Brian Hopper's Training Log

[NickAus]

Congrats on the 3 board!!

Good to see someone else likes leg presses........

[Brian Hopper]

Deads are huge Brian.

Thanks CoCoa, Im really hoping to get my 700lb DL at my next meet.

[Brian Hopper]

Alot of westside still uses denim...Dave Hoff has been using the same Karins denim since he started lifting....he said its blown a cpl times but he just has it patched and jacked up more....Tony Balogone is in one...hes in a metal denim...I guess there a little more forgiving than the karins...brian scwab still uses one...Im sure theres more....denim shirts are still good shirts

I'm wearing a Metal Denim now, and I'm trying to get my Karin shirt to fit me. As long as my denim shirts keep working for me then I don't see myself getting any of the new poly shirts. You just don't see that many people wearing them.

[Brian Hopper]

Congrats on the 3 board!!

Good to see someone else likes leg presses........

Thanks Nick!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

12-09-09
WEDNESDAY
ME-Upper


Chain suspended lockouts w/the camabared bar
The bar was set at a 3brd height
140-1x5
230-1x5
320-1x5
410-1x3
430-1x3
450-2x2
320-1x12


JM Presses
95-1x10
115-2x10


Front raises w/chains
3x10


Panora pressdowns with a green band
100 reps total


Today was a fast and simple training day. The JM's still hurt my elbow so I kept it light. But other then that everything felt pretty good. On my lockout work I tried for 3 reps on both sets of 450 and couldnt get it, next time I will give it another shot!!!

[Coke]

Good numbers all around bro.

[Brian Hopper]

Good numbers all around bro.

Thanks!!!

[Brian Hopper]

12-14-09
MONDAY
Bench Accessory


Shoulder Press
BAR-1x10
95-1x10
135-1x10
185-3x5

Front Raises
Superset with
Side laterals
3x10

Pull-ups
50 reps total

Behind the neck pulldowns
Superset with
Face pulls
3x10-12

Panora pressdowns
100 reps total

DONE...I had to train pretty fast, because I woke up late and had to be at work. Today was something different, I havent done any supersets in awhile.

[Lones Green]

Bet you were breathing hard! haha

[Barbaccio]

Damn Bri that's a nice amount of volume to shove into that amount of time. Good work man!

[Brian Hopper]

Bet you were breathing hard! haha

It hit me more when I finished. But during the superset with the front raises and laterals....wow. I could barely lift my arms. It was something different, and I really enjoyed it.

[Brian Hopper]

Damn Bri that's a nice amount of volume to shove into that amount of time. Good work man!

Thanks Tone, I havent trained like this in along time and it showed. Everything felt pretty good and this morning my back was pretty sore.

[Brian Hopper]

12-15-09
TUESDAY
ME-Lower

Chain suspended GM's with the SSB
BAR-1x10
135-1x5
225-1x5
315-1x3
315-1x1....I stopped here because I felt something funny with my bicep
225-1x6

Wide stance sumo SLDL
135-1x5
225-1x5
315-1x5
405-2x3
315-1x10

Reverse hypers
90-1x10
180-1x10
270-1x10
360-2x10

[t gale]

Hi Brian, nice work. looking strong as usual.

[Brian Hopper]

Hi Brian, nice work. looking strong as usual.

Thanks Tim, tonight was the first night doing the wide stance sldl. I sorta liked them, it was something different. I used a regular over-over hand grip.

[Brian Hopper]

12-17-09
THURSDAY
ME-Upper

Bench Press
BAR-1x10
135-2x5
225-1x3
315-1x1
405-1x1
Added Metal denim and 3brd
405-1x3
495-1x3
585-1x1
2brd
585-1x1
635-1x1...PR
655-1x1...PR
675-1x0

Reverse grip floor press with the fat bar
165-1x6
215-1x6
255-1x6

Panora Pressdowns
100 reps total

Done....Today went pretty good for as bad of day I was having. For some reason I couldnt get comfotable to bench. My feet were sliding, uneven decents and lockouts, getting loose on the boards, almost dumping it in the rack.....etc. I was able to overcome everything, but damn I just couldnt get things together until the end.

[Coke]

Big benching sets Brian.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks CoCoa!!!

[Brian Hopper]

12-18-09
FRIDAY
DE-Lower

Close stance low box squats with the SSB
BAR-1x5
135-2x5
225-2x5
315-2x2...These are actually really hard. The box might of been too low, and I ened up walking the weight out which I havent done in years.

Speed pulls in the JSB with quaded minis
135-2x1
225-2x1
315-4x1...I havent done these in awhile so I used the minis instead of the monster minis like I usually do.

Leg Press
4 plates each side for 4x10

Pull throughs
4x10

[Brian Hopper]

12-20-09
SUNDAY
Bench Accessory

Bench Press
BAR-1x20
135-2x10
225-1x10
315-1x5
335-2x4.....I was starting to gas out after 4, I need to get my muscle endurance back up.
225-1x10

DB Incline press
70-1x10
80-1x10
90-1x10

Cable flyes
3x10

Rear delts
3x10

Panora Pressdowns
60 reps

[Brian Hopper]

12-21-09
MONDAY
ME-Lower

Raw Sumo DL
135-2x5
225-1x3
315-1x3
405-1x3
495-2x3,1x4

Conventional DL's off 4" blocks
225-1x3
315-1x3
405-1x3
495-1x3
585-1x1
Pulled from the floor
405-1x10

Face pulls
4x10

[NickAus]

More and more good work and PR's Brian!!

[Coke]

Fine pulling there man.

[Brian Hopper]

More and more good work and PR's Brian!!

Thanks Nick, hopefully my body is getting adjusted to my new schedule at work!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Fine pulling there man.

Thanks CoCoa, that 405x10 wasnt as bad as I thought it was going to be.

[Lones Green]

Nice raw work buddy. Along the lines of what I'm doing right now. It sucks, but its for the better!

[Brian Hopper]

Nice raw work buddy. Along the lines of what I'm doing right now. It sucks, but its for the better!

Thanks Lones, I need to start working on my raw strength again.

[Brian Hopper]

12-28-09
MONDAY
DE-Upper

Speed Bench with the fat bar
BAR-2x10
Added Monster Minis
BAR-2x3
165-3x3
185-3x3
205-3x3

Floor press with the fat bar
165-1x5
255-1x5
305-1x5
345-1x5
365-1x4

H-Rolls
4x10

Lat pulldowns with a fat bar
4x10

Panora pressdowns with a green band
I'm not really sure how many we did

Done...Today I got to train with Marcus Wild from Wild Iron Gym. He is on a vacation visting family. He's a cool guy!!! He showed me those H-Rolls and im already hooked on them. I'm looking forward to training with him again tomorrow.

[Coke]

Awesome you guys hooked up for the session, looks great too.

[Brian Hopper]

Awesome you guys hooked up for the session, looks great too.

I was excited to train with him, and it sucks that tomorrow he is flying back to Cali. He is a really cool down to earth guy.

[Brian Hopper]

12-29-09
TUESDAY
ME-Lower


Chain suspended squats with the SSB
We squat down to the chain
BAR-1x5
150-1x5
240-1x5
330-1x3
380-1x3
420-1x3
470-1x1....I didn't like the way I was setup and the way my back felt so I stopped at 1 and didn't do another set. Marcus ended up doing 490x1.


Deadlifts standing on a 2" plate
135-1x5
225-1x5
315-1x5
405-1x5
495-1x3
495-1x7...I'm going to call this a rep PR. It was a touch and go set but I wasn't bouncing the weight. I really wanted ten, but im sure my form was going to suffer alot and I didn't want that so I stopped.


Shrugs
225-1x10
315-1x10
405-2x8
315-1x10

DONE...Today was a pretty good day. Since I don't use the SSB that much, that 470 was the heaviest I have ever done with that bar.

[Coke]

Wow man, super workout!!

[Brian Hopper]

:strong: Yes it was :strong:

[Lones Green]

I'm convinced the SSB was thought up of by the devil himself

[Brian Hopper]

I'm convinced the SSB was thought up of by the devil himself

I take it you don't like the SSB either???

[douglasoh5]

Brian idk if to many ppl actually like that bar. most just use it cause they know they need to use it lol. It is a great bar though

[Lones Green]

I take it you don't like the SSB either???

No, haha. I don't have one at home so I have very limited access to one. Its a great tool though, there's nothing like it for a deadlift builder

[Brian Hopper]

Brian idk if to many ppl actually like that bar. most just use it cause they know they need to use it lol. It is a great bar though

Thats the only reason why I use it, because I know in the long run its only going to help.

[Brian Hopper]

No, haha. I don't have one at home so I have very limited access to one. Its a great tool though, there's nothing like it for a deadlift builder

I like it more for GM's then I do for squatting thats for sure.

[Brian Hopper]

12-31-09
THURSDAY
ME-Upper

Bench press with the fat bar
BAR-Alot
BAR+65lb chains-1x5
165+65lb chains-1x3
255+65lb chains-1x3
305+65lb chains-1x1
305+125lb chains-1x1
Added bench shirt and used a bench bar with no chains
3brd
405-1x3
495-1x3
585-1x2
2brd
585-1x1
635-1x1
635-1x0

Seated shoulder press with the fat bar
BAR-1x5
125-1x5
175-3x5

DONE....Today I tried out my new Karen Kline denim shirt that I got altered and it didnt go as I thought. I feel comfortable in it, but not like I do my Metal DD. It was a little loose in the armpit area, but im not going to worry about that right now. I'm probably going to give my Karin shirt one more shot before I go back to my Metal. Maybe today was just an off day, but it wasnt the way I wanted to end 2009.

[Brian Hopper]

Happy New Year!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

1-01-10
FRIDAY
SQ/DL Accessory

Front Squats
135-2x5
225-4x5

Speed pulls
135-1x2
225-1x2
315-1x1
405-4x1

Single-legged leg press
2x10

Seated leg curls
3x10

DONE...Not a bad workout for the first one of the year. I had to train at Gold's Gym today because our regular gym was closed. I also wanted to take it easy because I plan on squatting heavy on Monday with my briefs on. Today was the first time I ever did front squats and so far I like them. It was a pain in the ass to find a good spot to carry the bar. But other then that it wasn't a bad day.

[Brian Hopper]

1-03-10
SUNDAY
Bench Accessory

Bench press
BAR-2x10
135-2x10
225-1x10
315-1x10, 1x8
225-1x10

Reverse grip bench press
135-1x10
225-2x10

Lat pulldowns
4x8-10

Facepulls
4x10

Tricep finisher
I saw this on http://www.dieselcrew.com/
Tate-1x15
Rolling DB extensions-1x15
Crush press-1x10
Bodyweight extensions-1x10

DONE...Today was ok, I had to train at Gold's Gym again. It sucks because I don't have any bands at the house they are all at the other gym. So I decided to do some reps and try to build up my muscle endurance. My first set of 315x10 felt ok, I felt exhausted after that set. I didn't have any spotters so I didn't push it on the second set. The tricep finisher is a pretty cool giant set. Since this is the first time I did this, I started light and just did a few more reps. Next time I do this I will go up 5lbs.

[Coke]

Looking damn good in here man.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks Coke!!!

[t gale]

Hey Brian how's training going? Looking pretty good. How u feeling ready for your meet?

[Brian Hopper]

1-04-09
MONDAY
ME-Lower

Box squats with the buffalo bar
All sets done with briefs on
255-1x3
345-1x3
455-1x3
545-1x3
635-1x1
635+70lb chains-2x1
635+130lb chains-1x1
635+190lb chains-1x1

GM's with the buffalo bar
145-4x10

DONE...Today felt pretty good. It was our first time under this much weight since our last meet. My briefs felt super tight and took forever to get on. It was also my first time squatting with chains and it was pretty cool. It was nice getting under some heavy weight again.

[Brian Hopper]

Hey Brian how's training going? Looking pretty good. How u feeling ready for your meet?

Hey Tim, my training isn't going that bad. But I don't feel it's going as good as it use to. My schedule changed at work and I have to train by myself alot during the week, which sucks ass!!! But there are days when I can train with the rest of the group like tonight. I will let you know how im feeling as I get closer to the meet

[douglasoh5]

Chains can be fun :) I find them to be less aggravating on the arms compared to bands too

[Coke]

Nice job with the heavy duty box squats bro.

[Brian Hopper]

Chains can be fun :) I find them to be less aggravating on the arms compared to bands too

This was my second time using the chains. I used them last week to warm up before I put my bench shirt on, and again yesterday to squat. So far I like them alot. I will probably use them again for ME bench tomorrow, but not sure yet on what I want to do.

[Brian Hopper]

Nice job with the heavy duty box squats bro.

Thanks CoCoa, it felt heavy!!!

[Lones Green]

Sick squatting Brian!

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks Lones, it was pretty tough. The weight felt heavy and it was breaking down my form. But I just went with it and grinded it out. Its time to start getting under some heavy weight again.

[Brian Hopper]

1-06-10
WEDNESDAY
ME-Upper

Reverse band bench press with the fat bar
BAR-2x10
Added green bands
165-1x10
255-1x8
345-1x5
435-1x3
485-1x1
505-1x1...PR
515-1x1...PR
525-1x0...Just couldn't lock it out.
Took the bands off and did some close grip 3 board presses
345-1x5
395-1x3...That was it, my triceps were fried

H-Rolls
20-1x10
30-1x10
40-2x10

Panora pressdowns with bands
Purple band-1x20
Green band-1x20
Purple band-1x40
Green band-2x10

Preacher bar curls
4x10

DONE...Today was an awesome day, I felt really good. I was so happy to hit that 515 on the reverse band bench. I didn't even care that I missed 525, that will just be my goal for next time. I do feel that my raw bench is getting better, but im still trying to take it easy on my pec. All of my sets were done with my pinkies on the ring and with a false grip. The close grip board presses were done thumb length from the smooth and also with a false grip.

[NickAus]

^Nice work!!^

[douglasoh5]

Thats some damn fine benching.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks guys!!!

[t gale]

Very nice benching Brian. looking strong

[Coke]

Killer stuff dude.

[Brian Hopper]

Very nice benching Brian. looking strong

Thanks Tim!!! I was pretty excited to hit that 515, it went up pretty smooth.

[Brian Hopper]

Killer stuff dude.

Thanks Coke, I'm trying brother!!!

[Brian Hopper]

1-09-10
SATURDAY
DE-Lower

Warm-up
Wall squats
3x5

Speed box squats with the buffalo bar
BAR-1x5
added single ply briefs and blue bands choked
BAR-1x3
145-1x3
235-1x3
325-2x2
375-2x2
415-2x2
465-2x2
485-1x2

Speed sumo pulls with chains
I left my briefs on
135+50lb chains-1x2
225+50lb chains-1x2
315+50lb chains-2x1
315+100lb chains-4x1

Dimmel deadlifts
Took my briefs and chains off
225-1x20

Lying leg curls
3x each set was to failure

[SELK]

nice work, 485 x 2 with blues in just briefs is no joke.

[Coke]

Wow man, that's great.

[Lones Green]

Huge speed squats Brian!

[t gale]

Great job man. squats are super man!
Yeah with my dead I have a habit of grabbing the bar and readjusting my hands and feet, before i know it I'm out of air. So I need to be more agressive and just grip it and rip it.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks guys!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

1-11-10
MONDAY
DE-Upper

Speed bench
BAR-1x10
Added double monster mini's
BAR-1x3
Addedd double mini bands
BAR-1x3
95-2x3
135-4x3
155-2x3

DB presses
60-1x20
70-1x20
75-1x18

Seated rows
3x10

Lat pulldowns
4x10-12

Panora pressdowns with a purple band
100 reps total

DONE...The weather has been bothering my pec and it felt sore the entire workout. But other then that it wasn't a bad day, my speed was good for having that much band tension. I'm going to do one more week of bands and then try the chains out for speed work. Lones got me to try out DB presses for high reps and I like them alot. It was something different so I will be adding those into my training.

[Lones Green]

Glad you liked those high rep DB presses. They should help with strength and speed off the chest, and of course some size!

[Brian Hopper]

I've done them before but never for high reps so it felt pretty good. I will be doing them more often that's for sure, THANKS!!!

[douglasoh5]

ya high rep db press get the blood flowing....something i did for a while was do 3 sets and add the total reps and each week try and bet the total reps....I think iv gotten a little over 50 reps in 3 sets with 85s before. the db press will help the raw bench alot

[Sidior]

Too many reps ahaha. Real strong in here brother.

[Brian Hopper]

ya high rep db press get the blood flowing....something i did for a while was do 3 sets and add the total reps and each week try and bet the total reps....I think iv gotten a little over 50 reps in 3 sets with 85s before. the db press will help the raw bench alot

It definitley got my blood flowing!!! I'll be looking forward to these in my future training.

[Brian Hopper]

Too many reps ahaha. Real strong in here brother.

Not enough reps, Haha. Thanks Sidior!!!

[Ben Brizendine]

1-11-10

DONE...The weather has been bothering my pec.
Hey Brian; looking good brother. One thing that has helped me with Pec and Bicep inflamation is timed DB's. I try and grab something I can get about 30 reps with and then do 1 - 2 minute sets. The key for me is to rest allot through out the set. So I do 10 reps then just stabilize at the top for 10 - 15 seconds then 10 more reps. As you get to the end of the set try resting on the bottom (big stretch) 2 or three sets a week should make a big differance!

Nice work man!

[Brian Hopper]

Hey Brian; looking good brother. One thing that has helped me with Pec and Bicep inflamation is timed DB's. I try and grab something I can get about 30 reps with and then do 1 - 2 minute sets. The key for me is to rest allot through out the set. So I do 10 reps then just stabilize at the top for 10 - 15 seconds then 10 more reps. As you get to the end of the set try resting on the bottom (big stretch) 2 or three sets a week should make a big differance!

Nice work man!

Thanks Ben, I will give that a try!!!

[Brian Hopper]

1-12-10
TUESDAY
ME-Lower

Stiff-legged deadlifts off a 4" block
245-2x5, 1x3
335-2x3
425-1x3
Put our DL suits on and pulled off the floor with straps down
425-1x1
515-1x1
Straps up
605-1x1
655-1x1
700-3x0...:mad:

Block pulls
Kept my suit on with the straps down
425-1x3
515-1x3
605-1x1
695-4x0...:bang:
425-?x1...Here I was working on some issues that I have

DONE...Well, it wasn't my best day and it wasnt't my worst. The 655 went up pretty smooth and fast so instead of making a smaller jump to maybe 675-680, I decided to jump to 700 :bash:. The start of the pull was super fast and I got the bar past my left knee and I thought I had it, but it got stuck on my right knee causing the bar to stall. This was the highest I got it and I just thought I could get it, because once I get it past my knees im pretty good at grinding out the rest of it to lockout. We will probably pull heavy one more time before the meet. It's time to move on, and get focused for Thursday.

[Coke]

I know you didn't get what you wanted, but you did some awesome pulling bro.

[Brian Hopper]

I know you didn't get what you wanted, but you did some awesome pulling bro.

Thanks CoCoa, my back is really sore from all that pulling. I dont think I ever got this sore before.

[Lones Green]

I'm sure you're sore, thats a lot of deadlift work. Great job regardless.

[Brian Hopper]

I'm sure you're sore, thats a lot of deadlift work. Great job regardless.

Thanks Lones!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

1-14-10
THURSDAY
ME-Upper

Floor presses with the fat bar
BAR-1x10
165-1x8, 1x5
255-1x5
255+60lbs of chain-1x3
255+120lbs of chain-1x3
255+180lbs of chain-1x1
255+240lbs of chain-1x1
260+240lbs of chain-1x0
255+120lbs of chain-1x6

3brd bench presses
225-1x6
315-1x6
335-2x6

H-Rolls
30-2x10
35-2x10

Tricep finisher
Tate presses-1x25
Rolling DB ext-1x10
Crush presses-1x10
Bodyweight ext-1x10

Crazy Barbell curls
BAR+10lb hanging-1x10
BAR+10lb+10lb hanging-1x10
BAR+10lb+10lb+10lb hanging 2x10

Hammer Curls
We wrapped a towel around the handle and grabbed the towel to help build our grip
30-1x10
40-3x10

[Brian Hopper]

1-15-10
FRIDAY
DE-Lower

Wall Squats
3x5

Speed box squats with the mastadon bar
All sets done with single ply briefs
BAR+130lbs of chain-1x5
150+130lbs of chain-1x5
240+130lbs of chain-1x3
330+130lbs of chain-1x3
420+130lbs of chain-1x2
420+190lbs of chain-1x2
420+250lbs of chain-1x2
470+250lbs of chain-1x2
510+250lbs of chain-3x2

Blob's
235-2x10
260-2x10

Leg raises
With a 30lb chain over our legs
3x10

[Coke]

Fine back-to-back efforts man.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks Coke, I'm really enjoying these chains!!!

[douglasoh5]

Sick squating bro....

[NickAus]

Big squats mate!!

Good consistant work!!

[SELK]

thats a sick amount of chain on those benches, nice work

[Brian Hopper]

Sick squating bro....


Big squats mate!!

Good consistant work!!

Thanks guys!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

thats a sick amount of chain on those benches, nice work

Thanks SELK, that's the first time I have done floor presses with chains. Next time I will add a little more bar weight.

[Brian Hopper]

1-17-10
SUNDAY
DE-Upper

Speed Bench
All sets done with my middle finger on the ring
BAR-1x15
BAR+70lbs of chain-1x5
BAR+130lbs of chain-1x3
95+130lbs of chain-1x3
135+130lbs of chain-2x3
155+130lbs of chain-1x3
175+130lbs of chain-1x3
195+130lbs of chain-1x3
215+130lbs of chain-3x3...This was my first time doing speed bench with chains so I wasn't sure what weight I was good for to keep my speed up. So I started light and just kept adding weight, until I felt the bar start to slow down. I decided to stop at 215lbs of bar weight.

DB Presses
2x20

Lat pulldowns
4x10

Pec-Dec
3x10...The reason why I did this was to stretch out my pecs a little.

Facepulls
4x10

Panora Pressdowns
3x20

[Brian Hopper]

1-19-10
TUESDAY
ME-Lower

Chain suspended GM's with the cambared bar
145-2x5
235-1x5
325-1x3
415-2x3

Chain suspended zercher squats with the cambared bar
145-1x5
235-1x5
325-1x3
415-1x3

DB rows
50-1x30
50-1x20

Shrugs
3x10

[SELK]

looking strong! when are you planning on competing again?

[Brian Hopper]

MY next meet is Feb. 27th which is the AAPF/APF Orlando Barbell Florida State.

[NickAus]

Nice max effort lower!!

[Barbaccio]

Good sh1t Hop! Those GM's are torturous!

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks guys!!! It wasnt what I was looking for, I had alot on my mind and it messed me up.

[Brian Hopper]

1-20-10
WEDNESDAY
ME-Upper

Chain suspended bench lockouts with the fat bar
The bar was set at a 2brd
165-1x10
165-1x5
255-1x5
345-1x3
395-1x3
435-2x0....My best at this height was 455, so to miss 435 twice has got me bummed out especially being 6 weeks out from a meet. Maybe its time for a deload.
345-2x5

Floor press with quaded minis
165-1x5
255-1x1...WOW, I might of made to big of a jump for the first time doing these. Now I know for next time!!!
215-1x5

One-armed upside down kettlebell press
35-1x10
40-1x8
52-2x5

Weighted dip machine
90-1x10
180-1x10
270-2x10

Preacher bar curls
3x10

[MarcusWild]

The quaded minis are brutal! It feels pretty light at the bottom but it feels like you hit a brick wall on the way up.

[Lones Green]

Ouch, that max effort lower session looked brutal. Bet you were sore from that one

[Brian Hopper]

The quaded minis are brutal! It feels pretty light at the bottom but it feels like you hit a brick wall on the way up.

Yeah they are, I wasn't expecting all that band tension at the top. You can really tell where they kick in...haha!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Ouch, that max effort lower session looked brutal. Bet you were sore from that one

It was pretty brutal, I was expecting more though. I'm thinking it's time for a deload week.

[t gale]

Nice work Hop. Looking good. I"m hitting a meet the week before yours, and I all ready had to drop a day. Just hitting 3 days a week until meet. But I do have a few years on you. Good luck and keep pushing up the big numbers bro

[Coke]

Looking super, covered a lot of ground the past couple of workouts.

[Brian Hopper]

Nice work Hop. Looking good. I"m hitting a meet the week before yours, and I all ready had to drop a day. Just hitting 3 days a week until meet. But I do have a few years on you. Good luck and keep pushing up the big numbers bro

Thanks Tim!!! What meet are you doing? I've thought about dropping a day, but right now I'm gonna stick with 4. For some reason I don't feel prepared for this meet, but I'm still gonna do it. So we will see what happens. Thanks and good luck to you too!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Looking super, covered a lot of ground the past couple of workouts.

Thanks!!!

[Brian Hopper]

1-25-10
MONDAY
DE-Upper

Speed bench
BAR-1x10
BAR+70lbs of chain-1x5
BAR+130lbs of chain-1x3
95+130lbs of chain-1x3
135+130lbs of chain-1x3
155+130lbs of chain-1x3
185+130lbs of chain-3x3
205+130lbs of chain-2x3
225+130lbs of chain-2x3...This was my second time using chains for speed work, im starting to like it. Last week I worked up to 215lbs of bar weight and this week I ended up with 225lbs.

DB press
70-1x20

Lat pulldowns
3x10-12

Rear delts on the pec-dec
3x10

Pressdowns with a fat bar
2x10

[NickAus]

Looks like a good speed workout!

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks Nick!!!!

[Sidior]

That is a killer jump for quad minis. Damn strong in here though.

[Brian Hopper]

185lbs+130lbs of chain
Qw5vnpass1g

205lbs+130lbs of chain
tKO5nGyQAeI

225lbs+130lbs of chain
IT0036wBl9Y

[Brian Hopper]

That is a killer jump for quad minis. Damn strong in here though.

It was and I felt it.....THANKS!!!

[Brian Hopper]

1-26-10
TUESDAY
ME-Lower

Squat with the mastodon bar
150-2x5
Added BOSS briefs
260-1x3
350-1x3
460-1x2
550-1x1
Added belt
660-1x1
Added BOSS suit with straps down
750-1x1
Straps up
840-1x1
930-1x1

DONE...Today wasn't that bad, but I will say that everything felt heavy. It's been just over 3 months since I had this much weight on my back. I wasn't able to hit proper depth, but it wasn't super high either. I'm pretty sure I would of hit depth on 930 but my form was way off and I wasn't comfortable so I cut it just about an inch or two from the box. I should have some videos up soon.

[Brian Hopper]

840lbs
7smvNnHc_cQ

930lbs
Kk0uAAyEZFA

[Coke]

Nice job for both days Brian, killer squat vids.

[lil' power]

Brian, looking good, that 930 was fast out of the hole. Good luck in your meet!

[Lones Green]

Yeah, looks like your shoulders are rolling a little forward in the hole. Still handled the weight though

[Brian Hopper]

Nice job for both days Brian, killer squat vids.


Brian, looking good, that 930 was fast out of the hole. Good luck in your meet!

Thanks alot!!!!

[t gale]

Fast as hell out of the whole. Looking strong bro.

[Brian Hopper]

Yeah, looks like your shoulders are rolling a little forward in the hole. Still handled the weight though

Thanks Lones!!! I do have a problem with that. Im hoping it's because this was our first time back in gear with heavy weight. Hopefully next time it won't be a problem.

[Brian Hopper]

Fast as hell out of the whole. Looking strong bro.

Thanks alot Tim!!!

[Brian Hopper]

1-28-10
THURSDAY
ME-Upper

Bench Press
BAR-3x?
135-2x5
245-1x3
335-1x1
425-1x1
Added Metal double denim
535-1x3
585-1x1
625-1x1
645-1x1

Bottom up KB presses
3x10

DONE...Today went pretty good, even though nothing touched. Our bench is ****ty and trying to touch on that bench or even do reps while keeping your arch and form is really hard. The raw 425 is the heaviest I tried since my pec tear, so I felt really good about that. I will post some videos later tonight.

[Brian Hopper]

585
ncL4Yt_C5ps

[Brian Hopper]

625
PMhA28ZeO_4

645
YMwqXWyPbhU

[Coke]

Impressive lifting man!!

[Brian Hopper]

Impressive lifting man!!

Thanks CoCoa!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

1-29-10
FRIDAY
DE-Lower

Wall squats
3x5

Box squats with the mastadon bar
BAR+70lbs of chain-1x5
BAR+130lbs of chain-1x3
BAR+190lbs of chain-1x3
Added single ply briefs
150+190lbs of chain-1x2
240+190lbs of chain-1x2
330+190lbs of chain-1x2
420+190lbs of chain-6x2

Speed pulls
Kept my briefs on
225-3x1
315-3x1
405-4x1

[NickAus]

Solid speed day!!

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks Nick!!!

[Brian Hopper]

1-31-10
SUNDAY
DE-Upper

Speed bench
BAR-1x10
BAR+70lbs of chain-1x5
BAR+130lbs of chain-1x3
BAR+190lbs of chain-1x3
95+190lbs of chain-1x3
135+190lbs of chain-1x3
155+190lbs of chain-1x3
175+190lbs of chain-3x3
185+190lbs of chain-2x3

DB bench press
75-2x20

H-Rolls
3x12

Lat pulldowns with a fat bar
4x10

Panora pressdowns
4x25

[NickAus]

Nice work!!

Love the fat bar pulldowns!!

Are you going to do one day of heavy band tension on the bench before the meet or stick with the chains?

[Sidior]

I like the wall squats to warmup! I should really re-implement them again.

[Brian Hopper]

Nice work!!

Love the fat bar pulldowns!!

Are you going to do one day of heavy band tension on the bench before the meet or stick with the chains?


Thanks Nick!!!

This cycle im going to stick with chains, only because I have one more week of chains and then one week of just straight weight, then a week of rest. I was planning on starting a 3 week wave of bands, but I have been using bands for awhile now and I wanted to try something different. Next week I will use the same amount of chains but maybe add some more bar weight. The bar speed felt really good, so hopefully I can add another 10-20lbs more and still keep my speed.

[Brian Hopper]

I like the wall squats to warmup! I should really re-implement them again.

They are a really good warm-up for the squat....IMO!!! I try to do them on my lower body days.

[NickAus]

Sounds good, I wish we had 200lb in chain lol.

[Brian Hopper]

Sounds good, I wish we had 200lb in chain lol.

They are pretty nice to use after a nice band wave!!!

[Brian Hopper]

2/1/10
MONDAY
ME-Lower

Reverse band deadlifts
265-2x5
355-1x3
465-1x2
555-1x1
645-1x1
685-1x1
705-1x1...20lb PR
725-1x1...40lb PR

GM's with the cambared bar
140-1x5
230-1x5
280-2x5

Leg curls
2x20

DONE...This is how I like to start the month off, with a nice PR!!! Everything felt really good today. The last time I did these, I had to really grind out 685 and couldnt hold onto 705 for a full legit lockout. So today turned out to be a really good day for both me and my training partner.

[Brian Hopper]

645lbs
HAGx_hXJ_G4

685lbs
-tn-dfR1ONM

705lbs-20lb PR
61GXy9-a8AI

725-40lbs.....I might of overreacted alittle about this lift, but it was a big deal to me.
Fwmzyosdt4M

[Coke]

725lbs.....I might of overreacted a little about this lift, but it was a big deal to me.

Those deads are a big deal, and so are the GMs.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks Coke!!!

[Sidior]

Damn strong pulling!

My boss suit finally arrived so once I sort my hip issues out I am going to start breaking it in. Any tips? This will be my first multiply suit.

[Brian Hopper]

Damn strong pulling!

My boss suit finally arrived so once I sort my hip issues out I am going to start breaking it in. Any tips? This will be my first multiply suit.

Thanks Sidior!!!

I hope your hip gets better so you can get a feel for the boss suit. I never really do anything special to break in my squat suit. I pretty much just put it on and got under some weight. My squat suit isn't very tight, so breaking in mine wasn't a big deal. I have heard of people wetting it down like a bench shirt. What kind of briefs are you wearing under the suit?

Good luck with it!!!

[Brian Hopper]

2/3/10
Wednesday
ME-Upper

Log press
90-1x10
90-1x5
140-1x5
160-1x3
200-1x3
220-1x1
240-1x1
260-1x1....It felt like my first rep was good but I don't think it was. So I did it again for another rep.

3brd press
Thumb length from the smooth
225-1x5
315-1x5
365-1x5
405-1x5

Panora press
3x20

Hammer curls
3x10

[Brian Hopper]

2/8/10
Monday
DE-Upper

Speed bench
All sets done with comp grip
BAR-1x10
BAR+70lbs of chain-1x3
BAR+130lbs of chain-1x3
BAR+190lbs of chain-1x3
95+190lbs of chain-1x3
135+190lbs of chain-5x3
155+190lbs of chain-3x3

Schwab's
4x10

Reverse grip pushdowns
3x12

Chest supported row
4x10

Face pulls
3x10

DONE...Today I took it kinda easy. This was my first time doing speed work with my grip that wide. Today I set the chains up so I had more links on the ground. So my last sets were probably 130-150lbs of chain. For all my accessory work I used light weight on everything. I was just getting some work in. I plan on shirting up on Thursday, so I didn't want to go crazy with my accessory work.

[Coke]

Efforts are looking tight Brian, good job.

[Brian Hopper]

Efforts are looking tight Brian, good job.

Thanks CoCoa!!!

[Brian Hopper]

2/9/10
Tuesday
ME-Lower

Wall Squats
2x5

Squats
Started off a 13" box with three 1" pads on it to warm-up the hips
150-2x5
Took one pad out
260-1x3
Took another pad out
350-1x1
Added briefs
460-1x1
550-1x1
660-1x1
Added suit with straps down
750-1x1
840-1x1
Straps up
930-1x1
1020-1x1...I think it was a little high, but this was my first time with that much weight on my back. Plus I squatted straight down and not back which is probably why I cut it off. I am really having a hard time keeping form under heavy weight. Today was my last squat before the meet, and that leaves me to do one more deadlift which will probably be just an opener.

[Lones Green]

Great work on those squats Brian.

Keeping form under heavy weight is hard for all of us, haha.

[Brian Hopper]

Great work on those squats Brian.

Keeping form under heavy weight is hard for all of us, haha.

Thanks Lones!!!

It seemed like once I put the suit on and went over 700 is when I broke down. I have video of it, but I'm having problems with my computer.

[douglasoh5]

sick **** lately Brian...2400 should def fall

[Brian Hopper]

sick **** lately Brian...2400 should def fall

Thanks Rich!!!

This meet I'm hoping for 2350. But hopfully at the end of the year I'll get 2400.

[Brian Hopper]

840lbs
BAFJwsPM_SI

930lbs
kAgEqFcFZgM

1020lbs
FyL-8mj9OaY

[t gale]

hey nice squat man. how's training been? you ready for meet?definetly look like you're ready for another big day. good luck man.

[Brian Hopper]

hey nice squat man. how's training been? you ready for meet?definetly look like you're ready for another big day. good luck man.

Thanks Tim!!! So far so good, hows your training going? I think im ready for the meet, but I always get in my head and always think about depth and will I touch. I just did my last session in my shirt tonight and it seemed to go pretty good even though I missed my last set. I'm gonna pull next week and it will probably be just an opener and maybe do a 2nd attempt, depending on how I perform my opener.

[Brian Hopper]

2/11/10
Thursday
ME-Upper

Reverse band bench press
With the fat bar and green bands
165-1x5
255-1x3
305-1x1
345-1x1
395-1x1
435-1x1
485-1x0....:confused:
Went over to the other bench and put my shirt on
535-1x3
585-1x1
625-1x1
675-1x0

DONE...I was alittle bummed out that I missed that 485, I think alot of it had to do with the way I warmed up. So from there I was starting to get alittle nervous on how I was going to perform in my shirt. I came pretty close to that 675, I think I just ran out of gas and it ended up in the racks. Oh well, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.

[Brian Hopper]

2/12/10
Friday
DE-Lower

Speed Squats
With chains and the buffalo bar
BAR+60lbs of chain-1x5
BAR+120lbs of chain-1x5
Added single ply briefs
145+120lbs of chain-1x3
235+120lbs of chain-1x3
325+120lbs of chain-2x2
415+120lbs of chain-5x2

Blob's
165-1x10
200-1x10
235-1x10
270-1x10

Standing single legged leg curls
3x10

[Brian Hopper]

585
F2SfYcFqkvQ


625
Knli6PBGLBc


675-Miss
SKto7gpd6dQ

[NickAus]

Looking great overall.....

Best of luck for your meet!!

You will hit some good numbers Brian!!

[Brian Hopper]

Looking great overall.....

Best of luck for your meet!!

You will hit some good numbers Brian!!

Thanks Nick, I hope so too!!!!

[Future]

You seem ready! Best of luck.

Be well, be blessed!

[Brian Hopper]

You seem ready! Best of luck.

Be well, be blessed!

Thanks alot!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

2/15/10
Monday
DE-Upper

Bench Press
BAR-1x10
135-2x10
225-1x10
315-2x5
225-1x15

Incline DB press
60-1x20
60-1x15

Front lat pulldowns
4x10

Face pulls
3x10

Panora pressdowns
4x20

DONE...I really didn't want to train today, but I decided to just go in and get some blood pumping. I'm really looking forward to taking next week off and resting up for the meet. I plan to pull an opener on Wednesday and that should be it for my heavy training.

[Coke]

Looking great heading into the meet next weekend, good luck.

[Brian Hopper]

Looking great heading into the meet next weekend, good luck.

Thanks Coke, I appreciate it!!!!!

[Ruff Riff]

Solid, Solid, Solid!!!

Good luck, I was told once that "luck" was simply when preperation meets opportunity!

Look good man!

[Brian Hopper]

Solid, Solid, Solid!!!

Good luck, I was told once that "luck" was simply when preperation meets opportunity!

Look good man!

Thanks!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

2/17/10
Wednesday
ME-Lower

Deadlifts
135-3x3-5
245-1x3
245-1x2
335-2x1
Added suit with straps down
445-1x1
Straps up and added belt
535-1x1
625-1x1
655-1x1...Possible opener, maybe 645

[Brian Hopper]

2/18/10
Thursday
ME-Upper

Floor press
BAR-1x10
135-2x5
225-2x5
315-1x5
335-1x5
355-1x5

Reverse pec-dec
4x10

Panora pressdowns
3x20

Tate presses
25-1x10
35-1x10
45-1x10

Lat pulldowns
4x10

Shrugs
225-1x10
315-2x10

[Coke]

Solid heavy lifting for both days man.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks Coke!!!

[Brian Hopper]

625lbs
a_1kIas3kvM

655lbs-Opener (maybe)
gpw6i0BEfRc

[Brian Hopper]

2/19/10
Friday
DE-Lower

Raw box squats with the mastadon bar
BAR-1x10
150-2x5
240-2x5
330-2x5

KB Swings
40-1x10
52-2x10
70-1x10

Leg curls
4x10

[MarcusWild]

If you feel beat up and like crap, then you're ready! Just rest up and get ready.

[Brian Hopper]

If you feel beat up and like crap, then you're ready! Just rest up and get ready.

I hope I'm ready, because today I felt like ****. Next week I'm definitley gonna just relax and get ready to lift!!!

[Brian Hopper]

2/26/10
Friday
WEIGH-IN

Today, we made a trip out to Orlando Babrell to get weighed in. I was at 238lbs which is pretty good seeing how I was at my heaviest this week. I guess I wasn't paying attention to my weight, but on Tuesday I was at 253lbs. The weight cut wasn't bad, it's just that i'm not use to losing that much weight so it was new to me. I usally walk around 245-248lbs. Either way I feel pretty good and by the time I got home from weighing in I was back up to 245 and now im 249. MY nerves are keeping me from putting any more weight back on. My openers for tomorrow are going to be a 960SQ, 610BP, and 645DL. The only thing that keeps getting in my head is my deadlift. Knowing that it hasn't made any gains is really bothering me. But, I do have a few things I want to try after this meet so I just need to get my head focused and get this one done first.

[Brian Hopper]

2/27/10
Saturday
Meet day


APF/AAPF Florida State Championship

Today turned out to be a better day then I expected. There was a pretty big turnout, I think I counted 47 lifters squatting and I didn't even bother counting the bench and deadlift. Brian Schwab, along with the rest of Orlando Barbell did an amazing job. Jo Jordan also did a kick ass job running the mic and getting you pumped and ready to lift, thanks JO!!! The judges did an outstanding job, they definitley had a long day.

Brian Carroll, Clint Smith, Adam Driggers and the rest of Team Samson were there lifting and they were amazing. I believe Adam hurt his hamstring while benching and wasn't able to get one in. Carroll ended up with 2645@275, and I think Clint either got 2435 or 2455@242 im not sure. Either way it was a big PR for him, awesome job GUYS!!!!

Tommy Fannon from Tampa Barbell was back on the platform, and ended up squatting 905 on his third after missing his first two.

Joe Norman and Lester Estevez from TEAM JAX were aslo there. Joe squatted 1105@275 for a record and took a token bench and deadlift. Lester got his 1000lb squat, im not sure what be benched or deadlifted but I think he ended up winning his weight class and best lifter overall.

Space Coast Barbell brought out a huge squad of raw lifters, and I think the won the Team Award.

I'm sorry if I missed anybody else, my mind and body right now are exhausted. Here is how my day went:

SQUAT
Briefs on
260-1x3
350-1x3
460-1x1
550-1x1
Added suit with straps down
660-1x1
Straps up
750-1x1
Added knee wraps
860-1x1...All my warm-ups were really good and were actually pretty fast so I had good feelings about my squat.

OPENER-960...Good lift
2nd attempt-1010...Good lift, it was alittle harder then I thought it was going to be but from looking at the video it looked easy.
3rd attempt-1030...Good Lift and a 25lb PR!!!!! Alot of people were saying that this weight looked alot easier then my 1010.

Bench press
BAR-1x10
135-1x5
225-1x3
315-1x1
Added shirt
425-1x3
515-1x1
565-1x1

Opener-610...Good lift but barely, my foot slipped forward to much as I was setting up and it flattened me out alot. Somehow I was able to muscle it up and lock it out.
2nd attempt-640...Good lift and a 15lb PR. My setup here was alot better but I was still feeling uncomfortable benching.
3rd attempt-660...No good, once I got the press command my right wrist gave out on me and I told the spotters to grab it.

Deadlift
225-1x3
Added suit with straps down
225-1x3
Straps up
315-1x3
425-1x1
515-1x1
605-1x1

Opener-645...Good lift, tore a little skin on my right hand....not a problem, I didn't even bleed
2nd attempt-670...No good, once I got the bar over my knees I some how got on my toes and it caused the bar to pull me down...but I locked it out anyways and the ****ty part was the lift was easy...but I tore the skin more on my hand and it started bleeding this time.
3rd attempt-685...Good lift and a 8lb PR...I guess the eye of the tiger came out in me and I gave it all I had to lock it out and hold onto the bar because my hand was screaming.

Total:2355@242...55lb PR!!!!

First off I want to thank God for blessing me with yet another very successful day. I also want to thank everybody for helping me out today, especially John Manly who not only had to coach me but was also my handler. I want to thank Mark for helping me wrap my knees for the first time and did an awesome job at it. Zach, who couldn't lift today but was able to make it out for a few hours to help and support me and Stacy also for coming out to support me. April Mathis also came out to support us and her old gym Tampa Barbell. I also want to thank John Davis, Scott Lamb, Scott Weech Jr., and anyone else im forgetting from the gym, for helping me when I need it, you guys rock!!!! I want to give a big thanks to Orlando Barbell, Team Samson, Team Jax, Team Elite, Southside Barbell, Space Coast Barbell, and Tampa Barbell!!! Last, I want to thank my wife and two beautiful kids for putting up with my long hours at the gym and supporting me and what I love to do!!!!!

[SELK]

GREAT job on all the prs, that is a huge total. I am very impressed with all of your lifts, sounds like a great meet.

[Sidior]

Nasty lifting, great job man!!!

[NickAus]

S-H-I-T that is GREAT!!

Well done mate that is huge.

I am happy for you, getting PR's across the board is amazing at your level.

[Tim K]

That is an impressive total. Congratulations on the PRs and some very tough work on deadlifts!

[douglasoh5]

55lb total pr is huge for someone as advanced stregth wise as you are brian. prs all around awesome job

[muscle_g]

Great job man!!

[Coke]

Stellar meet results, killer totals!!

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks alot everybody for your kind words, I should have some video up sometime next week.

[Barbaccio]

Holy sh1t B, incredible job! 1030 is monstrous! That's an incredible total for a 242'er man. Looks like you're doing everything right in training man! You definitely have me motivated. When 242'ers are catching my total, it's time for me to take a look at what I'm doing and work a little harder. Between you and Gale, I feel like a weakling! Congrats on the monster numbers man!

[Brian Hopper]

Holy sh1t B, incredible job! 1030 is monstrous! That's an incredible total for a 242'er man. Looks like you're doing everything right in training man! You definitely have me motivated. When 242'ers are catching my total, it's time for me to take a look at what I'm doing and work a little harder. Between you and Gale, I feel like a weakling! Congrats on the monster numbers man!

Thanks alot Tone, your kind words mean alot to me!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Sunday
3/7/10
DE-Upper

Bench press
BAR-2x10
135-2x5
225-3x5
245-2x5

DB presses
65-2x20

Wide grip lat pulldowns
120-1x10
160-3x10

Side laterals
20-1x15
25-1x15

Reverse grip pushdowns
3x20

[Coke]

Way to stay on the move bro.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks CoCoa, im trying!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Monday
3/8/10
ME-Lower

Sumo Deadlift
135-1x10
135-1x5
225-2x5
315-2x5
405-1x5

6" block pulls
315-1x3
405-1x3
495-1x3
585-2x3

Reverse hypers
210-1x12
300-3x10

Barbell shrugs
135-1x10
225-1x10
315-3x10

[Coke]

Fine pulling sets dude.

[MarcusWild]

Hey Brian,

I like the velocity. I feel I can get in a better start position because it has more give. I threw on the Katana because I was going to hit a 1-ply meet. I want to get my USPF elite. The meet got canceled, so I don't be wearing that shirt again for awhile. I'm not really a big fan of it. I've never had good luck in Titan bench shirts. Inzer seems to be more forgiving on the groove.

[Brian Hopper]

fine pulling sets dude.

thanks!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Hey Brian,

I like the velocity. I feel I can get in a better start position because it has more give. I threw on the Katana because I was going to hit a 1-ply meet. I want to get my USPF elite. The meet got canceled, so I don't be wearing that shirt again for awhile. I'm not really a big fan of it. I've never had good luck in Titan bench shirts. Inzer seems to be more forgiving on the groove.

I have been wanting to try the velocity since it came out. But, im thinking about having my Metal suit altered alittle to make it tighter in the hips.

[Brian Hopper]

Thursday
3/11/10
ME-Upper

Floor presses with the fat bar
BAR-1x20
165-2x5
255-2x3
345-1x1
365-1x1
385-1x1
405-1x1
425-1x1...10lb PR

4brd bench press
225-1x8
315-1x8
345-1x8

DB shoulder press
50-2x20

Lat pulldowns
4x8-10

Chest supported rows
3x8-10

Panora pressdowns
Purple band-1x50
Green band-1x25
Green band-1x15
Green+Purple band-2x5

[NickAus]

Love those block pulls, started them myself and prefer them to rack pulls for sure except I only have 4" blocks to use.

Keep up the great work!

[Brian Hopper]

Love those block pulls, started them myself and prefer them to rack pulls for sure except I only have 4" blocks to use.

Keep up the great work!

Thanks Nick, I like doing block pulls over rack pulls also. We only have 4" blocks, I just stack the blocks on a bumper plate which puts the height at 6". It's definitely a more natural feel.

[Brian Hopper]

Friday
3/12/10
DE-Lower

Speed squats with the buffalo bar against blue bands
BAR-1x5
Added single ply suit with straps down
BAR-1x5
145-2x3
235-2x2
325-2x2
415-4x2

Speed deadlifts against quaded monster minis
No suit
135-2x1
225-2x1
315-5x1

Snatchs
89-1x5
109-1x5
131-1x5
155-1x5
175-1x5

[Coke]

Nice back-to-back training man.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks alot Coke!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Monday
3/15/10
ME-Lower

SLDL standing on a 4.5" block
135-2x5
225-2x5
315-1x3
365-2x3
405-1x4

Raw squats
135-1x5
225-1x5
315-1x5
405-2x5

Pull throughs
3x10

Behind the back shrugs
3x10

[NickAus]

Thanks Nick, I like doing block pulls over rack pulls also. We only have 4" blocks, I just stack the blocks on a bumper plate which puts the height at 6". It's definitely a more natural feel.

Great idea, Im going to do just that!

Really good training over and over Tank!!

[t gale]

See you're business as usual. Congrats on your meet also hit some huge numbers.

[Brian Hopper]

Really good training over and over Tank!!

Thanks Nick!!!

[Brian Hopper]

See you're business as usual. Congrats on your meet also hit some huge numbers.

Thanks alot Tim, I really appreciate it!!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Wednesday
3/17/10
ME-Upper

Bench press
BAR-1x20
135-2x5
225-2x3
315-1x3
365-1x1
405-1x1
425-1x1

Chain suspended lockouts with the fat bar
BAR+140lbs of kettlebells hanging-1x5
BAR+220lbs of kettlebells hanging-1x3
125+220lbs of kettlebells hanging-1x3
175+220lbs of kettlebells hanging-1x2
BAR+220lbs of kettlebells hanging-1x5....I held each rep for 5 seconds at the top

Chest supported rows
4x10

Chuck V rows
3x10

Behind-the-neck tricep extensions
3x15

Panora pressdowns with a green band
100 reps total

Done....Today went pretty good, I haven't really trained my raw bench and I still got 425 pretty easy. I'm probably going to start working on that. But other then that everything felt pretty good.

[Coke]

Maintained very well with the heavy flat bench.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks CoCoa, im really trying on increasing my raw bench so my shirted bench will increase.

[Barbaccio]

Bri, why only 3 heavy singles on a ME Day?

[Brian Hopper]

Tone, I was just testing the waters I guess. I haven't done much raw benching since my pec injury. But hopefully that will change and I will be able to increase my raw bench some once I get over the fear of getting injured again. It didn't bother me yesterday, but I wasn't going to push it. I might start 5/3/1 or maybe start working on some heavy triples and singles.

[NickAus]

Sounds like a good plan!!

[Barbaccio]

Kewl. 5/3/1 is incredible man. I hit a huge 440x7 doing 5/3/1 on the bench. It's a great program. Good luck with it man!

[Lones Green]

Brian how far are you guys from Ft. Lauderdale?

[Brian Hopper]

Kewl. 5/3/1 is incredible man. I hit a huge 440x7 doing 5/3/1 on the bench. It's a great program. Good luck with it man!

I was going to use the 5/3/1 for my deadlift but I decided to try something else instead. But this time I might go ahead and try it for my bench.

[Brian Hopper]

Brian how far are you guys from Ft. Lauderdale?

We are probably about 3hrs away. Are you going to be in Florida?

[Lones Green]

We are probably about 3hrs away. Are you going to be in Florida?

Yup, in May. 3 hours is a bit far though haha

[Brian Hopper]

Friday
3/19/10
DE-Lower

KB Swings
32lbs-2x10
40lbs-1x10
Added a purple band
40lbs-1x10
52lbs-2x10

Speed deadlifts against quaded monster minis
135-1x1
225-2x1
315-4x1

Reverse hypers
160-1x10
250-2x10

[Brian Hopper]

Yup, in May. 3 hours is a bit far though haha

Yeah it is, that sucks because it would be awesome to train with you.

[Lones Green]

I agree. I will be between 2 training cycles, so a vacation will be good. We're flying into Ft. Lauderdale and driving to the Keys for 8 days

[Brian Hopper]

I agree. I will be between 2 training cycles, so a vacation will be good. We're flying into Ft. Lauderdale and driving to the Keys for 8 days

That's cool, I'm originally from south Florida and I miss it every now and then. It should be a fun vacation for you. But if you feel froggy and want to make the trip, your more then welcome to come train with me.

[Lones Green]

That's cool, I'm originally from south Florida and I miss it every now and then. It should be a fun vacation for you. But if you feel froggy and want to make the trip, your more then welcome to come train with me.

I appreciate the invite!

South Florida is a great place, especially in about May. Not too extremely hot, but pretty hot and the fishing is great.

[Brian Hopper]

Sunday
3/21/10
DE-Upper

Speed bench
BAR-1x20
Added double monster mini's
BAR-1x3
95-1x3
Thumb length from the smooth
135-1x3
155-2x3
Pinkie on the ring
155-3x3
Comp grip
175-3x3

Floor presses with the fat bar
Thumb length
165-1x15
215-1x10
255-1x10

Reverse grip pressdowns
4x10-12

Seated cable rows
3x10

Reverse pec-dec flyes
2x10

Pressdowns with a purple band
1x50

[Brian Hopper]

Monday
3/22/10
ME-Lower

Deadlifts
135-2x5-Sumo
135-2x5-Conv.
225-1x5-Sumo
225-1x5-Conv.
315-1x3-Sumo
315-1x3-Conv.
Conventional for the rest of the workout
405-1x3
495-1x3
Added belt
545-1x3
585-1x1
635-1x1
675-1x0

6" block pulls
495-1x5
495-2x10

DONE.....Today turned out to be a pretty good day, seeing how I wasn't planning on going as heavy as I did. I'm also happy with how my raw deadlifting went even though I missed 675, which would of been a raw PR.

[Brian Hopper]

Thursday
3/25/10
ME-Upper

Bench press
BAR-1x20
135-2x5
225-1x3
250-1x5
290-1x5
325-1x10

Chain suspended lockouts with the fat bar
165-1x10
255-1x5
345-1x3
255-1x10

Upright rows
4x8-12

Lat pulldowns
4x8-10

Facepulls
4x10

Triceps pressdowns with a fat bar
3x20

[NickAus]

These last workouts look great, love the speed deads vs quad monsters!!

[Coke]

Looking awefully nice and hard at work Brian.

[Brian Hopper]

These last workouts look great, love the speed deads vs quad monsters!!


Looking awefully nice and hard at work Brian.

Thanks alot guys!!!!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Friday
3/26/10
DE-Lower

Box squats with the SSB
135-4x5
225-1x5,1x2
315-3x2
365-3x2

Chain suspended GM's with the cambared bar
145-1x5
235-1x5
325-3x5

Standing leg curls
3x10

[Brian Hopper]

Sunday
3/28/10
DE-Upper

Speed bench against bands
BAR-1x20
Added double monster minis
BAR-3x3....Used a different grip each set
Added double minis
BAR-3x3....Used a different grip each set
95-2x3
115-3x3
135-4x3

DB presses
60-1x20
65-1x20
70-1x20

Reverse grip pressdowns
4x10-12

Behind-the-neck pullsdowns
3x10-12

H-Rolls
3x10

Pressdowns with a green band
4x20

[Coke]

Good job for both days, way to keep it on track.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks alot Coke!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Monday
3/29/10
ME-Lower...Deload

Zercher squats with the fat bar
BAR-1x5
165-2x5
255-2x5
Switched bars
225-2x5
315-1x3

GM's with the cambared bar
145-1x5
200-2x5

Shrugs
135-1x10
225-1x10
315-2x8

Done....I went ahead and made today a deload day for lower body. I didn't even want to train today, so I just decided to go in and train light since I have been hitting my lower back pretty hard these last 3 weeks. Hopefully my hand will heal up and I can hit some block pulls next week.

[NickAus]

Looking good Brian!!

[t gale]

Training looks on point as usual. Good luck with that 5/3/1 bench. hope you see good results.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks guys I apprecaite it!!!! I think I'm gonna hit the back burner. Last Monday I tore a callous on my last set of block pulls and it got infected. It hurts like hell to make a fist. I'm gonna try to bench on Wednesday and see how it goes. If it hurts really bad, I'll go get it checked out.

[skinny99]

I hate what pulling does to my hands! Sucks you tore a callus. Be careful with your hands they are pretty important! LOL

[Brian Hopper]

I hate what pulling does to my hands! Sucks you tore a callus. Be careful with your hands they are pretty important! LOL

I'm a little upset about, because I feel that I didn't take care of it and thats why it got infected. I went to the doctors and she said that it doesn't look like there was anything that needed to be drained so she just put me on some antibiotics and called it a day. Today it hurts like hell and it feels like my hand is gonna blow!!!! I'm going to wait until Saturday to see if it gets any better before I go back.

[Brian Hopper]

These were taken after I got home from the doctors yesterday

http://www.wannabebig.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=29008&stc=1&d=1270248992

http://www.wannabebig.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=29009&stc=1&d=1270249008

[Brian Hopper]

These were taken last night before I went to bed:

http://www.wannabebig.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=29010&stc=1&d=1270249215

http://www.wannabebig.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=29011&stc=1&d=1270249223

[Brian Hopper]

This is how it looked Wednesday night before I went to bed:

http://www.wannabebig.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=29012&stc=1&d=1270249461

http://www.wannabebig.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=29013&stc=1&d=1270249470

[Brian Hopper]

.....and this is me Thursday afternoon.

http://www.wannabebig.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=29014&stc=1&d=1270249794

[Brian Hopper]

These pics aren't pretty

[Brian Hopper]

Here is video of the meet I did back in February. Sorry it took so long, but here it is:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTLy0kcbwSo

[Coke]

Thanks for posting up the vid, better late than never, lol.

Sorry about the plight with the hand man, hope it clears swiftly.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks for posting up the vid, better late than never, lol.

Sorry about the plight with the hand man, hope it clears swiftly.

Thanks alot CoCoa!!! I figured I had alot of extra time to spare with my hand being injured to make the video. I hope you enjoyed it!!!

[Lones Green]

Man that infected callous is crazy. Looks like the SSB will be your best friend for awhile!

[Brian Hopper]

Man that infected callous is crazy. Looks like the SSB will be your best friend for awhile!

In a weird way, I'm actually looking forward to it...haha!!!! The callus does suck, but it does feel better now that it's cut and drained.

[MarcusWild]

Great meet video.

[Brian Hopper]

Great meet video.

Thanks Marcus!!!!