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Post by Rockindad on May 17, 2021 12:44:14 GMT -5
I have a specific goal: to squat 1000lbs. by my 50th birthday, which will be June 30th. *Full disclosure (if anybody cares): this is being done on a piece of equipment called a SuperSquat which has a harness that rests on the shoulders as an old rotator cuff injury prevents me from holding a barbell in place for a traditional squat much past 400lbs. My best guess is that using the machine is about 20% easier than a traditional squat, but that is comparing a 405lb. barbell squat to 500lbs. on the SuperSquat, they felt very similar. A link to the machine: www.fitnesssuperstore.com/Precor-Icarian-Super-Squat-624-p/precor624.htm?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInqfRmIDR8AIVmeDICh1bMASIEAQYASABEgJJVfD_BwEThis goal was born out of a depression during a fairly recent illness that left me feeling terrible and worst of all with no energy. To take my mind off of it I started thinking of when I would feel better and what I would do to maintain it, particularly physically. I had lifted for many years into my mid-30’s until other things in life took precedence: starting a business while working another full-time job, kids’ activities, coaching baseball/softball, etc. While I would still dabble for stretches when I could, there were many extended periods where I did nothing at all. Training these last few months has been going well and I am feeling optimistic. I just want to say, as a matter of pride, that this is all being done naturally. The only supplements I use are a protein shake and vitamins. Really though the best part of this process has been the unexpected benefits. Having a specific goal has made me more driven, focused, alert, etc., I feel better both physically (okay, this may not be 100% true for a couple days after a heavy session) and mentally. I am benefitting in every aspect of my life- work, personal, etc. I have had plenty of other goals in the past like: I want to be the best at work, to be a better guitar player, to be a good dad, etc. and while all fulfilling and certainly beneficial, a lot harder to measure. There are no degrees of success with this new goal, it is strictly pass/ fail, because of this it ups the ante and that led to the mentioned benefits. I already have another goal chosen but will not be able to start on that until this one is complete as they would interfere with one another. I want to run a race by next summer, nothing crazy, just a 5K/10K. Goal time TBD.
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Post by opalpyrexia on May 17, 2021 13:13:43 GMT -5
Congratulations on your progress and best wishes for successfully achieving your squat goal!
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lookatthat
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Post by lookatthat on May 17, 2021 13:54:54 GMT -5
Keep us posted!
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Post by miket on May 17, 2021 14:14:17 GMT -5
Yep, good luck in your quest!
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Post by Pat on May 17, 2021 14:38:49 GMT -5
1000pounds!!! Wow! Congratulations on setting the goal and working toward it. In making the goal, you are on your way. Keep us posted.
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Post by rockjunquie on May 17, 2021 16:16:59 GMT -5
Good for you!! Sounds like you have a plan and the will too exercise it. I hope you can do it. (Don't hurt yourself doing it, though.)
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Post by Rockindad on May 18, 2021 9:18:15 GMT -5
Will do. It will be another way to keep a little more pressure on myself .
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Post by Rockindad on May 18, 2021 9:36:15 GMT -5
Good for you!! Sounds like you have a plan and the will too exercise it. I hope you can do it. (Don't hurt yourself doing it, though.) Yeah, that would kind of defeat the purpose . Trying to be as methodical as possible- working the core, back, etc. Nutrition also plays a huge role, will be due for one hell of a cheat day after this!
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Tommy
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Post by Tommy on May 18, 2021 14:45:01 GMT -5
I hate to say it but I could easily squat 1000 lbs by June 18th if I tried. 34 lbs once a day for 30 days ... easy peasy All kidding aside let us know how you progress.
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Post by Rockindad on May 18, 2021 18:04:59 GMT -5
I hate to say it but I could easily squat 1000 lbs by June 18th if I tried. 34 lbs once a day for 30 days ... easy peasy All kidding aside let us know how you progress. Damn Tommy you figured me out . I'm due for a lighter workload for the next couple of weeks to give the body a break before the big push. I will post the results regardless of the outcome, maybe a video.
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pizzano
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Post by pizzano on May 19, 2021 14:05:58 GMT -5
Been watching this thread with some interest and a little skepticism......due to the age and current basic physical condition of the OP (which is not completely apparent) like current daily average fuel intake consumption/supplements, blood pressure, heart rate, joint/muscle atrophy, ect. ect. ect.......:
Having spent a considerable amount of time in my life as a competitive athlete, coach and trainer (through grade school, high school, college and club.......martial arts, basketball, cycling, soccer, much of the later years influenced by my kids training (my daughter and son both having been very high achiever athletes). I stopped serious personal training (in order to stay competitive) after the age of 48.........finally decided (not due to injury or ailments) to evaluate the risk, reward, benefit aspects, needed or required to stay fit at a level necessary to perform well at keeping up with the kids, job, recreation, and perform tasks around the home and property without "feeling the pain" later........lol
Given, my personal physical demands (although no longer competition driven), required/require a certain level of fitness (I am a Land Surveyor), that I can maintain on the job, there is a lot of "behind the desk" on my ass time spent as well. So, my evaluation (certainly a different approach or desires by others will be important)........ kind-of goes like this, in order (least to most important) to establish the goal or achievement I need, want or require to feel and perform well......of course natural aging and body abuse requires different approaches to this for everyone.....:
How do to I look.........this aspect has never been a goal or very high on my priorities, I've always been very aware of my being (I'm no Tom Selleck ,Sean Connery type, more like Clint Eastwood........lol) and quite personally secure within myself.....not to boast, but blessed with health, strength and natural physical attributes, a body built more for speed, agility and quickness rather than bulk/mass and strength appearance qualities.......So, heavy weight or strength training has never been required or desired in my life.....more of a "wide receiver/cornerback", rather than a linebacker or lineman..........lol
Risk/Reward attributes........can and will my body realistically reach and maintain the goals I set to achieve. Not what I "used to" be able to achieve and maintain. Here's where one has to be completely honest with one's self. We are all great at convincing ourselves we can accomplish more than reality permits. Factors like "what will it take (time, effort, fuel/diet, sleep, off day cycles) to maintain a level of fitness without injury, harm or aggravating past ailments...?
Commitment and Motivation........none of the "physical" goals or achievements will be accomplished without also re-training the mind to stimulate the body. A certain amount of "will power" can kick start any desire........but is the mind ready, willing, able and strong enough to maintain the elements it will be challenged with when the "pain" creeps in......and there will be an element of pain associated with any "up-grade' to physical performance......don't kid yourself.
What Level of Performance do I Realistically Need to Achieve, to be Satisfied.........this will differ from individual to individual. In my case, since I chose to longer be competitive, there was no longer the need or requirement to be able to run a 100yrds under 11secs, didn't/don't need to have a vertical leap of over 24", didn't/don't need to run a mile under 8mins, didn't/don't need to dead lift any thing over 200lbs, static push or pull over 200lbs......ect. ect. ect.
For me, today, there's not enough reality reasons or any ego issues in my life or for the past 18yrs, that would be important enough to even be able to say and or prove I could do more than stated above......I'm 67yrs old, I work, cycle, keep my core muscles strong, get plenty of sleep, eat wisely, drink wisely, avoid as much stress as possible, and work real hard at not convincing myself that I can do more than my body tells me I can......my competitive nature is still alive and well, so the challenge to temper that aspect is on going........Although, I have a few bad habits that will eventually contribute to my demise, as long as I can still be a contributor rather than an impediment.....really have no need to prove to myself or anyone "I can still hang with the best or them".......but that's just me.
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Post by parfive on May 19, 2021 14:42:14 GMT -5
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Post by Rockindad on May 19, 2021 19:34:17 GMT -5
Been watching this thread with some interest and a little skepticism......due to the age and current basic physical condition of the OP (which is not completely apparent) like current daily average fuel intake consumption/supplements, blood pressure, heart rate, joint/muscle atrophy, ect. ect. ect.......: Age: just shy of 50, more of a power lifter build, generally good health. VERY clean diet during training, one cheat day in the last two months. Supplements: multi-vitamin, glucosamine chondroitin and one protein shake a day for convenience. As far as fuel, I am not tracking it now but I have for years in the past so I would guess 2500-2800 calories daily, 3500+ on squat training days. Much less than when I was very much into power lifting.Having spent a considerable amount of time in my life as a competitive athlete, coach and trainer (through grade school, high school, college and club.......martial arts, basketball, cycling, soccer, much of the later years influenced by my kids training (my daughter and son both having been very high achiever athletes). I stopped serious personal training (in order to stay competitive) after the age of 48.........finally decided (not due to injury or ailments) to evaluate the risk, reward, benefit aspects, needed or required to stay fit at a level necessary to perform well at keeping up with the kids, job, recreation, and perform tasks around the home and property without "feeling the pain" later........lol As stated, I have gone long stretches without training at all. What I did not get into (cut for time) is that I have had three significant injuries in my life, all work related: torn rotator cuff, torn ACL, and a herniated disc. Weight training helped immensely in recovering from the knee and back injuries, somewhat with the shoulder- exercises with bungie cords seemed most effective.Given, my personal physical demands (although no longer competition driven), required/require a certain level of fitness (I am a Land Surveyor), that I can maintain on the job, there is a lot of "behind the desk" on my ass time spent as well. So, my evaluation (certainly a different approach or desires by others will be important)........ kind-of goes like this, in order (least to most important) to establish the goal or achievement I need, want or require to feel and perform well......of course natural aging and body abuse requires different approaches to this for everyone.....: How do to I look.........this aspect has never been a goal or very high on my priorities, I've always been very aware of my being (I'm no Tom Selleck ,Sean Connery type, more like Clint Eastwood........lol) and quite personally secure within myself.....not to boast, but blessed with health, strength and natural physical attributes, a body built more for speed, agility and quickness rather than bulk/mass and strength appearance qualities.......So, heavy weight or strength training has never been required or desired in my life.....more of a "wide receiver/cornerback", rather than a linebacker or lineman..........lol Risk/Reward attributes........can and will my body realistically reach and maintain the goals I set to achieve. Not what I "used to" be able to achieve and maintain. Here's where one has to be completely honest with one's self. We are all great at convincing ourselves we can accomplish more than reality permits. Factors like "what will it take (time, effort, fuel/diet, sleep, off day cycles) to maintain a level of fitness without injury, harm or aggravating past ailments...? The goal is a reach, but attainable- for me. Is there a lot more to it than training legs, absolutely. The argument can easily be made that a strong back and core is just as important. There is always a risk of injury, just try to prepare as well as possible. Commitment and Motivation........none of the "physical" goals or achievements will be accomplished without also re-training the mind to stimulate the body. A certain amount of "will power" can kick start any desire........but is the mind ready, willing, able and strong enough to maintain the elements it will be challenged with when the "pain" creeps in......and there will be an element of pain associated with any "up-grade' to physical performance......don't kid yourself. Pain is part of the process and is not necessarily the same as getting injured. I've been extremely active my whole life and have all the aches and pains anyone my age does, plus a couple of bonus ones . What Level of Performance do I Realistically Need to Achieve, to be Satisfied.........this will differ from individual to individual. In my case, since I chose to longer be competitive, there was no longer the need or requirement to be able to run a 100yrds under 11secs, didn't/don't need to have a vertical leap of over 24", didn't/don't need to run a mile under 8mins, didn't/don't need to dead lift any thing over 200lbs, static push or pull over 200lbs......ect. ect. ect. Don't need to do it, want to do it, for me. The only reason I shared this here was to talk about the additional benefits I experienced in the pursuit of this goal.
For me, today, there's not enough reality reasons or any ego issues in my life or for the past 18yrs, that would be important enough to even be able to say and or prove I could do more than stated above......I'm 67yrs old, I work, cycle, keep my core muscles strong, get plenty of sleep, eat wisely, drink wisely, avoid as much stress as possible, and work real hard at not convincing myself that I can do more than my body tells me I can......my competitive nature is still alive and well, so the challenge to temper that aspect is on going........Although, I have a few bad habits that will eventually contribute to my demise, as long as I can still be a contributor rather than an impediment.....really have no need to prove to myself or anyone "I can still hang with the best or them".......but that's just me. To each his own. Don't care about proving anything to anyone. I set a goal and am striving to achieve it. Along the way some other positive things happened. Do not go gentle into that good night By Dylan Thomas Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
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pizzano
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Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on May 19, 2021 21:55:19 GMT -5
I have no intentions of defying or raging against my death.....one cannot rage against it nor defy it to any benefit. I've spent a life time defying and raging against things in life, where those efforts/energies have/could bare fruit. Since I will not or cannot choose when or how I will die, I'd rather go gently/peacefully.........to the benefit of those who may or may not mourn my departure......!
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Post by rockjunquie on May 20, 2021 6:26:39 GMT -5
I have no intentions of defying or raging against my death..... one cannot rage against it nor defy it to any benefit.That's BS. I have known many people who raged against their deaths. My nephew had leukemia. He wasn't expected to live, but he fought like hell, as do many people faced with their deaths. In fact, I think MOST people do. My nephew is 6 years cancer free. Yeah, he raged like a madman and defied it.
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pizzano
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Post by pizzano on May 20, 2021 19:18:48 GMT -5
I have no intentions of defying or raging against my death..... one cannot rage against it nor defy it to any benefit.That's BS. I have known many people who raged against their deaths. My nephew had leukemia. He wasn't expected to live, but he fought like hell, as do many people faced with their deaths. In fact, I think MOST people do. My nephew is 6 years cancer free. Yeah, he raged like a madman and defied it. I understand where you are coming from......and certainly agree on one's "death bed" or clinging to the edge of life, a battle to survive should be fought, especially for the young.......But, as Dylan Thomas, the son of an aged Father who's death was eminent, Rage and Defiance, as so directly pointed to his writing, is/was perpetuated in ANGER. His ANGER stemming from the reality he was about to lose his Father, who he loved deeply......a natural progression of many emotions will always occur under those circumstances...! How is anger beneficial to anyone, especially the dying who cannot be saved and need every ounce of "life" they have left to help ease the pain of those around them who are suffering.....?.........I guess, if one does not give a "sheet" about how those around you feel related to your departure, it makes no difference. And if "kicking and screaming" is the only recourse one has left to spark life......to what benefit is it to those who must continue to care for that individual....? I have been personally effected by death.....a Mom, a Pop, a Sister, three Uncles, three Aunts, all of which were my blood and very very close relationships. I watched them all "fight" to survive....some angry, some peacefully. Some lasted a few years, some just days...........those experiences have taught me to be at peace when the time comes........even if it is delayed by technology, medicine, prayer or miracle........putting other's before yourself, in all aspects of life or death brings peace to those who otherwise would RAGE or DEFY.........! Sorry to ruffle a few feathers.......lol
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Post by rockjunquie on May 20, 2021 19:33:36 GMT -5
That's BS. I have known many people who raged against their deaths. My nephew had leukemia. He wasn't expected to live, but he fought like hell, as do many people faced with their deaths. In fact, I think MOST people do. My nephew is 6 years cancer free. Yeah, he raged like a madman and defied it. I understand where you are coming from......and certainly agree on one's "death bed" or clinging to the edge of life, a battle to survive should be fought, especially for the young.......But, as Dylan Thomas, the son of an aged Father who's death was eminent, Rage and Defiance, as so directly pointed to his writing, is/was perpetuated in ANGER. His ANGER stemming from the reality he was about to lose his Father, who he loved deeply......a natural progression of many emotions will always occur under those circumstances...! How is anger beneficial to anyone, especially the dying who cannot be saved and need every ounce of "life" they have left to help ease the pain of those around them who are suffering.....?.........I guess, if one does not give a "sheet" about how those around you feel related to your departure, it makes no difference. And if "kicking and screaming" is the only recourse one has left to spark life......to what benefit is it to those who must continue to care for that individual....? I have been personally effected by death.....a Mom, a Pop, a Sister, three Uncles, three Aunts, all of which were my blood and very very close relationships. I watched them all "fight" to survive....some angry, some peacefully. Some lasted a few years, some just days...........those experiences have taught me to be at peace when the time comes........even if it is delayed by technology, medicine, prayer or miracle........putting other's before yourself, in all aspects of life or death brings peace to those who otherwise would RAGE or DEFY.........! Sorry to ruffle a few feathers.......lol My mother died slowly of cancer. She willingly went along with it till the end and was resigned to go. Everyone in my family was pissed because it felt more like suicide than dying a natural death. She gave up too soon. She didn't fight to stay with us. So, as always, there's two sides to coin.
Having said that- When it's my time, I'm going the way I want to. Whether it helps my loved ones or not. Death is far too personal to set it aside for others. I know that NOT fighting is probably just as bad for my family as fighting would be. I think I want to experience it - like natural childbirth.
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Post by Rockindad on May 21, 2021 17:01:54 GMT -5
My mother died slowly of cancer. She willingly went along with it till the end and was resigned to go. Everyone in my family was pissed because it felt more like suicide than dying a natural death. She gave up too soon. She didn't fight to stay with us. So, as always, there's two sides to coin.
Having said that- When it's my time, I'm going the way I want to. Whether it helps my loved ones or not. Death is far too personal to set it aside for others. I know that NOT fighting is probably just as bad for my family as fighting would be. I think I want to experience it - like natural childbirth.
Experienced a very similar thing with my Grandma. She had a massive stroke which left her unable to speak and immobile. The good news was that all of her physicians thought she could make a significant recovery with speech therapy, physical therapy, etc. due to her age and condition. She chose not to fight because she was self-conscious and let herself wither away. I would have given anything for her to have some fight. As the oldest grandchild I was clearly the favorite , but it absolutely broke my heart every time I saw her after that.
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Post by rockjunquie on May 21, 2021 17:06:26 GMT -5
Having said that- When it's my time, I'm going the way I want to. Whether it helps my loved ones or not. Death is far too personal to set it aside for others. I know that NOT fighting is probably just as bad for my family as fighting would be. I think I want to experience it - like natural childbirth.
Experienced a very similar thing with my Grandma. She had a massive stroke which left her unable to speak and immobile. The good news was that all of her physicians thought she could make a significant recovery with speech therapy, physical therapy, etc. due to her age and condition. She chose not to fight because she was self-conscious and let herself wither away. I would have given anything for her to have some fight. As the oldest grandchild I was clearly the favorite , but it absolutely broke my heart every time I saw her after that. Yeah, it's hard to watch, for sure.
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Post by Rockindad on Jul 2, 2021 7:31:56 GMT -5
Update:
At the time of my initial post I had been plateaued at 970lbs. for about a month. This is common and I figured I had plenty of time to reach the goal by 6-30-21. I did not expect that on my next session I would blow by it with relative ease and to be honest it was anti-climatic. I was able to repeat the squat of 1060lbs. during my next two sessions so I know it was not a fluke. This is a video of the third time:
Still having a couple of weeks to go I couldn’t leave well enough alone and decided to change the goal and add 50 more pounds. Long story short I tore my left calf, not on the lift itself but when racking the weight. It was not a successful lift as I used my arms when I was stuck for a couple seconds about halfway through the lift and did not want to hurt my back. Once fully erect holding the weight I felt fine, until I took a step to set the weight down and then felt a “pop”. The walk I had to my vehicle felt like a marathon.
Anyways, the muscle is healing up and for once I am going to leave well enough alone. Going to take the win and move on. We have a vacation coming up that involves a lot of hiking and walking and it would be jealous of me to knowingly put that in jeopardy.
Have already started working on next years goal as much as I can. No running/jogging per doctors orders, walking is okay.
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