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2/19/2026 10:27:30 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hank][Edited] [#1]
Page three is mine with a bench 5s day - 3.4.2

Band warm up, stretch

5 @ bar, bar, bar, 95, 115, 135
12 @ 155

5 x 7 @ 135

Superset x 5:
OHP 5, GM 10 @ 95

Superset x 4:
Dumbbell row 10 @ 70
Dumbbell side raise 8 @ 20

Rolling dumbbell tricep extensions 4 x failure @ 20lbs

About 12.5k steps so far today.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
2/21/2026 10:58:23 PM EDT
[#2]
Originally Posted By Jarcese:
Some jerk started a thread in GD and now everyone posts gains there.
View Quote

Originally Posted By Hank:
03RN’s thread? And GD… eeeeewwwwww, David
View Quote

Do Good
Be Dangerous
Live Free
2/22/2026 10:44:33 PM EDT
[#3]
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
2/22/2026 10:54:53 PM EDT
[#4]
3.4.3 - deathlift 5s day, and a short one due to time

Warm up, stretch

5 @ 135, 135, 165, 185, 215, 245
9 @ 275 <— first time using a belt in a million years, think I had it a notch too tight. My body hated this badly around rep seven, ha

5 x 5 @ 235

Couple singles at 245, 265

Good mornings: 5x6 @ 135

About 8k steps today.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
2/23/2026 10:55:14 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Hank:


Well shit, you should have doubled that! Good work, mano!

And keeping up to date on the Reta - looks very interesting
View Quote


started week 3...down about 5 lbs with a slow ramp up - 0.5mg , 2 x week for the first, up to 1.5mg total for week 2, and probably stay 1.5 this week.  Going to stay conservative, I don't want to kill my lifts for the PL meet in April.
2/23/2026 11:09:11 PM EDT
[#6]
Good man, and thanks for the report. I’m excited to see where you get with it, but definitely don’t sacrifice your meet performance for the weight loss.

Flipping the script a little - what belts are y’all using? I’m currently using my trusty single prong 10mm Toro belt from Lifting Large/Texas Belts. It still has plenty of life left in it, but I’m tempted to grab a lever belt if I’m going to use a belt more with deathlifts. Might stick with a Texas Belt but the Pioneer belts look really good with the adjustable lever design.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
2/25/2026 12:10:10 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Hank][Edited] [#7]
3.4.4 - OHP 5s day: the day I blew up my shoulders

Warm up, stretch

5 @ bar, bar, 70, 90, 100
11 @ 110

10, 10, 9, 8, 8 @ 95

Superset x 4 (last set to failure):
Dumbbell rows: 10 @ 70
Meadows style partial laterals: 10 @ 30

Rolling dumbbell extensions:
2 x 5 @ 25
2 x 8 @ 20

About 16.5k steps
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
2/26/2026 5:22:42 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Hank:
Good man, and thanks for the report. I’m excited to see where you get with it, but definitely don’t sacrifice your meet performance for the weight loss.

Flipping the script a little - what belts are y’all using? I’m currently using my trusty single prong 10mm Toro belt from Lifting Large/Texas Belts. It still has plenty of life left in it, but I’m tempted to grab a lever belt if I’m going to use a belt more with deathlifts. Might stick with a Texas Belt but the Pioneer belts look really good with the adjustable lever design.
View Quote


Inzer Lever...it's a tank, but plain.

Katamu has some badass looking belts, My Sister has the Batman version "Vengeance"

https://katamu.co/collections/lever-belts

2/26/2026 5:49:01 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Flashover343:


Inzer Lever...it's a tank, but plain.

Katamu has some badass looking belts, My Sister has the Batman version "Vengeance"

https://katamu.co/collections/lever-belts

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Flashover343:
Originally Posted By Hank:
Good man, and thanks for the report. I’m excited to see where you get with it, but definitely don’t sacrifice your meet performance for the weight loss.

Flipping the script a little - what belts are y’all using? I’m currently using my trusty single prong 10mm Toro belt from Lifting Large/Texas Belts. It still has plenty of life left in it, but I’m tempted to grab a lever belt if I’m going to use a belt more with deathlifts. Might stick with a Texas Belt but the Pioneer belts look really good with the adjustable lever design.


Inzer Lever...it's a tank, but plain.

Katamu has some badass looking belts, My Sister has the Batman version "Vengeance"

https://katamu.co/collections/lever-belts


Yup,  inzer lever lock for me
Do Good
Be Dangerous
Live Free
2/28/2026 10:54:36 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Flashover343:

Inzer Lever...it's a tank, but plain.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Flashover343:

Inzer Lever...it's a tank, but plain.



Originally Posted By 03RN:

Yup,  inzer lever lock for me


Good endorsements, thanks, y’all. Now to figure out sizing.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
2/28/2026 10:58:34 PM EDT
[#11]
3.5.1 - Squat 3s day - not necessarily a quickie but didn’t put in as much work due to a work function after

Warm up, stretch

5 @ bar, bar, 95, 135
3 @ 195, 225, 255
9 @ 285

5 x 5-8 @ 225

Front squat:
5 @ 135, 135, 135, 155, 175

About 8.5k steps
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/1/2026 4:06:01 PM EDT
[#12]
3.5.2 - bench 3s day

Band warm up, stretch

5 @ bar, bar, bar, 95
3 @ 125, 145
9 @ 165

10x5 @ 135 alternate close and wide grip every other set

Superset x 5:
OHP 5, GM 10 @ 95

Superset x 4:
Dumbbell row 10 @ 70
Meadows partial side raise 10 @ 30

And an extra set of those just because

Rolling dumbbell tricep extensions 4 x failure @ 25lbs

About 8k steps so far today.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/4/2026 9:57:42 PM EDT
[#13]
3.5.3 - deathlift 3s day. Pretty good day overall considering how shitty my neck/shoulder and low back have been feeling lately. Definitely feeling like an old man.

Warm up, stretch

5 @ 135, 170, 200
3 @ 230, 260
10 @ 290

5 x 5-7 @ 230

Superset x 5:
OHP: 5 @ 95
Good mornings: 10 @ 115

Superset x 5:
Dumbbell row: 10 @ 70
Dumbbell partial side raise: 10 @ 30

About 12k steps today
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/6/2026 8:15:43 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hank][Edited] [#14]
3.5.4 - OHP 3s day. Another not bad session. Think my shoulder/upper back be slowly getting better. Maybe.

Warm up, stretch

5 @ bar, 65, 80
3 @ 90, 105
9 @ 120

Superset x 5:
OHP: 5 @ 105
Good mornings: 10 @ 125

Superset x 5:
Dumbbell row: 10 @ 70
Dumbbell partial side raise: 10 @ 30

Rolling dumbbell extensions:
10, 8, 8, 6 @ 25

About 14.5 steps
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/11/2026 6:56:08 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hank][Edited] [#15]
Not much new to report here - been out of town all week, used the hotel "fitness canter" last night.  Not awesome but better than bad?

rigged up the cable machine with a straight bar (not a barbell) and did bastardized RDLs: set of ten each at 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200

goblet squat: 5x7 @ 75

superset X 5:
dumb row 10 @ 60
dumbbell lateral raise @ 25

Superset x 5:
Rear lat dumbbell raise/flyes/whatevs 10 @ 25
Curls for the girls 10 @ 25
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/12/2026 4:14:23 PM EDT
[#16]
I got called down to work on the ice storm in NC in January.  I had 3 free days because we left so early.  Hotel gym had just dumbells and some cardio.  The second time I went I looked out the window and on a balcony below was a gym rat's dream all outside uncovered.  It looked like someone with some knowledge scoured Facebook for cool old Nautilus and Hammer Strength equipment.  A bunch of Rogue barbells and squat racks.  It was a Holiday Inn of all places.  Too cold and rainy to use it though.
3/12/2026 4:28:43 PM EDT
[#17]
Dude that would be AMAZING 90% of the time.

Think there’s a Y close by. Might go check that out. Didn’t bring a belt but could still get some squats in. Or maybe just press and worry about squats when I get back.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/13/2026 7:35:08 AM EDT
[#18]
Sometimes the lack of equipment is good.  Forces you to do some stuff you normally wouldn’t do.

I got my squat rack assembled.  This thing is awesome.  I have a Tib Bar Guy Apex bench on the way, storage, and equipment to assemble.  I did 10 years hard time on cheap equipment in a dusty cold basement.  Can't wait to finish the gym.

Attached File
3/13/2026 8:21:35 AM EDT
[#19]
Doooooooooooood nice! I bet you’re stoked to get in there!
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/15/2026 1:35:46 PM EDT
[#20]
3.6.1 - Squat 5/3/1 day

Warm up, stretch

5 @ bar, 135, 160, 190, 210, 240
3 @ 270
8 @ 300

5 x 5-8 @ 245

OHP: 5x7-8 @ 95

Superset x 4:
Dumbbell row: 10-12 @ 70
Good Morning: 8-10 @ 115

About 7k steps so far
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/20/2026 12:49:02 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Hank][Edited] [#21]
3.6.2 - bench 5/3/1 day

Band warm up, stretch

5 @ bar, bar, bar, 95, 135
3 @ 155
7 @ 175

10x5 @ 135 alternate close and wide grip every other set

OHP 5 @ 95, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115

Superset x 5:
Dumbbell partial lateral raise 10 @ 25
Dumbbell rear raise/fly 10 @ 25

Rolling dumbbell tricep extensions 4 x failure @ 25lbs

Few more sets of the rear raises/flyes @ 30

Random curls between sets

About 10k steps
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/21/2026 2:33:19 PM EDT
[#22]
3.6.3 - deathlift 5/3/1 day
- short one today as I got going late and the gym closes early on weekends

Quick warm up, stretch

5 @ 135, 165, 185, 215, 245
3 @ 275
8 @ 305 <— honestly lost track of reps, my heart says nine but for tracking purposes we’ll say eight

5x5 @ 245

Little over 7k steps so far today
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/22/2026 10:16:22 AM EDT
[#23]
Reta update...230.4lbs, down almost 15lbs
lifting progress however
last week for squat 3s, top set of 410lbs should have been an easy 3-4reps...No, 2.
I rested for 5 mins and fueled with rage and Slayer's Raining Blood...still 2

took a week off for a disney vacation.

Then yesterday, OHP 3's Top set of 180lbs...NONE had to push press.
3/22/2026 12:24:15 PM EDT
[#24]
15lbs down is EXCELLENT.

The numbers going into the April meet… maybe not.

Going to stay on or come off for a minute? 220 is the next weight class down, right?
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/22/2026 1:13:32 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Hank:
15lbs down is EXCELLENT.

The numbers going into the April meet… maybe not.

Going to stay on or come off for a minute? 220 is the next weight class down, right?
View Quote


It's not sanctioned, so no weight classes, just awards for highest total and pound-for-pound for each division (Masters Full Power for me).  At this point, I think it's too little/too late to reverse course, so I'll just continue to remind people "I've lost XXlbs, but I still have the deep squat here!"

buuuuuuuut I have considered the CJC/IPA route to stem the degredation
3/22/2026 1:36:18 PM EDT
[#26]
Gonna need a cycle for your cycle
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/23/2026 9:56:57 PM EDT
[#27]
3.6.4 - OHP 5/3/1 day

Band warm up, stretch

5 @ bar, 65, 85, 95, 105
3 @ 115
9 @ 125

5 x 5 @ 105

Behind the neck press:  
5 @ bar, 65
5 x 5 @ 85

Superset x 5:
Dumbbell row 10 @ 70
Dumbbell lateral raise 10 @ 25

Rolling dumbbell tricep extensions 4 x failure @ 25lbs

Rear dumbbell raises/flyes: 5 x10 @ 25

About 12k steps
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/28/2026 9:31:20 AM EDT
[#28]
The struggle continues...Bench press

205 x 5
235 x 3 (hmm, slow)
260 x NONE

Slingshot 260 x 3, then next set was only 2
Dead bench 185 x 5 and then next set was only 4

But at least I can almost see my abs (if I flex really hard in the right lighting
3/28/2026 2:28:53 PM EDT
[#29]
Dude you’re still doing better than me, AND with almost abs? Not a bad spot to be in

Minus the upcoming meet, of course
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/28/2026 5:55:20 PM EDT
[#30]
It's the inevitable crossroads of powerlifting...

Eat like a pig and hit PRs -or- lose some body fat for health and longevity

3/28/2026 11:06:24 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hank][Edited] [#31]
Yeah, it’s pretty annoying. Thankfully I have some extra stored fuel built up so I can still drive numbers while in a mild cut. Slow going but if I maintain discipline and track macros diligently I’m in a pretty good place.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/29/2026 3:21:24 PM EDT
[#32]
4.1.1 - new wave, Squat 5s day

Quick one today - somebody left their shorts at home but thankfully the Wrangler cargos were stretchy enough to squat in. This is helped by my shitty mobility and lack of an actual ass.

5 @ bar, 135, 185, 215, 240
10 @ 280

5x5 @ 225

Klokov press because why not: 5 @ bar, 65, 85, 95, 85, 65, bar

About 6.9k steps so far today
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/30/2026 3:04:44 PM EDT
[#33]
I'm about 99% done with my gym.  I need to buy some more plates since most of mine are at work.  Still no new bench, but the old Body Solid is decent.  

I got the 55lb bumpers in this week.  I think I might convert to all bumper plates except 25lbs since I can't OHP 45lb plates due to height.  The 55lb plates are on sale at Walmart for $55 a pair in case anyone is looking.  Hard to pass up that deal.

Attached File
3/30/2026 5:35:40 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hank][Edited] [#34]
Looking frickin great! I’d love to be able to just go downstairs whenever it’s time to squat
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
3/31/2026 4:20:35 PM EDT
[#35]
Originally Posted By Hank:
Looking frickin great! I’d love to be able to just go downstairs whenever it’s time to squat
View Quote


I just need an intercom and some cameras so I can scream at the kids upstairs between sets.
4/1/2026 10:18:43 PM EDT
[#36]


A fella can dream...
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
4/1/2026 10:24:09 PM EDT
[#37]
4.1.2 - Bench 5s day yesterday, forgot to post

Quick warm up, band stretch

5 @ bar, 95, 115, 135
10 @ 155

Realized I was supposed to do 160 and not 155 for the top set, so...
5x5 @ 160

OHP 5 @ bar,65,85,95,115; 5x5 @ 95
Barbell rows 5x7-10 @ 135

Superset x 5:
Partial dumbbell lateral raise 10 @ 30
Bent over dumbbell rear raise 10 @ 30

Lying rolling dumbbell extension 4x fail @ 30

About 10k steps, IIRC
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
4/2/2026 3:58:34 PM EDT
[#38]
Originally Posted By Hank:

4.1.2 - Bench 5s day yesterday, forgot to post

Quick warm up, band stretch

5 @ bar, 95, 115, 135
10 @ 155

Realized I was supposed to do 160 and not 155 for the top set, so...
5x5 @ 160

OHP 5 @ bar,65,85,95,115; 5x5 @ 95
Barbell rows 5x7-10 @ 135

Superset x 5:
Partial dumbbell lateral raise 10 @ 30
Bent over dumbbell rear raise 10 @ 30

Lying rolling dumbbell extension 4x fail @ 30

About 10k steps, IIRC
View Quote


Wierd you mentioned the lying rolling tricep extension.  I've never seen that movement in all my time in the gym, then I saw it on a YouTube short last night and you're doing them.  Wierd synchronicity or I'm just out of the loop.  Might have to give them a shot.
4/2/2026 11:37:19 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hank][Edited] [#39]
Yeah I started doing them a few weeks ago after catching a John Meadows video on them. I like them a lot, even though they’ve really exposed my shitty left tricep/shoulder - I dislocated the first rib at the spine on my left side years ago and it left me with some nerve damage. It’s pretty much healed but definitely left the area a bit dysfunctional.

At any rate - they definitely work the tricep differently than regular pressing movements. this is close to how I do them, head off the bench. Only difference, and I think this was a Meadows thing, is to concentrate on pressing the weight up vs just straightening the arm, if that makes sense.

Rolling Dumbbell Tricep Extension
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
4/2/2026 11:49:25 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hank][Edited] [#40]
4.1.3 - deathlift 5s day

You know there’s warm up and a stretch

5 @ 135, 185, 225, 255
11 @ 285

5x5 @ 225

Klokov press:
5 @ bar, 65, 85, 105, 3 @ 115
Then a drop set(ish), five reps each at 105, 95, 85, 75, 65, 55, bar

Good morning: 5x8 @ 135

Pronated barbell curls for my sore brachioradialis: 4x10 @ bar

Little over 13k steps so far today
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
4/3/2026 12:55:03 AM EDT
[Last Edit: hoody2shoez][Edited] [#41]
I'll play.

Had a really lazy 2 month break from work. Down 14lbs and added about an inch to my waist. First week back in the gym. Next 15 weeks is set up more as a hypertrophy block and bringing up lagging muscles than full blown strength block aimed at getting my weight back up and looking good

Day 1 ohp day and tri's
Day 2 dynamic squats and back work
Day 3 bench and bi's
Day 4 max effort squats w/ lower accessories

85% week
Lower body max effort day
Squat top set 265@8
Db rdl's
Single Leg Press
Some calf work
4/3/2026 11:21:00 AM EDT
[#42]
Welcome! And interesting split, did you just start it? I do think if anything, squats are the right lift to do twice a week, but I’d be interested to see how that goes long term. From the block periodization view, it definitely works.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
4/5/2026 11:11:51 AM EDT
[Last Edit: hoody2shoez][Edited] [#43]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Hank:
Welcome! And interesting split, did you just start it? I do think if anything, squats are the right lift to do twice a week, but I’d be interested to see how that goes long term. From the block periodization view, it definitely works.
View Quote

I just started this split-
I've been running 531 in some form or another for 6 years or so now.

Typically the first squat day is a deadlift day for me, but dl is my best lift and frankly, doesn't add much mass to my frame, especially where I need it. I've always struggled with squats and I do grow decent off of them, and as long as I split it up and don't over-do them they won't beat the piss out of me.

My long arms are my weak point in my upper body lifts (very body dominant) so they are a focal point for me during this more, body building phase.

Ohp day
Ohp 5's
Ohp bbb @55%
Lateral raises
Tricep 1
Tricep 2

I've found I like doing the volume at lower %-I can find ways to make it harder and I grow better off of that. My delts/traps aren't the weak point so they can handle a bit of raises at the end


Squat Day 1

Ssb off a box bbs @55%
Back horizontal (rows)
Back vertical (pulldown/pullup)
Facepulls
Grip work for extra work

Bench day
5's
Widowmaker @fsl
Dips
Bi 1
Bi 2
Bi 3

Squat/lower accessories
5's with a amap top set
Rdl's
Single Leg Press
Calves


Pretty basic, nothing sexy right now. Just trying to grow with more focus on my arms/squat

This is going to be my next 16 weeks or so.
4/5/2026 12:49:36 PM EDT
[#44]
I like it. Keep us posted!

I’m headed to OHP 5s day. Still nursing the bicep/brachio so we’ll see how this goes.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
4/5/2026 7:29:04 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hank][Edited] [#45]
4.1.4 - OHP 5s day

So the rolling triceps extensions have really exposed my left shoulder instability. Without having an ortho or trainer handy, I looked up a few things and consulted the ol' ChatGPT, got some diagnostic procedures and some things to try. Keeping OHP and bench on same weights for now, but adding some prehab/rehab type movements in.

Warm up/prehab:
Band scap retractions: 2x20 per side
Wall angels: 2x15 <------------ these suck
Band Y/T/W: 2x12 each
Thoracic foam roller extension: 2x30 seconds or so

Main - OHP:
5 @ bar, 65, 85, 95, 110
10 @ 120

Supplemental - Klokov press:
8 @ bar, 65, 75, 85, 90, 95

Accessory/rehab:
- Single arm dumbbell press: 12 @ 30, 25, 20, 20
    ^^^ this was a big tell. Right side was like, "whatever". Left side fatigued super quickly on the 30s, form broke down on 25s and elbow really wanted to flare, 20s were rough but doable
- Dumbbell row: 3x12/side @ 50
- Band face pulls: 3x15 @ light orange band
- Plate external rotations: 3x12/side @ 5kg
    ^^^ Did these with the elbow up on a bar set at shoulder height, rotate up 90* from forward horizontal

about 7.5k steps today.

Going to explore the imbalance a bit more, but with how the dumbbell presses went, I'm suspecting serratus/scap engagement problems. More to come.
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
4/7/2026 3:10:44 PM EDT
[#46]
Apparently I didn't read the reviews of the program I'm on and I only looked at the first 4 weeks.  I thought it was a bodybuilding program with compound movements.  Turns out I'm powerlifting again.  It tapered really quickly from high reps to low reps and I had a 6 week test yesterday.

Not my best but I'm down 25lbs from last time I did max singles.  So, all PRs technically for my weight.

188lbs 44 years
405 squat
295 bench
475lb deadlift

I did 450k volume in March also.
The program is called Jacked and Tan, so you can see how I could have been misled.
4/7/2026 11:20:07 PM EDT
[#47]
Lol, oh well. Welcome back to it!
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
4/8/2026 2:07:45 AM EDT
[#48]
Bench day "3's" week
Bench 5's to 90%
Widowmaker @fsl
Dips
Biceps until I die
4/9/2026 9:56:10 AM EDT
[#49]
I hit a 515lbs deadlift yesterday in "Race trim" (no shoes, no straps) on the Y's stiff ass bar....so I feel pretty good about the Comp on saturday...They use Texas bars!
4/9/2026 8:05:09 PM EDT
[#50]
You know...I went ahead and re-up'd my yearly membership here...Attached File

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