cesimpson

6 weeks ago, I showed to the gym with my 6 week “Breathing Squats” plan. I talked my friend, neighbor, and lifting partner - Marathoner - into this crazy experiment with me.

He’s been game, and shown incredible growth. He started this experiment 5 weeks ago with a 205# Squat 1RM. Today - the first time he failed the 20x - he completed 7x @ 190#. He also, today, completed for the first time in his entire life, 10 consecutive pull ups. Amazing growth.

I’m getting tired. 5 weeks is a long time; I’m not recovering well. Today I failed, again, completing only 14x @ 250#. In light of us both failing on the same day, and both of us feeling kinda worn down, we’re putting an end to the experiment.

We agreed after our workout was over today, Monday we will test 1RM Squat. I’m also planning to test 1RM Bench Press on Monday. On Friday we’ll test 1RM Deadlift and, either 1RM C&J or 1RM Overhead Press.

Workout

Appetizer

10x Overhead Squat @ 45#

8x Overhead Squat @ 95#

6x Overhead Squat @ 115#

4x Overhead Squat @ 135#

The Main Course

13x “Breathing Squats” @ 250#

Side Dish #1

AMAP Dips @ BW+60# (11x)

AMAP Chin Ups @ BW+35# (5x)

AMAP Knees-to-Elbows (12x)

Rest

AMAP Dips @ BW+60# (7x)

AMAP Chin Ups @ BW+35# (4x)

AMAP Knees-to-Elbows (12x)

Side Dish #2

10x Bent-Over Barbell Rows @ 155#

AMAP Push Press @ 155# (9x)

Rest

10x Bent-Over Barbell Rows @ 155#

AMAP Push Press @ 155# (5x)

Dessert

10x Snatch-Grip Deadlift @ 275#

So, I’m a little disappointed to not finish the six weeks, but, I think, it’s time to back off a bit. I’m interested to see if this translated to any real strength gains.