Another Leg Day, Another day for PRs

Last week jumped 49". This week jumped 50.5"
Last week hit 410 + 120lb chains in box squat. This week went 415 with a crack at 420.

So, yea, things are going well with leg work so far. Just hope this transfers well to the field as last Saturday I honestly thought I had one of my worst showings on the pitch in a long time. I may or may not, probably not, get into that later but for now lets discuss todays training.



Today was unfortunately cut short. Much shorter than I'd planned. Originally I wanted to get my training in early but was called in to cover a shift so my morning/ afternoon was shot. Got what I could done before a few prospects showed up to get their ass kicked via kettle bell.

Not to say the day was a waste. Still got some solid training in. Several jumps in all of which were over 48" on the tires. In fact I think I landed every one. Now just still chasing the magic 50+ range. Some reason that is a barrier I need to get over. Finally did but just barely with the 50.5". Im scraping cleans while Im in season. Unfortunately that lift just takes up too much time and I need to focus on movement and get my quickness/ first step faster on the pitch. I'll be tossing them back into the mix once track season rolls around in the next 3 months. Finished off with several sets of 3 on box squats and then rounded off with 4x5 on RDL's. Those are feeling solid as well. Finished at 330 and really felt I should've gone heavier.

Next week.

Deadlifting a Globe

Realistically I can use my atlas stones to do the same thing. However, the Globe is a little more versatile since its weight adjustable, the primary source of weight moves during the lift, and its much more portable than several stones.



I really felt this one in my biceps, hands, back, chest, and shoulders. With the ball adding another 14lbs I didn't think trying to pick up a 125lb kettlebell would be such a chore.

Another Globe Exercise

Continuing on my series of Globe Exercises heres one for the Triceps.



So what would be the usefulness of these variations over normal triceps work?
As for the press downs because of the Globe if you only place your hands on top there isn't going to be much change. Things like grip, shoulders, fingers, etc. really are not activated very effectively. Put those hands on the side and maintain a strong grip and now you got a full upper body exercise. Hands, wrists, forearms are all activated to maintain a hold on the ball. Shoulders, biceps, and chest are activated to clamp the arms onto the object to prevent it from slipping. So now we just made a simple triceps exercise into a monster 'isolation' workout.

The overhead variation I liked a lot better. Few reasons;
- It simulates more effectively the overhand throwing motions involved in a variety of sports
- It still forces activation from the target muscle groups listed above with the added BONUS of shoulder, core, and base stability.
- It can be tweaked to involve a rocking motion to involve the lower body as well. So what started out as one small muscle group just turned into a full body exercise for overhead throwers and hitters (think Baseball, Volleyball, Javelin, Rugby line-outs, Quarterbacks)

More to come later.

Pushup Challenge

Likewhoring at it's finest.

A little challenge for the week. It started as a weekend thing but figured I'd extend it and see how well I could do.

It's simple. LIKE my facebook page (The Body Forge - Strength Systems) and I do 5 push ups. Like the picture as well and its another 5. 10 total per individual. I think right now Im up to about 200. Pretty easy if you ask me. Ignore the date on there that says "Aug 20th" I lied.

Improving my vertical

I just BARELY missed 50" on an approach jump yesterday. Pretty bummed about that. Happy I hit a 49" jump but really thought I had the 51" that I had set up. Just couldn't stick the landing. Otherwise improvement seems to be moving right along. I think even my leg strength is improving very well despite everything Im trying to do lately.



Squat's felt good too. I switched to box squats because recovery is quicker and not as sore or tired the next day. Need my legs to function day to day so I can keep my fitness up and keep running for rugby. Once seasons over I'll be switching back to a 3 or 4 day squat program and get that depth back down. Mean time it's looking like once a week heavy squatting plus a dynamic power day. Top that off with 4 or 5 days of running plus game day and my legs will get plenty work.