13WaRRioR13’s BodyBlog

Today started week 6, and of course it was chest day.  I finally increased my 1RM on barbell bench press.  I hit 185 and met my goal today.  Other than that I cut my work out a little short.  I didnt do to well on my meals and protein shakes today either, but I am not gonna complain.  Today I got to meet Tito Ortiz.  He is a lot bigger and person, and a really cool guy.  I am going to post the pic of myself, three of my soldiers, Tito, and Justim McCully.  It was a great day all together.  For the past 7 weeks I havnt ran but 3 times.  I have been working 12 hours a day, going to school 3 hours a nite monday through saturday, and going to the gym.  So there really wasnt much time to run.  Well shcool is finally over.  I just hope that running in 100+ degrees isnt going to hinder my gaining weight to much.  I do want to cut some body fat, but I still want to gain 2 more pounds this month before I get home.  I guess I will find out just how hard this will be.

Today started week 5, and after being in the gym for a month without skipping any training days I have decided that chest day is my least favorite.  I have made gains in everybody part except chest.  After five chest sessions my 1 rm hasnt increased at all, and my chest actually shrunk about one inch.  I added pyramids for my flat bench excerise today and I did feel like it worked me a little more so I think I am going to see where it takes me.  Hopefully I can start to see at least minimal gains in chest size and strength.

Tomarrow is another camp squat competition.  This competition I will be in a higher weight class, and I will actually have people to compete against.  My last competition was in a lower weight class and I was the only one in the 145 lbs and under weight class, so although I placed first I felt like I didnt really win anything.  Tomarrow I will have the chance to earn a medal and deserve it. 

Tomarrow starts week 4, and I cant wait.  I havnt missed a day of training yet and that alone is a huge accomplishment for me.  I am going for a new bench 1rm and I am going to try to meet my goal early.  I added weight to about 75% of my exercises last week and still felt good.  This week will stay the same, and next week I am going to add an additional set to everything.  I just hope the weight starts packing on, I think I am loosing what I put on the first week.

What is the best way to incorporate finding a true 1 Rep Max into a workout plan?  Also what is the best way to warm up for a 1 Rep Max?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I do not want to sacrifice any of my routines, considering I just started but I want to know where I stand to help me set my goals for the best increases possible.

This morning started week 3.  It was a great day in the gym.  I added 5 to 10 lbs on all of my excersises, I had to work a lot harder on my sets but at the end of my routine I felt great.  I felt stronger and more motivated.  Its only been two weeks but the gym is feeling like more than just something to do.  It gives me a great feeling about myself and I want to push myself harder every day.  I believe this is going to be a great journey for myself.