#smolov squat program

[novoplata]

Whee!

I was a little bit intimidated by the programming today, which says 6x1 @ 100%. My last 1RM back squat PR was of course 97.5kg, which I rounded up conveniently to 100kg. I didn't think I'd be strong enough to squat 1RM of 100kg yet, let along string out 6 reps of it at a given set. Honestly, I didn't even struggle until the 6th rep when I got a little slower on the ascent.

Anyway, I guess it's another reminder for me to TRUST THE PROCESS! The person who wrote the programming clearly knows what he's doing and I'm happy to report that I've almost completed my strength cycle with neither injury nor disappointment!

I've managed to hit 5 PRs throughout the 6-week course of the strength cycle and I look forward to revisit it again probably in 6 months' time or so.

[jamesandthegiantpeaches-blog]

First bad day of Smolov

I started my Smolov workout today like I always do, with a completely unloaded Texas Power Bar. As I started adding weight and working through my warm up I noticed a nasty pain in my left groin area. Groin pain with squatting isn't really new for me, especially with Smolov so I kept on working up. First heavy set of the day was 275 lbs for 4 reps (my max is only 345 right now). I got it easily, but when I reracked the bar I noticed that I could barely put my body weight on my left leg without searing pain. My next set was 310lbs for 3 reps. I finished the set, but it felt heavy and slow, especially compared to the set of 310 for 3 that I did last Wednesday. My groin was on fire at this point, and I was considering dropping 5% for finishing the day a little bit lighter. I decided against this, however, in favor of just manning the fuck up and giving it hell (Got to love having a dumbass ego). The final two sets of the day were sets of 310lbs for 4 reps. For the first of these, I was comming out of the hole on my third rep when my torso started twisting (I've never had that happen before). This scared the hell out of me, so I just reracked the weight after just 3 reps. After that set, I figured I needed to do a bit less weight. I went down to 295 lbs, for my last set of 4, and got stuck at the bottom of my 4th rep. I limped home, and am planning on just eating even more food than usuall and getting some extra sleep. I'm hoping Wednesday goes better. Any suggestions?

[jamesandthegiantpeaches-blog]

First day of the Smolov Intense Phase

First day into the Smolov Intense Phase and I already feel like I've been hit by a train. Tomorrow's going to be a great day.

[jamesandthegiantpeaches-blog]

Check out the giant contusion (bruise for those of not trying to sound fancy) on my collar bone from almost two weeks of power clean fails.  I think they are finally starting to resemble a half decent power clean though! I start the Intense Phase of the Smolov Squat program on Monday and am excited to go back to squatting heavy-assed weight. =)

[jamesandthegiantpeaches-blog]

Squatted 345lbs tonight. A 45 lb. PR after only the base cycle of Smolov. >=D

[jamesandthegiantpeaches-blog]

Squatted 255lbs. for 5 sets of 7 today. After only 13 days of Smolov, I already feel that my squat form has gotten better (that's not to say it was bad to begin with). I have definately gotten better and bracing my abs and flexing my whole body down in the hole, and overall just feel alot smoother through each rep than I've ever felt. Will be going for 7 sets of 5 at 270 lbs. on Friday! Can't wait. =)

[jamesandthegiantpeaches-blog]

Squatted 240lbs. for 4 sets of 9 today. My form felt perfect and each rep was smooth. Great day at the gym overall. >=D

[jamesandthegiantpeaches-blog]

Squatted 260 lbs. for 7 sets of 5 today. It felt pretty heavy today, but I was still able to finish it pretty easily. 275 for 10 sets of 3 tomorrow.