Huntermc6 Bulking in 2012 and Beyond

[HunterMC6]

Love it that you hit all reps for the squat hunter especially after that last sick - day session, must have felt great!
IK what you mean when u say it was a grinder though...my squats ALWAYS are lol.

In regards to your bench set up - have you seen Dave Tate's Six Week Bench cure video? It really helped me with my bench set-up, check it out; its worth a look at the very least if you haven't seen it. Chances are it will make your BP better.



Solid DLs and good idea with chin-ups. I bet you can get 2x10 on chin-ups next week; push for em!

Thanks pal! Love moving up in weight on squats. The reps felt good too but without video it's anyone guess as to how they really went. I have watched that series it is brilliant! I think my setup today was just a fluke normally I don't have a problem with this but something was a little off today with regards to that. Maybe the weight just seemed heavier than normal. I haven't benched since last Wednesday so I am sure that doesn't help matters any.

Hopefully setting another new PR Friday on OHP. I am itching to get a plate but that is a ways off I think. Not trying to count myself out but I might be close to resets on OHP and Bench. Moving up only 5 lbs per session helps when trying to move more weight you don't plateau as quickly but it's bound to happen sooner or later.

[cody333]

Thanks pal! Love moving up in weight on squats. The reps felt good too but without video it's anyone guess as to how they really went. I have watched that series it is brilliant! I think my setup today was just a fluke normally I don't have a problem with this but something was a little off today with regards to that. Maybe the weight just seemed heavier than normal. I haven't benched since last Wednesday so I am sure that doesn't help matters any.

Hopefully setting another new PR Friday on OHP. I am itching to get a plate but that is a ways off I think. Not trying to count myself out but I might be close to resets on OHP and Bench. Moving up only 5 lbs per session helps when trying to move more weight you don't plateau as quickly but it's bound to happen sooner or later.

Ever consider or know about microweights? Only having to add 2.5 lbs, or 1.25 even, helps immensely. You are able to add weight much longer than if you have to add 5 pounds each time. 5 pounds on OHP is ALOT when it starts getting heavy.

[PeterGibbons316]

Nice work coming back and nailing that 190 squat. Keep pushing it - squat should be more than 10 lbs higher than your bench at this point

[Sen8or]

What is the health care system like in New Zealand? Is it socialized or privatized?

Both, public system is ok, free for pretty much anything, but non urgent and/or elective can be a long wait. Private health care is moderately expensive but gets you attended to more promptly.

[Woody-5]

Badass session! Almost at the 200 mark for squats! Bench is moving right along nicely too
Breakfast looks like pure win

[HunterMC6]

Ever consider or know about microweights? Only having to add 2.5 lbs, or 1.25 even, helps immensely. You are able to add weight much longer than if you have to add 5 pounds each time. 5 pounds on OHP is ALOT when it starts getting heavy.

Yeah I have, I should probably get some of those or just buy that much weight in chains depending on what is cheaper. Would be a good investment by the sounds of things.

Nice work coming back and nailing that 190 squat. Keep pushing it - squat should be more than 10 lbs higher than your bench at this point

Thanks Peter! I agree, I have a mental battle with squats every day so it hinders my ability to move weight on them. I don't have that problem to the same degree with bench for some reason. With my cousin there I didn't think about it as much I just got under the bar and did the damn thing and it seemed to help a lot. Going to get my ass in gear on squats now!

Both, public system is ok, free for pretty much anything, but non urgent and/or elective can be a long wait. Private health care is moderately expensive but gets you attended to more promptly.

So a mix of both that's interesting. It's such a hugely debated topic here in the states now that everyone thinks our health care is "socialized".
To me the laws seem more like it is forcing privatized HC here instead of socialized.

Badass session! Almost at the 200 mark for squats! Bench is moving right along nicely too
Breakfast looks like pure win

Thanks Woody! Yeah I'm shootin' for 200lbs. Yesterday felt pretty good it's easily possible within the next 2 sessions. I really want to get to 2 plates since I never have.

[Sinaku5]

Thanks pal! Love moving up in weight on squats. The reps felt good too but without video it's anyone guess as to how they really went. I have watched that series it is brilliant! I think my setup today was just a fluke normally I don't have a problem with this but something was a little off today with regards to that. Maybe the weight just seemed heavier than normal. I haven't benched since last Wednesday so I am sure that doesn't help matters any.

Hopefully setting another new PR Friday on OHP. I am itching to get a plate but that is a ways off I think. Not trying to count myself out but might be close to resets on OHP and Bench. Moving up only 5 lbs per session helps when trying to move more weight you don't plateau as quickly but it's bound to happen sooner or later.

I hear u. Try microweights like someone else mentioned in this thread when the time calls for it. Your far from exhausting your linear gains imo. I bought some 1.25lb plates from amazon and can see them big useful when the time calls for it.
Keep pushing through the weights!

Both, public system is ok, free for pretty much anything, but non urgent and/or elective can be a long wait. Private health care is moderately expensive but gets you attended to more promptly.

Would kill for free healthcare

[Sen8or]

My bad, forgot about visits to the gp, arm and a leg unless u have a welfare card, dentists, need a mortgage for them. Accidents are mostly covered by govt, but after hours can sting u, unless u r in a hospital, not a "clinic"

[HunterMC6]

I hear u. Try microweights like someone else mentioned in this thread when the time calls for it. Your far from exhausting your linear gains imo. I bought some 1.25lb plates from amazon and can see them big useful when the time calls for it.
Keep pushing through the weights!



Would kill for free healthcare

Yeah I have a ways to go on SS. I am not going to kill myself trying to make every last little gain from it though at some point I will move on. This is not my first run at this either just got set back a long ways thanks to that back injury I had, I think I missed 2.5 months of lifting and dropped almost 10lbs during that time. I wanted my squat to be way further along than it is but it has always been the lift I get the least progress on. Not sure if that's mental or if it is just always going to be that way.

Isn't plateauing after the 2nd reset on squats the typical time that we should move on from SS? I have only reset once on that so far. DL as well but none of the others lifts have stalled.

My bad, forgot about visits to the gp, arm and a leg unless u have a welfare card, dentists, need a mortgage for them. Accidents are mostly covered by govt, but after hours can sting u, unless u r in a hospital, not a "clinic"

Well dental is becoming a harder beni to obtain now. Actually some employers that offer HC are cutting hours just to keep people under the minimum requirements that way they don't have to pay it. Pretty sad really.



On a side note I need to get another Protein Supplement. I have tried ON Rockey Road, ON Double Chocolate something or other, and BSN Syntha-6 Mochachino. The Mochachino was the best tasting of the bunch. Any suggestions as to what to try out next?

[jshaw5]

On a side note I need to get another Protein Supplement. I have tried ON Rockey Road, ON Double Chocolate something or other, and BSN Syntha-6 Mochachino. The Mochachino was the best tasting of the bunch. Any suggestions as to what to try out next?

Trutein Cinnabun tastes ridiculously good if you haven't tried that one yet. If you like Synthia -6, I've heard good things about the newer Synthia-6 flavors. Orange Smoothie is one of them, can't remember if the other is Cookies & Cream or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Personally, I like to get my protein from true nutrition. They have all different types of protein and you can create your own custom mix for no additional charge. They have a ton of flavors. I've tried close to 40 of their flavors, and almost every single one was delicious. When you order, you're just paying for high quality protein, not fancy packaging and 6 page ads in M&F, so prices are pretty reasonable.

[Sinaku5]

Isn't plateauing after the 2nd reset on squats the typical time that we should move on from SS? I have only reset once on that so far. DL as well but none of the others lifts have stalled.


On a side note I need to get another Protein Supplement. I have tried ON Rockey Road, ON Double Chocolate something or other, and BSN Syntha-6 Mochachino. The Mochachino was the best tasting of the bunch. Any suggestions as to what to try out next?

You're right - after two resets Rip recommends switching programs but thats assuming that the resets are because linear gains are actually exhausted, not due to other factors such as diet, lack of rest, etc. Personally I feel like you have a ways left to go, as I've never seen a male end starting strength at less than 225lbs on squats. But with that being said, if you want to switch programs to better suit your goals I totally get that. I actually did that in my log too.

Also - protein supplement recommendations? Cinammonbun and milk chocolate from Myofusion probiotic is pretty good.

I also have a blueberry muffin flavor from dymatize thats pretty good.

[HunterMC6]

Trutein Cinnabun tastes ridiculously good if you haven't tried that one yet. If you like Synthia -6, I've heard good things about the newer Synthia-6 flavors. Orange Smoothie is one of them, can't remember if the other is Cookies & Cream or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Personally, I like to get my protein from true nutrition. They have all different types of protein and you can create your own custom mix for no additional charge. They have a ton of flavors. I've tried close to 40 of their flavors, and almost every single one was delicious. When you order, you're just paying for high quality protein, not fancy packaging and 6 page ads in M&F, so prices are pretty reasonable.

Thanks J I will look into it. I usually do get my protein and then some from just eating my normal meals. I like to have it around for the just in case days where I either haven't tracked my intake and am a little unsure or I just know I haven't got there for the day. A 2.0lb tub lasted me basically all summer and into the fall. I just ran out yesterday.

You're right - after two resets Rip recommends switching programs but thats assuming that the resets are because linear gains are actually exhausted, not due to other factors such as diet, lack of rest, etc. Personally I feel like you have a ways left to go, as I've never seen a male end starting strength at less than 225lbs on squats. But with that being said, if you want to switch programs to better suit your goals I totally get that. I actually did that in my log too.

Also - protein supplement recommendations? Cinammonbun and milk chocolate from Myofusion probiotic is pretty good.

I also have a blueberry muffin flavor from dymatize thats pretty good.

That is what I thought I read. I don't have any intentions of ditching this routine I have plenty left in me and I am more committed than ever right now just given that my weights for most lifts are really getting up there again. I really want to surpass my PR's pre injury, if I stay focused on just making gains every session this should happen without a problem.

Thanks for the protein recommendations I'll have to shop around a bit I;m in no rush to get anything right off.

[Sinaku5]

I have plenty left in me and I am more committed than ever right now just given that my weights for most lifts are really getting up there again. I really want to surpass my PR's pre injury, if I stay focused on just making gains every session this should happen without a problem.

I love the determination in this post!

Looking forward to the gains in this log!

Btw what was your previous PRs?

[Sen8or]

Your mental determination is impressive, great stuff.

I have a cookies n cream flavour whey that I mix with milk and a banana, really nice. I was soo skeptical when I bought it the first time, I'd imagined something that would taste like chalk because its a health supplement, pleased I was wrong.

[HunterMC6]

Starting Strength Week 8 Day 3


Weight 156.2


Squats:
1x7 45
1x5 95
1x3 135
1x2 155
3x5 Worksets 195

Notes: Holy crap this was a major grind on the 3rd set especially at the end. The last 2 reps on set 3 were not the greatest form I know I dropped my chest some when I was trying to get out of the hole. I did get the reps but I don’t think it was really too pretty at the end there. Last rep really took it out of me had to sit down for a bit and regain composure.

OHP
1x7 45
1x5 65
3x5 Worksets 120

Notes: Here we go another PR!!! This was actually easier than it was Monday not sure how that’s really possible. Set 3 rep 5 was a grinder like last time but I pushed it out and it felt good. 125 here I come!

Rows
3x5 Workset 120

Notes: Have been feeling some pain in my back, same area as the major spasm I got earlier this summer which put me out for 2.5 months, so I decided not to jump the weight quite as much. This was relatively easy though and it didn’t hurt at all moving it up next session.

Poundstone Curls

1x30 45

Did these just to try them out since I have seen them pop up in a few logs, wow did these to burn out man that hurt. I never do straight bicep work so I’m sure I will feel this tomorrow.

Summary

Overall another good session an even newer PR on OHP and squat is on the rise. Hopefully I can get a little better form for 200 on squat if not I might run it twice and try to hammer out something that looks more like a squat. Hopefully I can film next session so I can check out my squat and deadlift form.

I love the determination in this post!

Looking forward to the gains in this log!

Btw what was your previous PRs?

Thanks man some days it is there and other days I just get nothing going right now though my mindset is on the upswing. Just accomplishing a lot every time I go into the cave (what I have dubbed my buddies basement) so I am sure that helps my mental attitude.

My old PR's are as follows:

Squat 215 (terrible form and didn't get all the reps if I remember correctly so it's really 210 I guess.)
Bench: 185
Deadlift: 300 (again probably terrible form I didn't do much filming back then, attempted 305 3 different days and never got all the reps)
OHP: 110
Rows: No clue switched to PC's somewhere about mid SS and cant remember either value.

Your mental determination is impressive, great stuff.

I have a cookies n cream flavour whey that I mix with milk and a banana, really nice. I was soo skeptical when I bought it the first time, I'd imagined something that would taste like chalk because its a health supplement, pleased I was wrong.

Some of them taste amazing others are meh but I have had decent results with ON products and I absolutely loved the mochachino BSN protein. I like to experiment with different flavors though. Headed to your journal to watch videos since I forgot when you put them up earlier.

[Woody-5]

In for 1 plate OHP!!
Solid PR! Excellent work all around, you'll be wrecking those PRs in just a few sessions

Haha poundstones FTW! That burn is nuts

[HunterMC6]

In for 1 plate OHP!!
Solid PR! Excellent work all around, you'll be wrecking those PRs in just a few sessions

Haha poundstones FTW! That burn is nuts

That's what I'm shooting for. Want new PR's on everything!

[Sinaku5]

Strong OHP is strong

Nice job Hunter!

Looks like you're fairly close to beating your previous records Hunter. You'll be stronger than you've ever been in no time. Must feel great. OHPs have already exceeded your previous best, everything else will in due time at this rate.

And I hear you on the squats thing - every day its a mental battle to get under the squats for me. Lol. Me and squats have a love-hate relationship.

[HunterMC6]

Strong OHP is strong

Nice job Hunter!

Looks like you're fairly close to beating your previous records Hunter. You'll be stronger than you've ever been in no time. Must feel great. OHPs have already exceeded your previous best, everything else will in due time at this rate.

And I hear you on the squats thing - every day its a mental battle to get under the squats for me. Lol. Me and squats have a love-hate relationship.

Thanks man! Pretty pumped to hit some bigger numbers real soon. The squats are a grind I think it's more of a hate-hate relationship haha. I hate doing them (sometimes) and they seem to hate me back equally. That's alright more reason to push them out!

[Sinaku5]

Thanks man! Pretty pumped to hit some bigger numbers real soon. The squats are a grind I think it's more of a hate-hate relationship haha. I hate doing them (sometimes) and they seem to hate me back equally. That's alright more reason to push them out!

Yeah...lol.

The other day at my gym there was a woman squatting 245 to parallel. One rep, but thats still impressive. Lol she was wayyy to close to what I'm repping which hit me with motivation.

[HunterMC6]

Starting Strength Week 9 Day 1


Weight 156.8


Squats:
1x6 45
1x5 95
1x3 135
1x2 165
3x5 Worksets 200

Notes: Was quite difficult. I felt myself getting to relaxed in the upper back an chest on some reps and had to adjust accordingly to keep that back as flat as possible. I think that I lose a little depth when I focus on keeping my chest up some but I would rather keep my back in the right shape and lose a little depth. I have had to many back problems in the past.

Bench
1x7 45
1x5 95
1x5 135
3x5 Worksets 185 Fail

Notes: Well I failed on the reps for this weight. Went 1x4.5 1x 4.5 and 1x3.5, just could not hack it at bench today I thought I could get this but man the reps were slow and I could not push em out. The last set I got distracted by my buddy for like 15 minutes and then tried to hammer out the reps and it felt awkward after such a long rest period. Going to make an attempt at this weight again on Friday.

Deadlift
1x5 Workset 250

Notes: This wasn’t bad at all but I still am worried about my back rounding some reps feel really good and others I question I really need to get the camera going again just need to get the space to work it out. Little tough with the two of us at the same time down there.

Chin Up’s
1x10 BW
1x8 BW

Nothing left in the tank on either set of these today was hoping to get 1x9 on second set but 8 was rough so I left it at that.

Summary

I’m glad squats are going well I want to get these up over 200 and well beyond if I can muster it. I am a little disappointed in the bench but I knew it was going to happen soon. The reps are getting really slow before this session. Maybe I can at least get the reps on Friday. DL was alright and it felt fine just still worried about my back being flat. Gotta check that.
Also we just lost out power and I blew my PC so I’m on a laptop I had for work and I don’t have my journal template so I am hoping this one comes out looking ok. Took about 5 minutes and formatted it quickly we will see.

[Woody-5]

Nice job hitting the 200 mark for squats!
Don't sweat the bench fail, 4,4,3 is pretty close to your required reps- you'll nail it next time

[HunterMC6]

Nice job hitting the 200 mark for squats!
Don't sweat the bench fail, 4,4,3 is pretty close to your required reps- you'll nail it next time

Thanks Woody! Squat feels good to finally be at the 200 mark. Hopefully get a PR by next week. Kinda sucks on bench I was going for a PR match. Friday I am going for it again though maybe I will get it then.

Did you lose power at all last night?

[Woody-5]

Thanks Woody! Squat feels good to finally be at the 200 mark. Hopefully get a PR by next week. Kinda sucks on bench I was going for a PR match. Friday I am going for it again though maybe I will get it then.

Did you lose power at all last night?

Nope, was prepared but it only flickered. You?

[HunterMC6]

Nope, was prepared but it only flickered. You?

Yeah til about 1:00am nothing serious I guess. Did blow a few power strips in the house blew out my other computer too which sucks.

[Sinaku5]

Good job focusing on form over weight last session Hunter.

200lbs is a solid squat.

Like Woody said, you got pretty close to hitting the prescribed reps for BP. Coulda been a simple fluke. If you don't get it next time, reset and come back and smash through the plateau

And I love hearing that you got nothing left in the tank after your workout...GREAT feeling...yourdoingitright.jpg lol

Looking forward to you smashing through the 185 BP next time!

[HunterMC6]

Starting Strength Week 9 Day 2


Weight 156.0

Squat
1x5 45
1x5 95
1x3 135
1x2 175
3x5 worksets 205

Notes: Went pretty well, the first set was quick, the second set the reps slowed down some and I broke form trying to get the last 2 reps but I recovered on set 3 with good form and good bar speed. On to 210 Friday.

Over Head Press
1x5 45
1x5 55
1x3 115
3x5 worksets 125 Fail

Notes Went the exact same pattern as bench 1x4 1x4 and 1x3. This was rough but I knew this was coming at some point. I was over arched on my back and using too much legs I still think I was tired from squats but that’s not a good excuse. Going to try again next Monday and see how this goes.

Rows
3x5 worksets 125

Notes: Going to be sticking to 5 lb jumps on this for now it’s getting tougher already and I don’t want to fail on this already. Although it didn’t go to bad today I could feel the difference between 120 and 125.

Leg Raises
3x10

Summary

I like how squats are going and now the lesser muscle groups are beginning to slow down probably going to have to reset bench and OHP soon but I will cross that bridge when I get to it. Probably going to bring my camera Friday and make room to film no matter the cause I want to get videos back up and going, the journal doesn’t feel quite the same without them.

I am also amazed at how tired my body is now I sleep so well at night because I am just exhausted even on off days. Started playing basketball again and I want to do this twice per week if possible to try to get some cardio in. This is probably going to hurt my squat in the long run but I need to do something to get off my ass and away from these books/computer that allows me to get mobile.

Good job focusing on form over weight last session Hunter.

200lbs is a solid squat.

Like Woody said, you got pretty close to hitting the prescribed reps for BP. Coulda been a simple fluke. If you don't get it next time, reset and come back and smash through the plateau

And I love hearing that you got nothing left in the tank after your workout...GREAT feeling...yourdoingitright.jpg lol

Looking forward to you smashing through the 185 BP next time!

Didn't see this post til just now. Yeah squat is increasing fairly well now but I am concerned for my form since I have been able to film it the last few sessions I always have to wonder. I can feel when some issues occur but am not experienced enough to know exactly what is going on with regards to other things.

I don't know if bench was a fluke I am trying to match my previous PR so it would only make sense to get stuck here on my second run through of this after my injury but I hope to get through 185 on Friday we will see. Still got my spotter so that helps!

[Woody-5]

Strong work! Excellent squats, 2 plates soon!
Don't sweat the OHP stall one bit- taking that all the way to 125 without a stall is impressive!

[PeterGibbons316]

Strong work! Excellent squats, 2 plates soon!
Don't sweat the OHP stall one bit- taking that all the way to 125 without a stall is impressive!

^This

I think I had to microload for a bit before I got that high to keep from stalling - probably worth getting some 1.25 lb plates if you don't have some already.

Nice squats as well.

As far as protein recommendations - bb.com's Protogen is pretty incredible although a little expensive. I enjoy the ON whey as well.

[HunterMC6]

Strong work! Excellent squats, 2 plates soon!
Don't sweat the OHP stall one bit- taking that all the way to 125 without a stall is impressive!

Thanks Woody! Really want to get to the two plate. If squat goes as well as the 3rd set went I don't see it being a problem. It's certainly time for some micro plates for OHP

^This

I think I had to microload for a bit before I got that high to keep from stalling - probably worth getting some 1.25 lb plates if you don't have some already.

Nice squats as well.

As far as protein recommendations - bb.com's Protogen is pretty incredible although a little expensive. I enjoy the ON whey as well.

Nice thanks Pete! I still havent got a powder but I am hitting all my macros so it's not a problem at all right now should get something soon though.