Friday, January 17, 2020

2019 Ends: 2020 Begins



DECEMBER was a pretty significant month for me, in terms of health and fitness, yet I spent hardly any of it in the gym! I took some extra time off over the end of year break - the longest leave period I've ever taken from work. During those four weeks I burned more calories, on average, per day, than at any stage in the previous year! And I did it while working around the house.

Amongst other things; I built a shed, from scratch, following my own design and making use of some timber and ply board I had lying around from past projects. I did it without a work bench or vice: two items it would behove me to purchase if I intend to keep building things... and I do. It's incredibly satisfying.

In the last week of leave I walked more steps than ever previously recorded. My resting heart rate reached (for only the second time) its lowest reading of 58 beats per minute. I lost weight and body fat (now down to just 127 kilograms) and am currently wearing clothes that haven't fit me since 2014.

Returning to regular training this week has reminded me just how much strength is lost when I fall out of the groove. Even with all the activity, a few weeks without regular squatting, pressing and pulling is enough to make my back feel like it's never done any of this shit before. It will remember, though.

Thursday night I threw myself back into events training, with some barefoot, no belt yoke walk and axle clean-press. 230 felt *heavy* on the yoke... it's certainly been a while since I moved some serious weight on this contraption. I will need to get this, and all my other events, back up to snuff in time for the expected first qualifying round, some time in March. 

EVENTS+ Thursday January 16th
Yoke walk (barefoot no belt):
130 kg x 2 x 15 meters
190 kg x 2 x 15 meters
230 kg x 2 x 15 meters
Axle clean-press:
55 kg x 10
Deadlifts (double overhand):
75 kg x 10
105 kg x 5
125 kg x 5
145 kg x 5
165 kg x 5
Lateral pulldowns:
60 kg x 10
75 kg x 10
82.5 kg x 5
Face-pulls:
54 kg x 2 x 20
Cardio:
assault bike 5 mins @ +55 rpm



Saturday January 11th
Axle squats:
20 kg x 10
60 kg x 5
100 kg x 15
Chest press machine flat (p/h):
20 kg x 10
25 kg x 10
30 kg x 10
Deadlifts:
75 kg x 10
105 kg x 5
125 kg x 15 double overhand
Incline barbell press:
20 kg x 5
50 kg x 5
70 kg x 15
Axle OHP (strict):
20 kg x 5
50 kg x 5
70 kg x 10
Cardio:
assault bike 5 mins @ +50 rpm