The Essentials

Unless you have the luxury of training at your own gym these are certain things you might find useful to bring with you to train.

1. A bag to carry all of your stuff in. Self explanatory. Never forget anything again.

2. A belt. Single prong, double prong, a lever, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that the belt is used properly. It provides protection for your lower back during squats and pulls, it also strengthens the core and allows for greater lifts.

3. Wrist wraps. Provides support for heavy presses. Once again like the belt, if used properly the benefits are plenty.

4. Chalk. Grip strength a problem? Not anymore. Of course chalk should only be used when it is absolutely essential.

5. Am I missing anything? What do you bring to the gym every day?

Spring 7

Squat + loose belt: 332x7, 332x7, 332x7, 332x7, 332x7
Bench + wraps for final 3 sets: 235x6, 235x6, 235x6, 235x6, 235x6, 235x6
RDF: 12.5x10, 17.5x10, 17.5x9
RP: 135x10, 225x10, 275x10, 295x6
DBC: 25x10, 25x10, 25x10

Cramps prevented me from finishing all stretches at the end.

Spring 6

Squats + loose belt: 311x9, 311x9, 311x9, 311x9
Bench: 272x3, 272x3, 272x3,  272x3, 272x3, 272x3, 272x3, 272x3, 272x3, 272x3  
Chins: 8, 8, 8, 8
Lat Pulls: 160x6, 175x6, 175x6
DE DL + red bands: 135x6, 185x3, 205x3, 225x3
DBC: 30x10, 30x10, 25x10

Spring 5

Squats + belt: 353x3, 353x3, 353x3, 353x3, 353x3, 353x3, 353x3, 353x3, 353x3, 353x3
Press: 135x5, 145x5, 155x3
Push Press: 165x5, 175x5, 185x3, 195x3, 200x2, 200x3

Spring 4

Squats: 332x5, 332x5, 332x5, 332x5, 332x5, 332x5, 332x5
Bench: 255x4, 255x4, 255x4, 255x4, 255x4, 255x4, 255x4, 255x4
Weird DB Press: 40x4, 40x6, 40x4, 35x5
Chins: 8, 8, 8
LP + attachment: 175x6, 175x6, 160x6
DBC: 30x10, 30x10, 25x10, 20x10, 20x10, 20x10

More About Me

Running Smolov Squat and Smolov Jr. for Bench.

Training maxes:
Squat 415
Bench 320

BW: 183

Due to benching and squatting 4x a week assistance exercises are pretty limited. First time running the two together so this is going to be a bit of an experiment. Have extremely weak pulls due to lack of back and grip strength, I try to address those problems as often as possible.

Goals before summer:
Squat 500+
Bench 350+
With belt and wrist wraps only.

Diet: pretty basic, chicken, salmon, tuna fish, multi grain pasta, sweet potatoes and miscellaneous greens. 2-3 meals a day of that a 1-2 shakes a day.

Supplements: ON Creatine, ON Fish Oil, ON Opti-Men, Glucosamine.

Preworkout: Hemo Rage Black UC (free sample) or Jack3d.

Workout times and mealtimes are going to be somewhat random and inconsistent as I am currently finishing up college.

I am always welcome to suggestions of course. Constructive criticism is welcome as I am new to power lifting.

Spring 3

Squats: 312x7, 312x7(belt), 312x7(belt), 312x7(belt), 312x7(belt)
RDL + bands: 135x8, 155x8, 155x6
LP + attachment: 160x8, 175x6, 190x6, 190x6
DBC: 25x10, 25x10, 25x10, 25x10

Site Of The Day

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/harris-benedict-equation/

Calculates all of your caloric needs! Extremely helpful.

Spring 2

Bench: 240x5, 240x5, 240x5, 240x5, 240x5, 240x5, 240x5
Pullups: 8, 8, 8, 8
BOR: 135x10, 145x10, 155x10, 165x6, 175x6

Site Of The Day

http://www.joeskopec.com/smolov.html

A calculator for Smolov Squat Routine. Enter your 1RM and it does the rest! Awesome.

First Post Ever!

Using this as a blog for my power lifting journal.

Spring 1

My first workout of the semester.

Squats to an approximately an inch below parallel: 290x9, 290x9, 290x9(belt), 290x9(belt)
Bench: 225x6, 225x6, 225x6, 225x6, 225x6, 225x6
Rack Pulls: 135x10, 225x10, 275x10(belt), 295x6(belt), 315x10(belt, chalk), 335x6(belt, chalk), 355x4(belt, chalk)
Lat Pulls: 160x6, 175x6, 190x6, 190x6
Dumbbell Curls: 25x10, 25x10, 25x10, 20x10, 20x10, 20x10, 20x10