Upperbody

Okay day today, I was hoping to get PR today, but I came close but didn't get it. Oh well still a good workout.

Strict press
150 x 5
170 x 5
190 x 6

Close grip bench
225 x 5
265 x 3
300 x 5 I needed 6 for a PR

Dips
5 x 10

Strict curls
70 x 3
95 x 3
110 x 10 6 strict 4 cheated

Wrist curls
40 x 2 sets

25# plate pinches
3 sets

Nice workout overall. Mac benched his first 315, so that it all worth it.

Jesse

Lower body

Felt still kind of like shit today, but I wanted to do some kind of workout. I probably shouldn't have but I have never been all that smart.

Deadlift
135 x 5
225 x 3
315 x 3
405 x 3
425 x 1
455 x 1
475 x 1
500 x 1

Not bad, but not really good. I didn't have much mental fortitude to push it much further than this tonight.

Blast strap rows
3 x 10

abs
3 x 20

That was it. I found a powerlifting meet, that Gabby and I are both going to enter. I am excited for her to do this, not so excited for myself, but that will change once I get things in gear again.

Jesse

Event training day

Twas my birthday today, I felt like shit due to the cold I have. But damn't it is my birthday and I wanted to workout.

Axle clean and press
160 x 5
190 x 5
215 x 7 I had more in me, but no air
250 x 2 I had to try this, it is progress

DBL overhand Axle DL
220 x 3
250 x 3
270 x 1

Farmers DL
260 x 1
Stopped here, my body didn't like this.

Did a bunch of Bicep and Shoulder work. It was a fun time, looking forward to another year.

Jesse

Whatever workout

I felt like hell today, didn't sleep much the night before, and to top it off I have a nasty head cold.

But I am not gonna miss a workout.

Box squats
135 x 5
225 x 3
315 x 3
405 x 2
425 x 2

Downs sets
315 x 2 x 5

DB slds
3 x 10

green band abs
3 x 20

That was it.

Jesse

Upperbody

Got a cold yesterday and really zapped me today, I was a walking zombie all day at work. But not one to miss a workout I pushed on.

Strict presses
110 x 5
160 x 1
180 x 1
200 x 1
220 x 1
235 x miss so close, would have been a PR.

Close grip bench
135 x 5
185 x 5
225 x 5
250 x 5
275 x 8 very happy about this.

Add slingshot
300 x 3
315 x 3
345 x 2

Strict curls
80 x 5
90 x 5
100 x 10

Tate Presses
4 x 8

Grip work.

Jesse

Deadlift and some other stuff

So I was gonna deload today, but instead figured why not try something different. Glad I did, as it was fun.

DL from floor + short purple bands = 130lbs at top
135 x 3
225 x 3
315 x 3
315 x 1 + 1 set of chains
315 x 1 + 2
315 x 1 +3
315 x 1 +4
315 x 1 +5
315 x 1 +6
315 x 1 +7 PR as I have never done this before, but we figured it to be 620lbs at the top. All I know is it felt heavy at the top. Oh I didn't wear a belt.

Cambered squat bar box squats
160 x 3
210 x 3
250 x 3
300 x 3
This thing is brutal, just wants to swing all over the damn place.

DB rows supersetted with fat man pullups
10 and 5 x 4 sets

Leg raises supersetted with sledgehammer swings
3 x 10 each

Good day. My daughter came out and did bench and deadlift.
13 x 5
23 x 5 x 2
23 x 10 PR

DL
45 x 3
55 x 5 x 2
60 x 5 PR

situps
2 x 20

Jesse

Christmas time

I don't know why but this time of the year always seem to put me in a dismal mood. I absolutely hate christmas music, if just drives me up the fucking wall!!! And everywhere you go you are hearing it, makes me wanna stick a pen in my ear. Plus everyone is in such a hoopla about what they have to do, what they are gonna be going, etc... I had finally learned a couple years ago that this time of the year is about giving, and that is about the only thing that makes me feel good to do. We started donating presents a couple years ago to toys for tots, or the angel trees, ect.. I have to say it makes me feel good to do it. I hope I can continue to do this for quite a while. I wish I would do more acts of kindness for people, but sometimes I just think there alot of people out there being scammers and I don't always know who to trust. I hope before christmas is over, that I will be able to do some other things for some other people in some way, maybe they need groceries, maybe their kids need clothes, who knows I just know it makes me feel good to do that for somebody. One last thing I will say is that I feel very fortunate to have a job right now, I won't lie and say I love my job. As with any job, somedays I hate it, somedays I love it, other days I just don't fucking care. But I feel fortunate to be able to provide for my family and have a income.


Jesse

Events day

So so day today. I am glad it was though as it made me realize what changes that need to be made in my training. One thing that pisses me off though is I wish that my log press and my axle press can both be good at the same time, but unfornately they never are. Also I realized that strict press helps my log, but doesn't do shit for my push press.

Alxe clean and press
160 x 3
200 x 3
230 x 3
250 x 1 stopped here as I didn't want to go over/under to clean and it was a good rep, I wanted to do more but my hands were off center another rep wouldn't have happened.

Corey that SOB did 290, bastard!!! I felt so weak after seeing this. But nice job on his part.

DBL overhand axle DL
200 x 5
220 x 5
240 x 5

Gonna be doing these every week again, as they are pivotal for me having a better grip.

Farmers DL
280 x 1
310 x 1
330 x 1 9 sec hold. Wow these felt hard, I need to learn to use my legs again. My pick is slow as hell.

Stones
230 x 5 x 2
310 x 2 these felt good, I was suprised as I haven't done stones in a while.

Hammer curls
3 x 12

Front raises supersetted with Side raises
3 x 8

I think I am gonna go back to overhead pressing once a week again, and just concentrate on my close grip bench on thursdays. Not sure I will have to look over my journals and see what I have done in the past. Also I gotta get my fatass back in shape, no excuses I have been lazy and it is not helping anything.

Jesse

Some thoughts and changes coming.

Was supposed to train today, but I have been feeling beat up and figured spending time with my daughter was more important. First thing we did was go and buy presents for toys for tots, I started doing this a couple years ago and often wonder why I didn't do it sooner. I have to say it makes me feel good to know that eventually the presents I got are going to go some kid who will appreciate it. I also want to teach my daughter that helping other people is important. Then we went and got some things for us, and had dinner. I am addicted to Pepperjax, if they ever build one in Council Bluffs, it could be bad.

Now I think I am gonna be changing up my training for a little while, maybe. I am still not sure about it yet but I am think I might start trying Chad Smith's training system. I don't know if I will be using for all my lifts but, I am considering it as it looks like it would be a nice break and could set me up for some nice PRs after 12 weeks.

I will make my decision by next week, it is ALOT of volume. I think the squat days could possibly kill me, and the deadlift days will be more like cardio. Sounds like fun.

Jesse

Squats

I went and made the drive down to Troy Goestch house for a squat workout. It couldn't have been a better night for a workout. It was intense as all of us had a great night. Troy got a nice PR of 415 x 5, Joe and Chuck both worked up to 550 for reps on the box squat, and Melissa did 225 x 2 and then did a downset of 135 x 30, fuck that I wouldn't do that.

Back squats
135 x 5
225 x 5
315 x 3 add belt, this threw me off a little bit. I haven't used a belt in a while.
405 x 1 I wanted to rep this, but everything about this felt wrong.

Box squats
455 x 5 PR
500 x 3 PR

Had to go after this, it was getting late I didn't want to take any chances as I was tired. It was worth the drive though.

Jesse

Upperbody day

For the most part good day today. I felt a little sluggish, but my workout went well. I got a nice PR and you can't really ask for much more.

Strict press
110 x 5 x 2
130 x 3
155 x 3
175 x 3
195 x 6 PR sixth rep was a absolute grinder, I think my whole body locked up on this.

Close grip bench
Ok so I am doing a powerlifting meet in probably feb or march and I have to bench flat footed, I hate to bench flat footed but you gotta do what you gotta do.
135 x 5
185 x 5
225 x 3
260 x 3
290 x 5 horrible hamstring cramp on 5th rep, not very happy about this but benching flat footed changes up my form alot. Its a starting point.
Add slingshot
290 x 9

Strict Curls
85 x 3
95 x 3
105 x 10 PR yeah pathetic I know

Tate Presses
5 x 8

Pullups
alot I think after I did about 8 sets of 3 Chuck says we should have a dead hang pullup contest, we tied at 10.

Grip work
5 sets

Happy with the workout, fuck dieting, I am strong and it is gonna pay off to stay where I am at. I have already got my goals figured out for next year.

Back squat no box 500 x 1

Box squat 550 x 1

DL 625lbs but maybe 650lbs yeah they might be lofty but we will see.

Close grip bench 365

Strict press 250lbs

Push press 300lbs I should be doing this know

Log press 300lbs

Load my 22" 400# stone

LETS DO IT!!!

Jesse

DL day

I pulled a nice 18" DL PR on sunday and I think that might have played a part in how things felt today.

DL from the floor
135 x 5
225 x 5
315 x 3
405 x 3
445 x 3
495 x 5 not bad, but not good. I probably could have gutted out 2 more but what was the point.

SSB squats
3 x 3

DB rows
1 set of 20 each arm with 150#s

Ab fallouts
3 x 10

BB rows
3 x 10

Jesse

Squats

Today was one of those days where I was highly unmotivated, but after a quick 15 min snooze, I got a little motivation. It was a rough day though, no sleep, my daughter was sick, and I had a stomach bug.

Box squats, slightly above parallel.
135 x 5
225 x 5
315 x 5
410 x 5
430 x 5 PR
I could have done more, but figured better not push the limits today.

DB slds
3 x 10

pulldown abs
3 x 20

That was it, 30 min workout was perfect. Can't wait to try out my new DL suit on sunday.

Jesse

Upperbody

I was so glad today was upperbody day, as my glutes and hammies were still sore from the tabata KB swings on tuesday. I started my diet on monday and so far I am doing good and feeling better even after 4 days. My stomach is adjusting to eating clean, and I have to say, I have had some farts that even gag me(so they are BAD!!!)but it was time to start eating better. People always ask me why I let my weight get back up and then go back down, it is really hard to understand for a normal person. But for me it is all about challenging myself and seeing if I can get back down. So far everytime I have done I have come back stronger, looking forward to this experiment as I am gonna take my time doing it.

Strict press
155 x 3
175 x 3
195 x 4 might be a PR

Close grip bench
135 x 5
185 x 5
225 x 5
275 x 5 heavy
Add slingshot
300 x 3
315 x 3
335 x 3

Chain extensions on incline
6 x 10

Strict curls
5,5,10

Pullups 35 I think

Tabata battling ropes
Tabata Sledgehammer swings

Grip work

Pretty good workout, I was low on energy but I am happy with how it went.

Jesse

Decisions, decisions, decisions.....

Unfornately I am one of those people who is constantly changing my mind on what I want to do with my strength goals. Right now I am probably the strongest I have ever been, I like this, but it is more a strength that is good for powerlifting, that is not to say it is not good for strongman but I personally think I am more suited for the goals I want to be lighter. Now if I prepare right I can still be a damn good strongman as a lightweight, and my ultimate goal is to win a national title. Now that is not to say I cannot do this as a 231, I just know there are certain areas I need alot of work at and quite frankly I am more suited to get better at these areas as a lighter person.

Now the problem that arises with getting smaller is mentally it can be exhausting. You start to lose strength, you start to wonder is this worth it, and you then you remember "fuck I like to eat junk food!" If I decide that it is time to get my weight down, I have to stick with it. I try to do this last year and I went all about wrong, I lost weight too fast and then freaked out and decided I needed to gain weight back.

One of the biggest factors in my decision is I will be in a financial position to be able to afford doing what I want to do next year. I will have the money to afford nationals, something I didn't have this year.

Right now I am not sure as to what I want to do, I actually feel comfortable with where I am at now. But at the same sense, I am not in as good of shape as I was as a lightweight, my joints hurt more when I am heavier. Now there are certain things that work better for me when I am heavier. My upperbody strength goes through the roof, I have put up some good numbers as a lightweight but nothing like I have as heavy. I am just as fast as a lightweight as I am heavier, I can just support heavier weights alot better, I do recover quicker,and I am more explosive. I can be a miserable prick at times, especially since I like junk food. If I want to be a powerlifter I need to stay where I am at weight wise, but if I wanna be a successful strongman I need to get lighter I think.

Jesse

First DL day back.

First real hard workout since the meet. I think I might be having a slight case of a food hangover, as I have done nothing but eat like shit since last week. I was feeling it today. It is time to revaluate things, since it is winter time I tend to get lazier, I don't want that to happen. I have what I need to not let that happen, so I need to do it.

DL from floor
135 x 5
225 x 5
315 x 3
405 x 3
460 x 5 Wow found out the belt was a little too tight on this set, little too fat right now.

Bent over rows
3 x 8

DB rows
3 x 8

Tabata KB swings
53# I wanted to die.

Jesse

Upperbody workout

My knee is still acting up so I decided to do my upperbody workout.

Strict Press
140 x 5
165 x 5
185 x 5 decided to stop here, my knee was bugging me.

Close grip bench
135 x 5
185 x 5
225 x 5
275 x 5 added slingshot
315 x 5
365 x 1

I like the slingshot, great tool to have.

Fat bar pressdowns
5 x 10

DB flies
5 x 10

Ok workout for what it was.

Jesse

Training and things that bring happiness to me....

So today I was in a pissy mood as I had my powerlifting meet yesterday and it didn't go as planned for me. But getting to see the guys and gal get PRs today and knowing that I helped them accomplish it brought a lot of joy to my life today, I will get into that after I write down my workout.

Log press
180 x 5 x 2 sets
215 x 5
I could have done more, but this was just right.

Incline Log
220 x 10 or 11 I don't remember

18" DL
250 x 3
340 x 3
430 x 10
520 x 5

Keg loads
200, 220, 250, 270, 290 in 18.72 sec, but then Corey beat me 18.54, I let him win this battle today.

Band hammer curls
5 x 15

Pullups
3 x 5

Ok so first I have been helping Joe, Melissa, and Troy now for a couple months dial in there training and all of them rocked it today. Joe fucking looked like a rockstar today, first he does 215 x 10 on the log then proceeds to get 270 x 1 for a huge PR, then on the 18" DL he knocks out 4 singles with 600 and then on the last set gets 600 x 5 WHAT !!! Then he finished with 3 good runs ont he kegs in all fast times. I knew all my ball busting would eventually get to him.

Melissa just got done with a 4th place finish at women's nationals and decided to do a contest in 4 weeks so she wanted to test things out. She didn't disspoint either. First she did 140 x 1 on the log, then on incline log 110 x 10 I think, 18" deadlift 370lbs, and then did the 130 keg for 5 reps. Now I got 3 weeks to get those numbers up, and I guarantee she will do more.

Then Troy goes on to press 205 x 5 on the log and 220 x 1 both PRs, incline log he did 220 x 10 or 11 I think, which I am sure are PRs, then the 18" DL he did 600 x 1 x 5, and finished off with 3 runs on the keg loads. Awesome to watch.

Jesse

Omaha Open results

I competed in the Omaha Open today. I did the Push/Pull and lifted in the 242 division. I won't lie I wasn't completely ready for this meet, but I knew I was capable of some PRs.

Bench used a close grip for all benches

1st 300lbs good

2nd 320lbs good 5# meet PR

3rd 340 miss, very close to getting this

Deadlift

1st 550lbs good, highest I have ever opened.

2nd 600lbs Miss, I pulled smoot no hitch and damn foot for some reason moved right before the down signal.

3rd 600lbs miss, I was mentally drained from my last pull nothing left.

I won't lie I was quite dissapointed, I wanted my 600lb pull to be official. But I know I can do it now, back to the drawing board.

Jesse

Last workout before meet.

Had a nice last workout, took it easy as used this as a easy day.

DL double overhand no hook grip
245 x 3 x 2
315 x 3
365 x 1
410 x 1 PR Grip is getting better.

DB rows
3 x 8

Ab fallouts
3 x 10

Close grip bench
135 x 5
185 x 3
235 x 3 all paused
275 x 1 5 sec pause

DB flies
3 x 10

Tricep pressdowns
3 x 10

Jesse

Crappy workout

Today I planned on taking it easy, good thing as I lifted like shit.

Decided to mess around with the axle as I didn't feel like touching the log.

130 x 3
180 x 3
210 x 1
230 x 1
260 x been so long since I have tried to continental any weight and I got all messed up decided to stop.

Incline log
240 x 9 I think this is a PR

18" D
245 x 3
335 x 3
425 x 1


Triset
Front, side, bent over raises x 10 x 4 sets

Hammer curls
3 x 10

Blast strap curls
3 x 10

ABs
3 x 15

Time to rest up and get ready for this weekend.

Jesse

Lower body workout

Last night was the first official day of winter, my knees especially along with my other joints were killing me. But I pushed through and did what I could.

Squats close stance
135 x 5
230 x 5
280 x 5
330 x 5 stopped here I felt very off and in pain.

DB slds
3 x 10

Abs
3 x 30

Jesse

Past couple of workouts

Been a rough week, my car broke down and that was stressing me out. But I got it figured out and now hopefully nothing else will try and get to me in the next week.

DL
245 x 3
335 x 3
425 x 3
495 x 2
550 x 2

Everything here felt heavy. I was working on my car for 2 hours before this and I felt very tight and in pain. But still a good workout as the 550 x 2 ties a PR and it is the most I have ever pulled before a meet.

DB rows
115 x 8
135 x 8
155 x 8
175 x 8

Blast strap rows
4 x 10

That was it.

Thursday Upperbody night.
This workout really sucked, my shoulders were killing me. Now I look back I forgot to foam roll. Hmm should maybe do that.

Strict press
160 x 5
180 x 5
200 x 3 Considering everything, I am not dissapointed here. I think this ties a PR so I can't complain.

Close grip bench
135 x 5
185 x 5
225 x 3
275 x 1
300 x 3

Bench felt terrible. But I am done with it for a week.

Purple band extensions
5 x 10

Decided to call it a night. I need the rest and relaxation anyway. Time for some homework.

Jesse

Strongman day

Nice weather today, and great day of training. Had another person come over and train with us. Very nice guy and very strong. I think he will be a good addition to the crew, time will tell.

Log press
160 x 5
190 x 5
215 x 7 PR I think, I hate reps

Incline Log
250 x 7 PR

18" DL off blocks
625 x 3 huge PR, each rep dead stop

Keg loads
1 run of 200,220,250,270,290 to 48"

Hammer curls
3 x 10

Blast strap face pulls
3 x 12

Jesse

Upperbody workout

Ok workout today, I was very sore still from tuesday. Who would have thought deadlifting 600lbs would make you sore for days. Forgot to foam roll like a dumbass, that would have helped alot. Ened up having a good workout still.

Strict press
150 x 3
170 x 3
190 x 5 ties PR

Close grip bench
135 x 5
185 x 3
225 x 3 all paused
275 x 1 pause
300 x 1 pause
320 x 1 pause
the 320 is a pause PR

Tate presses
4 x 8

Close grip blast strap pushups with feet elevated
10, 5,5,5,5,5,5 added a set of chains each set, it sucked.

That was it.

Jesse

Achieving goals

Goals what are they? Are they something that we strive to achieve or are they something that we constantly throw out there but never attain. For some people they are both and I think all of us can admit to that. Sometimes you just gotta throw something out there to keep you motivated, and sometimes that goal just seems so crazy you never know if you will get it. You fight to get it for years and years, and it just seems like it is getting further and further away. But no matter what you keep that goal in your mind, cause someday your gonna get that damn goal.

I achieved one of those long time goals tonight. I think I have been talking about deadlifting 600lbs for a good 4-5 years. I always kept going after smaller goals, but that 600 was in the back of my mind. For years it seemed so far away, even the closer I got it still seemed unattainable. But I knew back in my mind that it was gonna come some day. Now all I can think about is how long 700lbs is gonna take, it could be next year, but it could take another 5 years, but no matter what I am gonna keep chasing it.

Never lose sight of your goals, once you lose sight you lose your drive to keep pushing it. Just remember that just because you miss something the first time, doesn't mean you won't get it again another time.

Jesse

A New Horizon.....

So I just got done with an epic deadlift workout. What was so epic about it? I finally pulled 600lbs with just a belt and hook gripped it. Now I am not completely happy with it, as I had to slightly hitch it. Some one would say, be happy you just pulled a milestone lift. I never said I wasn't happy, just not completely happy. I am a perfectionist, so I want things to be perfect. But I am very happy.

All week I knew that today was a make or break workout. My routine called for 540 for reps today and no matter what I was gonna pull a PR with that. All day at work I kept thinking about my workout, seeing my friends, knowing they would be there to push me. Then around 3:00pm I started getting a massive headache, almost to the point that I couldn't see straight. I ended up leaving work 1 hour early, gotta love nice bosses(Thanks John). I got home and I couldnt' get this damn headache to stop. My wife asked me if I had any caffeine today, I was no I haven't. So I took 4 ibuprofen and 3 scoops of Jacked. I started warming up and the warmups felt like shit, this is a good sign. Finally after about 30 minutes that damn headache started going away. So I get all my warmups done and go for my last set which was supposed to be 540, but I was like 545 will look alot cooler on the bar. So I setup to do my rep set with 545 and I got 3 really easy and I stop. I knew after that set 600 was going to be my bitch today. I had just got myself pumped up to my favorite song, but now I needed bring myself back down or I was gonna amp myself out. So I put on my favorite happy go lucky song by Cee-lo "Fuck You". After about 3 minutes, I got my song going again to get me going. Once my hands touched the bar I knew that today 600lbs was finally mine. It felt solid the whole way until I reached my shorts and it caught my skin causing the bar to stick, so I had to hitch it a little to finish it. Next team remember baby powder.

So where do I go from here, not sure 625lbs sounds like a nice starting point. Right now a long term goal is to make it onto the top 100 for deadlift in the 242's, not sure where I need to be for this but my best guess would be around 650ish. So I will start at 625 and work on my way to 650ish.

Jesse

Words of wisdom and thoughts.

Sometimes people ask me "What do I have to do, to get stronger, or how can I be a champion, or why do you do this stuff?" My first answer for most of it besides the how do I do this stuff, is you have to be willing to sacrifice. I know for myself I sacrifice alot, I sacrifice time with my wife and daughter, I sacrifice getting to watch my favorite football team, I sacrifice eating some of my favorite foods to be healthier, it is all about sacrifice. People always say to me why don't you drink? Quite frankly I don't care to, but for the most part, I don't think it helps my training. I get a better buzz going after a PR and getting it.

Her are some examples of sacrifice I see at my gym. Ian one of our newer team members drives 2 hours each way to come and train with us every week. And every week he gives 110% in his training. I am sure there are better things he could be doing with that 4 hours he drives, but he wants to be the best at what he does. Joe, Melissa, and Troy drive 1 hour each way and give up time with the families on sundays to come and train. I know all of them also have many nights that they don't get to train until sometimes 9-10 pm at night. Chuck right now has a torn MCL and maybe a torn ACL, but for right now he is dealing with the pain, cause he has a goal. Probably not the smartest thing to do, but really if any of us were smart we wouldn't be trying to walk with 800lbs on our backs, or picking up 400# stones. Its not that we are stupid, just a different breed of people.

Why do I put myself through this pain and time away from my family every week. I do it because I love it. While some people would rather go out and drink beer, I would rather be lifting weights and hanging out with people as the same goals as me. There is no better feeling than lifting some weight you have never picked up before or knowing if it came down to it you could probably pick a car up off someone. I love going out every week and seeing my friends lift things they never thought possible.

Last thing I wanna touch on is do not allow people to bring you down. If someone wants to try and make you feel bad or tell you that you can't do something, get rid of them. Negative people are not worth being around. Also always believe in yourself, if your mind is weak so will your body. If you have a friend or training partner who is constantly telling you negative thoughts, get rid of them or don't workout with them, it will diminish your gains. One thing I always emphasize at my gym is giving positive reinforcement, we always root each other on, even it means that person might be lifting more weight than us or breaking one of our records. Most of them I even do this at contest for people I am competing against.

If you wanna be winner, you have to sacrifice and you have to be positive.

Jesse

Strongman day

Good day today. Not really for me, but for all my friends. I gotta thank all my friends as sometimes if it wasn't for them, I don't know if I would be doing all this shit I do. Seeing all them make such great progress every week, that is what keeps me driven and wanting to keep my garage gym going. I really didn't have much energy today, but I still managed a few PRs.

Log press
160 x 3
200 x 3
220 x 3
245 x 2 Still a PR I think, but this just sucked

Incline Log
240 x 9 PR

Then I stood around for a little while.

Stone series
270, 310, 330, 360 48" all time series PR

some biceps and shoulders.

Jesse

Lower body workout

I was tempted to skip todays workout as I was fucking tired. I haven't been sleeping well at all and it is catching up with me today. But I was able to push through it and have a good workout.

Close stance beltless squats
225 x 5
280 x 5
310 x 3
345 x 7 PR

DB slds
3 x 10

ab fallouts
3 x 10

That was it, hoping for at least 6 hours of sleep tonight.

Jesse

Upperbody night

Was very tired going into tonights workouts. Had a bunch of different aches and pains. I think this was attributed mostly to the change in weather. Just the nature of the game I guess, I didn't let it stop me from having a good workout.

Strict press
110 x 5 x 2
140 x 5
160 x 5
180 x 7 could have done more but I had a very new pain in my shoulder and decided it wasn't worth pushing it.

Close grip bench
135 x 5
185 x 5
225 x 3
275 x 1
315 x 1 I was gonna stop here, but Chuck told me it looked easy and fast, sure as hell didn't feel easy or fast.
340 x 1 5# PR Well this was a grinder, but thank god for having good training partners who know what to tell you. I really had to change up my bench form because of my shoulder. I was lowering the weight very slow and this sucked. But I got it, so doesn't matter now.

Blast strap pushups
5 x 10

Thick bar pushdowns
5 x 10

Pullups x multiple sets didn't count.

Thick bar wrist curls
5 x 10

Jesse

Deadlift night

Today was one of those workouts where I knew it had a possibility of being a good workout. I was exhausted all day and kept yawning on my way home. I don't know what it is but whenever I yawn alot, I seem to have a good workout. Today didn't dissapoint.

Power snatches
95 x 3
115 x 3
125 x 10

DL from the floor
225 x 3
315 x 3
405 x 3
455 x 3
510 x 8 all hook gripped, awesome PR!!!

Bent over rows
225 x 5
275 x 5
295 x 5

Blast strap rows
4 x 15

Band pulldown abs
3 x 20

side bends
3 x 10

Jesse

Thanks to my friends and training partners.

I gotta say thanks to my friends that come over every week and train with me. I don't know if they really know how much they help me keep my sanity and help me get stronger. I wouldn't be where I am at today if I didn't have the friends I have right now. I also don't know if the people I help train realize how happy I get when I see them make PRs every week, or how sad I get when they have a crappy workout.

I gotta really thank my wife for putting up with all my working out and having bunches of people over every week. She has always welcomed people and even put up with a few who were assholes. My wife is always cheering me on to do my best and knows what sacrifices I have to make in order to do this. Thanks to my daughter for always letting me get my workouts in, and always being my biggest cheerleader.

I really look forward to seeing how things end up this year, its gonna be fun.

Jesse

Events training day

Good day today, for the most part I accomplished what I wanted.

Log press
140 x 3
180 x 3
210 x 3
230 x 6 PR

Incline Log
230 x 11

silver dollar DL
405 x 1
455 x 1
505 x 1
605 x 1
655 x 1 PR
705 x miss so close

Stones
330 x 1
400 x miss miss miss, I am getting off the ground but not lapped. Big damn stone.
310 x 2

Was gonna hit up some assistance but I was shot. I am getting stronger, gotta love that.

Jesse

Lower body day

I felt very rundown today and didn't feel like taking a preworkout drink to give some energy. Probably should have, as what was a good workout would have been a great workout.

Power Cleans
135 x 5
185 x 3
205 x 1
225 x 1
235 x 1
245 x 1
255 x 1 Ties PR

Close stance squats
135 x 5
225 x 3
260 x 3
290 x 3
325 x 5 I could have done more but I didn't want to.

Farmers Walks
For the record this wasn't the best idea as my legs were jello.
280 each hand x 55 feet. I as gonna try and do this for 100 some odd feet but I haven't done a turn in forever and forgot kind of how to do it correctly.
315 each hand x 20 feet maybe. Still a PR as I have never picked this much up and walked with it.

Ab fallouts
3 x 10

Calf raises
5 x 10

Wasn't a terrible workout, but I wasn't happy with it. Gotta get some damn sleep and rest up.

Jesse

Upperbody Day

Great night tonight.

Strict presses
110 x 5
160 x 3
180 x 1
200 x 1
215 x 1
225 x 1 PR
230 x 1 PR
240 x oh so fucking close !!!
Had I gotten the 240 it would have been bittersweet as that would have been a bodyweight strict press.

Close grip bench
135 x 5
185 x 5
225 x 5
265 x 3
300 x 5 PR

Dips
3 x 10

Chain Extensions
3 x 10

Wrist curls
5 x 10

Jesse

Deadlift and upperback workout.

I felt quite sluggish today, but the workout turned out really good.

Deadlift from floor.
135 x 5 x 2
225 x 3
315 x 3
405 x 3
480 x 9 Rep PR, all hook gripped.

Was going to try some frame carry, but my back wouldn't stop feeling pumped.

DB rows
165#s x 8 x 3 sets

Blast strap rows
3 x 15

Abs
3 x 30

Jesse

Events and log press alltime PR.

Today was one of those days where I didn't know what was gonna happen. But what did happen, wow!!!

Log press
log x 5 x 2
160 x 3
210 x 3
240 x 3 Rep PR
260 x 1 Alltime PR
270 x 1 Holy shit where did that come from PR!!!

Incline Log
250 x 6 I think, PR none the less

Stones
270 x 1
360 x 3 to 48" Alltime Stone PR
400 x 2 misses, had it breaking the ground but that was it.

Blast strap pulls to face
3 x 10

Hammer curls
3 x 8

Sledgehammer
3 x 10 each arm.

Good day, I could have done more but I was very happy with the end result.

Jesse

Crappy lower body workout

I felt terrible today, I just did my prescribed reps and called it a day.

Close stance squats
235 x 5
270 x 5
305 x 5

DB slds
3 x 10

Calf raises
4 x 10

Fallouts
3 x 10

Somedays you just gotta do what you can, and today was one of those days. My body sounded like an orchestra from all the popping and cracking noises it was making.

Jesse

Some thoughts

I have spent many years reading about lifting weights, how to get stronger, just anything involving lifting, nutrition, and the pursuit of getting stronger. But what the hell is up with all these people that have got to make things so damn complicated !!! Whatever happened to just going in the gym and doing some squats to get your squat stronger, you want a bigger chest do bench presses, a back like a brick wall do deadlifts. I strongly believe in the theory of keeping it simple in my workouts. But this isn't to say on occasion I add in some crazy exercises.

I am working on starting my own training business soon enough, and luckily I will have a great partner in business who for the most part believes in the same beliefs as me. I can say with great attestment that there is no way in hell I will have somebody doing squats on a stability ball, hell I wouldn't have them doing them on a smith machine.

I respect anybody who is a trainer, but there are too many people who have all this special degrees and could definately tell me more about the body than I know. But the idiots couldn't tell a person how to increase their bench press by 5# in 12 weeks without making it so damn complicated it would take a genius to decipher it. I don't claim to know everything and I don't have any degrees(not in health or fitness at least) to back up my claims. I do know though that I can help people lose weight, get in better shape, and get stronger. Its easy just keep it simple...

Jesse

Upperbody workout

Good day today, if I can take two things away from my vacation time is that I have had some great workouts and I got to spend some quality time with my wife and daughter.

Strict presses
150 x 5
170 x 3
190 x 5 Rep PR

Close grip bench
215 x 3
255 x 3
285 x 7 Rep PR

Tate Presses
30 x 10
40 x 10
50 x 10
60 x 7
Wow hadn't done these in forever, forgot how good they are.

Purple band extensions
5 x 20

Wrist curls supersetted with Trainer COC closes
3 x 10

Great workout, I am sore and tired. Been sleeping alot this week, I think it helping with my recovery alot.

Jesse

Deadlift day and whatever else.

Good and bad day today. I finally hit a wall on my deadlifts, today I felt like a wreck.

Power Snatch
95 x 3 x 2
115 x 3
135 x 1
145 x 1
150 x 1
155 x 1
160 x 1
165 x 1 Alltime PR

DL from floor
245 x 3
335 x 3
385 x 3
440 x 3
515 x 1 wow this felt like SHIT! So I decided it was time to shut it down.

Frame Carry
600lbs x 60 feet no drops. Alltime PR on the frame, highlight of my workout.

Bent over rows
245 x 8, I was gonna do 3 - 4 sets of this but Chuck wanted to do stones.

stones
310 x 3
310 x 2

Wow, shouldn't have done this. My biceps were killing me after this. I did stones on sunday and shouldn't have done them today. Live and learn.

Blast strap rows
5 x 10

I was shot at this point, wanted to do core work, but I needed to call it a night.

Overall I got a nice PR on power snatch and the frame so it was worth some of the pain.

Jesse

Quick workout

Mac came over to do a overhead and squat workout. So I decided to do a small workout, while I was out there chatting with him.

KB Clean and press
96# KB x 10 each arm. Don't know where this came from, I have never done more than I believe 8 with this KB. Next I wanna get 10 each arm clean and pressing each rep.

Pullups
1,2,3,4,5,4,3,2,1

That was it. Nice and refreshed. Mac looked good today, hit some nice numbers on the axle and squats.

Jesse

Event training day

Wow what an eventful day. I trained my ass off today, as well as everybody else did to. I think everyone got some kind of PR today.

Super Yoke
just did pickups with
450
650
800 x 35-40 feet maybe, this is a PR but until I take this damn thing the full 60 feet I will not take it. Not sure what my problem, mainly I haven't been training yoke.

Log press
140 x 3
180 x 3
210 x 1
230 x 1 one motion press
255 x 1 Alltime log press PR

Incline Log
240 x 10 PR

18" DL off blocks
225 x 3
315 x 3
405 x 1
495 x 1
585 x 1
640 x 1 PR
650 x 1 PR

Stones
310 x 2
330 x 1
360 x 1

Hammer curls
3 x 12

Front raises
3 x 10

I was shot at this point. What a great day.

Jesse

Upper body day

Today was just okay. With everything that has been going on with our house, I have been rather stressed and I couldn't use that fire in my workout.

Strict presses
140 x 3
160 x 3
180 x 6 almost had 7 it was so damn close.

Close grip bench
185x 5
235 x 5
265 x 8

Dips
5x 5

pressdowns
5 x 10

Some pullups and grip work. Then after having a decent workout, I come inside and for some reason my knee decides to just go out on me. The fucking thing hurts like hell right now, and I have no clue what I did or how I did it.

Jesse

Deadlift night

Well first I gotta say tonight was a great workout, but I am not happy with what happened. I will explain in a minute.

Deadlift from the floor, just a belt
135 x 5
225 x 5
315 x 3
405 x 3
495 x 1
525 x 1
565 x 1 Alltime RAW pr
585 x miss nothing left
Ok so my plan was to probably go for 600 tonight. But warmups were feeling terrible, usually this is a good sign, but the more I warmed up, the worse I felt. I probably would have gotten the 585 if I would have jumped to that instead of the 565, but a PR is a PR. Most people will say "Why can't you be happy, you pulled a PR!" Well I think that what makes people who are happy with 2nd place, different from those who aspire to be the best. Hell I have won contest and still found things I was not happy with. I aspire to be the best and not getting my goals is not gonna cut it.

Frame carry
570 x 60 feet PR never doen this without drops

DB rows
3 x 8

Blast strap rows
3 x 20

Abs
5 x 20

Jesse

Event training day

Log press, wow hadn't done this in a long time. Didn't go that bad.

140 x 5
190 x 3
220 x 3
240 x 1
Did one-motion presses up to 220. The 240 would have been alot better had I actually got some leg drive on it. Since Troy and Joe are training the log I will probably be doing this for a little while. It would be nice to finally get a PR on the damn log. My best is 250, so I don't think getting a PR is that far off very soon.

Incline Log press
230 x 8 PR

18" deadlift
250 x 5
340 x 3
430 x 1
540 x 1
600 x 5 PR

Stones
250 x couple
360 x 1 x 3 sets

Hammer curls
3 x 10

Overall it was a good day. It felt good to do the log again, even though I hate it. Everybody was having a good day for the most part. I am looking forward to Tuesday, I plan on going for a BIG deadlift PR!!!

Jesse

Lower Body workout

I can't believe how well this workout went, cause I felt like shit going into it.

Close stance squats no belt
135 x 5 x 2
225 x 5
280 x 3
320 x 1
360 x 3 PR
400 x 1 PR
The 400 was easy, so easy I should have done reps, but I will save it for another day.

DB slds
3 x 10

Ab fallouts
3 x 10

Calf raises
3 x 10

I was shot after the squats so I kept the accessory work light.

Looking forward to event training on Sunday, something big is gonna happen.

Jesse

Upperbody workout

Decent day today. Things are coming along great and my strength is going through the roof, I think this is mostly due to the fact that I have let my weight stay at the same number for over a month now. I am not really following any set training plan right now, mostly just adding 10-20 lbs a week and going for a certain amount of reps. I guess it is just progressive overload, but for right now I will stick with it. Once I hit a wall, it will be time to change things back up.

Strict presses
130 x 5
150 x 5
170 x 7
These felt like crap, but I haven't done them in a couple weeks. Hopefully next week they feel better.

Close grip bench
135 x 5 x 2
185 x 3
225 x 3
275 x 1
295 x 1
315 x 2 very happy about this, I wanna get 350 x 1 close grip by years end and I am well on my way.
275 x 6
225 x 10
My triceps were smoked at this point, I tried to do dips after this, that wasn't happening.

Tricep pressdown with fatbar
3 x 15

Grip stuff
25, 25, 20, 20

Pullups
11 PR-got 10 last week, now to get 11 I am pumped. 20 is the ultimate goal.
then I did 4 sets of 5.

Great workout tonight. Chuck got 182lbs for 4 reps on the Circus DB, and then did a single with 192lbs. He is on pace to really destroy things at nationals, and I can't wait to see the outcome.

Jesse

Deadlift night and all-time PR demolished.

Great night in the gym tonight. I was really damn sore from sunday, this really suprised me, must have been the caber toss.

Deadlift from the floor
135 x 5
225 x 5
315 x 3
405 x 1
475 x 1
550 x 2 Alltime PR

I was so pumped to get this, the nice thing was that Corey got all pumped up from being a pussy and getting 475 x 1 and then proceeded to pull 475 x 6.

DB rows
3 x 8

Blast strap rows
3 x 10

Abs
3 x 30

Great night tonight, Chuck was one Fire. He killed the yoke, looked good on the car DL, and got a sweet stone PR. I am gonna push Corey to his limits on Sunday, so he better look out!!!


Jesse

Upperbody workout

Great workout tonight, my upperbody strength is finally coming back!!!

Push presses out of rack
110 x 5
160 x 3
200 x 3
225 x 3
250 x 2
not too shabby, very happy to get this tonight.

Close grip bench
135 x 5 x 2
185 x 5
225 x 3
275 x 5
305 x 2

Dips
5, 10, 10, 10

pullups
10, 5, 5, 5

Feeling very good tonight, Chuck was on fire also hitting a few PRs. Looking forward to what the next month is gonna bring.

Jesse

Why I make the decisions I make.....

So earlier at work a gentlemen comes in and says to me "Jesse why did you gain your weight back?" My response "It was time to get big and strong again." Pretty simple answer if you ask me. So he tells me that I was looking so good and healthy, and basically now I don't. Now I let him babble on for a while and decided just to let him say his bullshit, cause thats what is was. First of all I will admit, yes I have put some fat back on, but for the most part I have put on good weight. I wanna put up some huge weights in the next year, and for me to do this I believe that being a little heavier will make these goals happen. I get very irritated when people don't understand the concept of trying to lift heavy things, also I get sick of hearing that you must be unhealthy at the weight you are at. Like any of the stupid people remotely know what it is like to accomplish a goal. I have gone from 270lbs down to 215 back to 250ish and then to 200, do I think any of this was harmful, no!!! It is actually quite easy for me to do, and eventually I will have to find a comfortable weight to stay at, but for now I am happy where I am at. A 600lbs deadlift is right around the corner, a 400# bench is hopefully getting closer, pressing 300#s over my head is there, and loading a 425# stone will happen.

Jesse

Deadlift day

Didn't really know what to expect from today, I have been pulling sumo for the past 5-6 weeks and I figured I should see how my conventional pull is going. Turns out my conventional pull is awesome right now.

DL just belt
135 x 5 x 2 sets
225 x 3
315 x 3
405 x 3
455 x 3
515 x 5 All time rep PR

Frame carry
600lbs x 25 PR first time ever picking this weight let alone walking with it.

Chest supported rows
5 x 8

Blast strap rows
5 x 15

abs
6 sets

Pretty happy with how things are going. Everyone is having good workouts in the gym and making awesome progress. Corey had a great day getting DL PR and taking the frame for 2 trips of 60 feet with 550lbs no drops.

Jesse

Sundays workout

Not a bad day today, still getting over this cold but today went suprisingly well.

Strict press
110 x 5
160 x 1
180 x 1
200 x 1
220 x 1 I think this ties an all time PR. Or it might be an all time PR.

Incline Log
180 x 5
220 x 2
240 x 3

18" DL off blocks
225 x 3
315 x 3
405 x 1
495 x 1
585 x 1
625 x 1
Not too shabby, this felt good.

Some stones and keg loading.

Hammer curls
5 x 8

Incline DB curls
3 x 10

Pulls to the face supersetted with scarecrows
3 x 10

Overall good day, I think all of us were feeling a little rundown but it turned out to be a good day.

Jesse

Overall a good week....

Monday, normally I don't workout on Mondays but Tuesday was my wifes and I's 8th wedding anniversary so I figured better get a workout in.

Box squats
225 x 2 x 2
280 x 2
315 x 2
405 x 1
455 x 1
510 x 1 10# all time PR
This was very unexpected, but well worth it.

Can't remember what I did for the rest of the workout.

Thursday
Practiced some throwing got 2 PRs
open stone 33' and HWFD 24'2", throwing went very well on this day.

Did some circus DB and it didn't go well, fuck this thing.

Close grip bench with chains
135 x 5
185 x 5
225 x 3
225 x 3 + 1 set of chains
225 x 3 + 2 sets
225 x 3 + 3 sets
225 x 1 + 4 sets

Triceps
6 sets of 10

That was it, I was wiped out as I got a sinus cold to start the day.

Friday, I didn't know what to expect from todays workout as I felt like hell and I didn't even want to workout at all. But it ended up being a good day.

Close stance squats no belt
135 x 5
225 x 5
280 x 5
340 x 4 I was seeing stars and could barely breathe. I really wanted to push for more reps, but decided to call it here. By default this is a PR. I need to go for 11 reps next time I do 320 as I found out that Mac's best is 10, so I must beat that now.

DB SLDs
3 x 10

Heavy KB swings
3 x 8

Abs
6 sets

Next week will probably be a deload week, as Mac and I are doing our first highland games in McPherson, KS. I am hoping to get some PRs and have a good time.

Jesse

Knowing when that time is right......

Someone asked me the other day, that if I knew when the right time is to go for a PR. My response was no, half the time when I get PR on lift it is unexpected. Now I have had many workouts where I planned on going after a PR and I got that PR. But more often than not, I start to workout and I get that feeling off "Hey I am gonna lift more weight than I ever have today." I am sure everyone knows this feeling I am speaking of, things are going along and next you know "Shit I feel strong, let do this!!!"

Monday I got an all-time box squat PR of 510lbs. This was actually a day that I normally do not workout, but Tuesday was my wifes and I's 8th wedding anniversary, and this week was a deadlift deload workout. So I was gonna do just a light speed box squat workout, but as I doing my sets everything felt light. So I started working up and was like "Shit I am getting a PR tonight, the strong mojo is going good tonight." And I did just that, got my PR.

Sometimes you just gotta go against what you have planned for the day if things feel good. Those days of getting a PR can be fewer and fewer, and if the feeling is there go for it. I will say though, I have been sore as hell for a few days now, but it is worth all the pain to get that.

Jesse

Strongman Day

First gotta start off by saying what a great day for training and my training partners. Without my great training partners I couldn't get where I have and where I will eventually end up. Ian the new kid had an amazing day strict pressing 200 x 5 then 220 x 1 for 2 huge PRs, then Troy got a 30# PR with 250lbs on the axle clean and press, Melissa was able to pick up the 200# keg and walk about 30 feet with it, did 130 x 3 cleaning and pressing each rep on the axle, and made the super yoke and sled drag look like her prison bitch, and Joe finally was able to train.

Strict presses
Worked up to 200 x 3 this has really come back fast since I have let my weight come back up.

Super Yoke
550 x 3 x 60 feet
700 x 60 feet not too shabby just gotta get faster.

Backwards sled drags
500lbs x 60 feet x 3 sets

Stones
330 x 2 to 48"

Pulls to the face supersetted with band pullaparts
3 x 15

Hammer curls supersetted with Alternate DB curls
3 x 10

Big things are gonna be coming from our gym soon, a couple more national champions. I can guarantee it.

Jesse

Squats

My wrist is all fucked up and I had to adapt my training for that.

Back squats no belt
135 x 5
225 x 5
280 x 3
320 x 8 no belt PR I believe

KB high pulls
3 x 5 each arm

KB swings
3 x 5 each arm

ab fallouts
3 x 10

Reverse hypers
3 x 10

Happy to see my squat is moving along again, I really wish I could cut my depth down but it is serving its purpose for now. Now that I have decided to not be a skinny little bitch and I am back up in weight my strength is gonna skyrocket for a little while. I am looking very forward to it.

Jesse

Highlands training and upperbody

I messed up my wrist somehow, not sure but it is hurting. But I still trained.

Did some highlands training first.

Got an amazing PR of 52'5" on the LWFD, just fucking awesome.

Came back home and finished upperbody training.

Close grip bench. Used a false grip, I kind of liked it.

225 x 5
255 x 3
275 x 3
300 x 1

Pullups
3 x 5

DB flys
3 x 10

Jesse

DL and upperback sort of....

Felt like absolute shit today, I think the workout on Sunday really took it out of me. I got through it and did what I could.

Sumo Deadlift
225 x 3
315 x 3
405 x 3
455 x 6 was hook gripping and thumbs gave out, probably had at least 2-3 more in me.

Frame Carry
530 x 60 feet, I think this is a PR of sorts, as I really suck at the frame.
Tried 600 but couldn't get it picked up.

Reverse Hypers
3 x 10

Blueband abs
3 x 20

DB rows
10, 15, 20 each arm

DB side bends
3 x 10

Things are coming along and I think I will get my goal that I want in 2 months. Just gotta keep on pushing things.

Jesse

Events day

Been kind of taking it easy as my back has been all screwed up as of late. Today was finally a good workout.

Strict presses
95 x 5
115 x 5
130 x 10
Switched back to using the axle for these, it feels alot better. Gonna do a cycle of light weights on these and then switch things up.

Alxe dbl overhand deadlifts
200 x 3 x 3
230 x 3
250 x 3
270 x 2
I think the 270 ties a PR not sure

Super Yoke
600 lbs x 60 feet
Add sandbag carry
super yoke 600lbs x 60 feet then carry 250# sandbag 60 feet, wow this sucked but I finished it.

Yoke felt off, not very fast but it was ok.

Corey did some thick DB presses, so I did some shoulder work.
Front raises supersetted with Side raises
4 x 10

Stones all to 52"
230 x 3
310 x 2 finally getting this again
330 x 1

Axle curls supersetted with hammer curls
3 x 10

Great workout, it feels good to know things are coming back around.

Jesse

Past couple of workouts

Finally starting to get that urge to train hard again, it is slowly coming back and I am happy for this. Great night in the gym tonight. Chuck, Corey, and myself all pulled PRs in the deadlift.

Sunday

Strict presses
worked up to a pathetic 175lb single, but I have a starting point now and I am sure this will be done for reps in a month.

Super Yoke
500lbs x 3 trips of 60 feet

Frame Carry
480 lbs x 2 trips of 60 feet

Didn't do much else.

Tuesday

Power snatch
worked up to 155lbs x 1 to match a PR, tried 160lbs missed it a few times.

Sumo pulls
245 x 5
295 x 3
335 x 3
385 x 3
425 x 11 wow this sucked, but I am glad I did it. PR for reps.

Box squats
340 x 2 x 4 sets
420 x 2 PR for no belt

Sledghammer swings x 10 supersetted with Green band abs x 20 x 3 sets

Blast strap rows
5 x 10

Jesse

Lower Body workout

Nothing special tonight, I felt a little rundown so I took it rather easy.

Power Cleans
185 x 5
205 x 5
215 x 3

My upperbody was sore and these were no fun with that.

Close stance squats no belt
210 x 5
240 x 3
270 x 10

Not alot of weight, but it made me happy to do this for 10 reps, there were quite easy and it means I am on the right track.

abs
6 sets of 20 reps.

Jesse

Upperbody and throwing

Ok workout today, strength is coming back slowly, but at least it is coming back.

Push presses
150 x 3
170 x 3
190 x 10

Wow I hate reps, but there a needed evil right now. Working on my recatch and it is getting better.

Went and practiced some throwing.

Open stone
HWFD got a PR of 21'2"
LWFD no prs but consistently hit 42'
Light hammer I sucked
WOB did 3 over 10'

Close grip bench
225 x 5 x 2 sets

Dips
bodyweight x 10
weighted 5,5,5,3

Thick bar pressdowns
15,10,10,10,10

Grip work

Jesse

Workout from today

Been slacking on posting my workouts on here, somedays I am just too tired to type anymore. Things are starting to come back around and I am finally feeling good and think that getting strong is coming around.

Hip snatches
95 x 3
105 x 3
115 x 3
125 x 3

Box squats
320 x 2 x 4
410 x 2 this matches a PR

Sumo Pulls
225 x 5
315 x 5
405 x 8 had more in me, but my thumbs didn't.

Down set conventional
315 x 10

GMs
3 x 5

DB rows
165 x 15 each arm

Blast strap rows
3 x 10

Reverse hypers
3 x 8

Russian twist
3 x 10

Jesse

What to do

Ok week for training, I am feeling better and getting back into the swing of things.

Thursday Upperbody
Push Presses out of rack
200 x 2 x 2
210 x 2
Down set
135 x 10

My press sucks right now, this is just pathetic.

Incline Press
135 x 5
155 x 3
175 x 3
185 x 1
195 x 1
205 x 1

I am weak pussy right now

Mid Grip bench
5 x 10

Dips supersetted with band extensions
5 and 15 for 3 sets

forearms
3 x 30

Friday lower body
Power Cleans
185 x 1 x 3
205 x 1 x 3
215 x 1 x 3

Squats
230 x 10

KB high swings
2 x 5

abs
2 x 20

I came up with the crazy idea of trying to make 190lbs, but really I am starting to wonder what the fuck am I thinking. It would be a great goal, but I will look very small at this weight, the only reason I wanna do it is for a highland games and be able to qualify for the 190lb nationals. But honestly I am a strongman and a powerlifter, I like the highland games alot and will be doing more of them but is it really worth the sacrifice of losing strength? I gotta make a decision and do it soon.

Jesse

Getting back on track.

Been taking it easy for the most part, had some aches and pains that I had to let heal. Luckily things feel like they are coming back around. Did an ok workout today.

Hip Snatches
95 x 2 x 3 sets
105 x 1
115 x 1
125 x 1

Sumo pulls
245 x 3
295 x 3
335 x 3
385 x 3
405 x 1
425 x 1
450 x 1
475 x 1
This felt good and easy, but I felt something pull in my left pec and decided I better stop.

Was gonna do some high box squats, but my back told me different, so I listened to it.

DB rows supersetted with Blast strap rows
8 and 10 for 3 sets
4th set 20 reps each

Finished up with some AB work.

I am gonna follow through on my goal of getting leaner, I really don't have much in site for competing right now so I will work on getting my weight down and getting rid of fat. It is gonna be hard and that is why I am gonna do it.

Jesse

Week in review

Been in quite bit of pain this week as I did something to my back at the NAHA nats. Not sure yet what I did, but I do know it has been hindering me this week. Today I was finally able to do something without pain.

Close stance squats
135x 5 x 3 sets
185 x 5
225 x 5

Hang Cleans
135 x 5 x 3 sets

Green band abs
3 x 20

Overall feeling better. I still don't know what is on the horizon as far as competitions go. I have too much on my mind right now to decide.

Jesse

NAHA nationalsl

Well I competed in the NAHA nationals this past weekend. Unfornately the results I wanted didn't happen but I least made 200lbs again, and had a good time.

1st event
Axle press for reps 220lbs
Unfornately only got 1 rep, my back tweaked when I brought the weight back down so I decided that I might as well stop. My overhead strength is really in the dumps right now and I must figure it out. Last place

2nd event
Braemer Stone
Got 3rd place on this, I hate this event with a passion and I have a lot of work to do to get better at it.

3rd event
LWFD 28#
In practice I had been consistently getting over 40', here today the best I could manage was 36' lousy feet. Not sure what was up with me but after watching the video I did everything wrong. 3rd place

4th event
500# tire flip
finished in 44.xx 2nd place, I could have been alot faster here, but I was getting exhausted from the heat.

5th event
WOB 42#
cleared 13', but should have opened higher. I wasn't sure how my back was feeling and didn't want to mess up. 3rd place

6th event
Keg carry and load
200, 220, 250 20 feet away over 48" bar
Finished in 22.xx 1st place

I finished in 3rd place overall. I left alot of points on the board in events I should have done better on, but it is over with now and I just have to look to the future. I am not sure what is on the horizon for me right now. I plan on doing a highland games next month and I think putting on 10lbs of quality weight would really benefit me for getting more distance on certain events, also I need to practice alot. Second I think I am gonna do powerlifting meet in November, I would like to go to Reno for the NAS Nationals but it close to my wifes birthday and Thanksgiving so really not the best timing. As much as I want to be a national champion it is not worth spending the money. I can 10 meets for the price of doing the big one.

Jesse

Past weeks workouts

Been a long week for the most part. Workouts are going ok, but it is the last week of lifting so I will take what I can get.

Tuesday.

Practiced throwing first
Only highlight was I got a PR on the open stone of 31'7"

Deadlifts no belt
245 x 5
295 x 3
335 x 3
385 x 3
425 x 5

DB rows
8, 10, 20

I think I did some ab work and some other back work.

Thursday

Axle Clean and press
160 x 5
180 x 3
200 x 1
220 x 2
About what I expected to get, I want more but for now this isn't too bad.

Went and did a little more throwing, got a PR on the light hammer of 80'.

Came back and did a little more stuff.

Friday
Close stance box squats
225 x 2 x 8 sets

Axle power cleans
worked up to 220 x 1, this might be a PR on the axle cleans.

abs

Sunday
Strict presses
110 x 5
130 x 3
150 x 3
170 x 1

Practiced throwing, nothing special.

500# tire for 60 feet

Keg carry and load
200,220, 250 from 20 feet away.

Gonna do some light cardio and some light lifting this week. Just wanna get to the meet and get it over with as I want some damn carbs.

On a side note, I have to say our group has been really solid as of late. The addition of Chuck this past year, and now Joe, Melissa, and Troy have been great. They are all as goofy as the rest of us and our sense of humors click. We have had some great laughs as of late and it helps make the crappy workouts better.

Jesse

Long Week

Been really cutting back on the diet to try and get this last bit of weight off, has been taking away alot of energy.

Tuesday

Practiced some throwing went ok

Trap bar deadlifts
225 x 5
315 x 3
405 x 3
455 x 1

Regular Deadlifts
245 x 5
295 x 3
335 x 3
360 x 3
405 x 3

Back work and abs

Thursday

Axle clean and press
170 x 5
190 x 3
210 x 3 wow this felt terrible
Legs were wobbly from all the extra cardio

Close grip bench
185 x 5
210 x 3
235 x 6
Was suprised about this as my overhead felt terrible.

Weighted dips
53 x 5 x 2 sets
75 x 5 PR
96 x 3 huge PR

Blast strap extensions
3 x 10

Wrist curls
3 x 20

COC for some sets

Friday
Went and practiced throwing got a huge PR on the LWFD of 44'7"

Decided to deload on everything else just did some light squats
225 x 5 x 2 sets

Sunday
Good day hot as hell though.

Braemer 5 throws
LWFD 5 throws
WOB 5 throws

Keg carry and Load 200, 220, 250 from 20 feet away good run could have been a little faster

Tire flip 500# tire 60 feet
Fast run, Corey beat me by 3 sec.

Bicep and shoulders work.

Feeling decent hoping to lose 3-4 more pounds this week to make the cut easier.

Jesse

More workouts

Not a bad week the weight is still coming off and my strength is starting to taper back.

Friday

Power Cleans

135 x 5

185 x 3

205 x 1

215 x 1

225 x 3

240 x 1

Missed 250, most I have done in forever

Box squats no belt

280 x 5

305 x 3

340 x 3

Happy about this, didn't think I would get one the way I felt, was very shaky from low carbs.

Calf raises

3 x 15

DB SLDs

3 x 8

AB work

6 sets

Sunday

Strict presses

130 x 3

150 x 3

170 x 3

Push Presses

190 x 10

Went and practiced some highlands throwing

Braemer, didn't hit a personal best but did get one of my better throws in while of 24' 7", thanks to some tips from my buddy Jerome.

LWFD Jerome gave me some better tips on the DBL spin that paid off big time. For some reason I wasn't getting very good distances. Turns out I had the weight overloaded by like 4-5lbs, I knew it didn't feel right LOL!

Came back home and finished up

Keg Carry and Load

200, 220, 250 from 20' feet away over a 48" crossbar did it in 21.xx sec, under 20 is very doable.

Tire Flip

500# tire 60 feet 43.xx had 2 slipups that cost me time, I can fix this. Corey demolished his run and did it in 37.xx.

Front raises super setted with side raises

3 x 10

Barbell curls supersetted hammer curls

3 x 10

Sledgehammer swings 16#

3 x 15 each arm

Great workout.

Jesse

Tuesday and Thursdays workout

Tuesday

My knee was still a little jacked up so it wasn't a great workout, but it could have been alot worse.

Deadlifts no belt
245 x 5
335 x 3
385 x 3
425 x 1
475 x 1
405 x 5

500# tire
10 flips in a row

Keg carry and load from 20' away
200, 220, 250 over 48"

Blast Strap rows
4 x 15

Green band abs
4 x 20

Thursday

Axle clean and Press
160 x 3
180 x 3
200 x 5 crappy didn't have any energy

Close grip bench
175 x 3
200 x 3
225 x 8

Dips
3 x 10

Band extensions
3 x 15

Grippers
3 x 10

Axle wrist curls
3 x 15

Did 60 chinups

Weight is down to 213 feeling good and weak, but it will come back.

Jesse

A few more workouts

Friday

Power Cleans
175 x 5
195 x 3
215 x 3 not my best these felt really off

Box squats
255 x 3
290 x 3
325 x 5 this is ok I guess

Finished up with some ab work and calfs

Sunday Events and such
Strict presses
120 x 5
140 x 3
160 x 4
Push Presses
180 x 10

Band Pull aparts supersetted with Pulls to the face
3 x 15 each

DBL overhand axle deadlifts
worked up to 270 x 1

did some stones, gotta work on these again.

It was raining out so I couldn't do as much as I wanted.
Hammer curls supersetted with Alt DB curls
3 x 10 each

Monday Throwing and conditioning
Braemer stone 8-10 throws I really suck at this

LWFD
about 8-10 throws finally got the DBL spin down and hit 42'7"

Light hammer
Did 5 throws and got a huge PR of 74'7"

WOB had to no bar to throw over but did some throws with the 42 and 56.

Conditioning
Sled drag for 200 feet to warmup

Drag sled 80 feet then push prowler 80 feet did this 5 times

Tabata sledgehammer swings with 12# sledgehammer

Tried to do some tabata jumping jacks but my knee gave out.
Tommorrow I will weigh myself and hopefully I lost at least 3-4 lbs since last time.

Jesse

Past couple of workouts

Tuesday Deadlift and upperback work

Snatches
135 x 2 x 5 sets

Deadlift from the floor no belt
top set 385 x 10 all hook gripped, wow that fucking hurt the thumbs, it doesn't really matter but I think I could have done 20 reps if I was strapped up.

Trap bar deadlifts
top set 425 x 5

DB rows
3 x 8

Blast strap rows
3 x 10

Trap bar shrugs
3 x 15

abs
3 x 30

Thursday Upperbody

Axle clean and pressw
top set 190 x 10

Went and practiced some throwing, it sucked

Close grip bench
top set 215 x 10

Weighted dips
3 x 5

Monster Mini DBLed over
3 x 15

Axle wrist curls
3 x 15

Overall feeling good and strong considering the weight loss. I am working on teaching myself to be more explosive but that doesn't seem to matter on that stupid fucking Braemer stone event.

Jesse

Some conditioning work and some thoughts

I am think I am track to be where I want to be to make weight for the NAHA nationals. I am doing good and having cheated hardly, I think last week I had some marshmallows, if I hit my target this week I might have a pizza on my high carb day, but I will see. I have a goal in mind and would like to accomplish it. Did some conditioning work today.

Tabata KB swings 35# KB

Tabata Jumping Jacks

Prowler Pushes x 6 trips of 60 feet

Sled drag with 100#s for 2000 feet.

If I can keep this up I will be fine, don't wanna lose too much too fast, but I do wanna get to where I need to be for an easier cut.

Jesse

Past couple of workouts

Friday

Box squats
230 x 5
260 x 5
300 x 10

Power Cleans
165 x 3
185 x 3
205 x 7

Abs
3 x 30

Sunday

Strict presses
110 x 5 x 2 sets
130 x 3
150 x 4
Push Presses
170 x 10

Tire Flips
5, 5, 10

Keg carry and Load from 20 feet away
200, 220, 250 x 2 sets

Sledgehammer Swings 12# sledge
2 tabata sets

Overall I am feeling good. Gonna start adding in some steady state cardio 3-4 times a week, just 30-45 minutes. I think I am on pace to be where I need to be to make weight in a month.

Jesse

Upperbody day

Not a bad day today. My bodyweight is down to 220, so that is a plus. Figured might as well test out things.

Axle clean and press
160 x 3
200 x 3
220 x 3
These felt good and are not a bad starting point.
Staley Hell
180 x 2 x 10 sets finished in 8 mins.

Went and practiced some throwing, nothing special.

Close grip bench
225 x 5 x 3 sets

Dips
did a ladder of 1-10 total of 55 reps, gonna be sore tommorrow.

Axle wrist curls
3 x 15

COC trainer

Feeling good, as long as I hit my target bodyweight in 1 1/2 weeks I am gonna have a cheat meal. Gonna have a pizza YUM!!!

Jesse

Tuesday lower body day

To start out, today sucked ass!!! It was so fucking hot, you would think that the gym was sitting 3 feet above satans bedroom. But alas we dealt with it, but I brought in 2 fans, I know we are pussies but it was fucking hot.

Deadlifts everything felt heavy
225 x 3
315 x 3 x 2 sets
405 x 3 x 4 sets

Barbell complex
trapbar 245 x 5
Axle clean and press 110lbs x 5
Bent over rows x 5
Snatches x 5
Shrugs x 5
Went through this 3 times, I don't know who thought of this idea, but they are a son of a bitch. Shit it was me!!!

DB rows supersetted with Blast strap rows x 3 sets

Green band pulldown abs x 20 x 2

Overall good day, but gotta get stronger.

Jesse

Past couple of workouts and diet update.

Tuesday Corey and I did some light stuff, we both felt beat to shit still so we took it really easy.

Power snatches
8 sets of 2 with 130lbs

Trab bar deadlifts
335 x 5 x 3 sets

Blast strap rows
5 x 5

Thursday Chuck and I did some upperbody. I still took it easy.

Axle clean and press
160 x 5
180 x 5
200 x 5
220 x 2

Reverse band presses
275 x 5
295 x 5
315 x 5
335 x 3
365 x 1

Dips
5 sets of 8

2 sets of 20 sec with 250lbs on the axle for an double overhand hold

Did 15 sets of 3 reps on chinups throughout the workout.

Friday Lower Body

My knee was killing me so I just did what I could.

Box squats
225 x 2 x 5
275 x 2 x 5

Power Cleans
155 x 5
175 x 5
195 x 10

did 120 reps of ab work.

Tried to do some prowler, but my knee hurt doing it.

So overall an ok deload week. I am worried about my knee, as I think I might have torn some cartlidge in it. But if I did nothing I can do right now, don't have the money nor can I afford the time off from work. Pain sucks but I can deal with it.

Carb loading has gone good the first week. I am doing 4 lows, 2 moderate, and 1 high day. Today my high day was supposed to be 500 grams of carbs, I don't think I will reach. Eating 500 grams of clean carbs is not as easy as I thought it would be. I am actually looking forward to my low day tommorrow and Monday. With any luck once I start cardio Monday, weight will start coming off quickly to start. If I can be 215 by the middle of July I will cut down to 200lbs for NAHA nationals. Time for some rest and relaxing.

Jesse

New plan of attack

At the beginning of the year I had a plan of getting myself back to where I needed to be, which was being a lightweight. For some reason, I went away from this plan. After the competition I did this past weekend, I realize that I need to get back down. So it is back to the grind of losing weight. Will it suck, your damn skippy it will. Do I have a good plan, yes I do. I am going to use the carb cycling method. I find this method of dieting the most effective to use for alot of reasons. First I am much easier person to deal with when I carb cycle, second having good carbs I think makes it easier to get through my workouts. I know I will be losing some strength in some movements, but that is the sacrifice I have to make to get to where I want to be. Hopefully in a couple weeks I will be down a decent amount of weight and will be feeling strong.

Jesse

Gus Lohman writeup

It took me a day to reflect on how this contest went for me. Needless to say, I am still not happy with how it went. I didn't perform up to my potential and that irritates me. I didn't push myself hard enough on some events and gave up too early on others. But that happens sometimes and now I will rethink things and hopefully come back stronger.

Now on to some good things about this weekend. My training partners Mac Capello and Chuck Kasson both had outstanding performances. Mac took 3rd place missing 2nd by .5 points in a very tough class. Chuck took 2nd place by .5 points to Justin Wheeler in another tough class. I was happy to see Chuck and Mac do well.

Here is how the meet went.

1st event Circus DB 125lbs clean and press each rep
I got 3 reps and that is about what I expected to get, I wasn't dissapointed, but I wasn't exactly all that happy. My pressing ability is just starting to come back, had I not made some dumb decisions earlier this year I think getting 7-8 reps would have been a definate possibility.

2nd event Farmers Walks 80 feet 280lbs each hand
I ended up not being able to finish, dropped the damn things like 4 times and I not even sure how far I went. This is where the meet went south for me, I was extremely dissapointed after this as I had been working my farmers very hard and hadn't been dropping them in a long time. Plus I needed the points and this was an event I could have won had I not dropped them.

3rd event Conans Wheel 500-600lbs
I ended up getting a little over 3 revolutions and honestly I just didn't want to push myself here, had I just got about 10 more feet I would have beat Mac on this, but I could have pushed myself to go another revolution I could have maybe won this event. But I did get some much needed points. This did lift my spirits a little though.

4th event Bus Pull
I got going really good but I guess slowed down towards the end and finished in 32.xx sec, again got some points, but I felt alot faster than my time.

5th event Monster Keg Load 225-380lbs
My favorite event I had some bobbles though as the kegs were wet and they were slipping on me. I ended up loading through the 325lb keg getting 3rd place on these and getting some more points.

In the end I ended up 5th out of 9 guys, not very good in my mind but I can't do much about it now. I know that I could have been in the top 3, I just didn't push myself enough on the events I needed to. And I have to figure what is up with my damn grip, some days it is there and other days I can't hold on to the TV remote.

I would like to thank my family for supporting me and dealing with my training time cutting into their time, my training partners for helping push me, my sponsor Staley Training Systems for having confidence in me to be my best, and to Eric Todd and Conan Wass for putting this meet on.

Jesse

Last workout before the Gus

Did a light full body workout tonight. Gonna rest up the rest of the week, but will still do some walking and stretching throughout the week.

Squats
135 x 5 x 2 sets
185 x 5
225 x 5

Snatches with axle
90 x 3
110 x 3
130 x 2 x 2

Circus DB
77 x 5 eacharm

Close grip bench
135 x 5 x 2 sets

Chinups
5 sets of 3

200# keg x 5 loads

Blast strap rows
3 x 10

Rope swinging hell. Don't know what else to call this, basically we took the 1.5" manilla rope and did various swinging motions with it. Really kicks your ass.

Feeling good now that I know I have the time off from work, so mentally I am more prepared now. Can't do much more physically than show up prepared.

Jesse

Some general thoughts......

I have to say anymore that people have really begun to make me wonder what is wrong with the world anymore. There are just way too many stupid and uniformed people anymore. Don't get me wrong there have always been plenty of stupid people. But it seems anymore there are more and more.
One thing I know I am sick of hearing is political views. The other day I heard the dumbest comment I have ever heard. Two guys at my job were discussing the oil spill. Moron one says to moron two "Obama isn't gonna do nothing about the oil, hes black and so is oil, he wants more of it to cover the earth." What a stuid idiotic statement. As if he has the power to make the oil just stop gushing. Now I will agree I don't think the government has done near as of a job as it could have with this but there is only so much they can do. Another I constantly hear is how the the president needs to do this, he needs to do that. The president can come up wtih as many ideas as he wants, as many bills as he wants, but unless congress passes them, they don't mean shit. People should be more mad at congress. Congress is like a bunch of whiny kindergarten kids, we won't pass this bill cause last time the democrats didn't pass ours and then the democrats do the same damn thing to the republicans. The only thing the morons will agree on is them getting more money. The biggest thing that I think is stupid for people to say is how they want to see the president fail, if the president fails the country fails. While I don't agree with everything the president, I still have hope that things can get better and I hope that he can succeed. But because he is black, everything little thing he does is constantly paid closer attention to.
I know I am not perfect, I have said many of racial slurs. But it just seems there are way too many people with hate in there lives anymore. Granted we are in rough times, people have lost too many jobs and they can't find work. And alot that is due to illegals stealing jobs in certain areas, and quite I have to say I agree with what they are doing in Arizona, but it is not gonna be an easy thing to do.
Well that is my rambling for now.

Jesse

Event day training

Last day of training before the Gus Lohman Missouri's Strongest Man Contest.

Strict presses
worked up to 180 x 1 which was way too hard, so I stopped here.

Conans Carry with super yoke
410lbs x 120 feet
This felt decent, didn't want to push it too hard.

Truck Pull simulation with sled
800lbs x 50ish feet
Tried 1000lbs, but it was too much for me. Moved it about 10 feet and I was spent.

Backwards sled drags
600lbs x 60 feet x 2 sets

Low handle prowler pushes
3 trips of 60-80 feet

Sledghammer swings
3 sets of 10 each arm

Woodchoppers
2 sets of 10 each side.

Feeling good. I don't know if I am 100% prepared, but are you ever really that ready. I am still waiting to see if I have the day off from work. I don't know if I will do as well as I would like, but I do know that I want to go to compete regardless of the outcome. With any luck next week I will be typing another blog post about my performance, and hopefully it will be a good one.

Jesse

Past couple of workouts

Thursday Upperbody day
Took it kind of easy today as I felt beat to shit.

Circus DB
77 x few
97 x 3
117 x 1
127 x 1

Axle press from rack
160x3
200x3

Close grip bench
185x3
225x3
275x3

Dips
bodyweight x 10
+25lbs x 5
+45lbs x 5 PR

Blast strap curls
3 x 10

Bunch of grip work

Friday
Another day where I took it easy for the most part.
Snatches
95 x 3
115 x 3
135 x 3
140 x 1
145 x 1
150 x 1
155 x 1

Close stance squats
225 x 3
275 x 3
320 x 3

Power cleans
165 x 3
205 x 3

Prowler +100 lbs x 70 feet x 3 sets after each set do 5 two handed KB swings with the 96lber.

Reverse Hypers
3 x 10

Jesse

Deadlift day

Ok workout today, I should have been smart and deloaded, but ad usual I don't heed my own advice.

Deadlift from the floor
225x3
315x3
405x1 added belt decided I wanted to pull with a belt and see how things felt
475x1
525x1 really hard feeling.
Well I wanted to go for some kind of PR today, but it was not in the cards. Good thing is I was able to hook grip the 525 with ease, so using straps didn't hurt my grip. But it felt heavy as hell.

Keg loads
200, 220, 250, 270, 290 x 4
Better than last week, but still not the greatest.

Squats
230 x 5
300 x 3
Just wanted to do some squats, once I realized that they felt way too heavy for as light as the weight was I stopped.

Green band pulldown abs
5 x 20

Leg ups
3 x 10

Chest supported rows
5 x 10

Overall I am feeling beat down. Working 6 days a week has taking a slight mental toll on me and I am looking forward to some much needed rest next week.

Jesse

Events day

Kind of disspointing workout today. It was good in most ways, but one particular event really pissed me off.

Since I did the Circus DB on thursday, I figured I would work something else for my shoulders.

Strict presses
140 x 3
160 x 3
180 x 3
200 x 3
210 x 1
I guess all that tricep work is paying off.

Conans Carry with super yoke
320lbs x 180 feet
Not too shabby, it sucked donkey balls, but I am happy with how it went.

Farmers Walk/sled drag medley
Farmers went like shit, so don't want to talk about it.

Ab fallouts x 10 x 3
woodchoppers x 10 x 3

Good and bad workout. I have decided I am not gonna work the farmers anymore, my grip just gets worse the more I do them, so the meet will be my next time I use them. Hope this works out ok. Corey had a great day and is looking like he is gonna tear things up come meet day.

Jesse

Lower Body

Kind of a quick workout, didn't want to push it too hard as I plan on hitting events heavy on sunday.

Axle power snatches
110 x 3
120 x 3
130 x 3
140 x 1 PR by default

Box squats
250x2
250x2 +1 set of chains
250x2 +2
250x2 +3
250x2 +4
250x2 +5
250x2 +6
250x2 +7 x 3 sets

abs
6 sets of 20

calf raises
3 x 10

Jesse

Upperbody night

Great night tonight, Chuck was over and Joe and Troy come down from Lincoln. It was a good workout.

Circus DB
warmed up
122 x 3 reps clean and press each rep, this is a PR but I am hoping for more.
107 x 5 x 2 sets

Axle clean and press
200 x 3
230 x 3
250 x 2
This made me happy, my press is coming back so that means I am doing something right.

Close grip Bench
225 x 3
225 x 3 + 1 set of chains
225 x 3 + 2 set of chains
225 x 3 + 3 set of chains
225 x 2 + 4 set of chains
225 x 1 + 5 set of chains

Dips + 20#
3 x 5

Hammer curls
3 x 5

Blast strap pushups
3 x 10

Grip work

Rope pullups
5 or 6 sets of 3 reps

Very good night. Everyone put in good work, then we went and stuffed our faces at Quaker Steak and Lube. Nothing like lifting heavy shit with friends and then eating lots of food.

Jesse

Deadlifting and Conditioning

Yesterday was a great day in the gym.

Deadlifts from the floor
135x5x2
225x3
315x3
I was really thinking of saying screw this at this point as these felt like shit.
405x3
So then Elliot a new guy who has been training with this pulled this for his first 400# deadlift this got a little pumped up to at least grow a dick and pull some weight tonight.
455x1
500x3 all-time PR with no belt

Sled drags
500lbs x 60 feet backwards then 60 feet forwards x 3 sets

Keg loads
200, 220, 250, 270, 290 x 5 this killed me

At this point I was dog tired so I did a little bit of back work and called it a day.

Today

Prowler
8 runs of 60-80 feet, my daughter also did 8 runs with the empty prowler. I find it awesome that at 7 years old she enjoys working out. Some people try to tell me that I am hindering her growth and will hurt her, but quite frankly I think I know what I am doing, and to those people SHUT THE FUCK UP!!! My daughter spends time watching tv and being lazy but she also likes to be active, and if she enjoys doing crazy things with dad then I am gonna encourage it.

Jesse

Past couple of workouts

Friday

Started out with Box squats
135x5x2
225x2
315x2
405x2x3 sets
225x2x2 was gonna do 10 sets in under4 minutes but my knee was killing me so I stopped

Leg Presses
15, 10, 10

Circuit
Calf raises x 15, DB SLDs x 10, Knee ups x 20, Green band pulldown abs x 20 x 3 sets

This was a decent workout, happy with how the box squats went. I am pretty sure that 3 sets of 2 is the most I have ever done with 405 so it is progress.

Sunday events

Woke up feeling like crap, and had some kind of stomach bug. Still I tried to workout, and to top it off it was one of the hottest days of the year so far with alot of humidity.

Super Yoke carry conans style
410lbs x 80ish feet x 2 sets
These felt better than last week but I did almost crap myself on both sets.

Farmers walks/ sled drag medley
used lighter weight to work on speed, the sled drag sucked my legs were still pumped from fridays workout.

16# sledgehammer swings x 15 x 3 sets

Decided to call it a day as I was not feeling well and the heat was killing me. Oh well live to fight another day.

Jesse

Upperbody workout

Well I could feel that I was a little beat up from tuesdays workout, but I did what I could.

Axle clean and press
180 x 5
200 x 3
220 x 6 not bad, but not the greatest. Gotta keep working on my jerk technique had to press the last rep out from about my forehead.

Tried to do some circus DB, but hips and lower back kept cramping up.

Reverse band presses
225 x 5
315 x 3
335 x 3
355 x 1
375 x 1
400 x miss
275 x 13

Chinups
5 sets of 3 reps

Blast strap extensions
3 sets of 10

Overall good workout, I am little bit concerned about the circus DB, but it is only 1 event.

Jesse

Lower Body day

Great workout today, Chuck, Corey, and myself all got PRs on the deadlift today.

Deadlift from the floor. All sets no belt.
135x5x2
225x5
315x3
375x3
405x3
455 x 8 used straps PR for reps.

Keg Loads
250 x 5 one lap
270 x 5 same
290 x 10 same

Sled drags
400+lbs x 60 feet backwars then 60 feet forwards x 5 sets

Chest supported rows supersetted with Green Band abs 10 and 20 x 3 sets

Blast strap rows supersetted with Decline situps 10 and 20 x 3 sets

Great workout.

Jesse

Upperbody workout

Great day in the gym today, everyone got PRs of some sort.

Axle clean and press
160x5
190x3
210x8 1 more than last time, so my strength is coming back, which is nice.

Circus DB clean and press each rep
92 lbs x 10 each arm wow I was shot after this.

Was gonna do reverse band presses with Chuck, but Mac and I have been having a close grip bench battle for the last couple weeks so the war was won today.
Close grip bench
195x5
225x3
250x9 to Mac's 8 reps I WIN!!!

Dips
5 sets of 8 reps

Hammer Curls
5 sets of 10 reps

COC trainer x 10 supersetted with wrist curls x 20 x 3 sets

Mac got 11 reps with 425 on the trap bar deadlift, and the close grip bench was a PR for him. Chuck got 142 for 8 reps in a minute on the circus DB, and pulled 200lbs on the rolling thunder. Fun day.

Jesse

Some props to my training crew

This has been a very good year so far for the Jobe's Steel Jungle training group. Chuck Kasson has joined our group and made it stronger, and started his competitive year out winning the Texas Strongest Man contest in the heavyweights. Chuck also recently pulled 605lbs for an alltime PR in the deadlift. Corey Kenkel recently took 3rd in a very competitive lightweight class at the Kansas Strongest man and then 3 days later pulled an all-time PR of 545lbs in the Deadlift. Mac Capello has decided to bulk up and has been getting PRs every workout, he will be a force in the middleweights this year and I expect some battles between him and myself. I myself haven't done all that much this competitive wise, but I have gotten some nice PRs and did manage to get a sponsor for my lifting from Staley Training Systems. I think this year will be a great year from our group, last year Zack Best won a national championship in the 265 class at the NAS nationals. I fully expect to see a couple of us get a podium finish this year at nationals. There is more to come this year from all the other guys Jason Bourgoin, Glenn Melnick(2nd place NAHA nats last year), Zack Best(recovering from torn bicep currently). I am happy to call all these gents my training partners, without them my gym wouldn't be what it has become.

Jesse

Deadlift and upperback day

Great day today, got a couple PRs, a few friends got PRs, and I did an interview with my sponsor Staley Training Systems.

Deadlift no belt all sets
325x5
375x5
425x10 put straps on here and these felt great, if I wanted to get sloppy reps I think 15 reps would have not been out of the question.

Close stance squats no belt
210x5
235x5
265x8

DB rows
115 x 8
165 x 8 x 2 sets
215 x 5

Blast strap rows
3 x 12

Ab fallouts
2 x 10

Decline abs
2 x 20

Great session tonight Corey pulled 545 for a 20# PR, Mac full cleaned an 260 axle and then pressed for 5 reps, Chuck squatted 545 for 3 reps, and then Elliot pulled 365 for a deadlift PR. Great lifting all around.

Jesse

Lower Body workout

Today was one of those days where I finally know my strength is back and it is back strong in somethings.

Dumbell snatches
60x3
70x3
80x3
100x3
all sets both hands

Box squats
225x2
225x2 + 3 sets of chains
225x2 + 4 sets
225x2 + 5 sets
225x2 + 6 sets
225x2 + 7 sets
225x2x5 sets + 7 sets of chains

Farmers Walks
280 each hand x 60 feet this was super easy and I was quite suprised as to how it felt, so I figured lets see what I can do.
280 each hand x 92 feet ran out of room all time PR, but I no I had more in me. So...
280 each hand x 100 feet no drops YES!!!!! ALL-TIME PR!!!!
Wow what a great feeling, my grip has always been my nemesis and finally knowing that it is getting stronger is a great feeling.

Just did a few sets of ab work and calf raises to finish things off, the farmers really kicked my ass.

Jesse

Good workout finally

Had a very good workout tonight.

Axle clean and press
160 x 5
180 x 5
200 x 9 PR is 10 so I am not far off

Speed sets
160 x 5 x 3 sets

Circus DB clean and press each rep
87lbs x 10 each arm

Close grip bench
185x3
210x3
235x10

Dips supersetted with Hammer curls
5 on dips and 10 on hammer cursl x 5 sets

Pressdowns supersetted with cable curls
10 on pressdowns and 5 on curls

Grip work.

Jesse

Worn out workout

Feeling better, but decided not to pull from the floor today.

Rack pulls above knee
245x3
335x3
425x3
515x1
605x1
655x1
705x1
755x1 5# pr had to stand a 1" board to make the pull longer to beat my previous PR.

Back squats no belt
225x3x2
280x5 decided to stop as my knee was creaking and cracking

Sled pulls
400lbs x 60 feet backwards then 60 feet forward
500lbs x 60 feet backwards then 60 feet forward
600lbs x 60 feet backwards then 60 feet forward
so my legs are burning and quivering I decided what the hell add more weight
700 lbs x 60 feet backwards and then 5 min of laying down this has got to be some kind of PR

Went light on assistance
DB rows 3 x 8
Farmers Shrugs 3 x 8
Decline situps 4 x 20

Jesse

Conditioning work

Decided to do some conditioning work and my 7 year old daughter joined me.

Started out with sled pulls.
200lbs all sets
5 sets of 60 feet forward
5 sets of 60 feet backward

Prowler
5 sets of 60 feet

My daugther pushed the empty prowler 7 times for 60 feet, she is getting to be one very strong little tike.

Sledgehammer Swings
2 sets of 20 swings each arm

Keg load
150 keg 10 loads

Nice and easy and helped me loosen up. Just what I needed.

Jesse