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!!

Hours of Work and Training

"It's not the hours you put in your work that counts, it's the work you put in the hours." -Sam Ewing

I had the distinct privilege today to work with two clients that are recovering from traumatic accidents. I obviously cannot go into any kind of details, but I walked away from their training sessions in a bit of awe. Knocking on wood, I have been very blessed to have avoided any medical issues and I try to get at least five days a week of exercise every week. These clients though are working their butts off just to get their lives back to some sort of normalcy. Inspiring.

Sunday: Marathon Training
Run, three hours
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Monday:
Warm-Up:
Airdyne, 2 minutes
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Hang Power Clean and Power Jerk, 3 repetitions at 50%, 60%, 65% and 70%
Clean with 90 seconds rest between sets, 3 repetitions at 60%, 2 repetitions at 70%, 75% and 80%
Clean Pull, 2 sets of 3 repetitions at 95%, 2 repetitions at 100%, 2 repetitions at 105%
Back Squat, 3 sets of 3 repetitions at 70%
Mobility:
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch
Banded Shoulder Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Taking the Time for Fun and the Workout

I went to the gym and had a great lifting session and then came home for lunch. After eating I was about to enter the blogosphere and Rebecca was about to go back to her studies when I looked out the window and noticed what a beautiful day it was here in Red Bank. We grabbed the football and went outside and tossed the pigskin around for 15-20 minutes. It was a short break but it was a lot of fun and the heelers laid in the grass happy to have the whole family outside together!!

Warm-Up:
Airdyne, 2 minutes
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Hang Power Clean and Power Jerk, 3 repetitions each at 50%, 60%, 65% and 70%
Clean, 3 repetitions at 60%, 2 repetitions at 70%, 75% and 80%, 1 repetition at 84%, 88% and 88%
Clean Pull, 3 repetitions at 90% and 95%, 2 repetitions at 100% and 105%
Back Squat, 3 sets of 3 at 84%, one set of 5 repetitions at 70%
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

I Survived and the Workout

I have officially made it through "The Peak Season" at UPS and will now celebrate with three straight days with at least eight hours of sleep!! It was also a great day for some Olympic lifting!!

Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 50 repetitions
PVC Passthrough, 20 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 20 repetitions
Weight Training:
Hang Snatch from the Hip, 60% 3 repetitions, 70% 3 repetitions, 75% 3 repetitions, 65% 3 repetitions
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. Four sets total.
Front Squat, 72% 5 repetitions
Strict No Kip Pull-Up, 7 repetitions
Power Clean from the Hip, 60% 3 repetitions, 65% 3 repetitions, 70% 3 repetitions, 75% 3 repetitions
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. Four sets total.
Clean Pull, 90% 3 repetitions
Seated Barbell Shoulder Press, 5 repetitions

Have a Great Day!!

Family Schedule Change and the Workout

Tomorrow as a family we are getting up at 3:25am. That is pretty normal for me working my morning shift at UPS. Tomorrow however, Rebecca starts her trauma shift in the ER. We will get through this as we always do but the life shift will be interesting. This is where I think we have an advantage being middle aged and going through residency versus being in our twenties. We have experienced some life, some hardship and we have come out the other side. That experience will get us through this rotation.

Warm-Up:
Row, 500m
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Hang Clean from the Knee plus a Clean from the Floor, 80% of 1-RM 4 sets of 1 repetition of each,
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. 4 sets total. No rest between exercises.
Back Squat, 93% of 1-RM 2 repetitions
Weighted Pull-Up +15 kgs., 5 repetitions
No Feet Snatch, 80% of 1-RM 4 sets of 1 repetitions
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. 4 sets total. No rest between exercises.
Snatch Pull with a Stall at the Knee, 100% of 1-RM 2 repetitions
Weighted Push-Up +50 kgs, 6 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches

Have a Great Day!!

Day Off Checklist and the Workout

Had the day off from work but still ran around like a chicken with its head cut off today: Haircut, recycling, made some pulled pork for dinner, bought an extension ladder for cleaning gutters and got my flu shot. While waiting for my shot I sat down to the automatic blood pressure reading machine... despite being recently caffeinated and hustling into the pharmacy my readings were 120/73 with a heart rate of 63. I will take it and give credit to the marathon training!

Warm-Up:
Airdyne Bike, 3 minutes
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Hang Clean from the Knee plus a Clean from the Floor, 60% of 1-RM 1 repetition of each, 70% of 1-RM 1 repetition of each, Work up to a 1-RM, 70% of 1-RM 2 sets of 1 repetition each
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. 4 sets total. No rest between exercises.
Back Squat, 85% of 1-RM 3 repetitions
Pull-Up, 8 repetitions
No Feet Snatch, 75% of 1-RM 5 sets of 2 repetitions
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. 4 sets total. No rest between exercises.
Snatch Pull with a Stall at the Knee, 95% of 1-RM 3 repetitions
Weighted Push-Up, 6 repetitions

Have a Great Day!!

Quick Workout Post after a Big Day

I had a big day at work today followed by a tough workout. I am just going to throw out a quick post before going to bed for my 3:35am work wake up?!

Warm-Up:
Row, 500m
Foam Roller Work
Weight Training:
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. 6 sets totals. No rest between exercises.
Hang Clean from the Knee, 75% of 1-RM 1 repetition
Clean, 75% of 1-RM 1 repetition
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. 4 sets totals. No rest between exercises.
Back Squat, 88% of 1-RM, 5 repetitions
Strict No Kip Pull-Up, 8 repetitions
No Feet Snatch, 75% of 1-RM, 6 sets of 2 repetitions
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. 4 sets totals. No rest between exercises.
Snatch Grip Pull with Halt at the Knee, 95% of 1-RM, 3 repetitions
Weighted Push-Up, 8 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!! I will be sleeping?!

Quick Workout Post

Had a pretty solid day at work with an exhausting workout. I am pooped.

Warm-Up:
Airdyne Bike, 2 minutes
Weight Training:
Snatch from the Knee, 60% of 1-RM 3 repetitions, 70% of 1-RM 3 repetitions, 1-RM 3 repetitions, 70% 1-RM 3 repetitions
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. 5 sets total.
Front Squat, 82% of 1-RM 4 repetitions
Supine Wide Grip Bent-Over Row, 7 repetitions
No Feet Clean, 65% of 1-RM 6 sets of 3 repetitions
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. 4 sets total.
Clean Pull, 90% of 1-RM 3 repetitions
Push Press, 6 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Heavy Day at the Gym

I have been spending at least three sessions a week learning the technical aspects of the snatch, the clean and the jerk. Each day I have gone into the gym my coach has been giving me drills and exercises to help me get down the finer points of each of the Olympic lifts. Today after warming up he just said to me, "I want you to do what you need to do to post a one repetition maximum in each lift. Start with the snatch." Heavy day at the gym.

Warm-Up:
Row, 500m
Foam Roller Work
PVC Passthrough, 10 repetitions
PVC Wraparound, 10 repetitions
Weight Training:
Snatch Building Up to 1-RM, 6 repetitions
Clean and Split Jerk Building Up to 1-RM, 6 repetitions
Clean Building Up to 1-RM, 6 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Stretches
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch
Foam Roller Work

Have a Great Day!!

What is this Strange Thing "Labor Day"? The Workout

It was a rugged wake-up this morning.... the string of expletives that came out of my mouth cannot be repeated. But then I realized, I may actually get Labor Day off?! For 16 years at NOLS, I cannot remember actually having the day off. I think I am going to sleep and grill a steak.

Warm-Up:
Airdyne Bike, 2 minutes
Air Squat, 20 repetitions
GHD Back Extension, 10 repetitions
Weight Training:
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. Four sets total. No rest between exercises.
Front Rack Position Bulgarian Split Squat, 8 repetitions per leg
Barbell Push Press, 6 repetitions
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. Four sets total. No rest between exercises.
Deadlift
No-Foot Clean
Power Clean
Every Minute on the Minute: Clean from the Power Position
Minutes 1-3, 2 repetitions per minute
Minutes 4-5, 3 repetitions per minute
Minutes 6-7, 4 repetitions per minute
Barbell Weighted Vertical Jump form the Short Block, 5 sets of 3 repetitions
Mobility:
Banded Shoulder Girdle Stretch
Quadriceps Stretch
Hamstring Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

Blessed Life in Chattanooga and the Workout

In the evenings I drive in to the gym and listen to "All Things Considered" and the NPR Newscast. Often times I have things on my mind like "When am I going to get to the lawn that needs to be mowed...", "I need to make sure the dogs get a long walk before bed..." or "Focus on my leg drive during my clean...." Then I hear the news and it becomes clear that that I am one of the luckiest people in the world. My life is cake. My home is not threatened by fire or flood, there is no excessive lead in my water, there are not car bombs going off in the market where I shop, I am not profiled because of the color of my skin. My life here in Chattanooga is truly blessed.... I need to try to remember that more often.

Warm-Up: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. No rest between each exercise. Three sets total.
Air Squat, 20 repetitions
GHD Leg Extension with PVC Overhead Press, 10 repetitions
Banded Shoulder Stretch, 30 seconds per side
Weight Training:
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. No rest between exercises. Five sets total.
Clean from the Block, 2 repetitions
Front Squat, 2 repetitions
Push Press, 2 repetitions
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. No rest between exercises. Ten sets total.
Clean from the Block
Push Jerk
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set. No rest between exercises. Five sets total.
Reverse Lunge from the Front Rack Position, 6 repetitions per side
Box Jump, 3 repetitions
Barbell Weighted Verticals, 4 sets of 4 repetitions

Have a Great Day!!

The Last Phelps Swim and the Workout

This blog was started with the idea of discussing exercise and middle age. This week we have watched a fourth Olympics with Michael Phelps dominating the competition, this time at 31 years old. I have really appreciated the videos where they look back at him in his three previous Olympics and then discuss with him what the difference is now. First, watching him get out of the pool after each race seems to say it all... it is a slow and painful exit. Phelps immediately does his mandatory post race interview and takes off to rest and get treatment done to get him ready for the next race. Phelps' body looks like he has been attacked by an octopus from all the cupping therapy?! I am not 100% sure but counting what I could, I think he swam in a total of fourteen races in seven days in Rio?! When asked the difference this time, Phelps comments that his body is in pain and that these are his last Olympics. I guess we will see in four years?

Warm-Up:
Jumping Jack, 50 repetitions
Shoulder Stretch
Banded Barbell Overhead Squat, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Weight Training:
Strict Overhead Press, 3 sets of 8 repetitions
Bench Press, 5 sets of 5 repetitions
Clean, 10 sets of 2 repetitions
Front Squat, 8 sets of 3 repetitions
Mobility:
Couch Stretch

Have a Great Day!!

You Cannot Outwork a Poor Diet and the Workout

I wanted to share this article about Americans and the perception of their diet. Remember: "Garbage in, garbage out." Everyone should check out My Plate!!

Warm-Up:
Banded Overhead Barbell Squat, 3 sets of 10 repetitions
Shoulder Girdle Band Stretches
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set, no rest between exercises. Four sets total.
GHD Leg Extension with a 25 kg Plate held to Chest, 10 repetitions
25m Walking Barbell Overhead Held Press 50 kg
Weight Training:
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set, no rest between exercises. Five sets total.
Clean from the Hip, 2 repetitions
Front Squat
Push Press
Super Set: Perform each exercise in order to complete a set, no rest between exercises. Three sets total.
Clean
Front Squat
Front Squat, 5 sets of 8 repetitions
Behind the Neck Jerk, 6 sets of 3 repetitions

Have a Great Day!!