Prepping for the APF-AAPF Orlando Barbell Florida State Meet - February 28, 2015. Qualified National Strongman competitor and will be competing this coming October, 2015. I am here to live, learn, and pass on.

Naturally, we are all hard on ourselves, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't give ourselves credit when it's damn well needed or due.  I've been working on my bench, and probably will be for as long as I can bench, just because I am constantly learning new techniques, new ways to better handle the weight I'm lifting. Reading little comments here and there on social media sometimes can creep up on me, but I try not to lose perspective. How I view it is  each training cycle is a tabula rasa (clean slate); your training is fresh -- to better your performance, improve your technique, and apply what you've learned from your previous experiences. My bench may be far from perfect but I've made huge improvements in just a few weeks, so I can only be optimistic from here and look at the positive side -- if I don't get the numbers I want or if for some reason my form is not up to par, I always have the next training cycle to work harder and improve. 19 days out, I shouldn't be stressing over little things, but rather enjoy the process. That's what it's all about anyways...

 

bench form 1

Worked up to my opener and possible second attempt

165 lbs x 1

185 lbs x 1

Then finished with:

  • Pause benches - 5 x 5 with 135 lbs
  • Close grip - 3 x 10 with 95 lbs
  • JM Presses - 4 x 15
  • Rows - 3 x 15
  • Band pull aparts x 100

 

 

Thank you for being a part of my journey. Suggestions and comments are always welcomed!