I need more willpower to up this fucking deadlift. It felt good to max-effort it before, but either I've gotten weaker, or I've become more of a bitch, or I didn't get enough sleep. (Less than six hours ain't hot.)
Emphasis was form for squats, as usual. Felt a little more confident on those today.
Warmup sets
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x225
- Bench 5x45, 5x95, 5x135
- Deadlift 5x45, 5x135
Work sets
- Squat 5x275, 5x275, 5x280
- Bench 5x155, 5x155, 5x155
- Deadlift 5x205
Need to man the hell up.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Boxing class 11/24/09
Nothing special today. We did some counters for the jab and for the cross, involving footwork, head-slips, parries, and jab-or-cross returns. My favorite was essentially the Bloody Cross from Hajime no Ippo. The cross comes, and you move outside, jab over it, knock the arm down with your elbow, and hit them with your cross clean.
Most of the outside slip-attacks were to the body. Kevin's favorite, and one I can definitely get behind, was slipping the right cross to the opponent's outside and then delivering a cross to the opponent's right ribcage. Apparently the extension of that ribcage makes it, and the liver, very vulnerable. I don't know firsthand this time.
Most of the outside slip-attacks were to the body. Kevin's favorite, and one I can definitely get behind, was slipping the right cross to the opponent's outside and then delivering a cross to the opponent's right ribcage. Apparently the extension of that ribcage makes it, and the liver, very vulnerable. I don't know firsthand this time.
Workout B 11/23/09
Went with Langston, who confirmed that I was not squatting low enough on some reps (at 275; it was fine at 225 apparently) and who is stronger than I was when I started.
Warmup sets
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x225
- Press 5x45, 5x85
- Row 5x65, 5x85, 5x100
Work sets
- Squat 5x275, 5x275, 5x275
- Press 5x100, 5x100, 5x95
- Row 5x115, 5x115, 5x115
Not much to say here. Rows were fine, but I'm weak as hell on them still.
Warmup sets
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x225
- Press 5x45, 5x85
- Row 5x65, 5x85, 5x100
Work sets
- Squat 5x275, 5x275, 5x275
- Press 5x100, 5x100, 5x95
- Row 5x115, 5x115, 5x115
Not much to say here. Rows were fine, but I'm weak as hell on them still.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Workout A and Kessler vs Ward 11/21/09
Hit the gym today with Steff, some motivation, and not enough water. Almost did right form on squats; will reiterate those heavier squats at 285 again for form. Felt strong on bench, and I was dehydrated for deadlift so I left it be. I think it was somewhat of a victory, if I can keep motivation high.
Warmup sets
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x225
- Bench 5x45, 5x95, 5x135
- Deadlift 5x45, 5x135, 5x185
Work sets
- Squat 5x275, 5x275, 5x285 (this last one could use improvement)
- Bench 5x145, 5x150, 5x155
- Deadlift 2x245
In other news, I was really struck by Andre Ward's strength of character. He is just like fucking Ippo, beloved by all. Bringing his kids, though? The last time a boxer brought his kids against a favorite... well, Miguel Jr. left the stadium after Round 9.
That didn't happen here. Ward dominated the Super Six's favorite. He mixed it up, disrupted Kessler's rhythm, and went for the KO. Barring one horrible round where he got unbelievably overconfident, it was a picturesque performance.
But I'm a bit sorry to say that it wasn't the cleanest of victories. Much of it happened in clinches and with the assistance of headbutts. I'm also a bit sorry to say that Kessler wasn't particularly impressive as a fighter tonight. It wasn't the deciding factor of the fight, but it was a bit of a mar.
Good show for Shotime.
Warmup sets
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x225
- Bench 5x45, 5x95, 5x135
- Deadlift 5x45, 5x135, 5x185
Work sets
- Squat 5x275, 5x275, 5x285 (this last one could use improvement)
- Bench 5x145, 5x150, 5x155
- Deadlift 2x245
In other news, I was really struck by Andre Ward's strength of character. He is just like fucking Ippo, beloved by all. Bringing his kids, though? The last time a boxer brought his kids against a favorite... well, Miguel Jr. left the stadium after Round 9.
That didn't happen here. Ward dominated the Super Six's favorite. He mixed it up, disrupted Kessler's rhythm, and went for the KO. Barring one horrible round where he got unbelievably overconfident, it was a picturesque performance.
But I'm a bit sorry to say that it wasn't the cleanest of victories. Much of it happened in clinches and with the assistance of headbutts. I'm also a bit sorry to say that Kessler wasn't particularly impressive as a fighter tonight. It wasn't the deciding factor of the fight, but it was a bit of a mar.
Good show for Shotime.
Boxing class 11/17/09
Another circuit today. I got lucky and didn't go all the way around the circuit, only the punching portion. Did two rounds on the mitts and one killer round hitting a body bag. Enjoyable.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Workout B and Pacquiao vs Cotto 11/14/09
Staying away from the gym and using bad form have been terrible for my lifts. Also, having beef jerky before it was a bad idea, too. I don't even want to talk about the fact that I walked away from the last lift.
Warmup
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x205
- Press 5x45, 5x65, 5x85
- Power clean 5x45 'lol'
Work sets
- Squat 5x255, 5x255, 5x265 (tried to get that good, deep form again)
- Press 5x95, 5x95, 5x95
As far as fights go, I watched Fedor Emelianenko live for the first time last week. His knockout was pretty sensational.
This week, I watched Cotto's demolition at Margarito's hands. It hurt just to watch, even while Cotto was winning. He hit Margarito with every goddamn shot he had, and Margarito kept moving forward, even accelerating. It was heartbreaking to see him quit on his stool.
Which made it even tougher to see him fall apart at Pacquiao's hands. Invited Langston over to watch. Steff was shrieking and being sensational about it. The beating Pacquiao gave him was different from the Margarito one; the hits were clean, and Pacquiao didn't wear Cotto down with body shots, but rather hurt him early and hurt him often, searching for the KO every other round. There has been talk of Cotto's corner letting the fight continue far too long, but I was moved by Cotto's perseverance. I think he really needed not to quit after he basically resigned in the corner during the Margarito fight.
Pacquiao is of course a god now. He's a living legend, and I will be very interested in seeing how history treats him... especially since he's about to get chopped down by Floyd Mayweather. Honestly, though, the dude was singing 'Sometimes When We Touch' an hour later in the same fucking arena where he knocked out 29-year-old, former pound-for-pound contender Miguel Cotto. Incredible.
Some final notes from the pre- and post-fight: Pacquiao looked extremely relaxed and excited going into the ring to 'Eye of the Tiger.' Gutsy. Cotto entered solemnly to 'Harder Better Faster Stronger.'
The Pacquaio-Roach team is already legendary. When Pacquiao was asked about his future plans and specifically about Mayweather, his only response, both times, was that he was just a fighter, and that he was going on vacation with his family, and that he thanked God for his victory. Freddie Roach had to step up and go WE WANT MAYWEATHER. The crowd reaction is something I will remember for a long time.
Cotto is a class act. He got right back up, his face ruined, his career possibly crushed, and proclaimed that Pacquiao was great, and that he didn't see it coming. It was heartbreaking, but Cotto is a goddamn professional. I hope he comes back strong.
Warmup
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x205
- Press 5x45, 5x65, 5x85
- Power clean 5x45 'lol'
Work sets
- Squat 5x255, 5x255, 5x265 (tried to get that good, deep form again)
- Press 5x95, 5x95, 5x95
As far as fights go, I watched Fedor Emelianenko live for the first time last week. His knockout was pretty sensational.
This week, I watched Cotto's demolition at Margarito's hands. It hurt just to watch, even while Cotto was winning. He hit Margarito with every goddamn shot he had, and Margarito kept moving forward, even accelerating. It was heartbreaking to see him quit on his stool.
Which made it even tougher to see him fall apart at Pacquiao's hands. Invited Langston over to watch. Steff was shrieking and being sensational about it. The beating Pacquiao gave him was different from the Margarito one; the hits were clean, and Pacquiao didn't wear Cotto down with body shots, but rather hurt him early and hurt him often, searching for the KO every other round. There has been talk of Cotto's corner letting the fight continue far too long, but I was moved by Cotto's perseverance. I think he really needed not to quit after he basically resigned in the corner during the Margarito fight.
Pacquiao is of course a god now. He's a living legend, and I will be very interested in seeing how history treats him... especially since he's about to get chopped down by Floyd Mayweather. Honestly, though, the dude was singing 'Sometimes When We Touch' an hour later in the same fucking arena where he knocked out 29-year-old, former pound-for-pound contender Miguel Cotto. Incredible.
Some final notes from the pre- and post-fight: Pacquiao looked extremely relaxed and excited going into the ring to 'Eye of the Tiger.' Gutsy. Cotto entered solemnly to 'Harder Better Faster Stronger.'
The Pacquaio-Roach team is already legendary. When Pacquiao was asked about his future plans and specifically about Mayweather, his only response, both times, was that he was just a fighter, and that he was going on vacation with his family, and that he thanked God for his victory. Freddie Roach had to step up and go WE WANT MAYWEATHER. The crowd reaction is something I will remember for a long time.
Cotto is a class act. He got right back up, his face ruined, his career possibly crushed, and proclaimed that Pacquiao was great, and that he didn't see it coming. It was heartbreaking, but Cotto is a goddamn professional. I hope he comes back strong.
Boxing class 11/10/09
Augh circuit work here, too? After the typical warmup, for which I was a bit sleepy and weak, we went into medicine ball tossing, medicine ball running, medicine ball-weighted crunches, and jump ropes. Finally two rounds of mitt hits.
Not too much to say about this one. Conditioning work is where I'm worst; I'm embarrassing with the jump rope. The mitt hits weren't particularly impressive, either. Bleh.
Not too much to say about this one. Conditioning work is where I'm worst; I'm embarrassing with the jump rope. The mitt hits weren't particularly impressive, either. Bleh.
Muay Thai seminar 11/8/09
Four-hour seminar with Kevin Seaman today. Not having to do running, pushups, power-squats, and whatever was a boon for the beginning. Provided way more reserve for the rest of the workout.
We did a few warmup items, reviewing first boxing, then moving on to basic elbows and knees, and finally using a few spinning elbows. After a bit, we worked on some counters. Did a lot of work on that with partners. One of the ones I liked was countering the cross with a jab and a step outside.
At the end, we had light sparring. Leg kicks and jabs allowed only. I got popped a few times with my first partner and then got him a few times. Then we switched it up a few times, and I felt a lot more confident as we went. Still got hit about as often as I hit, but I felt a lot more comfortable than Thursday night.
For one thing, I guess, there was no one else watching. The pressure the first time I sparred was unbelievable. This time everyone had a partner, so everyone else was doing the same thing. In particular, I'm pretty proud of my outing against a much shorter dude. Seemed like every time I blocked his leg kick to my front leg, I'd jab. He'd then parry and counter-jab me. After this happened three or four times, I stopped countering with the jab, and he, expecting it, would fall right for my leg kick.
Great fun overall.
We did a few warmup items, reviewing first boxing, then moving on to basic elbows and knees, and finally using a few spinning elbows. After a bit, we worked on some counters. Did a lot of work on that with partners. One of the ones I liked was countering the cross with a jab and a step outside.
At the end, we had light sparring. Leg kicks and jabs allowed only. I got popped a few times with my first partner and then got him a few times. Then we switched it up a few times, and I felt a lot more confident as we went. Still got hit about as often as I hit, but I felt a lot more comfortable than Thursday night.
For one thing, I guess, there was no one else watching. The pressure the first time I sparred was unbelievable. This time everyone had a partner, so everyone else was doing the same thing. In particular, I'm pretty proud of my outing against a much shorter dude. Seemed like every time I blocked his leg kick to my front leg, I'd jab. He'd then parry and counter-jab me. After this happened three or four times, I stopped countering with the jab, and he, expecting it, would fall right for my leg kick.
Great fun overall.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Muay Thai club 11/5/09
Well, I was doing alright on the warmups until we busted out the jump ropes for a 2-minute session, followed by two 1-minute sessions. Then I got my ass kicked.
Speaking of which, had my first ever sparring session today. One two-minute round. Got my ass kicked. Tensed up, got punched in the face a few times, panicked, took tons of leg kicks. It was really something; getting into the ring (we didn't have a ring) is a fascinating feeling, and it really can't be duplicated without being face-to-face with a sparring partner. The shots I landed against the first dude, about my weight but shorter and more built, where almost all punches to the body, whereas I don't think his hands touched my midsection the entire time. Breathing is more difficult in the ring, and getting hit in the face definitely makes you panic involuntarily.
Then got in the ring with a 130-pound (probably lighter) chick with no experience who also kicked my ass. Well, no, it was actually fairly even, which is perhaps even more embarrassing. I definitely felt considerably calmer, though. I got kicked in the legs several times in both rounds, but the thing is, due to the lightness of them, I didn't really care. Which is bad, because in a real sparring match, I'd probably be destroyed mobility-wise. The head punches were a lot more threatening. Didn't take any of those in the round with the chick, though I guess I landed a few light jabs. I also took one body shot but then decided not to do more since she was a girl and stuff.
Fighting is really something else. I can't wait 'til next Thursday. This is also a huge motivator for me; I keep saying that I want to do HIIT but never actually do it, but the way that getting into the ring made me breathe was amazing. I want to be able to do something now.
Speaking of which, had my first ever sparring session today. One two-minute round. Got my ass kicked. Tensed up, got punched in the face a few times, panicked, took tons of leg kicks. It was really something; getting into the ring (we didn't have a ring) is a fascinating feeling, and it really can't be duplicated without being face-to-face with a sparring partner. The shots I landed against the first dude, about my weight but shorter and more built, where almost all punches to the body, whereas I don't think his hands touched my midsection the entire time. Breathing is more difficult in the ring, and getting hit in the face definitely makes you panic involuntarily.
Then got in the ring with a 130-pound (probably lighter) chick with no experience who also kicked my ass. Well, no, it was actually fairly even, which is perhaps even more embarrassing. I definitely felt considerably calmer, though. I got kicked in the legs several times in both rounds, but the thing is, due to the lightness of them, I didn't really care. Which is bad, because in a real sparring match, I'd probably be destroyed mobility-wise. The head punches were a lot more threatening. Didn't take any of those in the round with the chick, though I guess I landed a few light jabs. I also took one body shot but then decided not to do more since she was a girl and stuff.
Fighting is really something else. I can't wait 'til next Thursday. This is also a huge motivator for me; I keep saying that I want to do HIIT but never actually do it, but the way that getting into the ring made me breathe was amazing. I want to be able to do something now.
Workout A 11/4/09
So I realized today that I'm not going down all the way in squats anymore. I'm gonna make my way to 300 and then start worrying about the form again. I really want to hit that mark, but I realize that it's beginning to cost me. That said, the uncertainty in my squat was manifest after only the 135-pound warmup set, so I think I was just a bit messed up today, quite possibly because (a) I fell down the stairs and (b) Wednesdays are always my shittiest day thanks to the way my schedule falls this semester.
My back hurt after squats, which probably contributed to my sucking at the deadlift today. Barely even want to write about that, but I suppose journalistic integrity binds me to it. For the deadlift, I was entirely unable to lift 255. Or I mean, I was able to, but only with the double-overhand, and only an inch or two before I decided I wasn't willing to do it. Then I did one rep at 245, mixed grip, and called it a night. Not my best night on lifting, and I am fairly ashamed of that.
Probably could've pushed out failing fifth benches on the first two sets, but I didn't feel like I had it in me after realizing my squat form wasn't as hot as I'd thought. I intended to make the last set a superset of 7 to compensate for the previous two shortfalls, but then the fifth rep kicked my ass, and I racked it. Helped out a white dude with arms probably a bit bigger than mine with spotting on his bench. He was practically failing after his fifth rep (135), but he just had to go for the sixth rep anyway, where he obviously failed. Bailed him out. I guess people are more courageous when they know they've got support.
Warmup sets
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x205, 5x275
- Bench 5x75, 5x105, 5x130
- Deadlift 5x45, 5x135, 5x205
Work sets
- Squat 5x295, 5x295, 5x295
- Bench 4x150, 4x150, 5x150
- Deadlift 0x255 (lol), 1x245 (aughh)
Goals for next workout A
- Squat 3x5x300, very good form. Gonna move up in weight by less and start focusing on making sure I get my ass down. I think my arch is still good, though.
- Bench 5x150, 5x155, 5x155. No more of this weakass 4-rep shit.
- Deadlift 1x5x255. No point in getting any more ambitious.
My back hurt after squats, which probably contributed to my sucking at the deadlift today. Barely even want to write about that, but I suppose journalistic integrity binds me to it. For the deadlift, I was entirely unable to lift 255. Or I mean, I was able to, but only with the double-overhand, and only an inch or two before I decided I wasn't willing to do it. Then I did one rep at 245, mixed grip, and called it a night. Not my best night on lifting, and I am fairly ashamed of that.
Probably could've pushed out failing fifth benches on the first two sets, but I didn't feel like I had it in me after realizing my squat form wasn't as hot as I'd thought. I intended to make the last set a superset of 7 to compensate for the previous two shortfalls, but then the fifth rep kicked my ass, and I racked it. Helped out a white dude with arms probably a bit bigger than mine with spotting on his bench. He was practically failing after his fifth rep (135), but he just had to go for the sixth rep anyway, where he obviously failed. Bailed him out. I guess people are more courageous when they know they've got support.
Warmup sets
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x205, 5x275
- Bench 5x75, 5x105, 5x130
- Deadlift 5x45, 5x135, 5x205
Work sets
- Squat 5x295, 5x295, 5x295
- Bench 4x150, 4x150, 5x150
- Deadlift 0x255 (lol), 1x245 (aughh)
Goals for next workout A
- Squat 3x5x300, very good form. Gonna move up in weight by less and start focusing on making sure I get my ass down. I think my arch is still good, though.
- Bench 5x150, 5x155, 5x155. No more of this weakass 4-rep shit.
- Deadlift 1x5x255. No point in getting any more ambitious.
Boxing class 11/3/09
My sister's birthday along with the birthday of a bunch of people from my high school class.
Today's boxing was an 'integrating' one, meaning we did three full rounds of mitt-hitting, complete with feeds and counters and stuff. Obviously gassed out a bit, but it felt pretty good. Wish my partner were a bit more creative and active with the mitts, but I doubt I'm that amazing, either, so whatever. Finished off the final round with 15 seconds of straight up right crosses and left hooks. By the time I'd gotten there, my punches had no power behind them at all.
Sweat in my eyes. Good feeling. Still need to do HIIT.
Today's boxing was an 'integrating' one, meaning we did three full rounds of mitt-hitting, complete with feeds and counters and stuff. Obviously gassed out a bit, but it felt pretty good. Wish my partner were a bit more creative and active with the mitts, but I doubt I'm that amazing, either, so whatever. Finished off the final round with 15 seconds of straight up right crosses and left hooks. By the time I'd gotten there, my punches had no power behind them at all.
Sweat in my eyes. Good feeling. Still need to do HIIT.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Workout B 11/2/09
SSBM announcer voice: Failure. Only on the rows, though; I shook and shivered and cheated my way through the press. Squats left me with a bit of discomfort in the left knee and major tightness in the lower back, but I'm guessing that's legit. I waited a shitload of time between sets, too. I'm actually so disappointed with the row I'm considering trying out power cleans next time instead, as Rippetoe recommends. It's the lift where I'm most helpless with form at the moment, in my opinion.
Saw Langston there, chilling on the machines.
Warmup sets
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x205, 5x255
- Press 5x45, 5x75, 5x90
- Row 5x65, 5x90
Work sets
- Squat 5x285, 5x285, 5x290
- Press 5x100, 5x100, 5x100 (shaky but not technically failing)
- Row 5x120, 3x125, 2x125 (pretty much failed on these guys horribly)
Weighed in at 175. This worries me a little, since it means my weight has pretty much started to stagnate. Calorie intake is already at a level where I really don't want to eat much more, but it looks like more will be needed. Had a chocolate Muscle Milk and three bananas afterward.
Saw Langston there, chilling on the machines.
Warmup sets
- Squat 5x45, 5x135, 5x205, 5x255
- Press 5x45, 5x75, 5x90
- Row 5x65, 5x90
Work sets
- Squat 5x285, 5x285, 5x290
- Press 5x100, 5x100, 5x100 (shaky but not technically failing)
- Row 5x120, 3x125, 2x125 (pretty much failed on these guys horribly)
Weighed in at 175. This worries me a little, since it means my weight has pretty much started to stagnate. Calorie intake is already at a level where I really don't want to eat much more, but it looks like more will be needed. Had a chocolate Muscle Milk and three bananas afterward.
Muay Thai club 11/1/09
Sergio wasn't there. In fact, very few of the regulars who are usually 'in charge' on Thursday nights were there. Was partnered up with a dude who's never done Muay Thai before but who had done Tae Kwon Do before. In other words, not only did I have to show him how to do every move even though I suck, but I also had to take his kicks, and he probably kicks harder than I do. He accidentally landed one right below my right ribcage. Most of the sting was taken off it, but it still sucked. Wasn't a very good practice overall.
Warmup was a lot more bearable than last time, though. Totally survived it; we only had thirty pushups and no wall-sits. At the end, we did a whole circle of 20 ab exercises per person, and that sucked, too, since I'm not sure about what ab exercises are legit, and also I suck at any ab exercise. Blah. Hoping Thursday night goes better, and hoping for fun next Sunday when Kevin Seaman, the coach for the Boxing class, gives a seminar. I can't take his Muay Thai class next semester, but I will hopefully be participating in Intermediate Boxing, so we'll see how that goes, too.
Warmup was a lot more bearable than last time, though. Totally survived it; we only had thirty pushups and no wall-sits. At the end, we did a whole circle of 20 ab exercises per person, and that sucked, too, since I'm not sure about what ab exercises are legit, and also I suck at any ab exercise. Blah. Hoping Thursday night goes better, and hoping for fun next Sunday when Kevin Seaman, the coach for the Boxing class, gives a seminar. I can't take his Muay Thai class next semester, but I will hopefully be participating in Intermediate Boxing, so we'll see how that goes, too.
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