Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Moving Forward....



Well last Friday I achieved one of my goals that I set out to reach by the first week in June.  I was going to wait until this Friday to load up the bar and pull some heavy weight, but my emotions got the best of me in the gym.   I was a little aggravated that some moron was hogging the platform, taking 5min rest between sets, and only lifting 225lbs. with godawful form.  So the plan I had scripted for my 475lb. deadlift was thrown out the window and I decided to just "hit the damn lift".  Don't get me wrong, it was a "grinder rep" but I pulled the weight from the floor and locked it out. Success.

Where do I go from here?  It's time to refocus and strive to achieve something else that is measurable and physically demanding.  I could always set my mark on a 500lb. dead lift, but I actually pulled 500 before.  I just don't count the lift.  Why? I used straps, I was 220lbs. of chubbyness, and the form was horrendous. 

So why not focus on a heavier deadlift?  For one, the deadlift is my strongest lift.  I love to deadlift.  It's easy to get motivated for and I look forward to em' every week.  Another reason is to challenge me mentally as well as physically and I feel the new goal should be something that will take 100% planning, focus, and dedication.  So here it is.....

A 315lb. Front Squat.  

Yeah, I know some people will say, "That's easy weight".  But to be honest, the front squat (to proper depth) is a pretty difficult lift for me.  After watching numerous people in the gym attempt front squats, the ones who actually load on some decent weight have ass/crap form and don't even come close to parallel. 

So when will this feat of strength be achieved?  By the second week in August.  I have 2 1/2 months to get my butt in gear and start loading up the weight. My best front squat to date is 275lbs.   I have some events which training will be compromised (7 night cruise on June 12th and Key West for the 4th of July) but other than that my training will be well planned out and easy to comply with because of  my summer vacation from school.  

I have my goal, my time frame, and I thought about the possible obstacles that I might encounter.   I have a plan and a vision of what I want to achieve and why I want to achieve it = because FRONT SQUATS SUCK and they are a lift that very few people go actually push themselves past their comfort zone.   If I can motivate myself to a get better at a lift that is extremely challenging to me - I have become physically and mentally stronger at the same time.  

What's your goal? When will you achieve it?  What will you do to get there?  

If you don't have a clue on what you want to achieve physically and mentally, how will you know that you are getting better? If your not getting better at something, isn't it time you kick complacency in the ass?  

It's time for me to move forward and get better - one day at a time, one goal at a time......

2 comments:

Ed Anderson said...

Damon you must be able to read my mind!

I Love deadlifting, but my best front squat is 205lb compared to a 405lb dead (mixed grip no belt)

TIme to step my game up.

I will be following your progress dude, all the best

Ed Anderson

Damon Brobst CSCS said...

@ Ed - thanks for the comment. I have always veered away from the front squat, but as I get older lifts that are difficult are more appealing to me mentally than physically. Stay tuned....

@Grant - Those two bands are awesome for lifting! I also throw in a little slipknot from time to time. Thanks for the complement.

@Irorbear - I prefer doing split squats with the back for on a bench and the front foot on a step, provides greater range of motion. Stay strong.