Tag: Ball Slam

What Next Back?

Went to the 5:30 class since it’s bench night

Warm-up

  • Crossover Symmetry Activation
  • Bottom Squat Hold
  • 2 Rounds
    • 5 Strict C2B Pull-ups
    • 10 Push-ups
    • 15 Air Squats

I pretty much always do my strict pull-ups chest-to-bar now. Why stop with just the chin over the bar if it’s a manageable number of reps?

Strength

Was supposed to be an alternating EMOM of bench press and Pendlay rows. Since we bench after class I wasn’t going to do more in class. I figured I’d hit some taller box jumps I warmed up with 5 jumps at 24″ and 10×45#, 5×135#, and 2×185# for Pendlay rows. I made it through a round of 5×185# rows and 10 box jumps at 30″. After 2 reps on the 2nd round of rows my back tweaked hard. WTF! Would never have expected to do anything with this movement since the back is pretty much just holding a stable position. Guess I wasn’t doing those movements anymore today, so I switched over to the RH.

4 Sets

  • 10 Reverse Hyper (210#)

Conditioning

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

  • Wall Balls (20#, 10′)
  • Pull-ups
  • Ball Slams (25#)

Had a goal to go unbroken the whole way and did. Finished in 7:08.

Midline

Class did a tabata plank hold, so I made it a goal to not rest at all. Made it through the entire 4 minutes to beat my PR old 2:57 hold on the elbows.

No B.S. Bench Press

Week 5 of the program. Shoulders and upper body were already warm from the workout, so didn’t need much to get going.

  • 5×135#
  • 5×185#
  • 4x4x215#

It felt like my right arm was lagging behind a hair on some reps, but other than that it was solid and with good speed on the bar.

Soaring Bench

Sore abs from the sit-ups and GHDs yesterday. Had an appointment at the chiropractor and then went to the 5:30 class.

Warm-up

  • Crossover Symmetry Activation
  • 3×15 Reverse Hypers (120#)
  • 2 Rounds
    • 5 Strict C2B Pull-ups
    • 10 Push-ups
    • 15 Air Squats

Strength

Axle Deadlifts

  • 10×115#
  • 10×165#
  • 10×185#
  • 10×195#
  • 10×205#

The first 5 sets were unbroken, but I could only hold on to the bar for 4 reps with 205 and then did the rest as singles, dropping each one. Damn that got rough on the grip really quick. Didn’t want to push any weight and end up tweaking my back again, so the axle bar was a nice change of pace.

Conditioning

30-20-10

  • Plate Burpees (on to 45# HI-TEMP)
  • American KBS (53#)
  • Ball Slams (20#)

They were supposed to be hand release burpees and most of them were, but I didn’t realize I wasn’t doing the hand-release until the 10th rep in and then I know I missed at least a few in other sets. I broke up the 30 KBS into 20-10 but everything else was unbroken. Finished in 9:31.

8 Rounds (Tabata)

  • 20s DU
  • 10s Rest

Only had a miss in 2 or 3 of the rounds. Racked up 280 dubs, which is a 40 rep PR.

No BS Bench

Bench Press

  • 10×45#
  • 5×95#
  • 5×135#
  • 5×175#
  • 4x5x205#
  • Max @ 195# – 15 reps

Week 4 so it was time to retest the max rep set. My max reps were 10 in week 1, so that’s a 50% increase! Was not expecting such a jump, especially after a metcon that was rough on the shoulders. I’m excited to see what my 1RM is after the 9 weeks. All of the working sets felt solid.

Up and Over the Bar

The plan was to get to the gym early this morning to back squat and work on bar muscle-ups before the 10am class. But I didn’t wake up until 8:20. I must have needed the sleep.

Warm-up

Dynamic warm-up with butt kicks, high knees, running, arm circles, and arm stretching. Then 30 American KBS with 44#.

Gymnastics

Worked on bar muscles-ups. Was doing all singles, but did one double towards the end. I lost track, but did about 16 total reps, which is way more than I’ve done total in my lifetime. Felt pretty good and didn’t have any misses. Might have to try an EMOM with doubles next week.

Conditioning

4 Rounds

  • 1:00 Ball Slams (25#)
  • 15s Rest
  • 1:00 Thrusters (45#)
  • 15s Rest
  • 1:00 Sandbag Clean and Throw (~40#)
  • 15s Rest

Tried to keep a steady pace. Had 101 reps after 2 rounds and 210 total reps.

A few hours later it was time to lift heavy in the garage. Warmed up with 1,000 meters on the ski erg in 4:09.9.

IMG_5606

Back Squats

  • 10×45#
  • 5×135#
  • 5×205#
  • 5×235#
  • 5×265#
  • 5×285#
  • 5×305#
  • 5×315#
  • 5×325# (PR)

The plan was more sets, get to at least 320 and maybe try more. After warming up I was feeling a little tired so adjusted the game plan. Fewer sets and new goal was 325. Made it, but had nothing left. I’ll take it.

Did 3 sets of 15 reverse hypers on the GHD, no resistance.

Back at Work

Moving a little slow this morning. My back, shoulders, and arms are all sore from the weekend. Needed the rest day yesterday and was back to work after 2 weeks off. In for the 9am class.

Shoulder Press

  • 5×45#
  • 5×95#
  • 3×115#
  • 3×125#
  • 2×135#
  • 2×145#
  • 2×155#
  • 2×160#
  • 2×165#
  • 2×167.5# (PR)

Conditioning

8 Rounds (Tabata)

  • 20s Burpees
  • 10s Rest

Wanted to get 8 as long as I could. Made it through 6 rounds and then did 7 the last two. Maybe could have pushed it hard and made all 8. Next time. The most I’d done before was 4 rounds of 8 and then 7s, so I’ll take that improvement. Seemed to hurt less than the 6 rounds of 10 on Sunday. How does that make sense? More burpees in a lot less time.

2 Rounds

  • 1:00 Ball Slams (25#)
  • 1:00 Wall Balls (20#, 10′)
  • 1:00 Sit-ups
  • 1:00 Plank

Holy shit that wall ball felt heavy in the first round. Nobody in class expected it and I think we all dropped it after 1 rep. I did 28-24 on the ball slams, 18-18 on wall balls, and 24-24 on the sit-ups. Was a fight to hold the second plank all the way.

Headed out to the garage at night. Warmed up with 5 minutes on the Air Dyne for 2.36km.

2015-01-16-heater

Back Squat

  • 10×45#
  • 5×115#
  • 5×185#
  • 5×225#
  • 5×245#
  • 5×265#
  • 3×280#
  • 3×290#
  • 3×300#
  • 3×310#
  • 3×320# (PR)
  • 3×330# (PR)

Oh yeah! I’m liking the high volume and feeling good while doing it, though it might have something to do with how tired I’ve felt lately. Will keep an eye on it. My low back definitely feels like the weak point, especially as I get to the last few sets.

4 Rounds NFT

  • 10 MU Ring Pulldowns (blue, 7’3″ bar, 5.5″ seat)
  • 10 Back Extensions (45# plate behind head)

Over a 4″ difference from Saturday for the pulling distance so I dropped the reps. Once I got going they felt good with a focus on speed through the pull and sitting up into it. With my garage setup I can’t use a barbell on the GHD so I have to hold a plate behind my head. Much different! My back was feeling a pump after the second round.

How Will My Back Feel?

Ended up being 2 rest days since I had a dentist appointment and went to see the Hobbit yesterday. Not enough time to squeeze in a workout, but I needed the extra rest. Legs are still pretty sore today even. Went in for the 9am class.

Warm-up

  • 3x12x120# Reverse Hyper
  • Bottom Squat Hold

Strength

Deadlifts

  • 5×155#
  • 5×265#
  • 3×335#
  • 3×365#
  • 2×395#
  • 2×415#
  • 2×435#
  • 2×455#

Felt pretty solid. Ten pounds more than the double I pulled five weeks ago. I put 475# on the bar but stopped before I got it moving off the ground. Think I was scared. Going to take extra care of the back today with the TENS unit and some rolling.

Conditioning

16:00 EMOM

  • 1st: 15 Ball Slams (25#)
  • 2nd: 150m Row
  • 3rd: 10 Thrusters (75#)
  • 4th: 10 Burpees

Was a good push. Jumped on the reverse hyper again for 3 sets of 10 with 210#.

Headed back after 6pm. Did some foam rolling, bottom squats holds, and then 3 sets of 40 shoulder taps (facing wall). Only second time ever doing them, so might as well double the reps I’ve ever done in a set. 🙂 Nice little burn.

Rowing

4 Rounds

  • 500m (1:55-1:57/500m pace)
  • 40s Rest
  • 400m (1:55-1:57/500m pace)
  • 40s Rest
  • 200m (Sprint)
  • 5:00 Rest

Comes from NorCal Endurance. Took me exactly 37:00 on the clock to finish. Some of my 5 minute rests were longer due to having to go in and select ReRow in the erg’s computer. Here were my splits:

  1. 1:56.6 – 1:32.7 – 0:35.1
  2. 1:56.6 – 1:33.0 – 0:35.6
  3. 1:56.2 – 1:33.6 – 0:35.7
  4. 1:56.1 – 1:32.8 – 0:34.0

Down for the Count

Had every intention of making it to 9am this morning and was even in bed at a decent time. But didn’t wake up until almost 8. So went to 5:30 class instead.

Warm-up

2 Rounds

  • 5 Strict Pull-ups
  • 10 Push-ups
  • 15 Air Squats

Strength

Bench Press

  • 10×45#
  • 5×95#
  • 5×135#
  • 3×185#
  • 3×205#
  • 3×215#
  • 3×225#
  • 3×230#

Not too much of a struggle, but I think it was a good decision to only jump 5# for that last set. It wasn’t too long ago that I would ask for help unracking 230# for 1 and now I have no problem unracking it myself for a triple.

Gymnastics

8:00 EMOM

  • Muscle-ups

Can tell I haven’t been doing these! I got 4-4-3-2-3-2-2-2. The push away at the top seemed to wear me out more in those early rounds. I haven’t done too many reps with that method of cycling. About halfway through I switched back to reversing the dip and then dropping into the next rep. Was feeling pretty out of breath already at this point.

Conditioning

3 Rounds

  • 1:00 Wall Balls (20# MB, 10′ target)
  • 1:00 Ball Slams (25#)
  • 1:00 Burpees
  • 1:00 Rest

I got 27-26-26 wall balls, 26-20-19 ball slams, and 13-14-14 burpees. Going from wall balls to ball slams was brutal. I had to take some breaks during the second and third set of slams. I was out of it after this one, feeling a little light-headed and shit.

Wake Up

Not a ton of sleep last night but up early enough to make the 9am class.

Warm-up

  • Bottom Squat Holds
  • Inch Worms
  • PNF Rack Stretch w/ partner
  • Calf Stretching
  • Front Squats
    • 5×45#
    • 3×135#
    • 3×185#
    • 3×225#

Strength

8:00 EMOM

  • 3 Front Squats (225#)

Accessory

5 Rounds NFT

  • MU into 5 strict Ring Dips
  • 5 Strict C2B Pull-ups

Conditioning

3 Rounds

  • 1:00 Row (cal)
  • 1:00 Shoulder to OH (95#)
  • 1:00 Burpees
  • 1:00 Ball Slams (25#)
  • 1:00 Box Jumps (24″)
  • 1:00 Rest

I got 18-19-19 calories on the rower and have no idea how many reps at each of the other individual stations. Totals per round were 86-92-94 reps. Felt good to actually get better as it went on. I did a mixture of push jerks, push presses, and strict presses on the SH to OH.

Back at 4:30 for some stuff with Kevin, but he got caught up helping Alex coach his first class.

C&J

  • 45# Warm-up Work
  • 2×115#
  • 2×135#
  • 2×155#
  • 2×175#
  • 2x1x195#
  • 1×205#
  • 1×215#
  • 1×225#
  • 1×235#
  • 1×245#
  • 1×255# (PR match)
  • 1×265# Clean (PR)

Really had no plans to attempt this. Wasn’t even planning to do clean and jerks when I walked into the gym. The jerk was iffy, but felt good to hit the big weight. Had only ever hit that once and it was before X-mas. I don’t think I’ve attempted to jerk over 225 in months. I have room for so much more in my clean with how high I’m receiving the bar. I’ll take it 5# at a time so I don’t lose the confidence though.

Hump Day Sprints

Weather is still chilly. Might not even get into the lake all week! My mid-back is feeling sore this morning.

Did the DDP Yoga Fat Burner video this morning. I think I like the P90X yoga video a lot better, except for the fact it’s 90 minutes long, but maybe I’ll find the right video from the DDP series as I keep trying them.

A couple of hours later…

8 Rounds

  • 15s Hollow Rocks
  • 15s Rest

Made it all the way through without having to take extra rest! Will work my way up to being able to do Tabata.

Everyone was heading in to Rogers City to watch Kennedy in the Kiddie Parade. I went in early so I could go to the track on my old high school. Jogged 600m and walked 300m to get warm. Then it was time for a few sprints.

  • 400m Run – 1:07
  • 600m Walk
  • 200m Run – 0:30
  • 300m Walk
  • 100m Run – 0:13.6
  • 300m Walk

Timing yourself in sprints is no easy task. I was wearing a watch, so had a little disadvantage with starts and had to try to look at the time as I crossed the finish line. Close enough I guess for some benchmarks.

Strapped the rings up on the goal post and tested a set of unbroken strict ring dips. Got 15! About a year and a half ago was the last time I tried a big set of ring dips and only got 16 kipping. Quite the difference, when not many of my other bodyweight things (other than muscle-ups) have improved during that time.

8:00 AMRAP

  • 5 Ring Rows
  • 50m Run
  • 5 Ball Slams (15#)
  • 50m Run

Fun workout. I kept the reps low so I could keep moving. Did 8 rounds plus 5 ring rows, a run, and 2 slam balls.

Did backwards overhead throws to get the slam ball back. Took me 5 throws to cover 50+ meters. Great for hip extension!

E30S 10:00

  • 5 Ring Push-ups

I set the rings as low to the ground as I could, but being on the 10′ tall goal post, 10-12″ off ground was the best I could do. Did all 20 sets unbroken.

Got back to my parents and jumped on the Air Dyne (AD2) for 20:00.

  • 5:00 Sitting
  • 5:00 Standing
  • 5:00 Sitting
  • 3:00 Standing
  • 2:00 Sitting

Standing up for a long period of time is no easy task. First time I’ve tried it and it was a good way to mix things up. I kept my pace around 60 rpm for the entire 20 minutes, which is around the 55-60% range for me. Totaled 360 calories.

60 Day Lifting Challenge – Week 5 Day 5

I’m doing the 60 Day Lifting Challenge from Columbus Weightlifting.

Was actually feeling pretty good today. Lifted with Alex at 3:30 again. My body lied to me…

Warm-up

  • 4x 20-30s Handstand Hold
  • PVC pass-thrus
  • Band pulls
  • 45# Snatch Positions

Muscle Snatch

  • 3×75#
  • 3×85#
  • 3×95#
  • 2x3x105#

Snatch

  • 2×105#
  • 2×120#
  • 2×140#
  • 1×150#
  • 1×160# (F)
  • 2x1x170# (M-F)
  • 2x1x165# (F-M)

Felt terrible. I haven’t had that many misses in a day this entire challenge, other than PR day. Did 2 broad jumps for distance after each of the last 4 singles.

Clean & Jerk

  • 2×135#
  • 2×155#
  • 2×180#
  • 2x1x190#

The C&J felt a little better than the snatches, but still pretty weak. We packed it in early and skipped the back squats and good mornings.

Conditioning

4 Rounds

  • 10 T2B
  • 10 Ball Slams (15#)

I attempted to do the conditioning after Alex left, but I even had to change that on the fly. It was supposed to be two 4 minute AMRAPs of the above movements with a 2 minute rest in between. After 3 sets of 5 T2B I was pretty much doing singles! Finished 4 rounds in 4:45.

Time to rest up for the beginning of week 6 on Monday.

Rapid Fire Squats with 285#

Went to open gym tonight to train with Brent.

Warm-up

  • 500m Row
  • 45# Clean Position Work
  • 95# Clean Position Work

Power Cleans

  • 3 @ 125#
  • 3 @ 155#
  • 2 @ 185#
  • 1 @ 215#
  • 1 @ 225#
  • 1 @ 235#
  • F @ 245#

I gave up on that last one before I even started. Would have been a power clear PR. My clean feels terrible compared to my snatch.

Strength

Back Squats

  • 5 @ 135#
  • 5 @ 185#
  • 3 @ 225#
  • 2 @ 255#
  • 10 x 2 @ 285# (rapid fire!)

Brent and I went pretty much one right after the other for those last 10 sets. Finished just under 9:00. Last few sets were a big struggle for me to get the 2nd rep.

Bench Press

  • 5 @ 135#
  • 3 @ 165#
  • 3 @ 185#
  • 3 @ 205#
  • 3 @ 215#
  • 2-F @ 225#
  • 3 @ 205#

Getting better, but right arm was still the failure on 3rd rep at 225#. Don’t think I’ve ever done more than 1 at that weight though.

WOD

5:00 AMRAP

  • 15 Ball Slams (15#)
  • 25 DU
  • 10 Pull-ups

Everything unbroken for 3+42, 8 pull-ups shy of 4 complete rounds. Haven’t done any double unders in weeks, so stoked to have done all 4 sets unbroken. The pull-ups weren’t bad either. Ball slams were terrible in that last round. Triceps were smoked from bench press.