adam_richard

First set I recorded. 195x6. Felt pretty good, but would always like to hear feedback Second set at the same weight. The last rep left something to be desired. If there is a smoother way to do this, please let me know. Thanks.

I like the background music...

During the week I will mix in weighted planks, landmine oblique twists, and hanging leg raises. My core work still needs improving, though.

For the dancing, I can't speak to what your strength training will do positively or negatively, so you'll have do go through trial and error. Then again, so much of our journeys in fitness are a bunch of trial and error. Crossfit has positives and negatives that have been discussed ad nauseum. My take is this: Crossfit is a lot like religion. I'm not religious in the least, but I have zero problem with people who practice religion and are deeply spiritual. All I ask is that both Crossfitters and religious people don't start shoving those beliefs down my throat and I will simply leave them to do what they will.

It's threads like this that make me so thankful I do not have to workout at a commercial gym/ I can't really add much. Just keep doing your thing and stay strong. If you need to come back and rant (or celebrate a PR), then do it. Soon enough, you'll be stronger than the douche who told you to use the Smith Machine.

Not sure if this is possible for you (you need plates that will clear your body lying down), but this video from Bret Contreras does show how to perform a floor press sans spotter. But once you put a bench in the squat rack, you will be able to max out safely. Jealous of the garage set up by the way.

Thanks for the words of wisdom. You're right, I think I'm just going to have to run through my own experimentation and see what works. In my mind, I think continuing to give honest efforts on the Rep-PR sets will do me the most benefits and then I might throw in a heavy single (after all, even if my numbers say I can lift a certain weight, I still need to physically do it). Looking forward to exploring the thread and reading about more journeys.

If you look up Beyond 5/3/1, Wendler goes through a bunch of "Deload" templates. One of them was actually doing 3x3 at 65, 75 and 85 percent of your Training Max. He said it's for people who absolutely feel the need to use heavier weight to feel like things are in rhythm. Could give that a whirl.

Hey all, I've been a fan of the site for a while now, but this is my first post, so bear with me if I commit some sort of faux-pas. I am currently working through my second cycle of 5/3/1 and just read the Beyond 5/3/1 e-book. After getting overwhelmed by the immense possibilities he presents, I'm wondering when/where it is appropriate to go for those joker sets he talks about. Really feeling like I have the energy to push hard, but don't want to burn out. I'm trying to stay in PW for the long run and be smart. Does anyone have an idea of whether I need to hit a certain number on the rep PR set? Or is it more of a "feel" thing? Or should I stay away? Here's a little (actually, kind of a lot) about me: Fitness Goals: Some day, I would love to enter a powerlifting meet. For now, I'm focusing on putting my work in and trying to get better everyday. My three dream lifts for now would be the following: Bench: 225 paused Squat: 315 Dead Lift: 405 Exercise Preference: Mostly powerlifting, but I should probably learn a power clean too... Current Physical Stats Gender: M Age: 25 Height: 5'7" Weight: 150-155 (depending on time of day) Previous Training History In terms of lifting, I was doing Starting Strength for around 8 months or so. Started stalling out and wanting a change of pace. Nothing against Rip or those still rocking SS or one of its variants. I consider that program the beginning of me changing from weak and scrawny to...less weak and scrawny lol Current Training Second cycle of 5/3/1. I did the three weeks, then de-loaded, but plantar fascitis decided to flare up in my left foot bad so I had to take an extra week off (sigh). Will probably go through the three-week cycle, deload, then ramp up to the six-week variation. Here's a look at my current schedule: Current PRs: Squat: 235 Bench: 175 Dead Lift: 290 OH press: 5x100 (never bothered testing my 1RM) Day A: Squat Deficit SLDL Bulgarian Split Squat Box Jumps Day B: Bench DB Incl Bench Dips Weighted planks Day C: Dead lift Pause Squats Barbell Glute Bridges Pendlay Rows Day D OH Press CGBP Landmine Oblique Twist (just learned this the other day) Hanging Leg Raise Current Diet: I try to limit junk food, but really don't track macros/calories. Any thoughts/suggestions on what would be good for gaining strength would be welcome. Current Resources/Limitations Lucky enough to have a gym at work. They have bumper plates/squat racks/some benches. Pretty much no issues. I usually work out for 1.5-2 hours during the evening FWIW. Hope to hear back from you guys.