Donati's Log Of Steel Bending, Grip And Powerlifting

[Buccos1]

Fri (4/7)

Standing Axle Press
(1x8)  bar
(1x5)  85
(1x3)  125
(1x2)  145
(1x0)  175
(1x1)  160

Axle Curls
(1x5)  bar
(1x5)  55
(1x5)  95
(1x5)  110

Pull-ups
(2x7) 

The miss on the 175 press felt like a brick.  My max press is definitely down, which makes sense, I guess, as my bodyweight is down almost 25 pounds over the past half-year.  Maybe a new goal of a bodyweight press is in the cards?  My best (strict) standing press of 200lbs was a long time ago and at a higher bodyweight but I don't think I was able to do a bodyweight at the time.  (From memory, maybe 5 pounds off.)

[Buccos1]

I scheduled an appointment with a podiatrist due to the lingering pain in my toe.  I've had multiple stubbed/likely broken toes in the past, but most got better enough to resume most activities after about a week.  This is going on several weeks now and there is still a lot of pain and swelling.  

X-rays showed the toe is broken in two places, horizontally and vertically, through the entire toe.     I have to wear a boot for the next 4-6 weeks.  I am still planning to train, but will only do things that do not aggravate the toe.  Hopefully.

[Buccos1]

Sat (4/8)

Squats
(1x3)  135
(1x2)  225
(1x1)  275
(1x1)  315
add briefs
(1x1)  365
(1x1)  405

Grippers - 20mm
(1x3)  #1
(1x3)  #1.5
(1x3)  #2 - 102

[Buccos1]

Mon (4/10)

Axle Bench Press
(1x5)  bar
(1x5)  125
(1x3)  175
(1x3)  215
(1x3)  245
(1x2)  275

Lying KB Extensions
(1x12)  20
(1x5)  35

Pull-ups
(1x10)

Band Pushdowns
(2x20)

[Buccos1]

Wed (4/12)

Trap Bar Deadlift
(1x3)  140
(1x3)  230
(1x3)  320
(1x1)  410
(1x1)  460

Grippers - MMS
(1x3)  #1
(1x3)  #1.5
(1x3)  #2 - 102

I took a few days off completely, to try and get used to the boot and let it heal a little more.  Turns out that the boot really has helped in a short period of time.  Trying to wear shoes for the past few weeks was really aggravating the toe and causing unnecessary swelling.  About 75% of the swelling has gone down the past week.  But walking with the boot and the changes to my stride, with the different heights of each shoe, have started causing some slight pain in my knees and hip.  

I was planning-on taking an entire week off.  Just to try to heal some things up, in addition to the toe.  But after not having done much the previous week, I had to try to lift something heavy.  I was planning on doing some reps and stopping if it hurt or didn't feel right.  Turned-out, I was able to take a deadlift position that didn't cause any additional pain to my toe, so I kept adding weight and got some decent reps in.  

Moving-forward, I'm going to continue to train but just avoid anything that is going to aggravate the toe.

[Buccos1]

Fri (4/14)

Standing Axle Press
(1x8)  bar
(1x5)  85
(1x3)  125
(1x2)  145
(1x1)  160

Barbell Curls
(1x8)  bar
(1x8)  65
(1x5)  95
(1x3)  115

Pull-ups
(2x8)

[Buccos1]

Sun (4/16)

Squats
(1x3)  135
(1x2)  225
(1x1)  275
(1x1)  315
add briefs
(1x1)  365
(1x1)  405

I've been wearing the boot for about a week now, which has made a big difference in the pain.  I had to bring my stance in a little, so I wasn't pushing out on the sides of my feet, but it didn't end up changing things too much.  All three of my single-ply briefs are way too loose now.  I'm around 190 BW right now; they were tight when I was close to 220; 205-210 ... still pretty tight.  I'll probably send at least one in for alterations, and keep the other for back-up.

[Buccos1]

Mon (4/17)

Bench Press - 2-board
(1x5)  135
(1x5)  185
(1x5)  225
(1x3)  255
(1x3)  275

Football Bar Hammer Curls
(1x8)  bar
(1x8)  60
(1x5)  90
(1x3)  100

Pull-ups
(2x10)

Grippers - MMS
(1x5)  #1
(1x5)  #1.5
(1x3)  #2 - 102
(1x3)  GHP5 - 111

[Buccos1]

Tue (4/18)

DU - IMPs
1/4 x 6" Grade 2
1/4 x 4.5" Grade 2
60d (hard)
1/4 x 6.25" Grade 5

Reverse - IMPs
1/4 x 6" Grade 2 (2)
60d (hard) - 10 deg.

Ironmind Hub
(1x1)  40
(1x1)  50
(1x1)  55

Finger Walk - F/B
(2x1)  10

I almost tried a horseshoe, but decided against it, because I most certainly would have aggravated my toe.  The doctor recommended I keep the boot on for at least another three weeks.  Seems to be feeling better every day.

[Buccos1]

Fri (4/21)

Standing Barbell Press
(1x8)  bar
(1x5)  95
(1x3)  135
(1x2)  155
(1x1)  165

Barbell Curls
(1x8)  bar
(1x5)  65
(1x5)  95
(1x3)  115

Pull-ups
(2x8) 

[Buccos1]

Sat (4/22)

Squats
(1x1)  135
(1x1)  225
(1x1)  275
(1x1)  315
add briefs
(1x1)  365
(1x1)  405
(1x1)  420

Grippers - 20mm
(1x1)  #1
(1x1)  #1.5
(1x1)  #2 - 102
(1x1)  #2 - 114


The 405 was a crappy rep; just poor balance with the toe, and worrying about it a little.  The 420 was a better all-around rep.  I ended up buying a new pair of tighter briefs, which should be here soon.  The ones I've been using to squat with are 2-3 sizes too big, which isn't doing much.  

[Buccos1]

Mon (4/24)

Axle Bench Press
(1x5)  125
(1x3)  175
(1x3)  215
(1x3)  235
(1x1)  265
(1x1)  285

Pull-ups
(3x7)

[Buccos1]

Wed (4/26)

Deadlift
(1x3)  135
(1x2)  225
(1x1)  315
add briefs
(1x1)  405
(1x1)  425

I am down to 185 bodyweight.    This is near the lightest I can remember I've been, since the mid-90s probably.  Now that I am in-range of 181 (which I didn't think possible and was headed toward 242 less than a year ago), I may be more motivated to start- and stick-with cardio, which would likely help me get there without too much difficulty.  And there are some raw and SP bench records within reach for me at 181 Masters.  I hate doing cardio though.  It's the one thing that I cannot stick with consistently.  One potential I may try to implement would be sled dragging, which I think would be a lot more fun than an exercise bike or stepper.

[John Knowlton]

Not sure if I asked you before but were you trying to lose weight or is something going on.? You'll probably do really good at the 181 weight class. I think the 242s is the strongest weight class in all of powerlifting ,I know it's the toughest. 

[Buccos1]

On 5/10/2023 at 9:23 AM, John Knowlton said:

Not sure if I asked you before but were you trying to lose weight or is something going on.? You'll probably do really good at the 181 weight class. I think the 242s is the strongest weight class in all of powerlifting ,I know it's the toughest. 

Initially, I was fed-up with turning-into/being over-fat.  Most of my clothes were getting tighter.  When I couldn't button my size 36 pants last fall, I decided to make a few changes.  (These were not a tight 36 either ... probably closer to a 38.)  After picking-up some bad habits during COVID (i.e. drinking 10% craft beer and dark red wine almost nightly, I quit cold.)  The only motivation I needed was being pissed about the above.

So, initially, I dropped from ~215 down to 210 in a few days.  210 to 200 in the first few months by making some small changes to training and a few easy variations in diet.  Once I got back-down to the 198-range, I got a little more serious with my nutrition, which has helped get under 190.  I would prefer to stay at 200 pounds, but would have to eat a lot more to stay there (minus the alcohol).  

181 seemed like a dream not-too-long-ago.  The key was cutting-out the drinking.  It's unbelievable how much my weight was inflated due to this.  Despite all of the injuries etc. I've been dealing with, I feel better overall and all of my vitals/markers have improved significantly.  The weight loss also makes attaining an elite bench (raw and equipped) possible in multiple federations for the 181 Master's division.  Had no chance at this at 210+.

[Blacksmith513]

On 5/9/2023 at 9:35 AM, Buccos1 said:

Wed (4/26)

Deadlift
(1x3)  135
(1x2)  225
(1x1)  315
add briefs
(1x1)  405
(1x1)  425

I am down to 185 bodyweight.    This is near the lightest I can remember I've been, since the mid-90s probably.  Now that I am in-range of 181 (which I didn't think possible and was headed toward 242 less than a year ago), I may be more motivated to start- and stick-with cardio, which would likely help me get there without too much difficulty.  And there are some raw and SP bench records within reach for me at 181 Masters.  I hate doing cardio though.  It's the one thing that I cannot stick with consistently.  One potential I may try to implement would be sled dragging, which I think would be a lot more fun than an exercise bike or stepper.

I recommend a rowing machine. I hate cardio too but I actually enjoy rowing. 

[Buccos1]

On 5/12/2023 at 9:54 AM, Blacksmith513 said:

I recommend a rowing machine. I hate cardio too but I actually enjoy rowing. 

Agree 100%!  My wife has a rowing machine which I've used sporadically in the past.  It's the only thing I've been able to stick with semi-serious in the last decade.  

[Buccos1]

Fri (4/28)

Grippers - MMS
(1x5)  Trainer
(1x3)  #1
(1x3)  #1.5
(1x3)  #2 - 102
(1x1)  GHP5 - 111

Secret Weapon (5 sec.)
(3x1)  50

FB Curls
(1x8)  bar
(1x8)  60
(1x8)  80
(1x8)  90

Pull-ups
(2x7)

[Buccos1]

Sat (4/29)

Squats
(1x3)  135
(1x2)  225
(1x1)  275
(1x1)  315
add briefs
(1x1)  365
(1x1)  405

Grippers - MMS
(1x3)  #1
(1x3)  #1.5
(1x3)  #2 - 102
(1x3)  #2 - 114

[Buccos1]

Mon (5/1)

Bench Press
(1x8)  135
(1x5)  185
(1x3)  225
(1x2)  255
(1x1)  285

Standing Bandbell Bar Press
(1x8)  35
(3x8)  65

Lying Kettlebell Extensions
(2x15)  20

 

[Buccos1]

Tue (5/2)

Reverse - IMPs
1/4 x 6" Grade 2 (2)
60d (hard) - 10 to 20 deg.

DU - IMPs
1/4 x 6" Grade 2
60d (hard) - 20 to 50 deg.
1/4 x 6" Grade 5

Grippers - 25mm
(1x1)  #1
(1x1)  #1.5
(1x1)  HG 200 - 95
(1x1)  #2 - 102

I didn't post about this earlier, but I did something to my ribs deadlifting last week.  I'm down three notches on my 13mm buckle belt and pulled it too tight to a new hole.  When I got into position to initiate the pull, the belt went right into my lower rib area and crunched something, causing stabbing pain, which led me to stop the session (after fighting through one last rep).  It was getting better/less painful through the next few days, until today, where it now feels worse than last week, after the bending.  I think hitting the 60d reverse on the right-hand side caused it.  Still can't do any horseshoes.  

[John Knowlton]

Hopefully nothing too serious

[Blacksmith513]

7 hours ago, Buccos1 said:

Tue (5/2)

Reverse - IMPs
1/4 x 6" Grade 2 (2)
60d (hard) - 10 to 20 deg.

DU - IMPs
1/4 x 6" Grade 2
60d (hard) - 20 to 50 deg.
1/4 x 6" Grade 5

Grippers - 25mm
(1x1)  #1
(1x1)  #1.5
(1x1)  HG 200 - 95
(1x1)  #2 - 102

I didn't post about this earlier, but I did something to my ribs deadlifting last week.  I'm down three notches on my 13mm buckle belt and pulled it too tight to a new hole.  When I got into position to initiate the pull, the belt went right into my lower rib area and crunched something, causing stabbing pain, which led me to stop the session (after fighting through one last rep).  It was getting better/less painful through the next few days, until today, where it now feels worse than last week, after the bending.  I think hitting the 60d reverse on the right-hand side caused it.  Still can't do any horseshoes.  

Thats rough. I hope you heal up soon. I'm sure that reverse made it worse... I get the strangest ab pain after bending sometimes. 

I hope it heals up soon 

[Buccos1]

22 hours ago, John Knowlton said:

Hopefully nothing too serious

 

16 hours ago, Blacksmith513 said:

Thats rough. I hope you heal up soon. I'm sure that reverse made it worse... I get the strangest ab pain after bending sometimes. 

I hope it heals up soon 

Thanks guys.  It has been getting steadily better.  My chiro said that he was concerned due to pain in the front and back, but I think some of it was specific to the belt and not internal.  I haven't done any bending since and will probably wait a little longer to be safe.  I've also been using my thin elitefts belt on my top sets, which is pliable and doesn't hit my lower ribcage.  

[Buccos1]

Sat (5/6)

Squats
(1x3)  135
(1x2)  225
(1x1)  275
(1x1)  315
add briefs
(1x1)  365
(1x0)  405
(1x1)  405

I missed the 405 about a third of the way up.  I was in a wider stance and was trying not to put any pressure on my pinky toe, which was difficult to do.  I've been doing this the past few weeks and grinding the reps but I wasn't able to get this one.