Not too much has changed since my last post about a month ago. I've raised my 1 rep max's by five and ten pounds, as is expected every 4 weeks. I've noticed that I have begun to experience slight pain in my knees when squatting, which may be an indication of the increased strain that is being put on my body as I begin to lift heavier and heavier weights. Today at the gym I squatted 225 pounds for 6 reps, which although difficult, did not prove to be impossible, and I feel as though I could've managed 7 reps with a spotter. As I approach the ability to back squat 300 lbs, the necessity for investing in knee sleeves is probably growing, since experiencing knee pain at 225 does not bode well for future increases in strength. I have also recently discovered the beauty in lifting belts for deadlift. Before when I was deadlifting, I found that even dead lifting in the low 300's (which is a relatively low % for me considering that my deadlift max is in the 400's) hurt my lower back. My family has a history of lower back problems as most of us are taller, and after using a lifting belt and forcing air into my core, I was able to lift 335 pounds for 5 reps with relative ease, and with no pain in my lower back. I have concluded that if I wish to consistently increase my strength without damage to my body, belts and sleeves are a must to maintain structural bone strength, but I am excited with the prospect that my regimen is continuing to make me stronger. I am also going to attempt to increase the amount of core that I do during the week, as that will allow me to have a much more stable platform to deadlift and squat from.
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AuthorI'm 18 years old, with aspiring dreams of being a trophy husband. I also enjoy the entire star wars series, and I love exercise, Bob Ross, and memes. I also hate Sea World, and think that it's an abomination to mankind. If I could have any animal as a pet, it would have to be a capybara. I love serving the community, and getting to meet and develop friendships with new people! Archives
April 2018
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