Jim vs. Back Squat

160 x 5
160 x 5
160 x 5
160 x 5
160 x 5

Jim vs. Back Squats

Today brought me back to the linear progression.

Back squat
155 x 5
155 x 5
155 x 5
155 x 5
155 x 5

Ended up on a squat rack in the middle of the gym, so I had to line myself up and watch my stance without the benefit of a mirror. All in all, that’s a good thing to do.

Jim vs. Back Squat

Back to the back squat linear progression.

150 x 5
150 x 5
150 x 5
150 x 5
150 x 5

Not much else to say.

Jim vs. Back Squat (and a return to the linear progression)

Today was squat day, and I got to thinking about the back squat linear progression. It’s something I’ve done a few times, and it’s overall been very good to me. I went back and checked and it’s turned out that I haven’t gone through the process in nearly a year and a half, and the last time I stopped before it was done. So I’m giving it another go.

Back squat
145 x 5
145 x 5
145 x 5
145 x 5
145 x 5

Felt that in my hamstrings more than I expected. Good start; we’ll see where I’m at in four months or so.

Jim vs. Back Squats

GO HEAVIER.

I wanted that to be the first thing that showed up next time I check my back squat history to determine loads for a workout.

Back squat
135 x 5
165 x 5
195 x 5
180 x 5
150 x 5

This peaked at around 88% of my max, and the major difference from the last time I did a 5×5 back squat workout was that the jumps were 30lbs this time instead of 40lbs. But I could’ve done 90%, or even 95%. So next time I will.

Jim vs. Back Squats, Box Jumps & KB Swings

Didn’t have much time today, but what with the world ending I thought I’d get in some back squats. (Though, since burpees prepare us for Ragnarok, I probably should’ve done those.)

Back squats
145 x 3
175 x 3
205 x 3
190 x 3
160 x 3

My knees felt damned creaky on these. Maybe they sensed the storm? I’m still sore in my back and shoulders now, so maybe it’s that, or maybe I’m sick, or something. Odd.

Oh, and my finisher:

10, 8, 6, 4, 2 of:
Box jumps
KB swings

It’s weird going back to swings with a dumbbell — this time, a 52.5lb one — instead of a kettlebell. Really don’t like it as much. Finished in 2:29.

Jim vs. Snatches, Back Squats

OK, today was a pretty cruddy workout. Dunno if it was distractions, fatigue, feeling rushed or what, but I did not bring my A game today.

Snatch
85 x 1
105 x 1
125 x 0
115 x 1 (power, overhead squat)
95 x 1

See what I mean? I failed on rep #3, which would admittedly have been a PR, and then couldn’t even put together a solid rep on #4.

Back squat
205 x 3
185 x 4
165 x 5

Did a decent turn on the reverse pyramid, at least. Wasn’t really pushing myself, though.

Jim vs. Back Squats

Y’know what’s the best thing about traveling? Getting sick when you come home!

Wait, no. That actually sucks, and keeps you out of the gym for nearly a week. Managed to get back in today, though.

Back squats
145 x 3
175 x 3
205 x 3
190 x 3
160 x 3

Solid work, though I tried not to push it too hard. I’m still not 100%. I hate getting sick.

Jim vs. Back Squats, Push-ups, Sit-ups, and Air Squats

Today was a damned fine workout.

Back squat
115 x 5
155 x 5
195 x 5
175 x 5
135 x 5

The off-kilter pyramid returns, after two weeks without barbell work.

10, 9, 8… 2, 1 of:
push-ups
sit-ups
air squats

Last time I did that, I said I needed more pop in my squats. Today, I had it: I just tore through this one, finishing in 4:58 and not needing to break up sets at all. That’s an improvement of over a minute, and I probably could’ve pushed even faster.

Jim vs. Back Squats, Sit-ups & Burpees

More barbells.

Back squat
140 x 3
170 x 3
200 x 3
185 x 3
155 x 3

I closed the gaps between loads somewhat on these; starting at 120 seemed off.

10, 9, 8… 1 of:
Sit-ups
Burpees

Finished in 8:25. Three seconds longer than last time, but I feel like it’s within the margin of error.