2/19- Raw Deadlifts off 3” Blocks w/video
I’ve started feeling good enough to incorporate more raw training.
2/15- Cambered Bar High Box Squats
Thanks again to Jon Neel for sticking around to help Isaac and I out. Yes, I'm still way behind on my training log.
2/14- More Cambered Squat Bar Benching
I’m hoping that using less weight with the cambered squat bar, the instability from it strengthening my rotator cuffs, and the new med I’m on, Plaquenil for my Lupus, kicking in and helping my joint pain will help when I transition back to the straight bar.
2/6- Cambered Squat Bar Benching
As I've mentioned before, the Cambered Squat Bar works well to create instability while benching, without being quite as unstable or having to take time to set up the bands and hang kettlebells.
2/5- Raw Speed Pulls and Front Squats w/videos
My joints have been feeling a little better so I just went raw. It takes less time too.
2/2- Squats w/video and a long awaited explanation for my joint pain
So, although it’s not great news and it could always be much worse, at least now I know what the issue is and we’re making steps to improve it.
2/1- Raw Cambered Bar Rep Bench
I still have indescribable joint pain, but I have more of an explanation now.
1/31- Back and Bis
I like to get a combination of cable, free weight, and machine resistance on accessory/bodybuilding days.
1/29- Deadlifts w/video
I had decent day. I still don't feel right, or like I used to, but I at least seem to be improving.
1/26- Box Squats and Modified Belt Squats w/videos
I’m debating getting rid of our decline and either getting a flat bench that adjusts to decline as well to help prevent people from potentially having to wait for a bench, or instead getting a belt squat machine.
1/23- Swiss Bar Benching and stuff
I'm still using the Swiss Bar to reduce the stress on my shoulders. Combining it with chains is ideal for this.
1/22- Deadlifts w/video
Even though I had to use cheater straps, I felt relatively strong today. My weight is still down and I'm old(er), but I'm not broken.
Go Eagles!
A few years ago the Philadelphia Eagles bought 2 Home GHRs, the floor based glute ham raise that I designed. They are the only NFL team to purchase the Home GHR. This weekend they'll be playing in the Super Bowl. Coincidence? I think not. Get on the Super Bowl level. Purchase your own here today: […]
1/17- Back and Bis
I’m hoping that training my upper back twice a week might help balance out potential shoulder instabilities that could be causing my discomfort while benching.
1/14- Bench
Using the Catapult does a great job of reducing the stress where it seems the most uncomfortable.
1/12- Squats w/video
I’m still liking the leg press against bands for some variety and what seems to be less stress on my knees than adding weight.
1/10- Back and Bis
My training partner, Isaac, is providing some variety by making me do exercises that I wouldn’t normally do
1/9- Bench
The floor press is usually worse on my shoulders than flat bench, but it didn’t feel bad with the Swiss Bar.
1/8- Deadlifts
I realize that GHRs are more practical for squatting and deadlifting, but it seems I could use some specific knee flexion as well.
1/5- Upper Accessory
So, I had hoped the change in meds would alleviate my joint pain by now, but unfortunately that hasn’t happened yet.
1/3- Raw Benching
The Swiss bar seems to be the only way I can bench without shoulder pain for now since I can use a neutral grip.
12/28- Squats w/video
The higher box squats take a lot of the stress off of my knees while still allowing me to train with higher percentages.
12/27- Raw Benching/Shoulder Rehab
The neutral grip of the Swiss bar definitely reduced the stress on my shoulders, but it also was a brutal reminder of how much strength I’ve lost from not being able to train as heavy.
12/22- Lower Accessory
I didn’t have anyone to squat with today so Trinity and I opted to do a variation of the leg press with bands
12/21- Shoulder Rehab
This is the shoulder rehab program that my friend PT student Rafael Cui gave me while training at Orlando Barbell.
12/19- Raw Bench
The Swiss/American Bar seemed to take a lot of pressure off of my joints, but it also felt a hell of a lot heavier.
12/13- Back and Bis
Threw a little variety in with the meadow rows and pull ups, which we don't normally do.
12/12- Bench
I still have a long way to go to put my strength back on, but at least I feel I have the ability to do it now.
12/11- Deadlifts w/video
Everything felt decent today, but I miss when the weights all felt light. I’m still hoping that feeling will come back, hopefully sooner than later.
When failure becomes success.
It has been 13 weeks since my last infusion, these are my pains, or lack thereof.
12/8- Just Squats w/video
I’m working on a more detailed post with an update on my health issues, but things seem to finally be improving.
12/6- Back and Bis and yep, another unique exercise with the OBB Power H...
This was the first time I’ve tried using the OBB Power Handles on a straight bar for biceps.
12/5- Bench with video of another unique exercise with the OBB Power Han...
These were a great way to incorporate a single arm tricep movement with the accommodating resistance of chains.
12/1- Bench w/video of another unique exercise with the OBB Power Handles
My hope is that my coaching log will help you by: Showing the benefits of high intensity/low volume training that I’ve followed injury free for over 20 years which has developed into the The Minimalist/M2 Raw Training Method and the The M2 Equipped Training Ebook Teaching through the experiences of my training partners and I. […]
11/30- Squats w/video and cardio?
I only had enough time left to either do some accessory work or cardio.
11/28- Bench
As usual, my joints hurt the most on bench which is inhibiting me from increasing in weight as I’d like to. I’m still hoping things will continue to improve.
11/17- Cambered Bar Squats w/video
We opt for the cambered bar a lot since it reduces shoulder stress and adds some difficulty due to instability.
Deadlifting for Doggies
Rather than just having a Christmas/Holiday party I thought it would be fun to have a no holds barred non-sanctioned 1 rep max deadlift contest fundraiser on December 16th.
It has been 9 weeks since my last infusion, these are my pains....
I finally bit the bullet and decided not to go to my last scheduled infusion of the biologic Entyvio on November 17th.
11/9- Squats w/video
Squatting with the cambered bar takes the pressure off of the shoulder joint and provides instability.
11/8- Benching in the Metal Catapult w/video
Everything felt decent today. This is the most I’ve benched in a while.
11/7- Deadlifts and another unique variation of the Home GHR w/videos
This is another great variation of the Home GHR Ab wheel combo against band resistance which you wouldn’t be able to perform on a GHR with a frame.
A belated recap of our Orlando Barbell APF/AAPF Southern States Meet on ...
Our next meet will be the APF Florida State on February 17th. We hope to see you there!
11/1- Bench Reps and Accessory
Just another day on the pain train. I'm still hoping this joint pain will subside.
10/31- Deadlifts off 2” Mats w/video
We finally had enough of a cold front to be able to open the garage door at OBB
10/30- Bench
I’m still having a good amount of joint pain while benching, but I’m hoping it will start to subside as the biologic I’ve been on works its way out of my system.
10/25- Bench, shoulder rehab, and a change of plans
I’d like to be able to go into a meet to just have fun with the team, but I have a hard time half-assing anything.
10/23- Deadlifts off 3” Blocks w/video
I still have a long way to go before I get back to where I once was, but I'm working on it.