Two Personal Bests This Week!
I had an awesome week at the gym.
Tuesday was International Chest Day. My eyes lit up when I saw that the weight belt was sitting unused on the accessories stand. I don’t have a weight belt and usually the gym’s one is locked up with the personal trainers’ things. I grabbed it, headed over to the dip station, and strapped on a 45 pound plate. I did 15 reps and immediately started toying with the idea of strapping on another 45 pounds (which I’ve never done). I debated it for a few seconds and then said “screw it” and did it and banged out 10 reps. I wasn’t even sure I could do any so I was thrilled that I managed to get 10. After another rest period I did another 10 reps. Wow, that was defnitely an “I can’t believe I’m doing this” feeling as I was doing them.
Yesterday I was working the arms with barbell curls. Those have always been one of the hardest arm exercises for me but I really enjoy them. I can vividly remember doing them with my trainer. After a few sets my arms would just be blasted and I would think that I had nothing left in my tank but he made me keep going. As I was trying to curl he would push the bar up just a tiny bit. I can remember I could barely do reps with the 60 pound barbell without him helping me. Yesterday I decided to try using the 80 pound barbell and I was able to get 8 reps with it. I made it a point to force myself not to swing my back around. That was a bad habit of mine it took me a long time to break. Man that felt awesome getting those reps out.
I officially take back what I said about not caring how strong I am. Strength gains kick @ss!
July 22, 2008 at 1:53 pm
WOOHOO on the two personal bests!! You’re such a BEAST!! Keep knocking them down!
July 28, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Hey congrats
Yes when you discover what you can do, it is so addictive that it is hard to stop thinking about it.
The only way I know how to increase my strength is through keeping a detailed log, increasing 7% to 10% from my max rep every time I redo my plan.
Hey Stress, keep up a good record, I mean it, it will help you surprise yourself more often, and keeping track of sustained improvements over the previous max rep always help you keep your perspective over things, and reality so that this is not just one isolated event, but part of your monthly routine.
-Frank
August 2, 2008 at 9:34 pm
strength gains kick @ss and squatting kicks it even more!! bwahaha! I have found your weakness!! In all seriousness, awesome progress bro!