My training is finally getting exciting again. It's been a long journey. Not felt like this about my training for a long time.
This year has been the process of getting everything back. Notable things for those who care. I just like to summarise
-I'm getting wiser. I'm more cautious. For example, I know I can deadlift at least the heaviest that i've ever deadlifted, I've just not done it yet. Instead, I'm making lighter weights feel heavier by changing variation, and being very strict with form. Same with the squat. I now pick a variation that places emphasises on my weakest part of the lift, or I try and get more volume with slightly lighter weights rather than going balls-to-wall.
-Training almost has structure to it now (I work from 70-80 hours per week and average one day off every 4-6 weeks).
- My hamstring practically feels like it's never been injured. I never thought it would ever feel as good. I also think I nearly tore the other one because I had a serious issue with putting everything to one (the good) side when doing bilateral lifts and I really strained the other hamstring a 4 months ago. All good now, though. I feel comfortable enough to start smashing GHRS and the likes again, now.
-My bench has had it's usual roller coaster journey. Picked up a shoulder/neck injury on the good side. Then got "labrynthitis" (sp) which screwed it up some more as I couldn't lie on the bench. I changed my bench press technique and it screwed me up, too. I went flat footed instead of up on the toes. I would like to finally compete and looking at next year to put my money where my mouth is. Right now i'm just trying not to be an idiot, trying to get all functional and healthy, and will decide in January. Anyway, to compete I need to bench flat footed. I can't get as good an arch and I struggle to keep my a$$ on the bench and/or get as much leg drive.
I reckon half my old bench press came from the legs and the ability to arch so much. I need to bench with a closer grip when flat footed. I don't know why, I just do. I think my old style was all about leverage and leg drive where as now I actually need to use some upper body strength to move the weight. I hated it but one thing I did like was not having to become a contortionist for every bench set I did. I opted to use "ladders" (1,2,3-1,2,3-1,2,3) because this approach calls for frequency (2-4 times per week) and good, non grinding reps, which is what I needed to learn a new technique. I started a weight that was too light and have added 2.5 KG every session and now i'm nipping at the heels of my old numbers with the old technique. It feels like it's moving. I wonder if the new technique will make the old technique even stronger? hmmm
-I've done this whilst dropping 10lbs in bodyweight recently, too.
-I still drink too much coffee and don't sleep enough.
-I started training the massage therapist in the gym which means I get at least one massage every week
-I've been learning how to box as my "conditioning" and I'm loving being coached rather than doing the coaching.
KPj
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