Breaking in the new belt

This weekend marks the 23 week out mark to my first show of the 2012 season.  Overall I am happy with how things are progressing so far, but I can't wait to be a little deeper into prep where it can be a little more visual than at the beginning.  Also, I finally received my Inzer Forever lever belt that I ordered in early December!  This is one thing I have been waiting for forever, but it was more than worth the wait.  I had to put it to good use and break it in with some deadlifts and what a better way than pulling a 8 rep PR with it during prep.  Just like all my other lifts I tend hold off using my belt and straps until my last few sets, so the majority of my pulls are raw.    

Here's how they went!

*Warm-ups excluded

Hybrid Sumo Deadlifts- 1x12@405 / 1x10@495 / 1x8@565 / 1x6@565
Seated Leg curls- 4x12
Abductor- 3x20
Aductor- 3x20
Reverse Hypers- 4x10
Seated Calf press- 4x10
Standing Calf press- 4x12

-Luke

Vlog #17 // 24 Weeks!

Its the start of progress pictures and this is one way that I am able to draw motivation for myself.  Knowing that each day I am making an improvement on the last.  I am pretty constant and usually take my pictures every 2 weeks before my Saturday workout, cold with no pump or special lighting.....basically what you see is what you get. 

2010

2012 at 24 Weeks out

 

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

*Warm-ups excluded

Leg press- 3x8 / 1x6*1x12

BB Walking lunges- 3x8@225

V-Squat- 4x10

Leg extensions- 3x10 / 2x8

-Luke



Vlog #16 // Progress and Posing

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

*Warm-ups excluded

WG Pulldowns- 4x8 / 1x10 (TUT)
RG T-Bar row- 4x8
Freemotion High Row- 4x8
Stiff Arm Pulldowns- 3x10

-Luke

Vlog #15 // Friday the 13th!

It is officially the end of my first week of prep and I'm pretty happy how things have been going.  Currently my nutrition is at 40-fat / 280-cho / 315-pro for a total of 2740 Calories.  All this is subject to change and is just a starting point for this long journey.  I hope to have you all follow along!!

Also, here is a highlight from my Deadlifts on Wednesday where I did what I like to call an "Up Set."  Each set had 2 minutes between them with 315x25 not shown.

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

*Warm-ups excluded

Chambered BB Row- 1x10@275 / 2x10@295 / 1x10@275
Wide NG Pulldown- 2x10 / 2x8
Hammerstrength Row- 4x8
Hammerstrength Pullover- 4x10

-Luke

Vlog #14 // GO TIME! 189 Days

* Warm-ups excluded

WG Pulldowns- 3x8
Smithmachine RG Rows- 6x10@315
Rope Cable Row- 4x8
NG Pulldowns- 3x8
Stiffarm Pulldowns- 4x10

Donky Calf Press- 3x20
Seated Calf Press- 4x8

-Luke

Time to own 2012!

This past year I feel that I have evolved in may areas in and out of the gym.  I have placed an emphasis to think outside of the box, enjoy all aspects of my training and most importantly I am rolling into my contest prep healthy and hungry.  I would also like to thank everyone for all their help and support this past year.  It has been an amazing journey that just keeps getting better each and every day and this is one reason I love what I do so much.  With this I wanted to post a few training highlights from my 2011 offseason as a base for self improvement next year.

Now that 2011 has come and gone, it is time to press forward into 2012 with one huge goal on my mind....to improve and have fun!

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

*Warm-ups excluded

Pullups- 3x15 / 2x10 (Pause at bottom)
Chambered BB Row- 3x10@315 / 1x15@
Reverse NG Pulldown- 4x10
Hammerstrength Pullover- 4x10

Hanging leg raise- 4x10
Cable Crunch- 4x10

-Luke

Vlog #13 // Controlled Labs Gold Feast

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

*Warm-ups excluded

Narrow Stance Low pin Rack Deads- 3x8@545
Leg curls- 4x10
Reverse Hypers- 4x10
Glute Kickbacks- 3x10
Abductor- 3x20
Aductor- 3x20

-Luke

#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

Vlog #12 // 2012 IFPA Pro USA Roll Call

*Warm-ups excluded

Smithmachine Squats- 3x12@405 / 1x12@315
Leg Press- 4x10
Lunges -4x8
Leg Extensions- 4x10

-Luke

Evolve

Its crazy to think that a whole year of my offseason has flown by and I am starting to get that contest prep itch again. This entire year has been a great learning experience for me in many ways and I have really enjoyed the whole process.  One thing I have discovered is that no one should place a limit on their progress.  What I mean is you should always be open to changes and try to think outside of the box.  So many people are close minded, especially when it comes to diet and fitness that they have already limited their progress without knowing any better. You are always right in your own mind, so it is up to you to keep it a learning process and evolve mentally as well as physically.

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

*Warm-ups excluded

Pullups- 2x10 / 3x8(+40lbs) / 1x10
TBar Rows- 2x8 / 1x6*8*10
High Row Machine- 4x10
Hammerstrength Pullovers- 2x10 / 2x8
NG Pulldowns- 3x10

-Luke