#BEASTMODE

Since the first of the year is almost here and we are about to see a huge influx of new members at every gym across the USA.  This is a great time to buckle down, focus on your goals and mentally prepare for the large crowd that is ahead in January.  Always remember that at one point you were a beginner too and may have been more nervous than you remember at the start of this new adventure.  Keep the intensity high and be aware of your surroundings, just because you are in Beastmode doesn't mean you have to disrespect others or make a mess.  Take the frustration out on the weights!!

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

Also, I was able to meet up with Ty this past weekend for a great back workout.....It's been too long!!

*Warm-ups excluded

Mid Shin Rack Deads- 4x8@585
Leg curls- 4x10
Glute Kickback- 3x10
Abductor- 3x20
Aductor- 3x20

-Luke

Intensity!

Everyone I know brings a slightly different form of intensity to the gym.  Some are vocal and some keep to them self, but as long as your putting your effort towards the weights it doesn't really matter.  I am the type of person who doesn't say much.  I spend most of my time between sets thinking and visualizing my next set.  If you can't do in mentally then you will never accomplish it physically.  This past week I was able to meet up with Ty Goodrich and Alex Reynolds for an awesome Deadlift session.  We set up a few bars and did some work!  Each of us use a different technique to get psyched for a set, but we all have the same outcome!  Outwork our last set!!

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

*Warm-ups excluded

Pullups(BW)- 5x10 (slow)
Seated Cable Row- 5x10
Single Arm BB Row- 3x8
Hammerstrength Pullover (Reverse Grip)- 3x10

-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

HIIT Parachute Sprints

One thing I am trying to do this off season is keep some variation and really push myself to improve in all areas.  I am doing this by incorporating a few different forms of cardio and one is Parachute sprints.  This week I did them on Sunday, which is an off day from weights.  All I have to say is It was a very humbling experience with a headwind,  but they are an absolute blast and I am already looking forward to my next go with them. 

Today I had a great one today with Ty and Gary.  We kept it fast pace and suppersetted pretty much everything.  Two were lifting and one was resting, it worked out great!  Here's how it went down....

*Warm-ups excluded

Hammer strength Shoulder press- 3x10
[B]SS[/B]
DB Shrugs- 3x10@140's (Slow TUT)

Smith machine Upright row- 1x10@185 / 2x8@205
[B]SS[/B]
Cable Lateral raise- 2x12 / 1x10

Cable rear delt- 3x12
[B]SS[/B]
Cable front raise- 3x8

-Luke

"The show doesn't start until the competition turns around."

6 weeks out from the 2010 NANBF California Natural Muscle Mayhem

"The show doesn't start until the competition turns around."  Its a great saying and it's also one area that is often over looked in the gym.  The Back actually plays a critical role in your health and development, as well as in injury prevention.  Over 8% of all adults will develop some sort of back injury during their lifetime.  The key in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active and be sure to practice proper injury prevention by stretching, foam rolling and keeping proper form during lifting.

I was able to meet up with my good friend Ty for a great back workout.  Here's how it went.....

*Warm-ups excluded

Pullups- 1x10(BW Slow) / 1x8(+45) / 1x6(+45) / 2x8(BW Slow)
Hammerstrength Seated Row- 2x10 / 1x8 (All sets with 6x45's per side)
Seated WG Cable Row- 3x8
Stiffarm Pulldowns- 3x10

-Luke

428 days to go!

Right now I am about 428 days out from my first IFPA Pro show and I have never been this motivated to improve since I first picked up a weight.  Overall I am more than happy with how my off season is going so far and I hope to bring a much improved physique to the stage next year.  Yesterday I was able to get in a Chest and Calf session with Ty.  Since we both haven't been able to do Flat Barbell bench in quite some time, we thought it would be a perfect start to a great workout.  Here's how it went.....

*Warm-ups excluded

BB Bench- 1x8@315 / 1x7@315 / 1x8@295 / 1x18@225
Hammerstrength Incline press- 4X8
Cable Flyes- 2X8 / 1X10 / 1X25(Mimic MM)

Standing Calf press- 4x8
Seated Calf press- 4x10
-Luke