How To Use Your Head To Build Your Body

One aspect of my How to Build a Classic Physique diary here on Steemit that I have not addressed so far is the time I spend outside the gym studying videos online. These videos are not about me but are more instructional in nature.

Before I even started my HBCP program I did appreciate the fact that the back squat, front squat, bench press, dead lift and overhead press were all more than just moving iron in some general movement. These movements all have technical points to them that all matter when it comes to avoiding injury, lifting more weight and getting the most out of each rep.

The movement I've had the most trouble with weight and technique wise is the back squat. I know that that is my weakest lift relative to my size and the one that is the most unrefined. It is because of that I chose to go to the low back squat last Friday instead of the high bar position that I've used for months so far...after reviewing a number of instructional videos online about the two types of bar positions.

Well, this weekend I did some more video study about the back squat and decided to make another change. Each week I will do the back squat during the first and last sessions of the week and will do the front squat in the 2nd session. Doing the back squat twice EVERY week I hope will result in improvements in my technique, strength and numbers.

Otherwise, I will continue to alternate my other lifts as before.

Anyway, today's numbers...

squat - 10x45 5x95 5x115 4x135 3x145 5x160 2x5x165 7x145

Not a new mark here, but I did bump my first heavy set to 160 from 155 and then did 2 sets at 165 vs. 1 set the last time. Form felt mostly good, but tightness in my lower back continues to be an impediment. Which is why I'm doing the back squat 2x weekly.

overhead press - 5x45 3x95 2x105 3x5x118.75 5x95

The 118.75 is a new mark. I wore a weight belt for this one to give me some extra resistance in my abdomen as I inhale and brace my core. Good choice.

pull ups - 3x5x32.5

This is also a new mark for the weighted pull ups.

walking barbell lunges - 3x16x100

I will stick with this weight for a while. It's a great finisher to the workout and 100 lbs. is plenty for now.

Thanks for reading.