ProMera Sports: KenshinH and nykwan kicking ass with Peak 400 and Con-Cret!!

[KenshinH]

I want to start off by giving a big thanks to ProMera and Audieswu! Audie hooked nykwan and me up with a tub of Peak 400 and a 24-serving CON-CRET mini.

We greatly appreciate it and are thankful of the opportunity to log these two products.





The store listings for the products are here:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/pr.../peak-400.html

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/pmh/concret.html

I won't regurgitate the products' details except to say that Con-Cret is one of the best-known creatines in the bb.com store and Peak 400 is ProMera's newest product. Needless to say, I'm really excited to see how these two products can help me in my training


Quick Background

I'm Asian, 5'7", and weigh around 193 lbs. I've been on a slow permabulk since I started lifting seriously a few years ago. Lately, I've been focused on recomping. It's a slow grind, but I'm seeing results with the recent training and the various supplements I'm using. I just finished up a successful 2-month run with Drive, NeoVar, and Osteobolin-C from AppNut, after which I became a rep for them

I don't track macros or count calories, but I have a general sense of how much I need to eat to gain or lose weight. I do try to get in anywhere from 150 to 200 grams of protein a day, most of that from food.


Goals For This Log

I train in a powerbuilding style, with an emphasis on the powerlifting side. My priorities for the current training cycle are (in order):

1) Improve bench
2) Improve squat
3) Maintain deadlift


Programs I'm Using

Bench - http://www.mindandmuscle.net/article...bench-program/
Squat - Texas Method
Deadlift - 5/3/1 Simplest Strength template


The Schedule

Sun - bench, squat VD, bench asst.
Mon - bench, light rowing
Tue - bench, OHP (session #1) ;; deadlift, deadlift asst. (session #2)
Wed - OFF
Thu - light bench, squat ID, squat asst., heavy rowing
Fri - OFF
Sat - OFF


I'm on week 2 of my training cycle and the Thursday workout is coming up tonight. I'll be taking Peak 400 for the first time

LET'S DO THIS!!

[dbone1026]

In ... ummm ...

[KenshinH]

In ... ummm ...

nykwan looks great!


On the other hand, this is my latest progress pic

[audieswu]

Ohhhh yeahhhh!!! Subbed!!!

[storm1507]

In. Looking forward to following the PL training.

[audieswu]

Please show me the way on how to bag lots of sand Ken and Kwan

[sloop]

In before dbone!

[MatTheCur]

inb4 sloo... Aw damnit!

[yakuzastyle]

[KenshinH]

Ohhhh yeahhhh!!! Subbed!!!

Thanks for following BFF!

In. Looking forward to following the PL training.

Glad to have you sir!

Please show me the way on how to bag lots of sand Ken and Kwan

bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi cách để túi cát?

In before dbone!

[/img]http://25.media.tumblr.com/0b11ea8029966fbd80b4699ea6c757d0/tumblr_mg2shuNO2H1qj88rjo1_250.gif[/img]

Lol a little late Sloop. He was 1rd

inb4 sloo... Aw damnit!

Lol thanks for subbing guys!

[cphunter70]

lol subbed!

[KenshinH]

I'm embedding my PR videos to make this more interesting. Squat and deadlift were done within the last few months. Bench was done a few years ago, and it's a goal of mine to match or beat that on this training cycle.


Squat - 460x1

Check out the epic fail at 475




Bench - 325x1




Deadlift - 475x1











And for sh!ts and giggles,

Dips - 135x4

[dbone1026]

Where's the face plant vid???

Ahh .. there it is

[cphunter70]

I'm embedding my PR videos to make this more interesting. Squat and deadlift were done within the last few months. Bench was done a few years ago, and it's a goal of mine to match or beat that on this training cycle.


Squat - 460x1


Check out the epic fail at 475




Bench - 325x1




Deadlift - 475x1











And for sh!ts and giggles,

Dips - 135x4

You are like a lighter version of me...mind is blown!! Will def be checking on you to see how your strength progresses.

My max lifts:

Squat: 465x1 Goal 500x1
Bench: 405x1 Goal 450x1
Deads: 385x1 (I dont DL due to back injury but im gonna attempt) Goal 550x1

[KenshinH]

You are like a lighter version of me...mind is blown!! Will def be checking on you to see how your strength progresses.

My max lifts:

Squat: 465x1 Goal 500x1
Bench: 405x1 Goal 450x1
Deads: 385x1 (I dont DL due to back injury but im gonna attempt) Goal 550x1

Strong lifts bro!

I don't think I can catch your bench unless I magically become 20 years younger and bulk up some

Sorry to hear about the back! Have you tried sumo deadlifts since they have less back involvement?

[audieswu]

LMAO I like the last vid!!! What were you doing again?

Oh wait...hnnnngggg on the left

[KenshinH]

LMAO I like the last vid!!! What were you doing again?

Oh wait...hnnnngggg on the left

I should have labeled it an assisted pullup video

[audieswu]

I should have labeled it an assisted pullup video

INB4 you monetize that video...there's an idea.

[yakuzastyle]

lmao i like the last vid!!! What were you doing again?

Oh wait...hnnnngggg on the left :d

lol

[audieswu]

lol

I counted 5.


Assisted pullups

[KenshinH]

I counted 5.


Assisted pullups

No one cares that I was doing weighted dips with 3 plates lol

[KenshinH]

Supplements
1 scoop Peak 400 pre
2 scoops Xtend intra


Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown:
105x10
120x10
135x10

Barbell Bench Press: (KB w2d4)
45x20
135x5
185x3
225x3
245x1
245x1
245x1
245x1
... Recovery bench. Paused the singles

Wide-Grip Pull-Up:
5x8

Barbell Squat: (TM ID)
45x8
135x5
205x3
275x3 (vid)
325x2 (vid)
375x5 (vid)
... +10 from last week. About the same difficulty as 365 last week, so that's a good sign I'm recovering from the recent cold and getting my strength back.

Stiff-Legged Barbell Deadlift:
13x5
205x5
275x5
295x5 rep PR
... Only the second time I've done this, so technically 295x5 is a PR

Lying Leg Curls:
120x10
130x10
140x8


Notes
* Good workout Thursday night. I was interested in seeing how squats would go since 365 gave me some trouble last week. Warmups were feeling ok so I just jumped to 375. I could tell I'm not back to 100% strength nor endurance yet, but it was encouraging to see I could do 10 lbs more this week.


Supplement Notes

I took Peak 400 about 30 minutes before hitting the gym. 1 scoop in 8 oz of cold water and it mixed easily. The taste of blue raspberry was right on, but it was too diluted. Next time, I'll try it in 4 oz of water instead.

In terms of effects, I didn't feel anything right away. Maybe after 20 minutes or so, I felt my energy pick up a little bit. It wasn't that strong, say less than a 200mg caffeine tab, but still noticeable.

Had decent strength on my lifts so that's a positive, although it's too early to say if or how much Peak 400 contributed, especially since I'm coming off a cold. Time will tell


... Video will be coming up later

[audieswu]

Strong pause benching, 375 squats U wot M8? and PR on SLDL's...I'd say that at productive day bro especially coming back strong from a cold.

[jshaw5]

No one cares that I was doing weighted dips with 3 plates lol

bs, video or it didn't happen

in for more creeper vids.

[KenshinH]

Strong pause benching, 375 squats U wot M8? and PR on SLDL's...I'd say that at productive day bro especially coming back strong from a cold.

Thanks bro! Getting better and better

bs, video or it didn't happen

in for more creeper vids.

inb4 jshaw's MISC detective wifey

[KenshinH]

Supplements
1 scoop Peak 400 pre
2 scoops Xtend intra


Kettlebell Romanian Deadlift:
35x10
35x10
35x10

Two-Arm Kettlebell Swing:
35x25
52.9x25
52.9x25 rep PR
... Only the 4th(?) time I've done this, but last time I stopped at 35x25

Pendlay Row:
135x5
165x5
195x5
225x5
250x3
250x3
250x4 rep PR
... FatGripz up to 195. Rep PR at 250x4 and most total reps ever at 250

Wide-Grip Pulldown Behind The Neck:
120x8
135x8
150x8
165x8

Hammer Strength Plate-Loaded Shrugs:
2 PPS x 10
3 PPS x 10
4 PPS x 10
5 PPS x 8
5 PPS + 20 x 8
5 PPS + 40 x 8

EZ-Bar Curl:
55x8
65x8
80x10
... FatGripz


Notes
* Normally don't work out on Fridays, but I felt like hitting the gym and getting some back work in. I wasn't planning to go heavy though.

* Ended up being a good strong workout Typically, I always have certain numbers to hit on my main lifts because of the programs. It was nice to just get in and do whatever I wanted to do without worrying about the sets/reps/weights. Almost like a mental deload

* After the last set of EZ-bar curls, I racked the bar on the weight rack below and cut my left pinkie because of carelessness





Supplement Notes

This time, I mixed Peak 400 in 6 oz of cold water instead of 8. It tasted a little stronger of course. I may stay with this until I add more water for Con-Cret in a few weeks

Again noticed an uptick in energy about 20 minutes after taking it. What was not expected was my strength on this workout. Frankly, I was feeling a bit tired from the lifting this week, so I wasn't expecting anything out of the ordinary. Maybe it was the fat juicy Five Guys burger I had for lunch ... or maybe it was Peak 400

[dbone1026]

I have caught my finger a few times on that rack.

Not sure what to say about the kettlebell workouts

[storm1507]

No one cares that I was doing weighted dips with 3 plates lol

Vid or it didn't happen.

Edit: Crap someone beat me to it.


Nice lifts man.

Do you like the sleeves instead of wraps? How bout the shoes...can you tell a difference in those for squats?

[KenshinH]

I have caught my finger a few times on that rack.

Not sure what to say about the kettlebell workouts

I thought you wanted me to warm up my hips for later

Vid or it didn't happen.

Edit: Crap someone beat me to it.

Nice lifts man.

Do you like the sleeves instead of wraps? How bout the shoes...can you tell a difference in those for squats?

Thanks bro.

I love the Rehband sleeves. These are the OG sleeves that you see strongmen and Olympic weightlifters wear. They don't add poundages to your squats like knee wraps do. I don't compete so there's no reason to prefer wraps over sleeves.

As for the shoes, yeah I love them too I've squatted in different footwear and the order goes like this:

Adipowers (current) >> Pendlay Do-Wins >> Chuck's >> sneakers

I feel rock solid stable in the Adipowers throughout the squat movement, regardless of whether I have 135 or 405 on my back

[nykwan]

Herro all!

This is Nykwan, and I'm going to be the co-logging in here with KenshinH.

Thanks to ProMera and Audieswu for the Peak 400 and a 24-serving CON-CRET mini. As KenshinH already mentioned, we greatly appreciate it and are thankful of the opportunity to try and log these two products.

I'm going to plagerize KenshinH's post as a template.


The store listings for the products are here:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/pr.../peak-400.html

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/pmh/concret.html



Quick Background

I'm Asian, 5'8", and currently weigh around 155lbs after this recent spring cut.

First off, I want to say that I never thought of myself as a typical 'bodybuilder' so my workouts might be slightly different than some other people's. I just have what I want to do, and try to hit it hard and consistently. My philosophy is to keep things simple. I see alot of people doing so many exercises like isolations, or cables, etc but they never seem to gain anything. When sometimes they ask me why I'm getting results and they aren't, I ask them if they've seen Rocky IV. I tell them they are Ivan Drago doing tons of exercises/machines/cables/etc, and I am Rocky Balboa just hitting the hanging beef or basics hard. And for majority of people, hitting the basics hard is good enough for them to hit their aesthetic goals.

Here's a link to my post in the Picture forum showing me after my cut, so you can look and decide for yourself if my workout is working for me or not.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...post1088037663


I don't track macros or but keep a ballpark count calories.


Goals For This Log

General strength increase, and possibly size. I usually train with a single 'core' compound barbell exercise for each bodypart/area, and then add 1, maybe 2 accessory exercises.
I felt I lost alot of strength over these last couple months of the cut, and I'm looking to keep lean but regain the strength I had pre-cut.


Programs I'm Using

I'm not using any real program. I have my core exercises, and may swap accessory exercises sometimes. I go alot by feel too. So my rep/set schemes may vary on the fly.

But for...

Chest: May include flat bench, incline bench, incline dumbbells, and weighted dips. -I do 2 incline exercises cause I feel my upper ribcage area is slightly sunken compared to the lower, so I try to compensate by hitting that area more.

Back: Weighted pullups, variations of bodyweight pullups/chinups/sternum chins/chins to stomach/slow speed pullups. And I've been lately doing front levers, like gymnasts do on the bar.

Legs: Mainly deep box squats and legpress.
Only started squats again back in Oct once the doctor gave me the OK to squat again after tearing a muscle in 2 places a few years ago. That injury kept reoccurring over and over for a long time. But I can lift now. Just can't stretch it too hard cause it healed shorter.

Shoulder: Usually Standing military press and sometimes seated dumbbell press, bent over lateral raises.

Arms: never bothered

Abs: Usually I just do static holds with my legs almost vertical on either the captain's chair, or hanging from the pullup station. Try to count to 60 before letting down. No schedule, just whenever I feel like it. Could be every workout..or once a week depending how I feel.


But I try to do every thing with good form, and full ROM. Every bar touches my chest, every dumbbell will touch my shoulder/chest, and pullups are all the way chin above bar, and down where arms are straightened.
Squats are lighter weight but using as low a box as I can use without rounding back...ass to grass basically.
Military press is military press..not push press.


The Schedule

Hard for me to set a schedule like KenshinH did cause it changes depending on what days I'll have my son or not. Also, I'm a wing chun kung fu class couple nights a week also, so sometimes I try not to workout those days cause I need to be loose and relaxed that night for class.

And I do alot by feel or if I know I won't have time for a few days. So sometimes I have 3 days rest, sometimes 5. Or I've even tried legs everyday or 3x week, or 1x week just to experiment too.


This will be fun since KenshinH and I have very different styles of workouts. But let's get this muther rollin' !