tHE BRuTaL MaCHiNe VaYNEZ: Journey to AESTHETICzZzZz

[VayneZ]

Today I attempted 1-rep max's deadz to the best of my ability, after my lower back recovery, and it's the first time I went really heavy without straps.
Nailed 475 and lower back felt GOOD. I did NOT expect to be able to do this, since I was used to straps whenever I go 405+ and I've also been focusing on reps lately as well. Waiting for my CNS to recover fully.

Felt I could go heavier than 475, but I chose to be humble, and did some one and a halfs. 2 Sets of 8 reps at 225. Man that was killer.

Then Rack pulls 545 pounds. All without straps (again, my first time). After that, I did some hypers and reverse hypers. Did some glute/hams work.
And finished with 70 pound dumbbell farmer walk, for quite a distance. Did 3 sets of those and my hands are just messed up now. Bled only a little bit, but It felt so so SO much better to not use straps.

So thanks for encouraging me to look for and use chalk guys!

[VayneZ]

I know I barely get the chance to log anything these days but, this was chest day:

Flat BB press
20 x bar
135 x 12
225 x 2 (3rd rep with spot)

Since I was kinda pissed off at how weak I have become, switched to flat DB press
90 x 12
105 x 7

Decline BB press
135 x 10
225 x 3

I have become very very weak. Can't believe how much I struggle with 225's.

Cable incline fly's
40 x 15
50 x 10
60 x 6, drop to 30 x 8

Superset of Rope pushdown and rope overheads w/ knees on matt
120 x 15 - 85 x 10
160 x 10 - 120 x 8
200 x 8 - 140 x 6
220 x 4 - 160 x 4

Close grip chin ups
15 reps x 2 sets

Barbell curls
bar x 15
95 x 8 drop to bar x 8
95 x 8 drop to bar x 8

Overhead cable curls
Can't remember what the weight was, but did 2 sets of each arm, 20 reps the first set, and 12 reps the second.

Finished in less than an hour.
I'll get some pics posted soon. I definitely see my bodyfat dropping, but at a very high price... strenght

[JM1000]

3 more cc's and you will get strength back :P

[weekend]

Chalk life. My gym has buckets of chalk everywhere. I use chalk for everything pretty much.

Heavy curls, bench press both require chalk for me. The increase in confidence with my grip is a huge factor when benching 250+

Rows deads and cleans too!

[xxiv]

If you are using 105s there isn't much reason to stress the having trouble with 225.

[weekend]

^especially using the 105s right before... lol

[VayneZ]

Did 105 after the flat barbell press.

To be honest, I haven't really focused on barbell bench press for years. Before I started lower my cals, I could easily open up a workout and rep out 115's, even 120's without any spotter on dumbbells.

Even after the heavy barbell press, and my recent strength drop, I felt I could easily dominate the 105's. But in Barbell.... meh... I suck! So I'm trying to focus on that, and bring my weak point back up

[VayneZ]

Been away for awhile... hectic days

Training has been solid. about 5-6 weeks off of any stimulants except pure black coffee and green tea. Calorie intake is about 2700 a day. Upped it a bit more recently because I'm just STARVING most of the time.

DecemberVayneZ.jpg

December2VayneZ.jpg

[Scope75]

Did you forget to pay your electricity bill??

[Cobalt]

Lookin good!

I can't cut, no way. Food = good.