A little bit of my leg day, SLDL 495 LBS * 7 REPS
After 3 days of push, pull, legs, I’m in so much pain, it feels like I was in a car accident—which actually happened when I was 17. I stand up, and the pain is so crazy it makes me laugh. Anyway, I’m back to my favorite: beltless SLDL! It’s one of the hardest movements, and it always gives me a mix of nerves and excitement. Maybe it’s the only movement that truly makes me feel something
After 10 days back, I’m already hitting a PR: 495 lbs for 7 easy reps. This morning, I was super tired and honestly, my plan was to hit 6 reps, since my best set with 5 plates was 5 reps. But somehow, I ended up pushing through and got 7. I probably could have squeezed out 1 or 2 more reps, but I didn’t. This time, I am focusing on avoiding failure and better managing fatigue. My goal for the next few weeks/months is to pull 585 lbs for at least 2-3 perfect reps—seems achievable now that I’m 20 lbs heavier and stronger than ever.
Lately, my left knee’s been bothering me during leg curls. I haven’t taken more than 4 days off since September 2023, but if I had to choose, I’d rather risk overtraining than not pushing hard enough. Now, I’m switching to higher rep ranges (15-30 reps) for leg curls to avoid further knee stress.
People often assume I’ve always been like this, but when I started 12 years ago, I was struggling to load a 45 lb plate on the leg press. At 105 lbs, I was the weakest person in the gym...
Am I bigger and stronger than your coach? What does that tell you? Btw, I’ve been coaching myself for the last 4-5 years
#coach #bodybuilding #dedication #dothehardstuff #dothenecessary
The sumo deadlift (SLDL) is a cornerstone exercise for building leg strength and posterior chain development. To perform the SLDL effectively, proper form is crucial to prevent injury, especially with heavier weights. The importance of flexibility in the lower back and hamstrings cannot be overstated. As one progresses, incorporating a varied rep range can enhance muscle endurance and strength—indicating the switch to higher reps (15-30) mentioned in this article is a strategic move. Reaching personal records (PR) is often a mixture of physical and mental conditioning. It takes consistent effort and adaptability in training to prevent plateauing. One insightful strategy is to engage in recovery techniques such as foam rolling, targeted stretching, or even yoga, particularly when experiencing lingering discomfort, such as knee pain. Listening to one’s body is vital in any training regimen to avoid overtraining and ensure long-term gains. In the fitness community, sharing experiences of struggle and success not only motivates but also builds a sense of camaraderie among lifters. Progress, after all, is a journey worth documenting, as it serves as a reminder of how far one has come and the potential that lies ahead. Whether you want to lift heavy or just stay fit, the principles of dedication and informed training apply across the board.
