Jettisoned Ponderings

Taking on an 8×8 routine is a daunting task. I haven’t sweat that much or had to use that light of weight to complete all the sets in a very long time! Omitted calves since I was already shaky and needed some food back in me, plus it had already been almost an hour lifting. Quads and hams both got hit, which I haven’t done together for a while either. The workout will be posted once I finish the last day, back and abs. My left tricep head and brachiradialis are still a bit sore despite rest and working them the last two days. Tomorrow they’ll get a bit of secondary work regardless.

Ok, so 2 workouts down on the new program and I’m still feeling DOMS 3 days out! This is exactly what I needed from my workouts. I see where they’re keen to cause leaning out also as I’m usually sweating by the end and that doesn’t happen to often anymore unless I’m on a low carb or keto diet. Its a perfect combination of extended tension time plus cumulative fatigue training. I’m still not done testing the NOS-FX (which is being taken back to the drawing board anyhow) so I’m still off the majority of my supps. When I add those back in it’ll have been about 2 months off everything so it should have a stronger kick.

Work is still throwing a wrench in things. If I have any extra errands I need to run in the day they always seem to end up cutting into my workout time. Really hoping the interview this morning goes well and I can get a consistent Mon-Fri routine tied down. The only down side is that it would put me back into lifting late in the day. I’m a morning person and getting my workouts done early really helps ramp the metabolism up and make pushing all the food easier. That is going to take some getting used to.

I’ll post the full workout once I’ve had a chance to go through it all and make a couple changes in exercise choices. Its not a routine a beginner would benefit from, but anyone who’s been lifting at least a year would probably benefit from it if they’re in a slump.

With GeminiJedi doing a different routine now for her contest under the coaching of IFBB Pro Rita Rae I’m out a spotter for my lifts. Searching for a routine that would utilize lighter weights and higher volumes I came across an article covering Vince Gironda’s 8×8 program. Looking over it I made up a workout sheet to start today. I’m already hooked after today! I know legs is going to be a brutal workout as well. The goal is briefly intentionally over-training. Not many workouts would call for blasting out 64 reps per exercise and then doing multiple exercises per bodypart (Rest times are all short, absolute max of 30 seconds). I think its what I need though to wake up my muscles. High volume also always makes me lean out a bit. Some good changes should come about from it all.

Last couple weeks have been spent trying to get settled and then the flu hit me early this week. I’ve basically only hit the gym twice in the last two weeks and I’m not happy about it. I know I need to rest and recover, but timing just sucks. I was on a really good roll and know I’ve got more ground to make up than I would like. The product testing, while good and fun, has me down because I’m off a number of other products I really enjoy and benefit from. I need to get through this all so I can fall back into my regiment.

Also have a job interview Monday. I hope I get it since it will not only be a better one, but it would be with another guy who works part time with me at Max Muscle. So with him, he also knows its no big deal to have to stop and eat something every few hours. Right now my primary job doesn’t allow me to get my meals in on a schedule. It would also give me more time to invest in my personal business and once that’s going I won’t need the primary job and be free to work from home and eat on my own clock.

So, that’s all that’s new with me. Hoping today and tomorrow get me up to 100% where I need to be and Monday the weights will get some throwin’ time.

…try using them for 3 years and then stopping! Things lately have been interesting in the gym. The work and intensity is there, but all my weights are noticeably down. To best test out the NOS-FX I’m off all my other supplements, except for protein and basics like EFAs, joint support, and a multi. Lat pulldowns today were down about 40lbs. Close grip bench down 30lbs. I’m sure all my strength lifts like deads and squats are also much the same, just haven’t had a chance to try them all yet. I know that one of the main ways a number of prohormones help increase strength is by opening the calcium pathways. Now having been off all those this year I’m even more solidified in believing in their usefullness (and safety, when used properly). The product testing has yielded mixed results for me thus far, and I am enjoying it. Can’t deny though that I will be very much looking forward to getting back onto my usual stack when all is said and done.