I'm taking the next 12+ weeks off from strongman events and training primarily for hypertrophy with a slight strength emphasis. I'm in my "off-season" and looking to put on some size over the upcoming months and into next year. I'm working with teammate Mike Mastell on my programming.
I'm really liking the change of pace in my training and training is fun again. Don't get me wrong, I love training for strength and I love strongman. However I realized today I've done 22 competitions in 6 years. That's 3.5 competitions a year on average. It's hard to have a true "off-season" or break from events. I've got a lot stronger and improved a ton in the past 6 years. However; I need a mental and physical break from pushing for strength so hard and pushing the events. I've also realized to improve as a competitor where I'm at now I need some more size first and foremost. Once I've obtained that I'll start pushing my big lifts again for strength. Then when I feel the urge to compete again I'll do it. I'm not done in this sport by any means. I'm just doing what it's going to take to get even better.
I felt really good during training today. The volume seemed like a lot, but my energy levels stayed high and I felt great. I was really pumped and felt really full.
7.22.15
A. Banded Good Mornings - EliteFTS Average Band
3 sets of 25
B. 4 in. Block Pulls
135x5
225x5
315x3
405x1
505x1x8 - (8 sets of 1)
C. Wide Neutral Grip Lat Pull Down
14x8
15x8
16x8
17x8
D. Snatch Grip Pendlay Rows
95x12
115x12
135x12
135x12
E. 1-Arm DB Rows
75x8
85x8
95x8
Drop set - 95x8, 80x8, 65x8
F. DB Preacher Curls
4 sets of 12
G. Barbell Curls (ez curl bar)
4 sets of 8