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Post by dopar66 on Mar 7, 2007 12:18:27 GMT -5
All I can say is Chancey, Rockman and ToolPod summed it up nicely! I did maybe 5 sets of ez bar curls today and called it a day on curls..... 'nuff said.
Do you ever smack your elbows with the upright rows? That's part of why I quit doing them, so I was just wondering.
God BLess!
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 7, 2007 15:46:20 GMT -5
Doug,
I use an Olympic Ez-bar with only 10 and 25 lb. plates.
I have very long arms so that might allow me to clear the weights a little easier. I use the center grip where the bar bends up. This gives me just enough room to clear the bar to the chin.
I really like this exercise to help build the top of the shoulder and the outside of the arms and forearms.
I tired a number of different set-ups and found this works for me the best.
Jim
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Post by dopar66 on Mar 7, 2007 16:17:52 GMT -5
Do you put the 10s to the inside to make more distance between the 25s? I'm starting to get some ideas here...... I bet it's been over a year since I've done them, but I liked 'em.
Thanks, and God Bless!
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 7, 2007 16:43:09 GMT -5
Doug,
No, I have enough clearance without having to move the weight - but I bet that would buy you some room. Or just stack on the 10 pounder's.
I believe that I can get 5 or 6 on per side with the collars. Plus the bar that I use is around 25 lbs. So even with just the 10's you could possibly go to 125 to 145 pounds. And at 8 to 10 rep. count that would work well for most people. I use a 4 to 8 second count down on these too. It really kicks everything hard when I do them like that and you can reduce the weight that you use that way also.
You might also be able to get 3 -10's on the inside and then a 25 pounder on the ends. It would give you a lot more clearance that way also.
Hope that helps some.
I really am a believer in this exercise. I believe that a lot of people do not work individual muscle groups enough to help support the connective tissues in the arms and shoulders.
At my age it is important to help protect myself against injury.
Jim
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Post by chancey on Mar 7, 2007 18:25:11 GMT -5
And here I thought we were developing a friendship and you go an attack me like that. lol. Man, I think about it all the time especially considering that age thing.
Just so you don't get the wrong idea and think I am a lover of arm work....a while back you mentioned something about it helping your bench. That generates the quick head swing and gets the ole gears turning. If I had to guess I would bet you have developed strong forearms and wrist and that allows you to put the death grip on the bar and pull that puppy apart.
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Post by dopar66 on Mar 8, 2007 9:54:54 GMT -5
Thanks a TON, Jim! Excellent info!
God Bless!
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 8, 2007 11:27:25 GMT -5
Chancey, I was a tree climber for years - energized line guy. I found it extremely important to build overall body strength to be able to climb trees for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. So I always felt that it was important to work all muscle groups - individual as well as large group muscles. Forearm and hand grip were always very important to do that job. So I have worked hard over the years to incorporate a lot of different exercises to be able to build overall strength. When I quite that job 7 years ago - I ended up on the road and at a desk. Worst thing I could have done. So when I started back 2 years ago - I went back to basics. I love the three staple lifts - deadlift, squat and bench. But, feel it is important to really build up all aspects of each muscle group. My biggest problem is trying to not over-train. Like I used to in my 20's. Doug, I am just honored to help out in any way I can. Hope it helps. God be with you both today. Jim
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Post by chancey on Mar 8, 2007 12:15:30 GMT -5
Dang, that impressive and scary work! I don't like being higher than 10 ft off the ground. I couldn't imagine working out after 8-10 hours of climbing trees. I would think the best exercises for climbing trees is....climbing trees!
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 9, 2007 15:57:59 GMT -5
Well had a minor set back today. Went back to the Chiropractor today. Having right hip pain still from my injury in Sept. So, I have been placed back into therapy for it. It does not seem to effect any of the upper body stuff. Which is really cool. ;D I believe though that I can make a positive out of this. I will have Hydrotherapy (Swimming Pool) for 3 days a week for the next 3 to 6 months for strengthening of the lower back, hip and stabilizers around the lower lumber. Which I can not seem to hit with normal lifting. Got to get to those deep muscle groups and ligaments. I also have band work for Adductor's and Abductors. I believe that it will actually make me stronger and bring up my endurance and lower body strength. So I am going to work hard to make a negative into a positive. I believe this has been long over due. (Driving on the road all those years really took its toll.) But I will beat this thing. So here is my Lame Squat work-out from late night. 3/08/07 - Squats Weight - 222 lbs. 135 x 10 135 x10 225 x 8 225 x 8 (Up to now things felt pretty good.) 275 x 1 275 x 1 275 x 1 (By the 3rd one - I just knew I had better quite or I was going to pay for it the next day). Iced all last night and took the anti-inflammatory. Actually felt better this morning than I thought. So I was smart to quit when I did. But still pretty sore today. I got everything else fixed up in the last 2 years - this is the last piece to the puzzle. God Bless All. Jim
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Post by chancey on Mar 9, 2007 18:54:12 GMT -5
If your not going to be doing any full power meets anytime soom why not stay away from the heavy squats and stick with reps? I am assuming DLs are out. I really like your attitude towards this. I wish you all the luck in your recovery and we'll be here to cheer you on.
Glad you can still chase down that 315 for reps goal.
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 9, 2007 22:12:04 GMT -5
Chancey,
One of my motto's is "Life can beat me up and kick me in a ditch - but unless it kills me - I will crawl out of that ditch and then you better watch out - cause here I come". ;D
All I have to do is look around me and see some of the trials that others go through - and my situation is just a very minor stepping stone. The Lord will never put me through a trial that I can not handle - and I will prevail in the end.
Now on a lighter note.
I did my 1st therapy band work tonight - man was that tough. This is going to be a real good thing - build up that core strength. I can't even imagine what the pool therapy is going to be like. And when I get back to 100% - will be stronger than I have ever been in my life.
Who would have thought a little piece of rubber tubing could kick your butt. But I am ready for the challenge.
And for the 315 rep. thing. I will chase it down and conquer it.
You can't imagine how much I appreciate all the support from everyone. That is why this Federation Rocks!
God bless all and have a safe weekend.
Jim
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Post by 3speed on Mar 10, 2007 6:22:20 GMT -5
Go get em RP42. You have the right attitude about it. I have been told twice that I would never lift again and I proved them wrong both times. One of my favorite quotes is from Lance Armstrong when he found out he had cancer. "The way I see it, I have 2 choices. I can give up or I can fight like Hades." Look where that attitude got him.
Good luck with therapy.
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 10, 2007 9:24:59 GMT -5
3Speed,
Thanks for the perspective. It is great to here you beat the odds. Way to go. ;D I look to guys like you and Lance to realize that this is just a little glitch and not something more.
Means a great deal to me to have guys like you around to realize anything is possible. I have also been told that in the past by so called specialists. But I believe in the power of faith - and when that happens - all things are possible.
God Bless and thanks again.
Jim
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 12, 2007 23:24:27 GMT -5
03/012/07 - Bench
Body Weight - 221 lbs.
Flat Bench -
135 x 10 135 x 10 225 x 8 315 x 5 315 x 5 315 x 4 275 x 6 (2 Sec. Pause) 225 x 15
Dumbbell Flys -
60 x 12 60 x 12 60 x 12
Upper body felt strong. Right hip a little sore a real tight. Have Pool therapy tomorrow.
I only have 3 weeks before my next meet - March 31st. Checked out the rules. Man are they strict in that Federation. Feet totally flat - butt, shoulders and head have to stay on bench. Arms have to lock out together.
I will have to work on that form a little before I go in there.
God Bless All.
Jim
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Post by chancey on Mar 13, 2007 10:57:43 GMT -5
Good solid benching. Your right those are tough rules. Not sure I agree with the feet aspect. Hopefully, this will not create a mid stream form change.
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Post by toolpod on Mar 13, 2007 13:42:05 GMT -5
Which meet are you going to RP42?
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 13, 2007 17:30:45 GMT -5
Toolpod,
I received an email from the ADFPF - American Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation, which is part of the (WDFPF) - World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation, to try out for the U.S. Powerlifting Team which will represent the United States in Italy in October.
The Board members name was Judith Gedney and she herself is very accomplished in powerlifting.
I am extremely humbled and honored to even be considered for this. I am being evaluated on Single Lift category - Bench. For 220 Lb. Class - Master 1.
They are extremely strict in lifting form and technique as well as drug testing. They only emailed me last Sunday - so this really put a lot of stress on me to step up to the plate.
I am just praying that I can go there and lift well enough to be considered.
It is in Macomb, IL on March 31st. Mrs. Gedney is from Western Illinois University and is one of the powerlifting coaches there.
Wish me luck - I will need all I can get.
God Bless.
Jim
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Post by chancey on Mar 13, 2007 17:34:32 GMT -5
After watching countless hours of lifting on the Internet I’ve come to the conclusion that I would rather see a strict meet than a lax meet. I can’t believe the touch-n-go record bench presses and the major epidemic of high squatting I've been watching. If you have to start explaining your squat depth you’ve already lost in my book. Notice that the great squatters like Karwoski, Coan, Hatfield, and new guys like Weech, no matter what angle you watched, never left a doubt that they performed a good squat. As far as I am concerned gear is little issue compared to performance standards throughout the PL world. Wow, sorry for ranting RP42 (I quietly step down from my squat box).
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Post by rockman181 on Mar 13, 2007 18:57:03 GMT -5
Wow!!! Congratulations AND good luck, Jim. That is awesome, and quite an honor. I'm sure that you will do very well.
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 13, 2007 21:40:15 GMT -5
Rockman181,
Thanks for the support. I can use all the prays I can get.
3/13/07 - Pool Therapy for hip.
I had my 1st Pool Therapy today. 1 hour of very intense workout. Man it felt great. And I recommend it to everyone. I believe 3 to 6 months of this will not only fix the problem - but I will be in the best shape of my life and should be able to cut my body fat to nothing.
This was some pretty grueling hour. I know that I am going to be sore for a couple of days. I can already feel it everywhere. And I have this 2 to 3 times a week so I may have to increase my calories to help maintain my weight - we will see.
God Bless All.
Jim
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 13, 2007 21:46:24 GMT -5
Chancey,
I am will you on the more strict thing. I too believe that most Federations are a little lax in competition. I have seen a few meets from other Federations and thought that they were not very consistent. I will not mention which ones they were.
That is why when I see a record in RAW. I know that person earned it the hard way and it was not just given to the person - just to bump up their records.
God Bless You Chancey.
Jim
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Post by dopar66 on Mar 14, 2007 9:52:24 GMT -5
Wow, Jim, you've been busy the last few days! Man I really hope and pray that pool therapy works for you! Being raised in coastal NC I'm kinda fond of water, and ANY water is therapy to me!
march 31, looking forward to the praise report!
(I like your motto)
God Bless!
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Post by toolpod on Mar 14, 2007 14:58:54 GMT -5
Likewise, looking forward to the praise report!
Good luck on the meet and congratulations!
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Post by Jim B. on Mar 15, 2007 22:33:34 GMT -5
3/15/07 - Arms, Shoulders
Body Weight - 220 lbs.
Preacher Curl - Ez-bar
75 x 12 (Close Grip) 75 x 12 (Wide Grip) 95 x 12 (Close Grip) 95 x 12 (Wide Grip)
Standing Ez-bar Curl
115 x 8 (Close Grip) 115 x 8 (Wide Grip) 145 x 8 (Wide Grip) 145 x 8 (Wide Grip)
2 Arm Tricep Pulley Machine
75 x 12 95 x 8 105 x 6 95 x 8
Rev. Ez-Bar Curl
115 x 8 115 x 8 115 x 8
Dips
25 (Body Weight) 25 (Body Weight) 25 (Body Weight)
Dumbbell Wrist Curls
40 x 8 40 x 8 40 x 8
God Bless All.
Jim
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Post by dopar66 on Mar 16, 2007 9:14:15 GMT -5
Gotta quick suggestion, why don't you try hitting the biceps a little? Great gravy! I'm fried just thinking about all that curling! And that's some NICE dips!
God Bless.
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