My raw journey to 1900...

[Brian Hopper]

Do you think some training with briefs until your hips feel better would be beneficial?

It actually feels a lot better. The past two squat sessions were pain free. I think I'm just nervous to squat really wide right now. But we'll see how I feel in a couple weeks. I don't think briefs would be a good idea since I'm going to be getting ready for a meet soon.

[Brian C]

Good work bud. Nice new toy too!

[Coke]

Props overall, especially with those huge squats!

[Brian Hopper]

Good work bud. Nice new toy too!

Props overall, especially with those huge squats!

Thanks guys!!!

[Brian Hopper]

Friday
10.12.12
Light upper accessory

Close grip bench
Barx10
135/2x20
185x15
225x10
Added 2brd
275x8
205x12

Seated shoulder presses
95/3x10

Pull-ups
BW/2x5

Barbell curls
45x10
65x10
85/2x10

Facepulls
50x10
60x10

Done...I wanted to give shoulder presses a try, and it went pretty good. Of course the weight was light, I was just playing it safe. I'm going to start adding them back in nice and easy, lol. I also tried pul-ups and that didn't go as good as I wanted. I might have to just give up on those. Like I said before, these sessions are going to be light and easy. I really don't want to get burned out on this day. Just go in and have some fun.

[MarcusWild]

Do you feel the close grip translates well to your raw bench?

[Brian Hopper]

Do you feel the close grip translates well to your raw bench?

I really don't know. I haven't done them that often too determine. But I am now, so I'll get back with you after the RUM6. When I was 18-19, I would do them a lot. Usually to a 2-3brd or I would stop about 2-3brd level without touching my chest. Those and weighted dips were my bench builder back then. So I'll be adding those in again and hopefully sticking to it this time.

[Brian C]

I like adding in the OH presses in as a lighter accessory. Im doing some more myself. Smart training not going too crazy on this day.

[Tim K]

Forgot to ask, what shoes did you wear with the narrower stance?

[Brian Hopper]

I like adding in the OH presses in as a lighter accessory. Im doing some more myself. Smart training not going too crazy on this day.

Thanks! Yeah, I'm not looking at wanting to kill myself on these days.

Forgot to ask, what shoes did you wear with the narrower stance?

I'm still wearing my Olympic shoes. If I open my stance up I'll probably try my chucks again.

[Tim K]

Thanks! Yeah, I'm not looking at wanting to kill myself on these days.


I'm still wearing my Olympic shoes. If I open my stance up I'll probably try my chucks again.

That is what I thought, but wanted to make sure.

[muscle_g]

When is the meet that your about to get ready for?

[Brian Hopper]

When is the meet that your about to get ready for?

I decided to skip the Raw Pro/Am and the RUM6 on February 23rd.

[Brian Hopper]

Monday
10.15.12
Deads

Deadlifts
135/2x10
245x5
335x5
425x3
515x1
Added belt
605x1
685x2...PR!!!

4" block pulls
225x5
315x5
405x5
495x5
545x5

Barbell shrugs
135x10
225x10
315x10
405/3x6
225x20

Decline sit-ups
BW/2x15


Done...I'm happy to pull a 2 rep PR, but it ws UGLY. I think I rushed into the second rep and I felt like I was all over the place. I did hold for a few seconds to make sure I had it locked out. My goal was 3 if I could of pulled it, but not today.

[Coke]

Superb with the pulling guy.

[Tim K]

Big pull Hopper!

[Brian C]

Congrats Bri!! The PRs just keep coming!

[HJP]

Awesome pulling PR!!! A lift off would help for sure on the bench, you still training without a spotter?

[Brian Hopper]

Superb with the pulling guy.

Big pull Hopper!

Congrats Bri!! The PRs just keep coming!

Awesome pulling PR!!! A lift off would help for sure on the bench, you still training without a spotter?

Thanks guys!!! Yes Hayden, i'm still training alone

I just realized that my post from Tuesday is missing...

[Brian Hopper]

Tuesday
10.16.12
Bench

Bench press
BARx10
135/2x6
225x5
275x5
315x3
Added wrist wraps
370x3
405/2x1
405x2
305x10

Speed bench vs double monster minis
135/2x3
160/2x3
185/2x3

Straight arm pulldowns
55x10
60/2x10

Dips
BW+35/3x10

Pressdowns
60/4x25

It's a pain in the ass benching alone, lol. I wasn't planning on doing 405 for a double but I went for it anyways since the 1st rep felt better then my second set. Nothing really moved like I wanted it too, but it still wasn't a bad day.

[Brian Hopper]

Thursday
10.18.12
Squat

Squat w/Texas squat bar
Barx10
145/2x6
255/2x5
345x5
435x2
Added belt and rehband sleeves
525x2
525x1
575x1
615x2
615x1
435x6...Stopped here because my shoulder wasn't feeling good.

Step-out lunges
45x12
95x12

Leg extensions
25x20
50/3x15

Leg curls
35x15
50/2x10
25x20

Done...Not the day I was looking for. I did achieve my goal for the day which was to hit 615 for 2, but it was pretty damn hard. I got 2 more weeks before I start my training cycle for the RUM6.

[Tim K]

I dreamed I was squatting 500 lbs raw for doubles last night. Then I come here and see you doing 615 x 2. Not even in my nightmares!

Some days you feel 'good' other days you don't. That is the nature of the beast. You came in and accomplished your goals. Who cares how you were feeling? Certainly should be feeling 'accomplished' after that training session.

[Brian Hopper]

I dreamed I was squatting 500 lbs raw for doubles last night. Then I come here and see you doing 615 x 2. Not even in my nightmares!

Some days you feel 'good' other days you don't. That is the nature of the beast. You came in and accomplished your goals. Who cares how you were feeling? Certainly should be feeling 'accomplished' after that training session.

Give it time, you'll get there. Considering the changes I've made with the sleeves and stance, I guess it isn't that bad. My groin feels much better from the meet so that's a plus. But squatting with that stance is still a little painful on my hips. Thanks again Tim for your support and encouragement, I appreciate it!!!

[Tim K]

I'm taking my deload week and working hard on my mobility and flexibility. I've discovered I don't have much of either. I'm sweating more trying to bend and increase my range of motion than when I'm lifting! I really like the band tension methods for opening up my hips. When I use the bands before I squat, hitting depth is easier and my hips feel more free. Donnie Thompson posted a video of the traction/band tension he uses to get the hips working better. I combine that with another one for hamstrings that Mark Bell posted.

[Brian Hopper]

One of these days I'll try some of band tension methods. I'm actually going to look into it now, lol.