Knee Wraps and Squat PB's

Tonight was the last heavy session of squatting before the GPC State titles in a little over a week.Now it would be true to say given my adductor issues over the last 6 months my squat has been the lift giving me the most concern. From session to session it is one tweak or another making consistency and comfort a real problem.

However I approach things differently tonight and through the urging of Coach Rucci (thanks Dan) upped the ante and increased my planned singles. For me this was also a night of firsts given it was my initial taste squatting in the Mono lift and using knee wraps.

Result... what felt to be a comfortable 20kg PB. Now clearly that's a big jump and more reflects the relatively early stage I am at in my competitive lifting. Regardless I was more than happy with the PB and if things play out well at nationals this allows me to chase a far more competitive total.

Upon reflection the things I learned tonight:

1. support is everything, with 3 spotters, coach operating the monolift,someone videoing, other lifters shouting encouragement, how can you not have a good lift. Cant say enough about PTC Perth crew tonight...thanks lads!
2. all the shit I read in Westside  was of no use in my raw squat.I learned its a far more ballistic movement rather than all the crap about big sit back and perpendicular shins
3. tight knee wraps take some getting used to. My first couple of wrapped squats were like pause squats as I was far too tentative squatting down. The way my tendons and hammies feel now I will be in a world of pain tomorrow! Bottom line I have to be more confident dropping through and make use of the rebound from the straps

Given how I feel now, I will shift deadlift to Monday rather than Saturday and bench instead to let my legs recover. I am chasing a PB deadlift before deload next week and want to recover sufficiently.

Thanks again to Dan for pushing me all the way tonight!

Stay Strong 

Thomo