Back at "The Gym"

Summer has flown by and September is almost here!  Work is pretty much back to normal now, so Tara and I were able to get out of town this weekend.   We didn't make a long trip, just over to Ellensburg to visit some family for a few days.  I am actually pretty fortunate while traveling to have access to a few gyms, but I always love going back to my old stomping grounds to see if I have made any improvements.  Well, that and I am pretty much the only one in the gym!

Had a great one and here's how it went....

*Warm-ups excluded

Pullups- 1x12(BW) / 1x7(+45) / 1x6(+45) / 1x10(Slow BW)
BB Rows- 1x15@315 / 3x12@365
Hammerstrength Iso Row- 2x12 / 1x10
NG Pulldown- 3x10
Stiffarm pulldown- 3x10

-Luke

Keep the change!

I am a firm believer in variation and one thing I try to focus on is constant change in my workout routine.  Each workout I try different rep ranges to make sure I cover all areas of strength and endurance and to keep things interesting.  I tend to favor the 8-12 rep range, but the key is to leave no stone unturned, because no one really knows how your body will respond until you try it. 

Here is a video of my deadlift session last week where I worked up to a peak set of 18@455lbs.

Keep the change frequent and the progress will come with time.  Today I had a great one and here's how it went.....

*Warm-ups excluded

Hybrid Sumo Deadlifts- 1x12@405 (Slow) / 1x10@495 / 3x8@495
Leg curls- 4x8
Reverse Hypers- 4x10
Aductor- 3x15
Abductor- 3x15

Standing Calf- 4x10
Single leg Seated Calf- 4x8

-Luke

Work with what you have



2 Weeks out from the 2010 NANBF Muscle Mayhem


Bodybuilding  is probably one of the most subjective sports and it usually comes down to what is favored at that time or day.  One of the things I have heard time and time again is that I may not carry a very aesthetic physique because of how I am built, shorter and blocker.  This creates an illusion of a thicker waist that is often not favored for symmetry.  One of the things I have been doing over the years is working with the genetics I have been delt and constantly striving to bring a improved overall package each year.  Doing this means placing more of an emphasis on some weaker areas in an all out effort to bring them up.  When it all comes down to it everyone is born with certain genetics, what you do with them is entirely up to you.

Had a great one and here's how it went...

*Warm-ups excluded

Hammerstrength Lat pulldown- 4x8
Ehlis row- 1x12@295 / 1x10@315 / 1x8@315 / 1x8@295*1x10@205
RG NG Pulldown- 4x8
Seated WG cable row- 3x10
Hammerstrength Pullovers- 4x10

-Luke

T-Bar row variation



2010 NANBF Washington State Natural Overall Back Lat spread


One of my favorite exercises for my back are T-Bar rows and I do them three different ways.  Regular grip, narrow grip and reverse grip.  Each are slightly different and throw in some great variation into your routine.

Had a great one and here's how it went...

*Warm-ups excluded

WG Pulldowns- 3x10 / 1x8*8
NG T-Bar rows- 2x10 / 1x10*RG*1x8
MOTO Rows- 3x8 / 1x6
Hammerstrength Pullovers- 4x10
-Luke

Just getting started!

It's crazy to think that it has already been one year since starting another path in bodybuilding.  A few things may have changed, but my goal of improving on and off the stage has stayed the same.  If anything this has added another level of inspiration to improve in all areas because I know I am going to be standing side by side with some of the best in this sport.  It has been a great ride that is just getting started and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Had a great one and here's how it went......

SLDL- 1x17@405 / 1x10@405 / 1x8@405
Leg curls- 2x10 / 2x6 / 1x12
Abductor- 3x20
Adcurtor- 3x20
Glute Kickback- 3x10

Standing calf machine- 4x10
Seated single leg calf press- 4x12

-Luke

Flexsolate straps

I have been using Flexsolate straps for about the past 4 years.  They are a solid product that really allowes you to use anything as a grip free attachment, which is great for throwing in some variation during my workouts.  Unlike straps and wraps, these grips slip around your wrist for a great range of motion.  They also can be picked up pretty cheap, around $18 and they hold up very well.  Here's an example of me using them during a set of Narrow Grip Pulldowns.

     

This past week has still been pretty busy at work, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and things should hopefully be getting back to normal pretty soon.  Training has been spot on and I have actually really enjoyed the change of pace during some of my recent workouts.  I have been getting in and out of the gym in about 45 minutes, so the pace has been set pretty high lately.  Here's an example of my peak set from my chest workout on Friday.  This one left me pretty sore!!

Today I finished up the day with some back and here's how it went down.....

*Warm-ups excluded

WG Pulldowns- 3x10 / 1x8*8
RG BB Rows- 2x10@315 / 1x8@315*1x10@225
"Flexsolate" Seated row- 4x12
Stiffarm Pulldowns- 4x10
-Luke

The 2011 NANBF Washington State Natural Weekend

Breaking in the downtown Seattle Golds

This weekend Ty and I made a quick trip over to watch the 2011 NANBF Washington State Natural held at the Moore theater in downtown Seattle.  The show was awesome and is growing bigger and bigger every year.  This year had some amazing physiques and we left more inspired than ever!  Congrats to everyone who competed and to Kevin and Denise James for running another excellent show!  I already can't wait for next year!

After the morning show Ty and I were able to meet up with WNBF Pro Scott Kluth, NGA Pro Paul Tomko, Natural Competitor Tony Quincy, NPC Natural Champion Ken Ralston and Washington State Deadlift record holding powerlifter Caleb Ralston for an EPIC Back workout.   We strolled through downtown Seattle and broke in the Golds Gym.  This is why I love this sport and here's how it went down.....



I had a blast getting to know everyone a little better and I can't wait to do it again!!!

-Luke