Training update

Hadn't done a training update in quite some time, so I thought I'd get everyone up to speed with where I'm at right now.

Squat training is coming around. I'd done about a two months of repetition based work to build up the connective tissue, so last week I ended up pushing myself a little bit. I'm a little gun-shy training by myself without a spot, but I worked up to 405 for a single that felt pretty good. The biggest issues with the squat right now are consistency in the set-up and consistency with depth. I think a lot of this will come as I continue getting reps under my belt.

I benched yesterday and I still have a long way to go, but my raw strength is coming around. I hit a slow 285 but the groove wasn't all that great. I need to work on dialing in my set-up and taking the bar a little lower. All in all, this wasn't too bad considering I can't remember the last time I took a heavy single on the bench.

Saturday I pulled and again, decided things were feeling good so I worked up to a new PR of 545. Since I've improved my posture and alignment, I've gotten much better at finishing pulls at the top; the glutes are on a whole 'nother level now. Problem is, I don't have the hamstring strength to get in the proper starting position! I've talked to Jim Wendler at Elite and I'm going to get a glute-ham ASAP, so hopefully I'll get this issue fixed up. Once I can sit back into the starting position and get that leg drive from the start, I'll be much more efficient and the lift will be a lot cleaner.

The thing I'm stoked about is all these lifts were done with minmal supportive gear (wraps, belt, etc.) so I'm begining to ponder what I can do once I get back in the cheater gear. Guess I'll just have to wait and see!

Have a great week!

Stay strong
MR

I know its been a while, but I think Ive figured out how to blog from my phone, which SHOULD ensure more consistent posting ;)

Things are going well here in Indy. Eric and I released our Building the Efficient Athlete DVD series last week. The Custom Fitness/Custom Athleticstraining is blowing up. And I've been feeding my head with a ton of audio materials lately, so life is good.

In two weeks I travel to Durham for the first weekendof the Z-Health seminar; what I know of the system is very intriguing so I'm looking forward to that.

Finally, Bill and my Compound Cuff article ran yesterday at T-nation, so if you haven't checked it out now, git-r-done!

Stay strong
MR