Brian Hopper's Training Log

[Brian Hopper]

This video is from yesterday....

3fJJnHloK9s

[muscle_g]

Nice DE work! Squats and Dead's looked really fast!!

[Kiff]

Nice speed work mate

[Brian Hopper]

Nice DE work! Squats and Dead's looked really fast!!

Thanks alot George!!!! It does feel weird doing speed work again, because I got away from it for so long. Next 3 week wave, i'm going to be using chains.

[Brian Hopper]

Nice speed work mate

Thanks Kiff!!! How's that strongman training going?

[Kiff]

Thanks Kiff!!! How's that strongman training going?

Going good mate, just getting used to the change of pace really, feels i spend a lot more time out of the gym than i did on hct even tho it is the same amount of days....

[Brian C]

Awesome DE Day Bri! Everything is fast and strong

[Brian Hopper]

Going good mate, just getting used to the change of pace really, feels i spend a lot more time out of the gym than i did on hct even tho it is the same amount of days....

I feel the same way since I added in more working sets and an extra barbell movement on my ME days. But after those I try to bust my ass and fly through my accessory work.

[Brian Hopper]

Awesome DE Day Bri! Everything is fast and strong

Thanks B!!!! Everything did feel pretty fast, but on my last set of speed squats I did feel like I need a deload. So next week im going to do everything at about 50% and just take it easy.

[Brian Hopper]

Saturday
12/18/10
Rehab

Foam roll
-Back
-IT bands
-Glutes
-Inner thigh
-Quads

Lower body stretches
-Hamstring
-Hip/Glute
-Inner thigh
-Lunge stretch
-Piriformis Stretch
-Spine Twist

Upper body stretches
-Lats
-Chest
-Shoulders
-Triceps
-Chest

[ThomasG]

Enjoyed the video I see you like to keep your speed work well, speedy. I notice not everyone does that I am with you gotta keep things fast! Smart stuff with the rehab work.

[Brian Hopper]

Enjoyed the video I see you like to keep your speed work well, speedy. I notice not everyone does that I am with you gotta keep things fast! Smart stuff with the rehab work.

Thanks bro!!! Yeah, I like to keep it light and fast. I should of stayed at 325 but I did feel strong and the 375 moved pretty fast. My rest time between sets were about 45-60 seconds. So I moved through my speed lifts pretty fast also.

[NickAus]

Everything on that video is impressive!!

I can once again see how strong your quads are...

[Brian Hopper]

Everything on that video is impressive!!

I can once again see how strong your quads are...

Thanks alot Nick!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Monday
12/20/10
SQ/DL-Deload

Squat
BARx10
150x10
150x10
240x10
330x10

Deadlift with a sumo stance
135x10...DOH grip
225x10
315x10...Over-Under grip

Hyperextensions
BWx15
BWx15

Wide grip pulldowns
2x15

Done...I'm starting to get sick, so the gym today was a bad idea. The squats felt heavy and seemed hard. I'm glad it was a deload day. I'll probably just go in on Wednesday and deload on the bench and not go in the rest of the week.

[Lones Green]

You looked very strong in that video Brian!

Rest up and hit the Vitamin C! Hope you get to feeling better soon

[Brian Hopper]

You looked very strong in that video Brian!

Rest up and hit the Vitamin C! Hope you get to feeling better soon

Thanks Lones!!!! I damn sure didn't feel strong today, lol.

[Coke]

You deserve to take off the whole week imo...enjoy the Holidays bro.

[Brian Hopper]

You deserve to take off the whole week imo...enjoy the Holidays bro.

Thanks Coke, but I might try and squeeze in one more day this week.

[NickAus]

Rest up tank!!

[Brian Hopper]

I'm gonna try!!!

[Kiff]

Enjoy your time off mate hope you feel better soon.

[Brian Hopper]

Enjoy your time off mate hope you feel better soon.

I still feel like crap but it is what it is!!!! I'm still going to try and go in tommorrow and do my upperbody deload.

[t gale]

Hey man good work. hope you heal up quick. must be this time of the year. congrats on mod title. have good holiday

[Brian Hopper]

Hey man good work. hope you heal up quick. must be this time of the year. congrats on mod title. have good holiday

Thanks Tim, i'm feeling a little bit better but i'm probably going to just skip out on the gym the rest of the week. IT's going to be hard for me anyways because our kids are staying home this week and there really isn't anybody to watch them. Thanks Again!!!!

[NickAus]

Where is the log of your last video? The one with chain box squats and block pulls?

That was a cool video to watch!!

[Brian Hopper]

Here is a video from Today....

y19Py5JSYDw


Are you talking about this one?

[ThomasG]

Looking forward to see how you respond to trap bar deadlifts.

[NickAus]

Thats it, did you write out that workout?

[Brian Hopper]

Looking forward to see how you respond to trap bar deadlifts.

Same here, it should hit the quads pretty good and help my conventional pull. I'm not going to use it as a max effort lift but more as an assistance lift for reps of 5-10.

[Brian Hopper]

....I'm guessing this is what you meant....



Tuesday
12/14/10
ME-SQ/DL

Chain suspended squats
BARxWarmup
150x5
150x5
240x5
240x5
330x3
420x3
510x3...Added belt
530x3
530x3

4" block pulls
135x5
225x5
315x3
405x3
495x3
585x3

Wide grip pulldowns
3x10

Low pulley rows with a rope
70x12
90x12
110x12

DB Hammer curls
40x10
50x10
60x10

Video will be posted later...

[NickAus]

Thank you, must have missed it somehow.

[CHASE TRUSNOVEC]

hope and pray for some healin brotha!!! solid work as always!! God Bless ya!!!

[Brian Hopper]

hope and pray for some healin brotha!!! solid work as always!! God Bless ya!!!

Thanks Chase, I'm feeling a little bit better but I'm still gonna skip this week and come back stronger next week.

[Brian Hopper]

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

[CHASE TRUSNOVEC]

Merry Christmas my brotha!!!! God Bless you and your family!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Merry Christmas my brotha!!!! God Bless you and your family!!!

Thanks alot Chase, same to you!!!!

[NickAus]

Looking forward to your next video brother!!

Merry Christmas!!

[muscle_g]

Merry Christmas!! Hope you had a good one.

[Brian Hopper]

Looking forward to your next video brother!!

Merry Christmas!!

Thanks, you too!!!! I might take a video of my block pulls and light squats tomorrow.


Merry Christmas!! Hope you had a good one.

Thanks George, same to you!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Monday
12/27/10
DE-Bench

Speed bench with 130lbs of chain
BARx20
Added 70lbs of chain
BARx3
Added 60lbs of chain
BARx3
95x3...Thumb length from the smooth
135x3
155x3
155x3...Pinkie finger on ring
175x3
175x3
175x3...Middle finger on ring
195x3
195x3
195x3

DB press
70x20
80x15
80x15
50x20

H-Rolls
20x12
25x12
25x12

Pressdowns
60x25
80x25
80x25
80x25

DB side laterals
30x12
35x12
35x12

One arm DB tricep extensions
20-Rx15, Lx15
25-Rx15, Lx15

Pushups
BWx15
BWx15

[Coke]

Speed work is always great guy, props on getting to this level.

[Lones Green]

Nice speed day buddy. Looks like one of mine!

[NickAus]

Great speed bench work!!

[Brian Hopper]

Speed work is always great guy, props on getting to this level.

Thanks alot Terry!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Nice speed day buddy. Looks like one of mine!

Thanks Lones, I might of got a few ideas from your log :idea:

[Brian Hopper]

Great speed bench work!!

Thanks Nick, my speed felt pretty good. It's been a long time since I did speed work with chains.

[Brian Hopper]

Tuesday
12/28/10
ME-SQ/DL

4" block pulls
135x5
135x5
225x3
225x3
315x3
405x1
Added belt
495x1
585x1
635x1
680x1...5lb PR
700x1...25lb PR
710x0...Fail

SSB squats
230x5
320x5
Added belt
320x5
320x5

CSR
90x10
180x8
180x8
140x10

Bicep curls
35x10
55x10
75x8
75x8

DB Shrugs
100x10
120x10
120x10
120x10, 100x10, 80x10

Done....I really wanted to go in and set a PR for my last heavy lower body day of the year. So I decided to do block pulls and broke my old PR by 25lbs, so i'm really happy. I only missed 710 because I felt the weight pulling down on my bad pec so I stopped so I wouldn't get hurt. It felt pretty scary so I didn't want to push it.

Video will be posted later...

[Barbaccio]

Absolutely BEASTED that workout B. Great job. I'm having a tough time staying motivated and getting my training in this time of year. Too much stress about $ and holidays falling on training days, weather, etc. I've been a bit of a puzzy about training around it all. You're out there still killing sh1t though man. Great work!

[Lones Green]

Huge PR for your last heavy lower day of the year!

[ThomasG]

25lbs thats a massive pr! Looking forward to the video.

[Kiff]

Thats huge! Well done mate!

[NickAus]

Fantastic pulls, thats a great PR bro!!

Love seeing people at your level take it up a notch.......great stuff!!

[NickAus]

Ill keep an eye out for the video!!

[-JM-]

Caught the vid of the chain suspended squats and the block pulls on the main forum. Awesome stuff. Really inspiring lifting.

[Coke]

Props on the superior pulls!!

[Brian Hopper]

Absolutely BEASTED that workout B. Great job. I'm having a tough time staying motivated and getting my training in this time of year. Too much stress about $ and holidays falling on training days, weather, etc. I've been a bit of a puzzy about training around it all. You're out there still killing sh1t though man. Great work!

Thanks alot Tone, I appreciate it!!!!!! Hopefully after the holidays you'll be able to get focused again. It's hard around this time of year.


Huge PR for your last heavy lower day of the year!

Thanks Lones!!!! I was happy with 680 but I just couldn't leave without trying 700. Last time I tried 700 off 4" blocks was with a suit on back in February and I missed it twice. So this was huge for me :)

[Brian Hopper]

25lbs thats a massive pr! Looking forward to the video.


Thats huge! Well done mate!


Fantastic pulls, thats a great PR bro!!

Love seeing people at your level take it up a notch.......great stuff!!


Caught the vid of the chain suspended squats and the block pulls on the main forum. Awesome stuff. Really inspiring lifting.


Props on the superior pulls!!

Thanks alot guys for the kind words, I really do appreciate it!!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Here's the video from today....


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[covpride]

Massive! Seriously makes me wish I wasn't deloading this week, not that i'm even close to lifting that much, but makes me want to move heavy weight. Keep it up!

[NickAus]

Nice PR!!

[CHASE TRUSNOVEC]

congrats on the pr brian!!! 700 looked easier than the set before!!! God Bless!!

[thatNUCKOLSkid]

solid lifting! really inspiring stuff. nothing better than a big pull

[Kiff]

Looking at that mate if you had done a couple less singles and maybe tried 680 then 710 you would have nailed it mate :) 700 Went up pretty damn nice.

[Brian Hopper]

Massive! Seriously makes me wish I wasn't deloading this week, not that i'm even close to lifting that much, but makes me want to move heavy weight. Keep it up!

Thanks alot!!!! Deload this week and hit it hard next week for the new year :)


Nice PR!!

Thanks Nick!!!!


congrats on the pr brian!!! 700 looked easier than the set before!!! God Bless!!

Thanks Chase, I think so too. It looked more smooth then the 680. I was probably a little bit more pumped up for 700 since that number has been chasing me around for awhile.


solid lifting! really inspiring stuff. nothing better than a big pull

Thanks alot for the kind words!!!!


Looking at that mate if you had done a couple less singles and maybe tried 680 then 710 you would have nailed it mate :) 700 Went up pretty damn nice.

Thanks alot Kiff. Yeah, your probably right. When it comes to deadlifting, I like to play my attempts safe. I was actually going to stop at 680, but I just had to go for 700. Then I was going to stop at 700 but then I said screw it, because I already pulled a number that I've been wanting for awhile, so I tried 710. Next time I do block pulls for a 1RM, I'll go 635,675,710. If I feel strong then I'll skip the 635 and go straight to 675.

[MarcusWild]

That's a huge PR. Great work!

[Brian Hopper]

That's a huge PR. Great work!

Thanks alot Marcus, now I just need to pull that from the floor :)

[Brian Hopper]

Well, I was going to test my 1RM on the bench tomorrow but my pec is bothering me a little bit. I think it's the weather, it just aches every now and then. But we'll see how it goes. I'm going to bench regardless, but I'll decide after a few sets how heavy I'm going to go.

[Brian C]

Congrats on the PR Bri! Thats awesome that you hit such a big number on your last session of the year, great stuff!

[Brian Hopper]

Congrats on the PR Bri! Thats awesome that you hit such a big number on your last session of the year, great stuff!

Thanks alot Brian!!!!

[NickAus]

Hope the pec holds up!!

[muscle_g]

Very nice PR on those Block Pulls!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Hope the pec holds up!!

I hope so to, it's not bothering me as much but we'll see tomorrow. I might just end up doing heavy board presses.

[Brian Hopper]

Very nice PR on those Block Pulls!!!

Thanks George!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Thursday
12/30/10
ME-Upper

Bench press
BARx20
135x5...All sets were touch & go
135x5
225x5
315x1
365x1
405x1
425x1
445x0
445x1...Post injury PR!!!!!
315x8...These reps were paused

Standing shoulder press
135x10
185x5
225x3
135x10

Incline Tate presses
35x10
45x10
55x8
65x8

Skullcrushers with a hammer curl bar
65x10
75x10
85x10

Medium grip pulldowns
4x8-10

Yates row
135x10
225x5
225x5
225x5

Pushups
BWx15
BWx15

Done...Today I accomplished another goal before this year ended and that was to attempt the same weight that I tore my pec on. Two years ago I had a minor tear to my left pec trying to attempt 445, but today I was able to lock it out!!!!!! I was so damn happy. I missed it on the first try, but it was damn close so I had to try it again. I didn't even want to go up and try another weight. My all-time best bench was 455 so im really close to beating it.

Video will be posted later.....

[Kiff]

Well done mate! That PR is brilliant work, way to get it in before new year! Great Stuff!

[Brian Hopper]

Well done mate! That PR is brilliant work, way to get it in before new year! Great Stuff!

Thanks alot Kiff, I'm really excited about it and i'm looking forward to training hard next year and beating it!!!!

[Kiff]

Your gonna hit huge numbers next year i am sure :)

[Brian Hopper]

Your gonna hit huge numbers next year i am sure :)

I sure hope so :)

I really want to get back in gear so I can post up a big total, but I'm having fun not using any gear in my training. But we'll see how things go and what competitions I'll be able to do.

[ThomasG]

Sick bench pr!! I really want to see you hit 500 raw! What's a hammer curl bar? A Swiss/Football bar?

[Brian Hopper]

Sick bench pr!! I really want to see you hit 500 raw! What's a hammer curl bar? A Swiss/Football bar?

Thanks alot Thomas!!!!! That would be awesome, maybe it will happen. I'm going to bust my *** in the gym so we'll see.

This is the bar I was using...
http://www.pacillo.com/products/olympic_tricep_bar_b.jpg

[ThomasG]

Thanks alot Thomas!!!!! That would be awesome, maybe it will happen. I'm going to bust my *** in the gym so we'll see.

This is the bar I was using...
http://www.pacillo.com/products/olympic_tricep_bar_b.jpg

O man I want a Swiss bar so bad your gym has all the bells and whistles doesn't it? Check out this vid with the swiss bar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKsr4MKqZEU

[Brian Hopper]

The bar we have is to small to be a swiss bar. What's in the picture is a hammer curl bar. I would like to get a swiss bar, just to have one. Our gym does have alot of cool stuff for powerlifting and strongman.

[Brian Hopper]

Here is the video from today...

_DEfORYw2vs

[Kiff]

Mate that is awesome.

Am i right in what i see here tho..

1) Do you belt up 3 sets in?
2) Your spotter looks much better than any i can find! ;)

All the spotters i seem to get seem to use my bench sets as a shrug session even if i tell the to let go!

[t gale]

Great job on bench Hopp. Sure you'll do awesome raw or geared.

[Coke]

Totally amazed with the benching!!

[Brian Hopper]

Mate that is awesome.

Am i right in what i see here tho..

1) Do you belt up 3 sets in?
2) Your spotter looks much better than any i can find! ;)

All the spotters i seem to get seem to use my bench sets as a shrug session even if i tell the to let go!

Thanks alot Kiff!!! Yeah, I put my belt on for the last two sets. The guy spotting me is the owner's son, and he does a good job spotting me. The bar stopped for a split second and he tapped it so the bar will start moving again. I told him not to touch the second set unless I tell him to, that way I knew that it was going to be legit or not.

[Brian Hopper]

Great job on bench Hopp. Sure you'll do awesome raw or geared.

Thanks alot Tim, I do plan on gearing up sometime next year. Just not sure when or where, but it will probably be somewhere local.

[Brian Hopper]

Totally amazed with the benching!!

Thanks alot Terry!!! Maybe i'll join the 500lb club by the end of next year...:evillaugh:

[pricedtosell]

How do the skullcrushers with the hammer curl bar work? Do you rotate all the way so that your knuckles are pointing towards your face, or do you just go until your thumbs are pointing towards you and the bar is near your face?

I have one of those and was just wondering what other movements I could do with it besides hammer curls. Do you use it for anything else besides hammer curls or skullcrushers?

[Brian Hopper]

How do the skullcrushers with the hammer curl bar work? Do you rotate all the way so that your knuckles are pointing towards your face, or do you just go until your thumbs are pointing towards you and the bar is near your face?

I have one of those and was just wondering what other movements I could do with it besides hammer curls. Do you use it for anything else besides hammer curls or skullcrushers?

I pretty much use it the way I would use any other bar, nothing fancy. On a few reps I would bring the bar behind my head and on some I would bring the bar to my forehead.

This was the first time that I used this bar for triceps and I seem to like it. So i'll switch the bars up to keep things fresh.

I haven't done hammer curls with it in a long time. I usually use DB's for my hammers. But maybe next week, i'll use it and see how I like it.

[Brian Hopper]

Friday
12/31/10
DE-SQ/DL

Paused speed squats with chains
BARx10
BAR+70lbs x 5
BAR+130lbs x 5
150+130lbs x 3
150+130lbs x 3
240+130lbs x 2
240+130lbs x 2
290+130lbs x 2
290+130lbs x 2
290+130lbs x 2
290+130lbs x 2

Sumo speed pulls with chains
135+60lbs x 2
135+120lbs x 2
225+120lbs x 2
225+120lbs x 2
275+120lbs x 2
275+150lbs x 2
325+150lbs x 2
325+150lbs x 2

Leg extensions
3x12

Back raises
BWx10
BW+25x10
BW+35x10
BW+45x10

Leg curls
4x8-10

Shrug machine
180x20
180x20
180x20
250x20

Done...Not a bad day, I actually like the paused speed squats with chains and sumo pulls with chains. I think I will do a max effort day with heavy sumo pulls with chains. Next week i'll try paused squats with bands and see how it goes. After my speed work, I felt like my mind went blank because I wasn't really sure what I should do next. Besides that, everything felt good and i'm looking forward to 2011!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

[Kiff]

Well done mate!

Are the speed squats ATG or Box squats like your last video of them?

Happy new year mate thanks for all your help this year.

[Brian Hopper]

Well done mate!

Are the speed squats ATG or Box squats like your last video of them?

Happy new year mate thanks for all your help this year.

Thanks alot Kiff!!! No box squats this week, when I do paused squats I'll go down as far as possible, count to 2 and then explode up as fast as I can. Hopefully I'll be able to help you out in 2011!!!!

[Kiff]

Thanks alot Kiff!!! No box squats this week, when I do paused squats I'll go down as far as possible, count to 2 and then explode up as fast as I can. Hopefully I'll be able to help you out in 2011!!!!

Ah ok, sounds good :)

Also i will still be here and n00bie in 2011 you wont get off that easy :)

happy new year mate

[Brian Hopper]

Ah ok, sounds good :)

Also i will still be here and n00bie in 2011 you wont get off that easy :)

happy new year mate

I'm probably going to do most of my speed work paused at the bottom and see how much it will translate over to my raw squat. Well, I'm looking forward to helping you as much as possible:) Happy New Year!!!!

[Brian C]

Solid work for the last workout! And one heck of a bench too bro! Happy New Years!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Solid work for the last workout! And one heck of a bench too bro! Happy New Years!!!!

Thanks alot B, same to you!!!!!!

[ThomasG]

Paused speed squats I like it! I think I'll do those today in place of box squats. Why have you switched to sumo? To help your conv or to find out if you can pull more sumo?

[Brian Hopper]

Paused speed squats I like it! I think I'll do those today in place of box squats. Why have you switched to sumo? To help your conv or to find out if you can pull more sumo?

Thanks Thomas, I think i'll be doing paused squats more often. But I will squeeze in a few box squats as well. I'm going to do my speed work sumo just to help my conventional pull. Rich from WSB told me that Louie has the guys do thier opposite stance for speed work. I don't think I can pull more sumo then I can conventional, but I really haven't gave sumo a try or even trained it long enough. My best raw sumo is 545 and my best raw conventional is 665.

[Brian Hopper]

I have plans to do a meet in March and didn't realize that next week I will be 12 weeks out. This will leave me with 11 weeks to train and week 12 as the week of the meet. The meet i'm looking to do and my goals are :

USPA RAW Beau Moore Classic
March 26-27, 2011

Goals:
Squats-625
Bench-425
Deadlift-675
Total-1725

I do feel like these numbers are very reasonable. I'm sure they will change as I get closer to the meet, but as of now these numbers are what i'm shooting for. So this weekend i'm going to put a program together for the next 11 weeks of training. I'm going to stick with my WSB template and see how it works out.

[Tim K]

Will be watching your training for the up coming meet with great interest. Your training thread is one of my favorites.

[Brian Hopper]

Will be watching your training for the up coming meet with great interest. Your training thread is one of my favorites.

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

[Lones Green]

Yeah that March meet snuck up on me too, haha. I think we're 9 weeks out.

Best of luck with your training cycle!

[Brian Hopper]

Yeah that March meet snuck up on me too, haha. I think we're 9 weeks out.

Best of luck with your training cycle!

The only reason why I checked is because I was reading Tone B's log and he laid out his training cycle for his meet. So I figured that maybe I should check and see how long I have, haha.

Thanks Lones, good luck with yours also!!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Monday
1-3-11
DE-Bench

Speed bench with 70lbs of chain
BARx20
Added chains
BARx5
BARx5
135x3...Thumb length from smooth
135x3
135x3
185x3...Pinkie on ring
185x3
185x3
225x3...Ring finger on ring and these reps were paused
225x3
225x3
Added 2brd
225x10

Flat DB presses
60x20
65x20
65x20

Reverse grip pressdowns
70x20
90x20
110x15
130x15

DB front raises
25x10
35x10
45x10

One arm DB tricep extensions
25x10
35x10
45x10

Facepulls
50x20
50x20
50x20

[Brian Hopper]

If you haven't voted then here is link so you can vote for wannabebig.com as the best powerlifting forum for 2010.

http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/17596

[Kiff]

Nice work man with workouts like that 12 weeks is plenty of time!

[Brian Hopper]

Nice work man with workouts like that 12 weeks is plenty of time!

Thanks alot Kiff, yeah I still have plenty of time to get ready for it. I was practicing my bench setup today and working on leg drive.

[NickAus]

Looking great, those numbers will be yours in 12 weeks brother!!

[Brian Hopper]

Looking great, those numbers will be yours in 12 weeks brother!!

Thanks alot Nick, hopefully it'll be more then that but that's what I'm shooting for:)

[Coke]

Speed work is real solid guy, nice job with the reps too.

[Brian Hopper]

Thanks alot Terry!!!!!

[NickAus]

Yeah I think you'll do more for sure :)

[Brian Hopper]

Yeah I think you'll do more for sure :)

Thanks bro!!!

[t gale]

really like your goal numbers. from what i've seen with your training all those numbers could be second attempts. good luck man and keep up great work

[Brian Hopper]

really like your goal numbers. from what i've seen with your training all those numbers could be second attempts. good luck man and keep up great work

Thanks alot Tim!!!! We'll see how my training goes, because I would like those numbers to be higher, lol!!!! These numbers would be nice: 650-450-700!!!

[Barbaccio]

Nice work B. That's a good amount of volume. We just got back into doing more volume especially on accessory days and it's been helping loads. Can't wait to see what you hit in 12 weeks. Keep moving forward bro!

[Brian Hopper]

Nice work B. That's a good amount of volume. We just got back into doing more volume especially on accessory days and it's been helping loads. Can't wait to see what you hit in 12 weeks. Keep moving forward bro!

Thanks alot Tone!!!! I'm sure the little extra volume will help out alot.

I'm getting ready to go in and start this cycle with some good ol squats :)

[ThomasG]

Solid DE day. A 1725 total would be great! How old are you, Brian?

[Brian Hopper]

Solid DE day. A 1725 total would be great! How old are you, Brian?

Thanks Thomas!!!! I just turned 28 last month.

[Brian Hopper]

Wednesday
1-5-11
ME-SQ/DL

Squats w/ mastadon bar and 130lbs of chain
BARx10
Added 70lbs of chain
BARx5
Added 60lbs of chain
BARx5
150x5
150x5
240x3
330x3
Added belt
425x2
470x2
515x2
525x2
Took the chains off
420x5...2 second pause at the bottom

SLDL off a 4" platform
135x5
225x5
315x5
315x5
365x5

CSR
90x10
140x10
140x10
190x10

DB hammer curls
40x10
50x10
60x10

Barbell shrugs
135x10
225x10
315x10
405x8
405x8
315x10
225x15

Done...Today was my first max effort day for this cycle and it turned out to be pretty good. My top two sets were 645 and 655 at the top. I have no clue what it was at the bottom. I probably had one more set in but that last rep was a grinder and my form was breaking down so I decided to go down in weight and do some paused squats. All-in-all, it was a very good start for this cycle.

[MarcusWild]

I think you're right about having rows on lower days. If I do them on upper days, then my back is fatigued for squats/deads. Great training.

[Brian Hopper]

I think you're right about having rows on lower days. If I do them on upper days, then my back is fatigued for squats/deads. Great training.

Yeah, I just started doing at least one rowing movement on my ME lower days and i'm doing 2 lat movements on my ME bench days.

[Brian C]

Great volume and work Bri! Looking forward in following your training for the meet!

[NickAus]

Great stuff!!

Like the planning!

Those SLDL off 4" deficit were heavy!

[Brian Hopper]

Great volume and work Bri! Looking forward in following your training for the meet!

Thanks B!!!! I'll try and take some video, and I wish I recorded today's session... lol.

[Brian Hopper]

Great stuff!!

Like the planning!

Those SLDL off 4" deficit were heavy!

Thanks Nick!!! I haven't done any SLDL in a few months. I also did those sets with DOH grip, which sucked at the end. My best SLDL is 515 with a hook grip and I really want to see if I can beat, but it'll have to wait.

[Brian Hopper]

Thursday
1-6-11
ME-Bench

Bench press with 130lbs of chain
All sets done with ring finger on the ring
BARx20
Added 70lbs of chain
BARx5
Added 60lbs of chain
BARx5
135x5
135x5
225x3
275x3
315x2
325x2
335x1

3brd presses with 130lbs of chain
All sets done thumb length from the smooth
225x5
275x5
285x5

Close grip pulldowns
3x15

Dips
BWx15
BWx15
BWx15

Rolling DB extensions
35x10
45x10
55x10

Chuck V rows
3x15

[ThomasG]

What are chuck v rows?

[Kiff]

What are chuck v rows?

Second that

Nice work btw :)

[Brian Hopper]

What are chuck v rows?


Second that

Nice work btw :)

This is the only video I found:

D8DjrvwOCm4

[ThomasG]

Those look fun. Kinda like a latpull and cable row had a baby haha.

[t gale]

nice work Hopp. Like the amount of volume. keep pushing

[Coke]

Looking stellar man.

[Brian Hopper]

Those look fun. Kinda like a latpull and cable row had a baby haha.

They are pretty cool, I feel them alot in my lower lats.

[Brian Hopper]

nice work Hopp. Like the amount of volume. keep pushing

Thank alot Tim!!! I'll start lowering the volume as I get closer to my meet. I'm getting pretty pumped up, but I am 12 weeks out so hopefully I can stay focused.

[Brian C]

Nice bench day Bri!

[Brian Hopper]

Looking stellar man.

Thanks bro, I'm trying to bust my *** this meet cycle!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Nice bench day Bri!

Thanks alot Brian, all I was aiming for was 315 plus the chains but I was feeling pretty good. I am very happy with how my training went today.

[Off Road]

Thought I'd jump in here and check out your journal. You are a strong son-of-a-gun. That's for sure.

[Brian Hopper]

Thought I'd jump in here and check out your journal. You are a strong son-of-a-gun. That's for sure.

Thanks alot John!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Monday
1-10-11
DE-Bench

Speed bench w/ fat bar vs. double minis
BARx20
Added bands
BARx5
125x3...Thumb length from the smooth
125x3
165x3
165x3
185x3...Pinkie on the ring
185x3
205x3
205x3
205x3
205x3

Chain suspended lockouts vs. double minis
165x10
215x10
235x8

H-Rolls
20x10
25x10
30x10

Overhead cable tricep extensions
50x35
50x30
50x30

DB side laterals
30x8
40x8
50x8

Schwab's
115x10
165x10
185x10

Seated chest press
130x10...wide grip elbows high
130x10...neutral grip
160x10...wide grip elbows high
160x10...neutral grip

Done...Today was an off day. I used the fat bar, which I haven't used in a while and I just wasn't comfortable. I also didn't like the way the chain suspended lockouts felt so I stopped. I think i'll give the fat bar for speed bench one more shot. I also slept way to much. My body is use to about 4-5 hours of sleep before I train and today I slept for about 8 hours and woke up to go train. I didn't really have the drive. I hope tomorrow I will have a better day.

[Kiff]

Interesting that you thrive on less sleep. 4hours is the minimum for optimum brain function but i like a solid 8 hours if i am going heavy on anything.

Nice workout non the less buddy.

[Brian Hopper]

Interesting that you thrive on less sleep. 4hours is the minimum for optimum brain function but i like a solid 8 hours if i am going heavy on anything.

Nice workout non the less buddy.

Thanks Kiff!!!

It does suck, but i've been doing it for so long that I guess my body is use to it by now. I don't really have a choice or else I would try and squeeze in more hours.

[Kiff]

What do you do that means you cant sleep?

[Off Road]

Do you take naps Brian? I only get between 5 and 6 hours sleep a night (7 on a good night), but I also take a short nap after work.

[ThomasG]

Wait a second. You prefer 4-5 hours of sleep over 8?

[Brian Hopper]

What do you do that means you cant sleep?

These past few months I have been getting off of work @ 3am and by the time I get home and in bed it's about 4am. Then I have to wake up at 8am to get my kids to school. Lately I have been going to the gym after I drop them off. I have been doing that for almost a year now.

[Brian Hopper]

Do you take naps Brian? I only get between 5 and 6 hours sleep a night (7 on a good night), but I also take a short nap after work.

Only if I have time. I go to work at 2pm so by the time I get home from the gym I usually don't have time to take a nap. But I need to try and make the time. I probably would have been fine if I went to gym later on today instead of going in right after I woke up.

[Brian Hopper]

Wait a second. You prefer 4-5 hours of sleep over 8?

I don't prefer it, I just don't have a choice right now. I do feel much better coming home from work and getting 4-5 hours of sleep and then going to the gym then getting 8 hours like today and going. It will take me a minute to wake up and adjust, but once I get going I'm good.

[Tim K]

You're a far better man than I! I need copious amounts of sleep if I'm to do much of anything. If I don't get a nap, I am usually incapable of working out that day. I get about 8 hours at night and then take a nap later in the day. I wake up, get the farm chores done, and then workout. Kudos for not letting things like work interfere with your family and your training. I do hope things settle down for you soonest..

[Brian Hopper]

You're a far better man than I! I need copious amounts of sleep if I'm to do much of anything. If I don't get a nap, I am usually incapable of working out that day. I get about 8 hours at night and then take a nap later in the day. I wake up, get the farm chores done, and then workout. Kudos for not letting things like work interfere with your family and your training. I do hope things settle down for you soonest..

Thanks alot Tim!!!!

When im not working I usually get about 8-10 hours of sleep and im good to go. But when I work, I only get about 4-5 hours. Last night I was off so I slept about 9 hours but im not training until 5pm today. So i'll have all day to just relax and get ready for the gym. I worked Sunday night and I got home about 3am and I decided to get some sleep but I felt like s**t after sleeping 7 hours. Like I said before, I guess I am use to it and after I thought about it, I have been waking up early ever since my little girl was born and she will be 5 in May.

[Brian Hopper]

Tuesday
1-11-11
ME-Lower

Deadlifts off a 2" deficit
135x5
Added 2" deficit
135x5
135x5
225x3
315x3
405x2
Added belt
495x1
585x1
620x1
635x1...20lb PR!!!!!

Sumo SLDL off a 2" platform
135x5
225x5
315x5
365x5
365x5

CSR
70x10
160x8
210x8
210x8
160x10

Barbell curls
45x10
65x10
85x10
105x10

Shrug machine
90x10
180x10
270x10
360x10
450x10
450x10
360x10
270x10

Notes
-I'm very pleased with how today went seeing how I was originally suppose to pull off a 4" block. The 635 was a 20lb PR, and I think I was good for another 5-10lbs more.
-The sumo SLDL really hit your hamstrings and glutes, these are definitley worth doing.
-Tonight Scott Weech did his last heavy squat and deadlift in his preperation for the Raw Unity Meet 4. He squatted an easy 840 and pulled an easy 765. This kid is crazy strong and I can't wait to see how he does.

[MarcusWild]

Dang, I've never done the sumo SLDL at a deficit. That had to suck. Great job on the PR.

[NickAus]

PR time baby!!!!! Nice work!!

I was thinking about doing those sumo SLDL........now I will do them for sure.

[Off Road]

Very strong lifting Brian. Motivational stuff.

[Tim K]

Big PR Brian! Great work! I'm going to have to try those sumo SLDL too. They sound interesting!

[Brian Hopper]

Dang, I've never done the sumo SLDL at a deficit. That had to suck. Great job on the PR.

Thanks Marcus!!!! They are pretty tough, last time I did them I just pulled it off the floor. But I figured i'll try for the extra stretch.


PR time baby!!!!! Nice work!!

I was thinking about doing those sumo SLDL........now I will do them for sure.

Thanks Nick, try them brother i'm sure you'll like it.


Very strong lifting Brian. Motivational stuff.

Thanks alot OR!!!!


Big PR Brian! Great work! I'm going to have to try those sumo SLDL too. They sound interesting!

Thanks Tim, I got the idea from big Tone. I like them alot, I just haven't done them in awhile.

[Coke]

Major props on the huge deads!!

[CHASE TRUSNOVEC]

crazy deadift brian!!! congrats brotha!!!!!

[CHASE TRUSNOVEC]

crazy deadift brian!!! congrats brotha!!!!! You are very blessed dude!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Major props on the huge deads!!


crazy deadift brian!!! congrats brotha!!!!! You are very blessed dude!!!

Thanks alot guys, I appreciate the kind words!!!!

[Brian C]

Huge pulling day Bri, congrats!!

[ThomasG]

Congrat on the pr thats huge!!

[Kiff]

Massive pull!

[Brian Hopper]

Huge pulling day Bri, congrats!!


Congrat on the pr thats huge!!


Massive pull!

Thanks alot guys!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Thursday
11-13-11
ME-Upper

Floor press
BARx20
135x10
135x5
225x5
285x5
330x5
375x5

Close grip 4brd presses
225x5
315x5
365x5
405x4...gassed out on the 5th rep

Pec dec flyes
120x10
120x10

Tricep pressdowns with a fat bar
4x10

Notes:
-I had to get in and get out because they took away our days off at work because of the snow storm in Atlanta. We have to ship out stuff to there stores since they can't. OVERTIME BABY!!!!!
-My pecs were sort of bothering me a little, and I think it's because of the chain suspended lockouts I did on Monday. So I'll probably stop doing those and stick with boards since i've had success with them in the past.
-I was also thowing up all day yesterday so I was just happy to get a workout in.

[Kiff]

Nice session considering you threw up yesterday! What does your routine look like exactly? Like day/split etc?

[Brian Hopper]

Nice session considering you threw up yesterday! What does your routine look like exactly? Like day/split etc?

Thanks brother!!!

Right now I'm on my old WSB template:

Monday: DE-Upper
Tuesday: ME-Lower
Thursday: ME-Upper
Friday: DE-Lower

This will be my first raw meet cycle using this template.

[ThomasG]

Excellent lockout work. I just made some boards 1-4 I'm excited to start using them.

[Off Road]

Strong!

[Brian Hopper]

Excellent lockout work. I just made some boards 1-4 I'm excited to start using them.

Thanks Thomas!!! You'll like them, I prefer using the 2&3 board with a raw comp and shirted comp grip. Then I'll use a close grip with a 4brd. Good luck with them!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Strong!

Thanks John!!!!

[Coke]

Damn dude, you be lifting come hell or high water, and still be moving big ass weights.

[NickAus]

Nice floor press work!!

[Lones Green]

Nice floor pressing dude. Training through vomiting FTW!

[Barbaccio]

375x5 on the floor press is some good sh1t B! Loving your dedication to moving big weights man. When I feel a little lazy I like to come perusing through your log to light a fire under my ass. Nice job!

[Brian Hopper]

Damn dude, you be lifting come hell or high water, and still be moving big ass weights.

Thanks Terry!!! When im getting ready for a meet i'll do what I can to get in and train.

[Brian Hopper]

Nice floor press work!!

Thanks buddy!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Nice floor pressing dude. Training through vomiting FTW!

Thanks Lones!!!! I wasn't going to go and train but something made me do it. So I figured I would just go in and see what I can do.

[Brian Hopper]

375x5 on the floor press is some good sh1t B! Loving your dedication to moving big weights man. When I feel a little lazy I like to come perusing through your log to light a fire under my ass. Nice job!

Thanks alot Tone, anything I can do to help brother!!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Friday
1-14-11
DE-SQ/DL

Speed squats w/mastadon bar vs. green bands
BARx20
Added bands
BARx5
150x2...All reps were paused for a 2 count
150x2
240x2
240x2
240x2
290x2
290x2
330x2
330x2
240x5

Sumo speed pulls off a 2" deficit vs. quaded minis
155x2
245x2
245x2
245x2
265x2
265x2
265x2
265x2

Reverse hyper
160x10
250x10
340x10
340x10

Single-legged leg curls
2x10

DB hammer curls
40x10
50x10
60x10
70x10

GHR
BWx10
BW+25x10
BW+25x10

Notes:
-My hamstrings were still a little sore from Tuesday, so it took me a little bit to get loosened up.
-I think it's time I go see my chiropractor and have my back adjusted. It was bothering me a little bit on the squats.
-Doing paused squats against bands were harder then I thought. The next time I do speed squats with bands i'll be using blue bands and im not sure if im going to use a box or not.

[Brian C]

Great volume today Bri! Speed pulls vs quaded minis..ugh. That just sounds painful haha. I like the pausing on the squats. Ill have to give them a go.

[Tim K]

Big training session Brian. Heck, reading that wore me out!

[Kiff]

You never have a bad day. Solid stuff.

[Brian Hopper]

Great volume today Bri! Speed pulls vs quaded minis..ugh. That just sounds painful haha. I like the pausing on the squats. Ill have to give them a go.

Thanks B!!!! It took me a few sets to get use to the speed pulls. It is sort of hard especially pulling them off a 2" deficit. I have been working with the paused squats for a few weeks now. I'm going to focus on doing them for all my speed squats for this meet cycle and also do a drop set on my max effort squats and do 5 reps for a good 2-3 count.

[Brian Hopper]

Big training session Brian. Heck, reading that wore me out!

Thanks alot Tim!!!!

[Brian Hopper]

You never have a bad day. Solid stuff.

Thanks Kiff!!!! I got 11 weeks left so hopefully I can keep it up. I have one more heavy week then I deload the week after and i'm looking forward to it.

[Kiff]

Thanks Kiff!!!! I got 11 weeks left so hopefully I can keep it up. I have one more heavy week then I deload the week after and i'm looking forward to it.

What are your goals for the meet mate. Sorry if you have posted them already but i cba to find it :clown:

[Brian Hopper]

What are your goals for the meet mate. Sorry if you have posted them already but i cba to find it :clown:

Squat: 625-650
Bench: 425-450
Deadlift: 675-700
Total: 1725-1800

[Kiff]

Squat: 625-650
Bench: 425-450
Deadlift: 675-700
Total: 1725-1800

Your gonna kill it!

[Brian Hopper]

Your gonna kill it!

Thanks :)

[ThomasG]

Squat: 625-650
Bench: 425-450
Deadlift: 675-700
Total: 1725-1800

1700+ total would be nuts! Have you decided whether you're going with 242's or 220's?

[Brian Hopper]

1700+ total would be nuts! Have you decided whether you're going with 242's or 220's?

Yeah, I would like 1800 for this meet but 1700-1750 is more realistic right now. I'm probably going to stick with 242's for this meet but I haven't really decided yet. I woke up this morning weighing 246, so I would have to drop alot of weight. I'll keep everyone updated on what I decide to do.

[Coke]

Speed work is tight...have a feeling you will surpass those meet goals man.

[Brian Hopper]

Speed work is tight...have a feeling you will surpass those meet goals man.

Thanks Terry!!!!

[shocker4221]

which meet are you training for?

[Brian Hopper]

which meet are you training for?

USPA Beau Moore Classic

[Brian Hopper]

Tuesday
1-18-11
ME-SQ/DL

Squats w/ the mastadon bar
BARx10
150x5
150x5
240x3
330x3
420x3
Added belt
510x2
600x1
600x1

Paused squats
420x5
420x5

Close stance GM's w/ cambared bar
150x5
240x5
290x5
290x5

Shrugs
225x6
315x6
405x6
435x6
435x6
315x10

Notes:
-Not to much to say, i'm a little disappointed in how things went today. 600 felt like a ton and it was very slow and ugly.
-I was suppose to do reverse band squats but I just wasn't in the mood after my last set.
-It looks like I need more work coming out of the hole, so i'm going to focus on that. So, i'll be tweaking my program for this meet just a tad.

[Dan Fanelli]

<<<<Taking Notes. Strong stuff dude!

[Brian Hopper]

<<<<Taking Notes. Strong stuff dude!

Thanks Dan!!!!

[NickAus]

You'll work it bro!!

Looked very good to me but I know what you mean.

[Barbaccio]

Your training volume has been off the charts B. Liking it alot. Can't help but get gorilla strong when you're doing that much sh1t each day!

[Brian Hopper]

You'll work it bro!!

Looked very good to me but I know what you mean.

Thanks Nick, I'm hoping it was just an off day.

[Brian Hopper]

Your training volume has been off the charts B. Liking it alot. Can't help but get gorilla strong when you're doing that much sh1t each day!

Thanks Tone, I do feel the little bit of extra volume has helped me out in the long run.

[Off Road]

I bow to your 600 lb squat. That is impressive.

[Brian Hopper]

I bow to your 600 lb squat. That is impressive.

Thanks alot John!!!

[ThomasG]

Video of the 600's?

[Brian Hopper]

No, I didn't check the battery until this morning and it was dead. It wasn't even worth recording...lol

[Coke]

All too impressive with the 600 squats Brian!!

[Brian Hopper]

All too impressive with the 600 squats Brian!!

Thanks Terry!!!!

[LuNa]

Not sure which i find more impressive, the 600 squat or the 420 paused squats. Amazing numbers.

What kind of tweaks are you thinking about?

[Brian C]

Youll work it out bro no prob. Still great work! Love the paused squats

[Brian Hopper]

Not sure which i find more impressive, the 600 squat or the 420 paused squats. Amazing numbers.

What kind of tweaks are you thinking about?

Thanks bro!!! I'm not 100% sure yet, but I do need to work on the bottom end of the squat, and I need to work hard on my glutes and hamstrings.

[Brian Hopper]

Youll work it out bro no prob. Still great work! Love the paused squats

Thanks alot Brian, I think I need to be under heavy weight more often and then I think i'll be fine.

[Kiff]

A heavy slow uly 600LBS squat is stil a 600LBS squat. Dont cheat yourself out of that mate. Great work.

[Brian Hopper]

A heavy slow uly 600LBS squat is stil a 600LBS squat. Dont cheat yourself out of that mate. Great work.

Your right, I think I was just hard on myself because I was really wanting to double it or even go 625. But it was just to damn heavy, lol.

[NickAus]

Your right, I think I was just hard on myself because I was really wanting to double it or even go 625. But it was just to damn heavy, lol.

I think it was just an off day, you know you could go another 25lb Brian!

[Brian Hopper]

I think it was just an off day, you know you could go another 25lb Brian!

Same here, i'll probably have 2 more heavy squat sessions with just straight weight before my meet. So hopefully, this won't happen again, lol. Your right, I know I can do 25lbs more.

This might sound silly, but I know i'm a 700+ raw squatter. But something keeps holding me back. I don't know what i'm doing wrong in my squat training. But I need to address it and fix it.

[Brian Hopper]

Thursday
1-20-11
ME-Bench

Bench press
BARx20
135x8
135x8
225x5
315x3
405x2
405x2
405x2
Added 3brd
405x5

Dips
BWx10
BWx10

Wide grip pulldowns
130x15
150x12
150x12

Skull crushers
95x10
115x10
115x15

Facepulls
50x10
70x10
70x10

Notes:
-I was planning to do reverse band bench, but there was really nobody there to spot me. So I just stuck with 405 for doubles. I really wanted 3 reps, but was just nervous to attempt that 3rd rep.
-My assistance work was pretty light and simple. I had to fly through them because I was short on time.
-Next week is a deload week so i'll probably just work up to 50% (225) for reps.

[Tim K]

Looks like a solid bench session. Good work!

[Brian Hopper]

Looks like a solid bench session. Good work!

Thanks alot Tim!!!

[MarcusWild]

That's some solid work. Did you have to lift off for yourself? I swear, I'd be a 275 bencher without a lift off. Plus it gets my shoulders all out of position.

[Brian Hopper]

That's some solid work. Did you have to lift off for yourself? I swear, I'd be a 275 bencher without a lift off. Plus it gets my shoulders all out of position.

Thanks Marcus!!!! No, I had someone lift off for me, and it was his first time. He did ok, but I didn't want to chance it. I lifted off 315 myself and then got him for 405.

[Coke]

Fine day on the bench and overall B - props.

[Off Road]

How much does the lift off help? I do all my benching in a rack by myself, so I have to do my own lift offs.

[Brian Hopper]

Fine day on the bench and overall B - props.

Thanks alot Terry!!!

[Brian Hopper]

How much does the lift off help? I do all my benching in a rack by myself, so I have to do my own lift offs.

I'm not sure as far as pounds go, but it does make me feel more comfortable having someone there just in case. It's also better to have someone lift off for you that way you can keep your setup and keep everything in place.

[NickAus]

Same here, i'll probably have 2 more heavy squat sessions with just straight weight before my meet. So hopefully, this won't happen again, lol. Your right, I know I can do 25lbs more.

This might sound silly, but I know i'm a 700+ raw squatter. But something keeps holding me back. I don't know what i'm doing wrong in my squat training. But I need to address it and fix it.

I do indeed know what you mean!

I was like that with deads, you may remember..........I could pull conventional raw from mid-shin 600 for reps but had trouble with 505 from the floor.
I knew I was stronger than 505 but I had technical issues, Sumo is much better so I never really fixed the problem ha ha.

You will get the 700 raw but to be honest 1000+ suited is cooler anyway!

[NickAus]

How much does the lift off help? I do all my benching in a rack by myself, so I have to do my own lift offs.

If you are used to unracking yourself not much, but as you start getting regular lift offs your bench will jump up a bit for sure.

I have a video of me unracking 505 myself and doing a 5 board press raw at 188lb so it can be done BUT once I got used to lift offs I hated unracking big time.

[Brian Hopper]

I do indeed know what you mean!

I was like that with deads, you may remember..........I could pull conventional raw from mid-shin 600 for reps but had trouble with 505 from the floor.
I knew I was stronger than 505 but I had technical issues, Sumo is much better so I never really fixed the problem ha ha.

You will get the 700 raw but to be honest 1000+ suited is cooler anyway!

Yeah I remember, because you also weren't doing to good with the DL suit also. Actually, you did fix the problem, you switched to sumo and found out your a better puller then you are conventional.

I know I'll get there again, I just need to figure out what I need to do. 1100lbs sounds alot better:)!!!!!!

[CHASE TRUSNOVEC]

great work squattin and bench brian...you truly are a gifted lifter brotha!!! God Bless you always!!!

[Brian Hopper]

great work squattin and bench brian...you truly are a gifted lifter brotha!!! God Bless you always!!!

Thanks Chase, I appreciate it!!!

[LuNa]

Awesome bench session. A 700 raw squat is incredible, definitely something to be extremely proud off.

[Brian Hopper]

Awesome bench session. A 700 raw squat is incredible, definitely something to be extremely proud off.

Last time I squatted 700 raw was 9 years ago and I haven't done it since. But I'm trying to work my way back up the ladder. I was definitely proud of myself at the time I did it. Now I want to do it again, but this time without knee wraps.

[NickAus]

Yeah knee wraps are cheatin!

[Brian Hopper]

Yeah knee wraps are cheatin!

LOL!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Friday
1-21-11
DE-SQ/DL

4" block speed pulls
135x5
135x5
225x5
225x5
315x5
315x5
315x5
315x5

Speed pulls from the floor
315x1
315x1
315x1
315x1
315x1

DB shrugs
75x25
75x25
75x25
75x25

Seated calf raises
50x20
50x20
100x20
100x20

Wrist curls behind my back
95x15
95x15
95x15

Notes:
-Another one of those days. I just didn't feel like training and im sure only getting 3.5 hours of sleep is part of that.
-My last 4 sets of block pulls with 315, I really focused on popping my hips through once I get the bar past my knees.
-The speed pulls from the floor was just a trial and error on different foot placements. Some sets I did, with my normal stance and some I did with my toes pointed out more.
-Next week will be a DELOAD week!!!!

[ThomasG]

Correct me if I'm wrong but that's an increase on volume for your pulling? Also, you squatted 700raw at age 19?!

[Lones Green]

Let me know how you like the block pulls. Training looks good. I'm feeling a little beat up as well

[Kiff]

Looking gd man!

[Brian Hopper]

Correct me if I'm wrong but that's an increase on volume for your pulling? Also, you squatted 700raw at age 19?!

It does look like alot of volume, but the weight was light so it's all good :)

Yep, my best ever raw squat w/ knee wraps is 700 and I did it when I was 19 and I was about 10lbs heavier then I am now.

[Brian Hopper]

Let me know how you like the block pulls. Training looks good. I'm feeling a little beat up as well

Thanks alot Lones!!! So far so good, but I might change my program for the rest of this cycle. I'm not sure yet, I'm going to think about it over the weekend.

[Brian Hopper]

Looking gd man!

Thanks Kiff!!!

[Brian C]

700@19...DAAAAAAMMNN. Great pull volume bro. I feel ya on low sleep and unmotivated training. But getting in there shows your dedication. Good motivation for us all!

[SELK]

Brian, there is no doubt you have a 700lbs raw squat in you again before you know it! your 600 was without wraps, right? add wraps and you are 650 anyway ;D

[Brian Hopper]

700@19...DAAAAAAMMNN. Great pull volume bro. I feel ya on low sleep and unmotivated training. But getting in there shows your dedication. Good motivation for us all!

Thanks alot Brian!!! Yeah, my best raw lifts at 19 were 700/455/660. Then I stopped powerlifting for about 7.5 years.....I wish I didn't.

[Brian Hopper]

Brian, there is no doubt you have a 700lbs raw squat in you again before you know it! your 600 was without wraps, right? add wraps and you are 650 anyway ;D

Thanks Ryan!!! I haven't squatted raw with knee wraps in about 3 years and right now I don't plan on using them. Only because APF and RawUnited/USPA don't allow them.