Back to real Powerlifting finally

Well after a few false starts, Saturday I managed my first first full training session. It was good to finally feel like I am back training again with my next planned competition the State titles in March next year. This program should take me through to States  though I will obviously switch to a tapering routing about 6 weeks out if all goes well.

At this stage I am not sure how hard I will go at States. The key goal is to just compete and therefore qualify for Nationals which is the bigger goal for me. I know I really have to base build and get a much more solid strength and mass base if I am going to be competitive in the 75kg class. The key will be to hit states feeling good and with a strong 3 months behind me. If all goes well even 90% should see me increase my total. Obviously the other key is to remain injury free as I already have lost 4-6 weeks through work issues and another 3-4 from injury and illness.

The first session consisted of deadlifts working up to 75% then back off sets at 5x3. This was followed by bench press which despite programming a fraction too high the sets and pauses felt fast and strong. Though bench doesn't add proportionately as much as the other two lifts I need to improve here as I am about 25 kg's off an acceptable pace for my weight class. Finished the main lifts off with front squats, overall I felt pretty good. Point to note I have continued using the strap method with my front squats and it seems to have alleviated the wrist issues and resulting in far less bar roll and collapsing forward. I need to video this next week to make sure the form is good but pretty happy thus far.

Tonight I have heavy bench, light squats and paused deadlifts.

Bring on second session.

Thomo