dump. Will think about it this week and come up with a plan.

DL
10x135
5x155
2x175 it is hot and humid. Even with chalk I was having serious grip issues today
2x1x185
3x10x135

OHP
10x45
5x50
3x55
60
65
70 PR
72.5 PR
75 fail at eyes was pleased anyway
2x10x45

Landmine rows- these are harder for me on my left side I think cause the end of the bar is thicker and grip is not so fantastic. Oh did I mention it is like 90 out?
8x+20
6x+25
5x+30
+
Plank
3x60

Bonus Landmine rows
2x3x+35
5x+25

That is all!! Hope everyone has a great Tues!!

[gobbles23]

Nice workout Jani! Congrats on the OH press PR, that's awesome!!!!

Wish I had some DL advice! I'm interested to hear your plan

Happy Tuesday!

[jjeane]

Well I did rally well with the 5x5 thing. But my DL in down like 20#. I know part of it is cause I haven't been doing them. So don't know if I should go back to 5x5 or stick wiht 5/3/1 or do the Joel's idea of max out every time on singles then go back and do 3 sets, don't think I can do 5 at a lower weight. Oh the things to ponder! Happy Tues to you as well!

[geek23ka]

getting a good grip is everything for a deadlift; i've been discovering this with the BBB sets. i used to think it was sort of a big deal, but now i think it's a huge deal. if you're having trouble with grip even with chalk, no shame in straps until it cools down. you can train your grip, too, with farmers walks etc., so you don't lose it while working with straps on heavy sets. i *know* you can lift more than 185, even if you feel you've lost some dl strength. you're really strong, and i think it's got to be a grip issue in that heat/humidity.

really nice workout. do you think landmine rows get your back better than db rows? i think they do, but i might be hallucinating.

mostly CONGRATULATIONS on that ohp!! 70 and then 72.5!! RAWWWWWRRRRR and getting the 75 to the eyeballs is big, too. most of my fails are right away with ohp, so i know you were fighting for it. you'll nail it next time.

[gobbles23]

I personally find the more I try to max out on deads the worse they are. I'd stick with a 3x3-5 rep range if I were you 5x5 is too much, in my opinion Or work up to one working set of 3-5 reps. Also in 100% agreement with geek. Get some straps!!! Grip can be worked in other ways...don't let that limit you

[NorwichGrad]

JJ,

Have you considered learning Sumo DL?

I wouldn't worry about setting state records (not that there is anything wrong with that.) Now is the time to build that solid foundation, forget building four-sided walls if you can build octagon-shape walls.. That solid foundation will serve you well for years to come. You're not gonna know what works for you if you don't experiment with different movements and lifts. I'm sure there are Sumo Deadlifters here who can help you if you want to learn it. Just a thought.

[carbonmade78]

Hey Jani

Nice work on all those lifts - especially those OHPs. Yay for the PR!!

My mind is boggled by the fact that you train outside in this heat! I almost pass out walking to get the mail - and I actually LIKE the heat and humidity Although..our humidity may be a touch worse than yours, being closer to the coast. Still - mad props girl. Git yerself some straps

[RyouBakua]

Thank you CC. I have been feeling less than positive the last few days and haven't been around much. I have been thinking about when my youngest was born. I weighted over 200#, had blood pressure so high I was in bed and couldn't stand to take a shower much less care for my husband and 2 1/2 yr old. I was depressed and miserable. But I made a vow to myself when I was stuck in bed that I would never end up like that again. When Sydney was less than 3 months old I joined a gym. I am so grateful to everyone who inspires me here and who cheers me one. I know I could slip back to that miserable overweight person if I don't make the effort. But I realize that I am not that person anymore and I am so glad that I don't look or feel like that. Thanks for coming by!

you are doing great!

and you should be proud of the progress youve made!




but training in texas heat

donotwant

[jjeane]

getting a good grip is everything for a deadlift; i've been discovering this with the BBB sets. i used to think it was sort of a big deal, but now i think it's a huge deal. if you're having trouble with grip even with chalk, no shame in straps until it cools down. you can train your grip, too, with farmers walks etc., so you don't lose it while working with straps on heavy sets. i *know* you can lift more than 185, even if you feel you've lost some dl strength. you're really strong, and i think it's got to be a grip issue in that heat/humidity.

really nice workout. do you think landmine rows get your back better than db rows? i think they do, but i might be hallucinating.

mostly CONGRATULATIONS on that ohp!! 70 and then 72.5!! RAWWWWWRRRRR and getting the 75 to the eyeballs is big, too. most of my fails are right away with ohp, so i know you were fighting for it. you'll nail it next time.

I do have Versa's and I should probably use them. I just don't want to not work on my grip. I don't know how you power through those BBB sets. It always amazes me.
I really like the landmine rows. I think they do work the back a little better, or maybe it is that with my hand turned perpendicular I can focus on the muscle better? couldbeweird.jeg
Thanks on the OHP. I was really curious to see what I could do. I was hoping to get that 75 up but no go. I did them very strict. I had made some real progress on that lift. I think the jerks help mentally as well. I mean I have held 85# over my head!! It make me believe I can do more! Thanks Geek!

I personally find the more I try to max out on deads the worse they are. I'd stick with a 3x3-5 rep range if I were you 5x5 is too much, in my opinion Or work up to one working set of 3-5 reps. Also in 100% agreement with geek. Get some straps!!! Grip can be worked in other ways...don't let that limit you

Yes, I agree. I burned my self out on DL last fall and early spring. So I am not really upset about the DL Dump problem. Just more wondering what to do to fix it and also, should it really be a focal lift for me right now. I will break out the Versa's and not feel like a wimp!!

JJ,

Have you considered learning Sumo DL?

I wouldn't worry about setting state records (not that there is anything wrong with that.) Now is the time to build that solid foundation, forget building four-sided walls if you can build octagon-shape walls.. That solid foundation will serve you well for years to come. You're not gonna know what works for you if you don't experiment with different movements and lifts. I'm sure there are Sumo Deadlifters here who can help you if you want to learn it. Just a thought.

I have only tried sumo one time. I will try it again. I know Hammie is a sumo, I can't remember about Lori, Lori which do you pull? I know Boomer is Sumo. What about you Geek? I don't remember. I am always game to try something new.
Joel, you have given me a good idea with the foundation being more than 4 walled. Maybe I just need to expand my lifts and not focus just on the 4. Thanks!

[jjeane]

Stupid smile police!

Hey Jani

Nice work on all those lifts - especially those OHPs. Yay for the PR!!

My mind is boggled by the fact that you train outside in this heat! I almost pass out walking to get the mail - and I actually LIKE the heat and humidity Although..our humidity may be a touch worse than yours, being closer to the coast. Still - mad props girl. Git yerself some straps

Yes, your humidity is worse. Luckily there was a nice breeze coming up the hill leading to the barn. It blows right up and through the rack. So the OHP was rather comfortable!! Thanks on the OHP! was cool man!

you are doing great!

and you should be proud of the progress youve made!




but training in texas heat

donotwant

Thank you RB! I think I have come a long way. Now just need to decide what is most important and come up with a plan and follow though!
The heat isn't so bad. I realize I don't get nearly as hot as I used to. But the barn isn't too bad. I will be curious to see what it is like this winter. May be training in long johns!! LOL!

[Sawa3]

I have to say I love my versa grips!

[gobbles23]

I pull conventional. I find sumos extremely awkward and hate how the set-up feels. You might like them though, many people who make the switch love it, but not I

[NorwichGrad]

I have only tried sumo one time. I will try it again. I know Hammie is a sumo, I can't remember about Lori, Lori which do you pull? I know Boomer is Sumo. What about you Geek? I don't remember. I am always game to try something new.
Joel, you have given me a good idea with the foundation being more than 4 walled. Maybe I just need to expand my lifts and not focus just on the 4. Thanks!

You'd be surprised how being good and strong at multiple lifts can benefit you. There was a time not too long ago that I was experimenting with split, power and squat jerks. I'm a split jerker as you know, but because I took the time to learn the power and squat jerks, I was able to improve my split. Even though my power and squat jerks never exceeded my split, I was still able to benefit.

Sumo DL, for example, will target muscle groups differently than conventional DL. I guarantee that the strength that you gain from sumo will transfer over to conventional..

[gobbles23]

^^^Yup, or deficit deads, or any variation of them, really Where is your weakness? Is it the pull from the floor, locking out, etc?? Do you do much hammie work???

[thehobbes]

Yep Sumo here, JJ give both a fair shot and see what fits your body type best. I'd love to do convo because my back is mega strong and I'd probably be able to lift more weight, but my t-rex arms are so damn short I almost have to get into a squat position to reach the bar. First time I tried Sumo it was BOOM - lower back and knee awkwardness went away. I am built for benching not deadlifting.

As for grip I highly suggest you just start doing hook grip on DL when you're in that zone where you feel you may slip. I hate seeing people do mixed grip, no offense, but man is that dangerous for the underhand side and can really fark up a biceps tendon in a split second. I never EVER do mixed grip. No shame in straps/Versas either, I use Versas for pretty much every single Back Day lift (not deadlift) because I want to make sure I'm focusing on the muscles I want to hit, not worrying about grip. It hasn't ruined my grip by any means, I can clean double overhand DL 250 for reps with no prob, I'll throw hook grip in after that and have gone up to 290 with that with zero issue, could seriously hold way more weight like that than my back/legs could ever pick up. Oh and if anybody says hook grip hurts, wah wah wah, they are being a giant pussy, just f'ing do it! Srs there's not a single thing in the end of your thumb you could possibly injure, you'll be fine.

[jjeane]

I have to say I love my versa grips!

I like mine as well, just don't want to look like a sissy!

I pull conventional. I find sumos extremely awkward and hate how the set-up feels. You might like them though, many people who make the switch love it, but not I

I will try them. I remember trying them before and thinking my hips were like no. But I have worked on some things so they may not be as bad now.

You'd be surprised how being good and strong at multiple lifts can benefit you. There was a time not too long ago that I was experimenting with split, power and squat jerks. I'm a split jerker as you know, but because I took the time to learn the power and squat jerks, I was able to improve my split. Even though my power and squat jerks never exceeded my split, I was still able to benefit.

Sumo DL, for example, will target muscle groups differently than conventional DL. I guarantee that the strength that you gain from sumo will transfer over to conventional..

Hence you taught me to Power Jerk, suppose I should learn to split jerk.
So I just need more variety to help the base.

^^^Yup, or deficit deads, or any variation of them, really Where is your weakness? Is it the pull from the floor, locking out, etc?? Do you do much hammie work???

I don't do any straight hammie work. Need to start though. My weakness is, well today grip and about 1" off the floor.

Yep Sumo here, JJ give both a fair shot and see what fits your body type best. I'd love to do convo because my back is mega strong and I'd probably be able to lift more weight, but my t-rex arms are so damn short I almost have to get into a squat position to reach the bar. First time I tried Sumo it was BOOM - lower back and knee awkwardness went away. I am built for benching not deadlifting.

As for grip I highly suggest you just start doing hook grip on DL when you're in that zone where you feel you may slip. I hate seeing people do mixed grip, no offense, but man is that dangerous for the underhand side and can really fark up a biceps tendon in a split second. I never EVER do mixed grip. No shame in straps/Versas either, I use Versas for pretty much every single Back Day lift (not deadlift) because I want to make sure I'm focusing on the muscles I want to hit, not worrying about grip. It hasn't ruined my grip by any means, I can clean double overhand DL 250 for reps with no prob, I'll throw hook grip in after that and have gone up to 290 with that with zero issue, could seriously hold way more weight like that than my back/legs could ever pick up. Oh and if anybody says hook grip hurts, wah wah wah, they are being a giant pussy, just f'ing do it! Srs there's not a single thing in the end of your thumb you could possibly injure, you'll be fine.

I will try sumo again. I am pretty low when I start the DL as well. As for grip, I use clean hook grip chalk only for DL. Man it kills the thumbs. It sucks, but I am no pussy. You should have seen my hands today after I was done. It was ugly. They peel all the time. I have calluses everywhere. Inside of thumbs, 3 pads on hands. I may need to suck it up and use the Versa's esp with the heat and humidity. Felt my left hand slipping on the landmines a couple times. Sad when you could have done more, but the bloody humidity!

[gobbles23]

Humidity is a jerk! Hates it I do. And you workout in the barn! That must be warm in the summer..??

[thehobbes]

I will try sumo again. I am pretty low when I start the DL as well. As for grip, I use clean hook grip chalk only for DL. Man it kills the thumbs. It sucks, but I am no pussy. You should have seen my hands today after I was done. It was ugly. They peel all the time. I have calluses everywhere. Inside of thumbs, 3 pads on hands. I may need to suck it up and use the Versa's esp with the heat and humidity. Felt my left hand slipping on the landmines a couple times. Sad when you could have done more, but the bloody humidity!

With how you're doing hook grip you only have that last little piece of thumb under your fingers right? (The meaty one with the thumbnail.) Ah yeah the humidity would be a challenge for sure.

[NorwichGrad]

So I just need more variety to help the base.

BAM! (bam as in BINGO! and not the 2nd pull.)

You want to be a generalist. The wider the base of the pyramid, the higher the peak it will reach. You will do yourself a great disservice if you are only good at a handful of lifts. But if you are good at 2 dozen lifts, let's say, you will see the carryover in competition lifts - both PL and OL. I would even go as far as saying start adding dumbell work to your routines. Any strength you gain from unilateral moves (DB this, one arm that, one arm this) will carryover to bilateral lifts (barbell this and barbell that), but not the other way around..

You can be a specialist later on (sooner or later) if you want to compete as a powerlifter and / or weightlifter.. But for now, build that decagon-shape walls. (Decagon has 10 sides. Just so you don't have to google it.)

[jjeane]

Lori, it is warm but not unbearable. The overhead door really helps unless there is no breeze. But today was just sticky!!

Hammie, yes my hook grip is nail meaty part under index finger. It took some getting use to but hook grip is what I use for the Oly lifts.

[jjeane]

BAM! (bam as in BINGO! and not the 2nd pull.)

You want to be a generalist. The wider the base of the pyramid, the higher the peak it will reach. You will do yourself a great disservice if you are only good at a handful of lifts. But if you are good at 2 dozen lifts, let's say, you will see the carryover in competition lifts - both PL and OL. I would even go as far as saying start adding dumbell work to your routines. Any strength you gain from unilateral moves (DB this, one arm that, one arm this) will carryover to bilateral lifts (barbell this and barbell that), but not the other way around..

You can be a specialist later on (sooner or later) if you want to compete as a powerlifter and / or weightlifter.. But for now, build that decagon-shape walls. (Decagon has 10 sides. Just so you don't have to google it.)

Okay. I don't want to buy DB but the plates I bought have handles for a reason. So I should go back to a more well rounded workout. Not do much just focused and the big 4.
I am still on the fence about joining the PL team. I may go to a few meetings and see. I really am here to have a good time, get strong, and be a good example to my kids. So if I am not the best dead lifter around I will be fine with that.
Okay, build the base!! Fun! That means new exercises!

[UnaChispita]

I guess you could say we are grass farmers. We grow what we eat and eat what we grow. I spend a small amount of money at the grocery store and a lot of money at the feed store. But I know where my food comes from and I know it is well taken care of!!

That is very cool.

Hey Jani
My mind is boggled by the fact that you train outside in this heat! I almost pass out walking to get the mail - and I actually LIKE the heat and humidity Although..our humidity may be a touch worse than yours, being closer to the coast. Still - mad props girl. Git yerself some straps

^^^ Was thinking the same thing! Also: great vid. You make your lifts always look so effortless (and I know they're not )

[pharty]

Came looking for vids nota one on this whole page??????????/

[jjeane]

That is very cool.

^^ Was thinking the same thing! Also: great vid. You make your lifts always look so effortless (and I know they're not )

We really enjoy farming. it makes vacations hard, but I am a home body anyway!!
I will use my Versa's next time!

Okay, it is 93 outside. And the breeze was not working with me! YUCK! SO I was feeling a little slow. No PR's, nothing really cool. I will put a vid together. Jerks were good and I have the snatch balance drill.

Snatch
2x35 triple, 35,40,45,50,2x55,57.5,60

CNJ I was really slow under the bar and no elbow whip but the jerks were better.
45 double, 45,55,65,70,75,80
Double C Single J
5x65



Back Squat
45,65,85,95,105,115,125
5x5x105

On the snatch I was feeling really wobbly in the hole. I am going to try goodmornings tomorrow and really start doing more planks. Happy Thursday!!

[jjeane]

Came looking for vids nota one on this whole page??????????/

Cause you snuck in here faster than I could get it up!!. Hey P!!

[gobbles23]

Happy Thursday!

Yucky ol' warm weather! Bet it'll be nice out there in the fall

[NorwichGrad]

That's exactly the speed you want on the third pull, JJ! Nice work.

Also, just keep your back straight. Chest up. And make sure your glutes and hammies are tight and not relaxed at the bottom position..