For Lack of a Better Name @brendanfann-blog - Tumblr Blog

3/17

Wow, haven't touched this blog in awhile. Thought I would look back at how far I've come since I first started lifting. I saw this post that I wrote around a year and a half ago saying that I want to compete in my first competition at my school because I was inspired by the lifters there.

Well I kept that promise to myself, and in November I tested my true limits in front of many people cheering me on. Somehow landed in 3rd place. Nailed the following lifts :

Squat: 405

Bench: 225

Deadlift:405

As of 2 weeks ago, my squat has increased to 415, bench to 240, and deadlift 435. It is amazing to step back and realize that all my hard work and determination have led to real results. If you asked me when I was 18 I would be able to put 400+ lbs on my back and squat it I wouldn't have believed you. I have truly found my passion and I am loving every moment of it. I landed a job as a personal trainer/rehab assistant the university rec center and it is awesome. I am currently training for a strongman competition put on by the school. I have found an awesome group of guys to train with, and working out with a group really pushes you farther than I thought possible.

Do what you love and get rid of anyone who influences you otherwise.

#powerlifting #strongman fitness inspiration

PR at 350 lbs. Feel free to comment on my form! It would be much appreciated.

#powerlifting #squat

kaeosfitness-blog

Most of the problems with the bodies and minds of the folks occupying the current culture involve an unwillingness to do anything hard, or anything that they’d rather not do. I applaud your resolve, and I welcome you to the community of people who have decided that EASY will no longer suffice.

Mark Rippetoe

What the...

Where have I been? Doesn't matter, because I got a squat PR. 350 lbs! Video of that may come soon.

kaeosfitness-blog

Does your workout make you nervous?…It should.

Unknown (via kaeosfitness)

kaeosfitness-blog

The deadlift is more functional in that it’s very hard to imagine a more useful application of strength than picking heavy shit up off the ground.

Mark Rippetoe (via kaeosfitness)

3/12

I... missed doing overhead presses???

Never thought I would say that. And I passed 115 3x5 no problem? BEAST!

Fingers crossed, I will reach 135 soon. Squats felt surprisingly light, which was a great feeling. I have no doubt I will surpass 300. Deadlift was fine. I didn't use chalk and that was rough. The bar was slipping because my hands were so sweaty. By the end of these I was toast. I forgot how hard doing 3 big lifts per workout was. I went home and passed out for like 2 hours and now I am trying to study for 2 exams I have on Wednesday. SICK!!

Barbell Squat:

45 lb x 5 reps (+31 pts)

135 lb x 3 reps (+46 pts)

185 lb x 3 reps (+65 pts)

225 lb x 2 reps (+71 pts)

265 lb x 1 reps (+76 pts)

295 lb x 5 reps (+169 pts)

Standing Barbell Shoulder Press:

45 lb x 5 reps (+49 pts)

85 lb x 3 reps (+52 pts)

115 lb x 5 reps (+79 pts)

Barbell Deadlift:

135 lb x 5 reps (+57 pts)

185 lb x 5 reps (+81 pts)

225 lb x 2 reps (+71 pts)

275 lb x 5 reps (+148 pts)

225 lb bench

Is mine!! Hell yeah! Couldn't have asked for a better start to my birthday. Made this goal more than a year ago and I finally made it. Nobody to high 5 when I got it though, but super pumped anyways.

Making this short today. Hopefully I will survive through the shananigans that will ensue tonight. Life is good!!!

Next goal... 265.

Barbell Bench Press:

45 lb x 5 reps (+36 pts)

95 lb x 5 reps (+50 pts)

135 lb x 3 reps (+53 pts)

160 lb x 2 reps (+53 pts)

190 lb x 1 reps (+52 pts)

210 lb x 1 reps (+60 pts)

225 lb x 1 reps (+66 pts)

Barbell Squat:

45 lb x 5 reps (+31 pts)

135 lb x 3 reps (+46 pts)

185 lb x 3 reps (+65 pts)

225 lb x 2 reps (+71 pts)

265 lb x 1 reps (+76 pts)

290 lb x 5 reps (+164 pts)

315 lb x 3 reps (+156 pts)

Dips - Triceps Version:

4 reps (+16 pts)

9 reps (+42 pts)

7 reps (+31 pts)

First set were super wide pull-ups. I wasn't able to do any 6 months ago!

nopityfitness-deactivated201304

Men:

They’re the “King of all mass builders”, and they make you strong as shit. Because lets face it, being small and weak just isn’t very manly.

They jack testosterone levels. This has been proven time and time again. Don’t believe me? Check out this picture of bearded bad ass (and 70’s Big...

3/7

Alright, this weight was pretty hard. It was the first time where it felt like I as on the bench forever. I actually had to rest between sets a good amount during the last 5 sets. Although this was the case, I got it done and I'm proud of it. I am almost benching 1x my bodyweight, which is fantastic.

I also did some 45 degree back raises with a 45 lb dumbell to help with my back rounding. I am actually excited for this program to be over so I can get back to normal training. I miss squatting 3x a week!

Also, my girlfriend said she would let me create her a workout routine and teach her all the lifts I do. I am so pumped to introduce her to the world of the barbell. It will also help me solidify my knowledge of lifting form, which is a definite plus.

Barbell Bench Press:

45 lb x 5 reps (+36 pts)

95 lb x 5 reps (+50 pts)

135 lb x 3 reps (+53 pts)

155 lb x 2 reps (+51 pts)

190 lb x 3 reps (+76 pts)

What? Bench PR today?

Better do 10 sets. Lol.

3/6

Almost time to test that 1 RM on bench.

Bench was a little struggle, but not too bad...

I just realized I did 8 sets of 4 of 180, when before this I could barely pass 3x5 185. That has to be progress! I'm going to make 225 my bitch on Friday.

Deadlift was meh. I need to make sure my chest is up and my form is correct so I stop rounding my lower back. I try as hard as I can not to, but it always ends up rounding. I am currently re-reading SS, and I will deload to work on form next DL day.

Congratulated a guy on a perfect 385 lb squat. He struggled but his form was on point. He seemed to appreciate it, I know I do.

Barbell Bench Press:

45 lb x 5 reps (+36 pts)

95 lb x 5 reps (+50 pts)

135 lb x 3 reps (+53 pts)

150 lb x 2 reps (+49 pts)

180 lb x 4 reps (+81 pts)

Barbell Deadlift:

135 lb x 5 reps (+57 pts)

185 lb x 3 reps (+65 pts)

225 lb x 2 reps (+71 pts)

275 lb x 1 reps (+81 pts)

320 lb x 4 reps (+183 pts)

#powerlifting #fitblr #weightlifting #deadlift #bench press

3/4

Saw a group of personal trainers teaching how to squat in the smith machine with a bosu ball. There has got to be a law against that or something.

Bench went smooth. No trouble at all.

I don't know what happened with squats. The first 2 sets felt really good, but I just totally failed on the last rep. I didn't stay tight at all and the whole lift felt terrible, so I didn't attempt a fifth.

Pretty low key workout... yeah

Barbell Bench Press:

45 lb x 5 reps (+36 pts)

95 lb x 5 reps (+50 pts)

135 lb x 3 reps (+53 pts)

170 lb x 5 reps (+83 pts)

Barbell Squat:

45 lb x 5 reps (+31 pts)

135 lb x 3 reps (+46 pts)

185 lb x 3 reps (+65 pts)

225 lb x 2 reps (+71 pts)

265 lb x 1 reps (+76 pts)

290 lb x 5 reps (+164 pts)

290 lb x 4 reps (+150 pts)

Pull-Up:

10 reps (+74 pts)

7 reps (+47 pts)

5 reps (+30 pts)

Quarter squats on a bosu ball in the smith machine

I have truly seen everything.

3/2

Just got a deadlift PR no big deal...

Actually it is. I am so pumped! It was a hard lift, but I ground out a nice 370 lb deadlift. Immediately after the guy in front of me leg pressing 720 lbs must have seen my small fist pump and smile because he told me that was a nice lift. Good feeling to be recognized by somebody after doing something like that.

Bench was really easy. Either this program is working really damn well or I started too light. I pumped out 160 lbs 6x6 like it was nothing. My birthday is exactly a week away, so that is when I will test my 1 RM.

Barbell Bench Press:

45 lb x 5 reps (+36 pts)

95 lb x 5 reps (+50 pts)

135 lb x 3 reps (+53 pts)

160 lb x 6 reps (+83 pts)

Barbell Deadlift:

135 lb x 5 reps (+57 pts)

185 lb x 3 reps (+65 pts)

225 lb x 3 reps (+85 pts)

275 lb x 1 reps (+81 pts)

320 lb x 5 reps (+200 pts)

370 lb x 1 reps (+154 pts)