I keep going back and forth about training weights. For some reason, I've decided that 325 (335 w/SSB) is my ceiling for squats. I've rationalized that that's enough stress to put on my hip. Whether or not that's solid thinking or not doesn't really concern me. Same for pulling. This is mostly because I use a double-over hand grip and my back has been feeling awesome.
What I have been doing is increasing the weight of my FSL sets each week. This is my increase in volume. Not sure how it'll play out, but I'm enjoying it.
My thoughts are, if I can squat 325 (335) for 5 each week it'll keep a base of strength. When I feel like it, I can go for 10, 15 or 20 reps just to see how I'm doing. I can also opt to do some singles, doubles or triples with heavier weights if I'm feeling so inclined.
I also have some different ways I can do my FSL work as the cycle progresses. All of this leads to a little change and variety, while keeping me feeling good. After all, I'm not trying to increase any particular lift, although I am focusing more on the Press.
Overall, I'm feeling good and I look forward to getting in and lifting. I'm doing my conditioning work, but I have to get more focus on it. I'll go in and do it, but I don't approach it the same way I lift. If I do that, those sessions should be pretty awful and that's a good thing.
But, I'm doing a good job of sticking to my plan (lift 3 days, condition 2 and stretch on days I lift).
As I finish this cycle in 3 weeks I'm leaning towards keeping up the squat and deadlift work as I've been doing and putting more emphasis on the Press. I've always been terrible at it. Benching doesn't have the same allure it once did. I'll get back to it, but not as a true focus.
My shoulders have always been a weak point (size and strength). This is a perfect opportunity to play with these different ideas and see what works. I'm not sure if I'll use the SSB exclusively or mix it in with straight bar work. If it starts acting up I'll stick with the SSB. I just like squatting the way nature intended, but I'll adjust if need be.
That stupid idea of squatting, albeit to a box, 500 still rents some space in my head. I'm going to get an x-ray (once a year) on my hip and see how it's holding up. I have no reason to think anything is wrong it's just recommended to get one. Of all the things that bother me, the hip isn't one of them.
As I look forward to the winter I get very busy with 12 football groups (lifting and conditioning), 4 volleyball groups and 3 soccer groups per week (19 total sessions/week). I don't have as much time as I normally do to lift. My thoughts are to continue to train my main lifts on Monday and Wednesday and do the FSL sets on Friday. This will cut down my training time each day which I'll need. These sessions have been taking me close to 2 hours and AI just don't think I'll have that time in the winter. Plus, I have to factor in eating and showering after training, so let's call it 3 hours. Basically, it'll look like 2 heavy days and a light day. I have to play with it a bit, but if I can get done training in 90 minutes that'll be the goal.
When I start getting pressed for time and I look at the clock instead of just training I get irritated. This always leads to me dropping the plan. I'm putting it on myself not to fall back into this habit again. So, the easier I make it, the easier it'll be to stick to.
Last winter was when I started falling off because of my schedule. Even though I only work 5 days a week, with a few Saturdays for recruiting visits, my days are busier than they are during football season. I have to set myself up for success. This plan seems to work for me. Plus, it gives me that third day to hit my FSL sets and play around with some stuff I don't normally do, but want to do in the weight room (the little stuff).
I've found a few gyms in Arkansas where I can get my work in over Christmas break. I'm getting at least 2 days of lifting in. If I feel like a third I'll do it. Otherwise, I'll stick to the bare minimum and be just fine. Plus, I'm very active when I go visit my family. Plenty of yard work/farm work that needs doing everyday. It's not exercise, but it's activity and that's fine.
I feel like things are coming together. My health issues are clearing up, my body feels good and I'm looking forward to making some progress. More to come.