I had a great work out today. In fact, I broke several of my plateaus at the gym this morning. On the incline bench, I pushed out 3 sets of 225 lbs. I’ve been stuck between 195 and 205 for the last month. While that doesn’t seem like much difference, it is when you can’t push past it. I was so excited a did a little jig right there in the gym.
The flat bench I jumped from 225 up to 245 lbs! That put another big smile on my face. I asked for a guy to spot me on the last set and I could see the look of disbelief on his face. He didn’t think I could do it. Imagine his surprise when I not only did it but, I didn’t need his help until the last two reps. He was easily twice my size and doing the same weights. Again, I’d gladly trade size for strength however, I do get a kick seeing the look on some of the meathead’s faces. He asked me if I was doing any juice. I laughed and said, “look at me dude, if I was doing juice I’d look a lot bigger.” He grinned and said, “yeah, you are right.”
The decline bench was about the same however, I’m already way ahead at that angle weight-wise so I’m maintaining till the bench and incline catch up. I’m easily pushing between 250 and 275lbs there so no worries. (It sounds like a lot but not really, on the decline it is much harder to isolate one muscle.)
I think I owe it to a brand new approach to my routine. While I alternate my workouts often, I usually do a prescribed number of reps to completion divided out over 3-4 sets. No surprise there. The goal obviously is to use as much weight as possible so you are always struggling to finish the last set. My problem is I recover too quickly. I rarely seem to get a real hard burn with this method. My new approach is similar however, I add a super set at the end. A super set is just an extended set w/no break and often lower weight. By doing this, I’m really starting to feel more of a burn when I finish my routines. I’ve noticed I leave the gym feeling much for fatigued than usual.
Speaking of fatigue, I’m blissfully sore all over right now. lol My entire upper body is aching from being pushed this week. Tomorrow, starts lower body and I’m applying the same method again.
Wish me luck!
Yeah baby! Sounds like you hit a sweet spot with your lifting. Tear those muscles down and watch ’em grow back bigger and stronger. Don’t forget to eat!
Is there an observation area? You know, someplace I could just sit and sip a nonfat vanilla latte from? You could use me to do your curls with if you want. I’ll hold real still for you…promise.
Many, many times I’ve seen “smaller” guys, who are incredibly strong. It illustrates that size does not necessarily equal strength. Your muscles are more compacted, thus stronger. Your stamina is most likely greater as well. In my opinion, you’re right where you belong, size wise, and you look best.
One of the best workouts that I’ve found for gaining size is the mass workout on abcbodybuilding (dot) com. Incredibly challenging and delivers results if you do it and eat as much as you should. I would recommend it highly as I finally was able to add muscle mass with this program.
Yup, my other half is a smallish guy, but he was so strong it was easy for him to pin me down (well, I liked it too, I must say!). So, maybe it wasn’t all him….
Is that an earthquake or did Moby get lucky again?
Nice! keep pumping, moby!
WOOF! Glad to read that your workouts are going well. Congrats on breaking the personal bests!