ds1973's Journal

slowly getting back
Nov 14 2008 08:35

Well, I started lifting again on 11/2 and definitely lost some strength (speed) and endurance (rest times between sets in a superset were longer).  My bench is a little weaker I can still use 205 in my last 3 sets out of 5, but only reps of 4, 4 & 3. My box squat is at 185 and I can feel my sticking point at the bottom (I tried 205 and actually got stuck on the bench in one set so I'm going to focus on explosive speed at 185 before moving up).  My deadlift is not bad, I'm at 175 x 5 on my last two sets.  So, all my key lifts are at 1 x or more of my body weight (165-168 in the morning).

Yesterday there was a guy built like a short cinderblock wall deadlifting 450 lbs and making it look easy.  We chatted a bit and he told me he was lifting over 600 before hurting his back and shoulder.  He's into powerlifting.  He gave me some pointers on doing a straight deadlift rather than a sumo and the technique is definitely more difficult but I tried my sets that way.  I'm still having a hard time keeping my lower back from rounding on a straight deadlift so I may be going back to sumo style where I can keep a more upright upper body and it's easier to focus on keeping the natural curve in my spine.  I did notice it was much easier to do a straight lift now that I have been doing sumo than when I started deadlifting.  So, my back is definitely getting stronger.  I'm just not convinced I need to take the risk of lower back problems since I'm only training for longevity, not a powerlifting competition.