Back at training, and couldn't be happier! Volume has increased substantially, with higher reps, and higher repeat sets-- working at a slightly lower intensity (working mainly at 8rpe rather than 9). I actually find this to be much more difficult than working up to a 9rpe-- it takes more "self-awareness". A 9 rpe is pretty close to a max/ there's room to "grind". But with an 8rpe, you really have to be able to regulate yourself so as to keep the integrity of the training session and the training effect it's meant to have. This is where having a training partner/ a second pair of eyes you can trust becomes a HUGE help! Luckily I train at a gym (Total Performance Sports) where I not only have a great training partner (Carlos Moran-- https://www.elitefts.com/news/rum8-champion-carlos-moran-discuss-training-lifestyle/), but I also have a number of people I trust to watch a set and give me feedback on whether I'm staying true to my RPE.

How can you not PR when you have a training partner as attractive as this?!

Training Partner-- Carlos

 

3/18: Main Deadlift, Main Bench Assistance, Squat Supplement

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KIxuCP-Gdk]

BW: 164.8lbs

Deadlift w/belt
Load Reps RPE
315 5 6.5
335 5 7.5
345 5 8
345 5 8
345 5 8.5
345 5 9.5
325 5 8
325 5 8.5

 

3ct Pause Bench
Load Reps RPE
135 4 6.5
155 4 8
155 4 8
155 4 8
155 4 8
155 4 8.5
155 4 8.5

 

SSB Squat
Load Reps RPE
150 8 6
200 8 7.5
225 8 9
210 8 8.5

 

 

3/19: Secondary Squat, Secondary Main Bench, Secondary Bench Supp

2ct Pause Squats no tag
Load Reps RPE
225 4 7
245 4 7.5
265 4 8
265 4 8
265 4 8.5
265 4 8.5
265 4 9

 

Touch and Go Bench no tag
Load Reps RPE
135 6 6.5
155 6 7
165 6 8.5
160 6 8
160 6 8.5

 

CG + mini no tag
Load Reps RPE
115 6 6
125 6 8
135 6 10
125 6 9