Huntermc6 Bulking in 2012 and Beyond

[HunterMC6]

Starting Strength Week 9 Day 3


Weight 157.8

Squat
1x5 45
1x5 95
1x3 135
1x2 175
3x5 worksets 210 Fail

Notes: So before I began tonight I had some serious back pain going into this session. I stretched it out for a while before beginning but just couldn’t get it out of my system. I went 1x5 1x4 1x2, form was terrible I couldn’t keep my back tight which led to my chest dropping significantly coming out of the hole and this was not good for my back either. Decided on the last set not to push it going to rest up this weekend and hammer away at 210 on Monday.

Bench
1x5 45
1x5 95
1x3 135
3x5 worksets 165

Notes Since I failed Monday on 185 and squat was terrible I decided to drop the weight back on bench and try to plow through 185 as I work my way back up. Seemed like a decent idea kinda wish I went for 185 again but oh well I will see if a deload helps.

Deadlift
3x5 worksets Did not happen

Notes: Was going to go for 260 but my back was just not feeling this. After my last episode with my back I am not pushing it if it doesn’t feel right. Again rest up and go for it net week.

Leg Raises
3x10

Chins
2x10
1x7


Summary
Well not very happy with anything this session just disappointed in general that my back feels the way it does not only does it screw up my decent progress I had going but it’s defiantly something I have to be a little worried about going forward since I have had to many problems with this. Hopefully this is something that will go away with some rest this weekend.

Speaking of that it's Friday have a good weekend everyone!

[Sinaku5]

Again man; form over weight...last time you had a bad session I did too...

lol...I NEED you to have a good workout so that I will too.

JK. Anyway the weekend should do you some good. 2 weeks off. Smash it next session. Smart decision on the BP btw - a reset seemed like it was in order.

BTW Hunter - ever consider doing Dips? I think they really benefited my bench.

[Woody-5]

Hope the back is just a minor thing
Smart move to cut the workout short, especially on the deads with a sore back.
Some days everything is just off, do what you can and move on to the next session

Enjoy the weekend! Rest up!

[HunterMC6]

Again man; form over weight...last time you had a bad session I did too...

lol...I NEED you to have a good workout so that I will too.

JK. Anyway the weekend should do you some good. 2 weeks off. Smash it next session. Smart decision on the BP btw - a reset seemed like it was in order.

BTW Hunter - ever consider doing Dips? I think they really benefited my bench.

Yeah I have considered it but I don't think my bench is a big problem right now if it really starts to slow down I will think about some accessories to help it along. I am much more concerned about my squat because it seems a little low considering where I am with this program. Looking forward to Monday and hammering out some 210 squat.

Hope the back is just a minor thing
Smart move to cut the workout short, especially on the deads with a sore back.
Some days everything is just off, do what you can and move on to the next session

Enjoy the weekend! Rest up!

Thanks Woody! I think I made the right choice but it is always frustrating not hitting reps and having to skip parts of your workout. Seems I always have some kind of hitch every 2.5 to 3 weeks I need to get out of that and have a nice run of good solid progress. Looking forward to your workouts after your deload.

[HunterMC6]

Back is still kinda meh, I don't want to but I am going to take Mondays session off. Ice and heat tonight and tomorrow/ stretch and see if it gets better for Wednesday. This has not been a fun injury to deal with over the last few years. I am not going to push it and make it worse if I can help it.

[Sinaku5]

Back is still kinda meh, I don't want to but I am going to take Mondays session off. Ice and heat tonight and tomorrow/ stretch and see if it gets better for Wednesday. This has not been a fun injury to deal with over the last few years. I am not going to push it and make it worse if I can help it.

Smart move.

Let us know how it feels by Wednesday. What kind of pain do you got?

[HunterMC6]

Really centralized and sharp. It's all in my mid to upper back left side maybe exact place that I had that crazy bad spasm over the summer, which it what bothers me the most about it. It kind of comes and goes so hopefully that means it will clear up in a few days so I can get going again.

[Woody-5]

Sh!tty about the back- definitely smart not to push it. You don't want to mess around with that especially where you've had problems in the past

[Sen8or]

One thing that seems to have really helped my back is some lighter weight stiff-legged deads. Before I went on hols, was having terrible trouble with my back, a constant ache and it very much slowed me down. When I got back and onto my new routine, I was somewhat nervous about the 2 variations on deadlifts (standard on back/pull day and SLDLs on legs day), but so far, my back has felt great.

In saying that though, don't fk around with back injuries, they can go from niggling to downright crippling in a hurry

[HunterMC6]

well I had big plans to go smash out a session last night after I got back home but my buddy shot at a deer that we had to track into the night (ultimately it got away from us) and I didn't want to go wake up anyone at his house so I decided to skip it and just start a new week Monday. My back feels a lot better the last 2 days finally! I think what I am going to do, since most lifts I had come up on some failed sets, is reset OHP squat and bench and repeat 250 on DL. I think it is not a bad plan it will also let me judge with some lighter weights if my back is going to act up or not. So Monday I am back at it and I am looking forward to making some good gains again.

I also broke my camera so I wont have videos until i can either get it replaced or get another one.

Sh!tty about the back- definitely smart not to push it. You don't want to mess around with that especially where you've had problems in the past

Yeah for sure feeling good now though time to get back on my game.

One thing that seems to have really helped my back is some lighter weight stiff-legged deads. Before I went on hols, was having terrible trouble with my back, a constant ache and it very much slowed me down. When I got back and onto my new routine, I was somewhat nervous about the 2 variations on deadlifts (standard on back/pull day and SLDLs on legs day), but so far, my back has felt great.

In saying that though, don't fk around with back injuries, they can go from niggling to downright crippling in a hurry

Yeah I like SLDL's but man SS is just so brutal that there isn't anything left in the tank to do SLDL's. Hopefully when I get to programming beyond SS i can put it in there some where.

[Sinaku5]

The extra rest should allow you to kill it on Monday!

I'm on a reset for OHP too. I feel ya. Reset to come back stronger .

Sucks about the camera - do you got a smartphone? Thats what I use for my recording lol.

[Woody-5]

Some food for thought:

SS is a great beginner program, it's going to give you fast gains, however it pushes the envelope every single workout once you're into the PR range. Where you've had back problems, the aggressive progression might push it a little too much, especially where one can run into form issues trying to hit a new PR every workout.

An intermediate program (Madcows, Texas Method) might not give you the fastest gains, but where you're only adding weight once a week, it might be easier on your back.

That being said, I'd do exactly what you're planning to do- reset the squat weight big time and test the waters with another run at SS. Just keep the intermediate program in the back of your mind should you run into problems again

[Sinaku5]

Some food for thought:

SS is a great beginner program, it's going to give you fast gains, however it pushes the envelope every single workout once you're into the PR range. Where you've had back problems, the aggressive progression might push it a little too much, especially where one can run into form issues trying to hit a new PR every workout.

An intermediate program (Madcows, Texas Method) might not give you the fastest gains, but where you're only adding weight once a week, it might be easier on your back.

That being said, I'd do exactly what you're planning to do- reset the squat weight big time and test the waters with another run at SS. Just keep the intermediate program in the back of your mind should you run into problems again

Great post.

[HunterMC6]

The extra rest should allow you to kill it on Monday!

I'm on a reset for OHP too. I feel ya. Reset to come back stronger .

Sucks about the camera - do you got a smartphone? Thats what I use for my recording lol.

I'm to cheap to get a smart phone. I have 2 computers that have internet access so I never found a reason for a smart phone haha. I'm going to call about my camera tomorrow I only had it for 4 months and it crapped out so I'm not real happy about it. I have used my phone before but the camera is terrible and the lighting already sucks down there in the cave.

Some food for thought:

SS is a great beginner program, it's going to give you fast gains, however it pushes the envelope every single workout once you're into the PR range. Where you've had back problems, the aggressive progression might push it a little too much, especially where one can run into form issues trying to hit a new PR every workout.

An intermediate program (Madcows, Texas Method) might not give you the fastest gains, but where you're only adding weight once a week, it might be easier on your back.

That being said, I'd do exactly what you're planning to do- reset the squat weight big time and test the waters with another run at SS. Just keep the intermediate program in the back of your mind should you run into problems again

You hit the nail right on the head Woody. I was thinking today that once my squat fails for a 3rd time weather it be from injury status or just a plateau I will most likely be looking for a new routine. SS is getting brutal even though I feel like I should be getting more out of it then I am given the numbers I have seen others put up on this program.

Everyone is different I suppose but we will see how this reset goes for me. I certainly think TM or Madcows is the way to go after this I need to hit those strength gains still and those look like the two best programs to hit up after SS has run a little dry.

You went to 5/3/1 didn't you Sinaku?

[Sinaku5]

i tried 5/3/1 and honestly i personally felt like it was for someone more advanced than me.

i like going to the gym and lifting heavy but with 5/3/1 you only perform one heavy set for each of the big 4 lifts which i didn't like. im more of a sets across heavy weight type guy.

i also tried Texas method - its a great program that will allow steady progression but again it doesn't allow you to lift as heavy as you'd like on ur sets across because the idea of the program is to lift heavy for your volume sets but not too heavy that it interferes with you're intensity day which means that some days your volume days may progress, some days the weight may need to stay constant, and sometimes you might even have to dial back the weight so its not interfering with your intensity day. its a great program for demonstrating brute strength but doesn't allow much time/possibility for accessory lifts/extra volume IMO. when i started adding in more volume and lifts as i wanted i was unable to continue hitting prs on intensity day. so if u do the program as its written/without changing the principles of it, yes, it is great for brute strength

now i am on PHAT and love it. i have one power day, some speed and hypertrophy work through out the week and my goal with PHAT is still weekly progression. adding 5lbs per week to the big 5. the work you've seen in my journal for the last month is PHAT style programming.

ik its a long post lol but maybe it'll help u with your path.

[HunterMC6]

Starting Strength Week 11 Day 1


Weight Not sure gotta get back on the wagon with weighing myself

Squat
1x5 45
1x5 95
1x3 135
1x2 155
3x5 worksets 185

Notes: This was really easy form felt awesome gotta get another camera so I can film again. Probably going to stick to 5 lb jumps with squat just to try to plow through some higher weight but take a little time getting there.

Over Head Press
1x5 45
1x5 55
3x5 worksets 105

Notes This was easy as well didn’t even struggle so hopefully on my way again to some higher weight. Still need to get some micro weights found some on Amazon fairly cheap but not sure whats good.

Deadlift
3x5 worksets 245

Notes: This wasn’t to bad first rep was kind of **** but it got better after that. I really need to check my back angle on this I might film myself on my phone just to check my back angle. Going to review some form material on the deadlift too.

Poundstone Curls
1x23

Summary

Everything went well today I was debating doing chins at the end of my session but after taking a week off I couldn’t get myself to even want to attempt these. I almost think taking a week off every 5 to 6 weeks is almost beneficial for me. I always come back do a minor reset and things seem to go really smooth. I’d rather just keep lifting but once I begin to struggle on multiple lifts I get really tired, even if I get a lot of sleep.

Going to keep after this for a while longer hopefully my back doesn’t act up any more but I will be looking out for any signs of pain.

[Sinaku5]

A reset is sometimes necessary to come back stronger. I'm on a reset on my shoulder press.

In regards to the micro press comment - I think any will do as long as they are 2.5 lbs total. Good investment.

I here ya on the struggle thing - I'm struggling right now with my lifts! Particularly my OHP . Feelsbadman.jpg lol.

Good work. That reset should take you further than you've gone in just a few sessions which will be awesome!

Also - glad to hear about your back and the lack of pain.

[Woody-5]

Awesome work! Press is strong and glad to see the back is well enough for squats and deads


No shame in a Deload every 6 weeks (or sooner if you need it)

[HunterMC6]

A reset is sometimes necessary to come back stronger. I'm on a reset on my shoulder press.

In regards to the micro press comment - I think any will do as long as they are 2.5 lbs total. Good investment.

I here ya on the struggle thing - I'm struggling right now with my lifts! Particularly my OHP . Feelsbadman.jpg lol.

Good work. That reset should take you further than you've gone in just a few sessions which will be awesome!

Also - glad to hear about your back and the lack of pain.

Thanks man! Fells good to be back at it hate taking any time off but some times it's needed. Hopefully this reset will carry me on to some decent weight.

Awesome work! Press is strong and glad to see the back is well enough for squats and deads


No shame in a Deload every 6 weeks (or sooner if you need it)

Thanks Woody! Me too, it feels great this morning too which is usually the true test. Hopefully moving forward it wont be much of a problem.

[HunterMC6]

Starting Strength Week 11 Day 2


Weight 159 (went to the bar last night so I think this aided my 1.2lb jump over yesterday)

Squat
1x5 45
1x5 95
1x3 135
1x2 165
3x5 worksets 190

Notes: First set was fantastic, second set went well last rep was slow, third set I had a rep where I did a slight good morning, corrected it on the next rep but was a little shallow then fixed both problems on the last rep which felt perfect.

Bench Press
1x5 45
1x5 95
1x3 135
3x5 worksets 170

Notes Second set was a struggle on the last rep took a little longer rest period for the last set and smashed it out no problem.

Rows
3x5 worksets 125

Notes: First set was a little tough not sure why but everything after that was smooth as silk shouldn’t have any problems jumping to 130 next time.

Summary
This was an in and out type of session, went into the session a little sluggish so I decide just to smash out the big 3 and be done with it. I really didn’t rest long in between sets either. With stretching I was done in about 35 minutes.

So anyone have any good arguments for TM or Mad Cow 5x5? I am going to start looking into these two routines for the future just want to hear some feedback. TM seems more popular around here at least in the workout journal section. Is it an easier switch from SS? Obviously still have a ways to progress on SS but I just want to get a jump on my options.

[jshaw5]

So anyone have any good arguments for TM or Mad Cow 5x5? I am going to start looking into these two routines for the future just want to hear some feedback. TM seems more popular around here at least in the workout journal section. Is it an easier switch from SS? Obviously still have a ways to progress on SS but I just want to get a jump on my options.

I looked into both programs, and to me TM just seems like the better program. MC seems to have a mix of volume with the ramping sets and intensity with the heavy top set twice a week. While I haven't run the program, I would imagine that each week it gets harder and harder to hit your reps. Texas method breaks it out into volume on one day and intensity on another day. Volume day is actually what drives progress, so while you're setting a new 5 rep PR on intensity, it's not actually a 5RM and you often feel like you have more in the tank. I could name at least 5 of my subs, not counting myself, that have run or are running TM, all have made great progress on it, all easily squatting well over 4 plates.

[Woody-5]

Excellent work yesterday!

TM seems to be more popular than madcows. I'm considering giving it a go after New Years.

[HunterMC6]

I looked into both programs, and to me TM just seems like the better program. MC seems to have a mix of volume with the ramping sets and intensity with the heavy top set twice a week. While I haven't run the program, I would imagine that each week it gets harder and harder to hit your reps. Texas method breaks it out into volume on one day and intensity on another day. Volume day is actually what drives progress, so while you're setting a new 5 rep PR on intensity, it's not actually a 5RM and you often feel like you have more in the tank. I could name at least 5 of my subs, not counting myself, that have run or are running TM, all have made great progress on it, all easily squatting well over 4 plates.

Whew 4 plate squat is probably way out of my league. Thanks for responding I obviously have a ways to go on SS (at least I hope) before I decide to switch so I got some time. I can see that TM is used pretty often after SS with some good success, is it different enough from SS to keep you interested? SS gets a little bit boring after a while since it's very repetitive.

Excellent work yesterday!

TM seems to be more popular than madcows. I'm considering giving it a go after New Years.

Thanks Woody! What did you do after your stint on SS?

[Woody-5]

Whew 4 plate squat is probably way out of my league. Thanks for responding I obviously have a ways to go on SS (at least I hope) before I decide to switch so I got some time. I can see that TM is used pretty often after SS with some good success, is it different enough from SS to keep you interested? SS gets a little bit boring after a while since it's very repetitive.



Thanks Woody! What did you do after your stint on SS?

I did my own thing for awhile, pretty standard 4 day split
After I cut for a few months I did madcows for a bit.
I do my own thing now, although there's usually a bit of 5/3/1 action with the occasional specialized program (aka Hudson deadlift, Macenkos bench) thrown in for certain lifts

[Sinaku5]

Lol Hunter you weren't kidding when you said your session was in and out...35 minutes is quick.

Glad to see bench is going well and you're catching and fixing form easily on squats.

As for TM - Rip describes it as the most logical form of training after SS. Its brutal IMO, but it's not enough variation to keep me interested. I have excercise ADD lol. I like doing my fair share of accessory work, which TM doesn't really allow for, at least not as much as I would like. But if your goal is brute strength, it will serve you well.

[HunterMC6]

I did my own thing for awhile, pretty standard 4 day split
After I cut for a few months I did madcows for a bit.
I do my own thing now, although there's usually a bit of 5/3/1 action with the occasional specialized program (aka Hudson deadlift, Macenkos bench) thrown in for certain lifts

Seems to have served you well your lifts are huge! Anything you might have done difefrently if you were to do the "intermediate" phase over again?

Lol Hunter you weren't kidding when you said your session was in and out...35 minutes is quick.

Glad to see bench is going well and you're catching and fixing form easily on squats.

As for TM - Rip describes it as the most logical form of training after SS. Its brutal IMO, but it's not enough variation to keep me interested. I have excercise ADD lol. I like doing my fair share of accessory work, which TM doesn't really allow for, at least not as much as I would like. But if your goal is brute strength, it will serve you well.

Yeah I feel like a weakling so certainly looking to add some strength. I wouldn't mind being shredded one day but I don't see the point right now I just want to get stronger and take advantage of the fact that gains are easier to make right now vs later on down the road. It's nice I am starting to get the hang of what a good squat feels like so I know what I have to correct if something breaks down now but i still have a lot of improvements to make.

[Woody-5]

Differently?
I would have made sure to have more squat frequency even if it was just a couple light sets on a day other than leg day. I struggled with those for a long time and I think some more frequency would have helped with that

I'm sure there are many other things I could have done different (better) but its all a learning experience so I'm cool with it

[HunterMC6]

Starting Strength Week 11 Day 3


Weight 159.0

Squat
1x5 45
1x5 95
1x3 135
1x2 165
3x5 worksets 195

Notes: Got all reps on every set. Set 2 was the only problem set had 2 reps that I lost my back tightness and dropped my chest a little. Might have had something to do with my short rest period between set 1 and 2. On to 200 Monday! Squats are feeling awesome and I shouldn’t have any problems moving right on through my PR’s at this rate.

Over Head Press
1x5 45
1x5 65
1x3 95
3x5 worksets 110

Notes No problems here, last rep on set 3 I caught myself back on my heels a little but other than that this wasn’t bad at all. Really focused on not using my legs to help my pressing. On to 115 and beyond.

Deadlift
3x5 worksets 255

Notes: This went pretty well I still need to film to make sure my back isn’t rounding. It was a bit of a struggle on the last few reps but I am moving on to 260 next time.

Summary

Overall a good solid session! I decided today that on days I do DL and squats that I am not going to attempt to do chins or abs unless I am really feeling it. I am going to do chins on days when I do rows instead, I feel drained after Deadlifting and not quite as much after rows so I think this will be a decent switch.

I also think that I have screwed up the programming for SS a little after my week off. I am not sure how this happened but I am just going to keep going the way I went this week.

Differently?
I would have made sure to have more squat frequency even if it was just a couple light sets on a day other than leg day. I struggled with those for a long time and I think some more frequency would have helped with that

I'm sure there are many other things I could have done different (better) but its all a learning experience so I'm cool with it

yeah realized I spelled that wrong. It sure is it has taken lots of practice getting my squat to looking anything even close to a squat, and it is still far from perfect. The more I work at it the better I feel though.

[Sinaku5]

200 lb squats soon! ...and 2 plates soon after that

Thats gotta feel good!

And glad to hear DLs are going well with your back.

Doing chins and abs on days you row isn't a bad plan - I think I actually did something similar when I ran SS. You gotta do whatever helps you get the best out of your workout!

[HunterMC6]

200 lb squats soon! ...and 2 plates soon after that

Thats gotta feel good!

And glad to hear DLs are going well with your back.

Doing chins and abs on days you row isn't a bad plan - I think I actually did something similar when I ran SS. You gotta do whatever helps you get the best out of your workout!

Yeah it does feel good. My form feels great which is inspiring. I really want to get after it and get that squat weight up to a more respectable number. I find chins difficult to get done after dead lifting but maybe I just need a few minutes of rest before attempting them.