cesimpson

This weekend was hot - the hottest it’s been all year. Sunday, at one point, we had a heat index of 105°F. I mowed the lawn, worked in my vegetable garden a bit, blew up an inflatable swimming pool for the kids, grilled some hot dogs for lunch, and got a sunburn.

The sunburn isn’t too bad this morning, but my shoulders are a little tender. I think my nose will probably peel. Other than that, I should be OK.

Four Big Ones

Work Up to 1RM

5x Deadlift @ 135#

6x (3x ea. arm) Side Press @ 45# Barbell

3x Deadlift @ 225#

4x (2x ea. arm) Side Press @ 55# Barbell

1x Deadlift @ 315#

2x (1x ea. arm) Side Press @ 65# Barbell

1x Deadlift @ 365#

2x (1x ea. arm) Side Press @ 70# Barbell

1x Deadlift @ 385#

1x Deadlift @ 405# !

That’s four big plates on each side! I pulled it conventional, with no belt, straps or wraps - nothing but a bit of chalk in my palms. It was a slow grind to get it up, but up it went. So far, I’ve felt nothing like holding 405# in my hands to make me feel like I can take on the world.

3x: Follow Up

2x Deadlift @ 345#

6x (3x ea. arm) Side Press @ 60# Barbell

3x

12x (6x ea. side) Windmill @ 45# Barbell

Not too long ago, 315# and 365# was huge accomplishments…and today they were warm ups. It’s one of the things I really like about the deadlift. The weights move or they don’t. There’s nothing metaphysical about it. You can’t cheat a deadlift; there’s no spotter to help (while screaming “it’s all you, bro”). Either the numbers show growth or not - either way it’s all on you and it’s quantifiable. Your success is, literally, 100% in your own hands. Just you and gravity. So simple in explanation - “just bend over and pick up the bar” - and so difficult in execution.

I love to pull.