DarthPenguins Training log of an unfit person!

[bushido_man96]

Good point on the Sumo's, was thinking of them as an extra rather than main lift but that might be overdoing it.

For the overhead press the reason is quite simple - i am lifting in the garage and the ceiling is only about an inch above my head where the joists run across it so i physically can't overhead press inside! I sometimes take kettlebells or dumbells outside so i can stand and press them.

Ideally would prefer to do a standing barbell press but since it's impossible where i am (plan to get a bigger garage built eventually which will alleviate the problem) the next best solution i could come up with was to do a seated overhead press with zero back support - so i put a flat bench in my squat rack and just sit on that when pressing. isn't ideal but means i can't lean back on anything.

Makes sense on the pressing. Another option, if you're willing to consider it, is to move outside and do clean and press. You wouldn't have to do a full Olympic clean; power clean would be fine. But the old fashioned clean-&-press is a fine exercise. But if you don't know how to power clean, you have to do that first. And I'll answer before you ask...you don't need bumper plates to do cleans.

Congrats on passing your grading!

[DarthPenguin]

Thanks

I'm fine power cleaning, used to do it a lot, plus fine with power snatch too.

Issue is there isn't really anywhere outside i can clean a barbell and press it. There is a small amount of space beside the side garage door where i can clean and press a kb or dumbell (did it again the other day) but nowhere really where i could do the same with a barbell - i would be in a driveway on a busy street where i would look a bit idiotic plus with the amount of rain we get her in scotland it would be unsafe!

I probably should add some cleans back into my routine though! Good thought!

[bushido_man96]

Well, darn. It was worth a shot.

[DarthPenguin]

Ha Ha yeah, and cheers for the suggestion - am always happy to get some!

Is times like this when i get jealous of the additional space you North Americans typically have for things like that!!

[DarthPenguin]

Update on lack of entries for last week - got a bug and was in bed ill all week so didn't get anything done. Tried to do a little stretching but that was the limit.

Will be back to normal this week though!

[bushido_man96]

Update on lack of entries for last week - got a bug and was in bed ill all week so didn't get anything done. Tried to do a little stretching but that was the limit.

Will be back to normal this week though!

Man, that sucks! Glad you're feeling better!

[DarthPenguin]

Update on lack of entries for last week - got a bug and was in bed ill all week so didn't get anything done. Tried to do a little stretching but that was the limit.

Will be back to normal this week though!

Man, that sucks! Glad you're feeling better!

Thanks!

[DarthPenguin]

Tuesday 27th September

Lifting session

Seated overhead press

20kg x 5

25kg x 3

30kg x 2

35kg x 5

42.5kg x 5

47.5kg x 6

bench press

45kg x 10

45kg x 10

45kg x 10

Fat grip dumbell Row (using my fat gripz originals)

25kg x 8

25kg x 5

25kg x 5

These felt tough, which is good and an indicator that i need to work on my crushing grip strength etc. Still feeling these the next day when typing!

Single arm standing kb press

16kg x 11

16kg x 11

16kg x 11

Did these instead of more sets of lighter weight barbell presses to add some more shoulder pressing volume but try to do it standing where possible. Will try to add 1 rep to each set where possible each week with a minimum of 1 rep total increase. When i get to 3 x 20 reps i will go up in weight

Barbell E-Z Bar reverse curl

20kg x 12

20kg x 12

20kg x 12

kata practice

ran through Heian Yondan 5 times. Gradually getting more familiar with the sequencing etc. Now just need to get better at the techniques themselves!

[DarthPenguin]

Wednesday 28th September

Karate Session

Warm ups

Kihon

Practiced new grading kihon required for grade and also some of the techniques / combinations required for the one after

Kumite

Just practiced Ippon Kumite, practicing the new additions i will require for next grade. Again we also practiced what will be required for the grade after.

Seemed straightforward, focused on this for the majority of the class

Kata

Ran through Heian Yondan a couple of times. Instructor seemed impressed that i had taught myself the full kata already and said it is already in a reasonable shape but obviously some improvements needed - so i was happy!

Away on a work trip for Thurs and Fri then away with the kids and my other half for the weekend so won't be able to do any more training this week

[DarthPenguin]

Haven't published many updated in last fortnight as have been ill, managed a couple of sessions in last few days which i will log. Just an annoying virus i think - got sent for blood tests etc which were all clear (thankfully!) Was off work for fortnight too annoyingly so need to catch up now!