Memorial Day Weekend, Peloton App and the Murph

Lots of things to work on today. First, tomorrow is Memorial Day here in the U.S. and I will always remember the reading by General Kelly now known as "The Last Six Seconds". It is courage like this,  in the face of certain death, that we remember on the last Monday in May.

Traditionally I have done the Murph WOD on Memorial Day. Wear the 20 lbs. vest if you have got it, body armor if you are in the military. And no Crossfit "pull-ups" damn it.... strict pull-ups that will make you suffer. We do not gimp our push-ups or squats.... why pull-ups?!

Finally, I wanted to make a plug for the Peloton App. Since my marathon I had been looking for some type of cardio work that was not too painfully boring. There was a woman at the gym that was KILLING IT on one of the spin bikes while wearing ear buds.... it was clear that she was pushing herself more than a person would on their own.... something or someone was motivating her. She told me about the Peloton App, that you could do two weeks for free and to watch the rides with Robin Arzon leading them. Super fun, very hard, great music.... check it out!

Today is a rest day prior to the morning Murph WOD tomorrow.

Have a Great Day!!

Been a Few Days and Bartolo Colon

It has been a few days since I have posted and I have been a bit busy, One of the things that we did in the last few days was go to see the Washington Nationals versus the Atlanta Braves. I walked away from that game feeling like Bartolo Colon gives all middle aged men hope. The 43 year old MLB pitcher is LISTED at 5'11", 280 lbs. and he schooled the vaunted Nationals batters! Though I am a Nats fan, I have to tip my cap to Colon!

Workout:
Rowing HIIT, 20 minutes
AbMat Sit-Up, 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Quick Monday and Tuesday Posts

I have been doing the Buckeye Program for a few weeks now and have used it with two of my clients that have specific goals to improve their bench press, back squat and deadlift. Both of those clients have made gains in their lifts after doing the program for three weeks and then attempting a one repetition maximum lift on the fourth week. We will keep moving forward and see how it goes!

Monday:
Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 50 repetitions
Barbell Good Morning, 10 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Back Squat, Buckeye Program
Toes to Bar, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Tuesday:
Spin Bike Metrics Ride, 45 minutes
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch
Calf Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Wild Times in Washington and the Workouts

I am not sure that I have been alive to see something like the current events in DC. I do get it that a President can fire an FBI Director for any reason. But it sure looks strange when a President cans a FBI head that is investigating that President's campaign for colluding with the Russians to effect that election?! At the very least, President Trump acted with some very poor timing?!

Friday:
Warm-Up:
Jump Rope, 100 repetitions
Jump Squat, 15 repetition
Barbell Good Morning, 10 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Deadlift, Buckeye Program
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Saturday:
Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 50 repetitions
Hand Release Push-Up, 10 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 10 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 10 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Bench Press, 5 sets of 5 repetitions at 75% of 1-RM
Seated Barbell Shoulder Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Dip, 3 sets of 15 repetitions
AbMat Sit-Up, 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Done with the Same Ol' Caps

I am done with the Washington Capitals. The same thing happens year in and year out: Exceptional regular season and then quickly ejected from the NHL playoffs. Over it.

Workout:
Spin Bike, 30 minute HIIT
Mobility:
Calf Stretch
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Friday and Saturday Buckeye Program Lifting

Had a busy day training folks at work Friday and a nice Saturday of chores around the house but able to weight train both days.

Friday:
Warm-Up:
Row, 5 minutes
Jump Squat, 10 repetitions
Foam Roller
Weight Training:
Deadlift, Buckeye Program
GHD Back Extension, 3 sets of 15 repetitions
Mobility:
Hamstring Stretch
Quadriceps Stretch

Saturday:
Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 50 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Hand Release Push-Up, 10 repetitions
Weight Training:
Bench Press, Buckeye Program
AbMat Sit-Up, 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Baseball Needs to Grow the F*** Up, Wednesday and Thursday Workouts

Last night, Umpire Sam Holbrook tossed out Orioles' pitcher Kevin Gausman after hitting Red Sox batter Xander Bogaerts with a pitch. This all dates back to an injury to to Dustin Pedroia when Manny Machado slid into him at second base.... THE THIRD WEEK OF APRIL?! Since then various pitchers have been pitching at batters in the series. I applaud Holbrook for not giving any warning to Gausman... intentional or not, tossing the pitcher sent a clear message: This childish behavior ends now.

Wednesday Workout:
Warm-Up:
Hand Release Push-Up, 15 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Bench Press, Buckeye Program
AbMat Sit-Up, 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretches

Thursday Workout:
Spin Bike HIIT, 30 minutes
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch
Calf Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Monday and Tuesday Workouts

After my marathon in March I have just about put a personal ban on running for a while. I have however been trying to mix in cardio work with the powerlifting.

Monday:
Warm-Up:
Jump Rope, 100 repetitions
Jump Squat, 10 repetitions
Weight Training:
Back Squat, Buckeye Program
Barbell Good Morning, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
AbMat Sit-Up, 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Tuesday:
Spin Bike HIIT, 20 minutes
Mobility:
Calf Stretch
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Family Visit = Quick Post

We have had multiple family visitors this weekend so I am going to just quickly fire off this post.

Friday:
Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 50 repetitions
Barbell Good Morning, 15 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Deadlift, Buckeye Program
AbMat Sit-Up, 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Hamstring Stretch
Quadriceps Stretch

Saturday:
Warm-Up:
Hand Release Push-Up, 15 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Bench Press, Buckeye Program
Seated Barbell Shoulder Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
AbMat Sit-Up, 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretch

Sunday:
Spin Bike HIIT, 35 minutes
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Good Day!!

Quick Post

Yesterday I continued on the bench press Buckeye Program and today is a rest day. Tomorrow will be my first one rep maximum deadlift in a while.

Wednesday Workout:
Warm-Up:
Airdyne, 3 minutes
Weight Training:
Bench Press, Buckeye Program
Plate Loaded Shoulder Press, 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions
Roman Chair Leg Raise, 3 sets of 20 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretch

Thursday: Rest Day

Have a Great Day!!

Wait.... I Thought Mexico was Going to Pay for the Wall? Workouts

I have been listening to the threat of a government shut down if President Trump includes the funding of the border wall with Mexico into the government spending bill. My major confusion is pretty simple I think.... Candidate Trump made it clear that Mexico was going to pay for the wall?! What happened to that?

Sunday:
Spin Bike HIIT, 35 minutes

Monday:
Back Squat, Buckeye Program
Romanian Deadlift, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Calf Raise, 3 sets of 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Tuesday: Crossfit
Warmup:
Run, .25 mile
Hollow Rock, 10 repetitions
Arch Rock, 10 repetitions
Burpee + Broad Jump, 5 repetitions
Strength:
Push Press, 3 sets of 2 repetitions at 90%
WOD:
“Jan” 10 Rounds For Time 
5 Squat Cleans RX (95/65)
5 Pullups
Buyout:
3 rounds of :30 secs on Air Assault bike
3 rounds of 1 minute planks

Have a Great Day!!

RIP Garv-Missile and the Workouts from Friday and Saturday

Today I received a message that our friend's dog Garvey passed away. I called him "The Garv-Missile" because he would come launching out of her house to play with us and our dog Ocho.... running around like a maniac. Garvey was a happy, gentle soul. The only flaw I have ever found with dogs is that they weasel their way into our hearts, die way too soon and leave a gaping whole where their unconditional love used to be. RIP Garv-Missile.

Friday Workout:
Warm-Up:
Jump Rope, 100 repetitions
Jump Squat, 10 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Deadlift, 3 sets of 5 repetitions at 75% of 1-RM
Pendlay Row, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Pull-Up, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
AbMat Sit-Up, 100 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Saturday Workout:
Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 50 repetitions
Push-Up, 10 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Bench Press, Buckeye Program
Standing Military Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
AbMat Sit-Up, 100 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretch

Have a Great Day!

Aaron Hernandez and the Wednesday and Thursday Workouts

I am a football fan and I feel like I am a somewhat compassionate human being. I have also spent a good portion of my professional career as a NOLS instructor, field staff supervisor and as a fitness trainer trying to help people live up to their potential. With all of that said, when I heard that Aaron Hernandez, the former tight end for the New England Patriots who was imprisoned for murder was found dead in his cell I was not shocked. In fact, I found my self feeling like, "Yeah. That seems about right." I don't really like feeling that way. It seems like such a waste.

Wednesday:
Warm-Up:
Airdyne, 3 minutes
Weight Training:
Bench Press, Buckeye Program
Plate Loaded Shoulder Press, 3 sets of 6-10 repetitions
Roman Chair Leg Raise, 3 sets of 20 repetitions
Mobility:
Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretches

Thursday:
Row, 5000m
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretches
Hamstring Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Cardio Boxing Workout

Warm-Up:
Jump Rope Tabata
Workout:
Cardio-Boxing Circuit: Perform each exercise in order to complete a round. Five rounds total. One minute rest between rounds.
Heavy Bag Boxing, 1 minute
Lying Toe Raise, 1 minute
Jump Squat, 30 seconds
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!

The Buckeye Program

Anyone who checks on this blog even occasionally knows that I change things up pretty regularly. I get bored, I plateau, I like to try new things so I can recommend them to clients, whatever. I am going to work on my power lifting again and did some research on different programs and discovered the "Buckeye Program". I have poked around and I cannot find who came up with this program.... I have to assume it was someone at Ohio State University? I am going to use this program for my bench press and my back squat. Monday will be squats, Wednesday will be bench press and on Fridays I will continue to do my deadlifting. The deadlifting is not going to follow the "Buckeye Program".

For the "Buckeye Program", you need to know what your one repetition maximum weight is for the lift you are training. With that weight, subtract 20 lbs. to get what is called your "working one rep max".

Here's an example using a one repetition maximum of 275 lbs. Subtract 20 lbs to get 255 the "working one rep max".

Buckeye Routine 255 lbs.
Set 1 65% x 8 reps = 165 x 8
Set 2 72.5% x 6 reps = 185 x 6
Set 3 80% x 4 reps = 205 x 4
Set 4 85% x 3 reps = 215 x 3
Set 5 90% x 2 reps = 230 x 2
Set 6 92.5% x 1 rep = 235 x 1
Set 7 75% x 4 reps = 190 x 4

Do all of these sets in one workout and if you are successful in each one, next workout add 5 lbs to the "working one rep max", Recalculate the percentages, and repeat. If you fail on a set, then the next workout you have to repeat all of the sets again. Once you have completed all of the sets increase your "working one rep max" by 5 lbs.

Warm-Up:
PVC Good Morning, 15 repetitions
Jump Squat, 20 repetitions
Foam Roller
Weight Training:
Back Squat, Buckeye Routine (moving up 5 lbs. next week...)
AbMat Butterfly Sit-Up, 100 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Rest Day and Hiking

We ended up hiking with the dogs and then relaxing on the day off from the weights!! We had beautiful weather at Falling Water State Preservation Area!

Have a Great Day!!

Becca Longo and the Workout

For the first time a woman has earned a scholarship in college football. Becca Longo of Arizona is going to be kicking for Adams State University in Colorado. In a year where we could have had the first woman President, I will instead celebrate this young lady's accomplishment of busting through the "glass ceiling".

Warm-Up:
20 lbs. Slam Ball Tabata
Weight Training:
Standing Military Press, 3 sets of 5 repetitions
Chin-Up, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Barbell Skull Crusher, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Barbell Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Captains of Crush Grip Trainer, 15 repetitions per hand after each of the above sets
AbMat Butterfly Sit-Up, 100 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Quick Workout Post

Today is my heavy deadlift day.

Warm-Up:
Jump Rope Tabata
Barbell Good Morning, 15 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Best Deadlift Double, 2 repetitions
Deadlift, 85% of best double for 3 sets of 3 repetitions
Back Squat, 60% for 5 sets of 5 repetitions
AbMat Sit-Up, 100 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Good Day!!

Whether You Like it Our Not, Donald.... The U.S. is a Player in the World

Clearly Donald Trump has learned that his buddy Bannon that helped get him into the White House lives in a fantasy world. America cannot be isolated from the rest of the world and President Trump has this week realized that at times we will have to engage in international issues. Now if he can somehow avoid a shooting war in the Korean Peninsula?!

Warm-Up:
Cardio Machine, 20 minutes
Weight Training:
Incline Dumbbell Chest Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Dumbbell Hammer Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Plate Loaded Chest Press Machine, 3 sets of 4-6 repetitions
Barbell Biceps Curl, 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions
Roman Chair Toes Raise, 3 sets of 20 repetitions
Captains of Crush Grip Trainers, 15 repetitions with each hand after each of the above sets
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

The Least You Do is Give a Half Hour of Time....

I recently did an assessment for a gym member that received their membership on scholarship for financial reasons. That is something that I love about working for a non-profit. Without that scholarship, this young woman would not be able to afford to come to the gym. Emma works helping homeless veterans, making sure that they apply for and receive all of the benefits that the are eligible for. Emma is also working toward joining the Army. Though she does get a gym membership, she does not receive personal training sessions as part of her scholarship. I have a special place in my heart for veterans and those who are willing to serve in the military, so we are going to work together for a half hour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to get her up to speed for basic training.

Monday Workout:
Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 100 repetitions
Barbell Good Morning, 15 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Front Squat, 6 sets of 3 repetitions at 55%
Press from the Split Position, 6 sets of 3 repetitions at 52%
Clean and Jerk, 4 sets of 2 repetitions at 80%
Snatch, 4 sets of 2 repetitions at 75%
Leg Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Extension, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Glute Push Back, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Quick Workout Post

Today is a nice relaxing day at home after a solid work week, Tonight we are going to watch our local minor league team, the Chattanooga Lookouts. So to maximize my time I will just make a quick post of Friday and Saturday's workouts.

Friday Workout:
Warm-Up:
Jump Squat, 15 repetitions
Barbell Good Morning, 15 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Deadlift, Best two repetition maximum then five sets of three repetitions at 85% of two repetition maximum.
Back Squat, Five sets of five repetitions at 60% of 1-RM
Toes to Bar, Five sets of five repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Saturday Workout:
Jumping Jack, 100 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Bench Press, Five sets of five repetitions
Barbell Curl, Three sets of 10 repetitions
Barbell Skullcrusher, Three sets of 10 repetitions
AbMat Sit-Up, 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Trump is Finding Out There Are No Good Answers.... and the Workouts

Syrian nerve gas attack. North Korea plowing ahead with their nuclear missile program. These are just two of the international problems that the new President is having to deal with. Campaigning is one thing. Calling other administrations weak or ineffective are easy on the campaign trail... but now serving as President, this is where the rubber meets the road and decisions must be made. We will see how real leadership decisions are made here very soon.

Wednesday Weight Training:
Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 100 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Super Set: Perform the next two exercises in order to complete a set. No rest between exercises. Three sets total.
Barbell Weighted Lunge, 10 repetitions
Pendlay Row, 10 repetitions
Super Set: Perform the next two exercises in order to complete a set. No rest between exercises. Three sets total.
Barbell Push Press, 10 repetitions
Romanian Deadlift, 10 repetitions
Front Squat, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch
Banded Shoulder Stretches

Thursday Cardio:
Spin Bike Workout, 35 minutes
Roman Chair Toe Raise, 3 sets of 20 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Redemption in an Ugly Game, Donating Blood and the Workouts

My bracket was busted a long time ago but last night two of my co-workers were battling for the title of Bracket Challenge Winner: Jimmy had Gonzaga and Michael had UNC winning the whole enchilada. In the end, UNC won giving the victory to Michael and giving the Tarheels a bit of payback for a heartbreaking loss last year at the buzzer to Villanova.

Today I am headed down to Blood Assurance to donate blood. My boss at the YMCA has asked all of the Personal Trainers to donate blood if we can. I don't know why I don't do it more often, but I am going to head down today after lifting and before I help coach the Crossfit class at noon. Wherever you are, if you have time.... donate blood BEFORE there is an emergency.

Monday Workout:
Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 100 repetitions
Barbell Good Morning, 15 repetitions
Weight Training:
Front Squat, 6 sets of 5 repetitions
Press From the Split Stance, 6 sets of 3 repetitions
Clean and Jerk, 5 sets of 2 repetitions at 80%
Snatch, 5 sets of 2 repetitions at 80%
Leg Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Extension, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Glute Pushback, 3 sets of 10 repetitions per side
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Tuesday Workout:
Warm-Up:
Jump Rope, 100 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Bench Press, 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions
Chin-Up, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Dip, 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions
Barbell Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extension, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Bicycle Abdominal Crunch, 100 repetitions
Mobility:
Chest Stretch
Banded Shoulder Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

I Have Been Quiet About Trump Until Now....

I have been away from the blog for a little bit. The workouts have continued I just have been pretty darn busy.... back at it starting today.

I have been very quiet via blog regarding our new President. I just have decided that there is enough attention spent on the asshat-ery that is President Trump and the clowns that he has surrounded himself with. But today I had enough.... this guy puts out this great American vibe, brags about how good he was at baseball when he was kid and he cannot throw out the first pitch for Major League Baseball on opening day. Baseball.... "America's Past Time"?! Maybe he is afraid the ball will make his hands look small?

Workout:
Row, 5000m
AbMat Butterfly Sit-Up, 100 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

USA Hockey and the Workout

The treatment of the world champion USA Women's Hockey Team by USA Hockey is frankly unbelievable. The most shocking part of the whole mess is that after being exposed for their obvious bias, USA Hockey doubled down and pursued what can only be described as "scab" players to step in for the protesting National Team players. It has gotten so bad that even U.S. Senators have stepped in and written a letter to USA Hockey to support the Women's Team. Why is it so damn hard for people to just say, "Wow, you are right. That is a huge mistake on our part and we will correct this immediately"?!

Warm-Up:
Self-Propelled Treadmill HIIT, 8 minutes, 30 seconds
Weight Training:
Dumbbell Chest Press, 5 sets of 4-6 repetitions
Dumbbell Hammer Curl, 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions
Triceps Cable Push Down, 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions
Dip, 5 sets of maximum repetitions
Roman Chair Leg Raise, 3 sets of 20 repetitions
Captains of Crush Grip Trainer between each of the above sets, 15 repetitions per hand
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Ready for Baseball Season and the Workout

Spring has sprung here.... it was 80 degrees here last week?! We are ready to plant the garden, the lawn has been mowed twice already and we have purchased both Washington Nationals and Chattanooga Lookouts tickets! Just waiting on the first pitch!

Warm-Up:
Jump Rope, 100 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Front Squat, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Standing Military Press, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Pendlay Row, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Extension, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Glute Push Back, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch
Banded Shoulder Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Friday, Saturday, Whew.... Sunday Rest Day!!

I was able to work Friday and do a number of projects around the house on Saturday.... I also had a couple of heavy lifting days so it is nice to just relax a bit today!!

Friday:
Warm-Up:
Jump Squat, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Deadlift, work op to best 3 repetition set then drop to 85% for 3 sets of 5 repetitions
Back Squat, 5 sets of 5 repetitions at 85%
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Saturday:
Warm-Up:
Jump Rope, 100 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Bench Press, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Push Press, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Triceps Cable Pushdown, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Barbell Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

"Have a Nice Day! Hope Your Bracket Goes Down in Flames!!"

The NCAA tournament continues tonight and it has led to a lot of funny exchanges between people that I am in my bracket challenges with. "I am coming for you!" "Have a Nice Day!! Hope your bracket goes down in flames!!" So funny.

I went into the gym for my Olympic lifting session yesterday after my 6:30am client. Normally it is not very crowded with a few old dudes like myself in a relatively empty space. I walked in yesterday and it was total chaos with every platform filled with teenagers. Ahhhhhh... spring break. Walked through and then headed to the squat rack upstairs in the YMCA where it was quiet and I could be a crotchety old man by myself!!!

Wednesday Weight Training:
Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 100 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Front Squat, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Standing Military Press, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Bent Over Barbell Row, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Leg Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Extension, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Chest Stretch

Thursday Cardio:
HIIT Spin Bike, 35 minutes
Bicycle Crunch, 100 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Nice Day! And I hope that your bracket goes down in flames!!

Quick Workout Post

Warm-Up:
Airdyne, 2 minutes
Weight Training:
Incline Chest Press, 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions
Preacher EZ Bar Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Pec-Deck, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Dip, 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions
Medicine Ball Weighted Sit-up with Ball Toss, 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Chest Stretches
Shoulder Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Happy Spring and the Workout!!

It is finally the first day of Spring. Our vegetable plants are starting to sprout in the kitchen and we are making plans to start hardening the plants to the life they will have outside. It is very exciting to watch the greening of our first Spring in Chattanooga.

Warm-Up:
Airdyne, 2 minutes
Weight Training:
Clean from the High Block, 4 sets of 3 at 80%
Back Squat, 3 sets of 2 repetitions at 89%, one set of 5 repetitions at 50%
Hang Power Snatch, 2 repetitions at 60%, 65% and 70%. One repetition at 75% and 80%.
Snatch Pull, 4 sets of 3 repetitions at 90%, 95%, 100% and 100%
Leg Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Extension, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Northwestern Got Robbed But at Least My Bracket was Saved!!

Not only did the Gonzaga player completely goaltend by reach through the rim, but then the Northwestern coach got a technical foul for stepping onto the court while protesting the missed call!! But hey, at least the refs saved my bracket?!

Warm-Up:
Jump Rope, 100 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Bench Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Barbell Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. No rest between exercises. Three sets total.
Barbell Skullcrusher, 10 repetitions
Close Grip Bench Press, 15 repetitions
Toes to Bar, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Mobility:
Chest Stretch
Banded Shoulder Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Heavy Lifting Day

Today is a heavy lifting Friday.

Warm-Up:
Jump Rope, 100 repetitions
Jump Squat, 10 repetitions
Weight Training:
Deadlift, Work up to best 3 repetition maximum lift then drop set to 85% for 3 sets of 5 repetitions
Front Squat, 5 set of 5 repetitions at 80%
Overhead Press, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
AbMat Sit-Up, 80 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

America First? Couple of Workouts

I am a very proud combat veteran of the United States military. I also consider myself very patriotic and I love America. The new White House has released its plan for its budget and I am wondering how it aligns with the "America First" message that the administration has put out. I am certain that after 16+ years of constant combat that the U.S. military is in need of repair and retooling. I also believe that it is only right to spend money to care for our wounded Veterans. I think that investing in infrastructure projects is wise not only to improve our communities but to put people to work. However, after traveling along the U.S.-Mexico border for a couple of weeks a year for the better part of 17 years, spending a crap ton of money on a wall on our southern border is a colossal waste of money and time. To pay for this, the Trump administration is slashing environmental protections, domestic programs and the State Department? I don't get how that is "America First"?

Wednesday Workout:
Warm-Up:
Airdyne, 2 minutes
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Snatch from High Blocks, work up to best three repetition weight and then 2 sets of 3 repetitions at 70%
Front Squat, 3 sets of 4 repetitions at 86%, one set of 4 repetitions at 50%
Pull-Up, 4 sets of 7 repetitions
Hang Power Clean, 2 repetitions at 60%, 65% and 70%. Four sets of 1 repetition at 75%
Clean Pull, 3 repetitions at 90% and 95% and 2 sets of 3 repetitions at 100%
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Hamstring Stretch
Quadriceps Stretch

Thursday HIIT Rowing Workout:
Warm-Up:
Row, one minute easy row
HIIT:
12 rounds of 30 seconds of High Intensity row, 1 minute of Low Intensity Row
Cool-Down:
Row, 2 minutes easy row
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Quick Feel Good About Myself Workout Post

Row, 20 minutes

Weight Training:

Dumbbell Chest Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions

Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions

Dumbbell Triceps Kickback, 3 sets of 10 repetitions

Dumbbell Hammer Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions

Captains of Crush Grip Trainer, 15 repetitions per hand after each of the above sets

AbMat Sit-Up, 80 repetitions

Mobility:

Chest and Arm Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

March Madness and the Workout

Today is the day that I pretend to know what the hell is going on in college basketball. I do love the NCAA tournament but really, does anyone know who is going to win between Mount Saint Mary's and New Orleans?!

Warm-Up:
Airdyne, 2 minutes
Weight Training:
Clean, 3 repetitions at 60%, 70%, 80% and again at 70%

Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. No rest between exercises. Four sets total.
Back Squat, 3 sets of 5 repetitions at 86% and one set of 5 at 60%
Bent Over Row, 6 repetitions

Hang Power Snatch, 2 repetitions at 60%, 65%, 70% and four sets of 1 repetition at 75%
Snatch Pull, 3 repetitions at 90%, 95%, 100% and 100%
Leg Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Extension, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

No Alarm Weekend, The Value of Sleep and The Workout

I look at health and fitness as a three legged stool: 1) Exercise. That one is obvious. 2) Nutrition. This one I think is also obvious but often ignored. You don't have to be crazy about your diet but you certainly cannot out work a crappy diet! 3) Good sleep. This one is the one where I think a lot of people fail. This weekend was the first time in a long time that I had two days in a row where I did not set an alarm to wake up to.... almost unheard of in this house! I do so much better with a solid 8 hours of sleep!!

Workout:
Row, 20 minutes
Dumbbell Chest Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Dumbbell Half Kneeling Hammer Curl to Shoulder Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions with each arm
Dumbbell Triceps Extension, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Toes to Bar, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Quick Friday Workout Post

Warm-Up:
Jump Rope, 100 repetitions
Weight Training:
Clean Grip Pull, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Barbell Weighted Jump Squat, 3 sets of 5 repetitions
Kettlebell Overhead Walking Lunge, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Press, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Extension, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Leg Curl, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Mobility:
Quadriceps Curl
Hamstring Curl

Have a Great Day!!

International Women's Day and the Workout

I wore red to work yesterday in recognition of International Women.s Day. By far the most influential people in my life have been women.... Ticking off the best supervisors I have had in my professional life, the top three are all women. Far and away the two people that impacted my life the most are my stepmother Lynn and my friend's mother Dorothy. Brilliant, hardworking, honest and accepting only the highest of standards. A woman at work when I told her that I wanted to recognize her on International Women's Day said "Every day should be International Women's Day..." which I agreed with. My response though was, "That is true. But when we don't take time every day to recognize the people that deserve it, we need to take a day to make that happen."

Warm-Up:
Row, 20 minutes
Weight Training:
Supersets: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. No rest between exercises. Three sets total.
Superset #1:
Incline Dumbbell Chest Press, 10 repetitions
Alternating Dumbbell Curl, 10 repetitions
Superset #2:
Push-Up, 15 repetitions
Dumbbell Triceps Kickback, 10 repetitions
Dumbbell Concentration Curl, 10 repetitions
Superset #3:
Dumbbell Overhead Triceps Extension, 10 repetitions
Dumbbell Wrist Curls with Supinated Grip, 10 repetitions

Captains of Crush Grip Trainer, 15 repetitions with each hand after each of the above supersets.
AbMat Sit-Up, 70 repetitions

Mobility:
Chest, shoulder and triceps stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Schedules Do Not Always Cooperate

I was hoping to get to the gym to get back to Olympic lifting today, but my work schedule conspired against me. I did get to workout at home.

Warm-Up:
Jump Rope, 100 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Front Squat, 5 sets of 3 repetitions
Overhead Barbell Lunge, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Romanian Deadlift, 5 sets of 3 repetitions
Deadlift, 5 sets of 3 repetitions
AbMat Sit-Up, 60 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Walking it Off and Back at the Weights

Today I warmed up by going for our typical one mile dog walk.... going up our normal steep hill felt good on my still weary legs.... it was going down that really woke me up. Still a little tender going down hill.

I was able to hop into the garage gym and do a good upper body workout. Now that the marathon is done I am going back to weight training and will throw in cardio training three days a week. Monday, Wednesday and Friday will continue to be Olympic lifting. Because those workouts will mostly focus on a lot of leg drive, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday will be "Feel good about myself..." chest and arms work.

Weight Training:
Bench Press, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Barbell Biceps Curl, 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions

Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. No rest between exercises. Three sets total.
EZ Bar Skull Crusher, 10 repetitions
EZ Bar Close Grip Chest Press, 15 repetitions

Captains of Crush Grip Trainer, 15 repetitions per hand
AbMat Sit-Up, 50 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Self Awareness, the Chattanooga Marathon and a Rest Day!!

Today is a rest day after completing my marathon this weekend. When I started the pursuit of this goal I was hoping to beat my time from 15 years ago. After 6 months of training it became clear that I am more Clydesdale than racehorse now and it would probably not happen the way that I had originally hoped. I had worked for NOLS for 16 years and one of their core leadership skills is self awareness. When getting into the corrals just before the race I placed myself between two pace setters... the 4:20 pace setter and the 4:40 pace setter. This seemed to line up well with my split times from training and the number of crushing hills on the course. In the end, after lots of simple carbs and some brutal thigh cramps around mile 22, I pulled in at 4:39:37. What really got me to the end was my wife who met me along the route and was there at the finish line, the wonderful people of the Chattanooga community along the route cheering me on and the 4:40 pace setter who really made me push myself at the end of the race. I am pleased with my run and I am going to take what feels like a well deserved day of rest before getting back to lifting tomorrow.

Have a Great Day!!