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***Weightlifting Thread***

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Tex117
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10:45a, 4/1/26
AG
Oh man, going to vent here.

So, at the gym yesterday. Went a bit early so there wouldn't be a ton of people. Waited for a rack that tends to have less traffic walk by.

Its the top of my strength wave (of 10 weeks). Been anxious about it for days. Going for 325 for 1x3. (I know, not a lot for strength athletes, but its alot for me, and the most i've lifted in close to a year and a half).

Wait to start my set when I see no one milling about.

First two reps, smooth as silk. But, I have to concentrate because squatting is really hard for me.

Then, some 20-something dude, who was in the rack next to me, walks over, stoops down to get a bar clip out of a basket that is just close enough to my squat rack where he had to kinda duck and reach over to stay out of my bar path. If I had lost the rep, I may have hit him. I try and hold it for a second just to see if he will move quickly, but then he starts rummaging around in that box to find a clip. At that point, I have to rack it. There is no way after that my back could hold it through a rep, and I have lost concentration.

I was EFFING LIVID.

Waited a few minutes, then hit the last one, but everything was effed after that.

In the end, no one in the world cares but me....but still. It was a personal goal that got effed by some inconsiderate idiot who couldn't' wait 10 seconds.

So, PSA, please be courteous in a public gym and don't walk into the eye sight or get into the bar path of anyone squatting. Especially when its clear someone is pushing hard.

Today's winner for the General Board Burrito Lottery is:

Tex117
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10andBOUNCE
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In reply to Tex117 • 11:42a, 4/1/26
AG
This likely happens pretty often.

I have had this happen to me deadlifting before and others who I used to lift with from time to time. Literally people trying to ask you something mid-deadlift.
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jtraggie99
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In reply to Tex117 • 11:50a, 4/1/26
AG
That's annoying. People in general who seem to have no awareness of others around them are inconsiderate and rude. Just another reason I'm glad we go to a small privately owned gym now that's more geared towards powerlifting / serious weightlifters.

For example, one of the squat racks we typical use has a deadlift platform right in front of it. There are times when someone is deadlifting and someone else is squatting. It's happened to us. People always take turns with sets so you're not a distraction to someone in the middle of their set. Things like that are just common courtesy. If someone's in the middle of a set, just stay clearly out of the way until they are done.
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Tex117
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In reply to 10andBOUNCE • 11:51a, 4/1/26
AG
10andBOUNCE said:
This likely happens pretty often.

I have had this happen to me deadlifting before and others who I used to lift with from time to time. Literally people trying to ask you something mid-deadlift.

LOL, this is even more insane.

Like, I understand that most people never were properly taught how to behave in a "powerlifting" type situation, but still.

Today's winner for the General Board Burrito Lottery is:

Tex117
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Tex117
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In reply to jtraggie99 • 11:54a, 4/1/26
AG
jtraggie99 said:
That's annoying. People in general who seem to have no awareness of others around them are inconsiderate and rude. Just another reason I'm glad we go to a small privately owned gym now that's more geared towards powerlifting / serious weightlifters.

For example, one of the squat racks we typical use has a deadlift platform right in front of it. There are times when someone is deadlifting and someone else is squatting. It's happened to us. People always take turns with sets so you're not a distraction to someone in the middle of their set. Things like that are just common courtesy. If someone's in the middle of a set, just stay clearly out of the way until they are done.

My gym is like this too...(and I also wait to make sure I'm not in someones gaze during a rep). I can even understand when this happens a little bit. Public gym, some dumb person walks through because they have never pushed hard in their life...irritating, but somewhat understandable.

But the wandering in close to the bar path is a new one....

Kid tried to hit 315 and then failed it.

Today's winner for the General Board Burrito Lottery is:

Tex117
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Ezra Brooks
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In reply to Tex117 • 12:28p, 4/1/26
AG
https://instagr.am/p/Cuw1hPUgyTh
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ttha_aggie_09
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In reply to Tex117 • 1:16p, 4/1/26
AG
Screw those people. Most of them don't know any better but that's not a valid excuse. I didn't even like racking a plate on a machine that has the plate holders if someone is in the middle of their set.

Glad you knocked out your set though! Great job!
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Tex117
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In reply to ttha_aggie_09 • 2:32p, 4/1/26
AG
ttha_aggie_09 said:
Screw those people. Most of them don't know any better but that's not a valid excuse. I didn't even like racking a plate on a machine that has the plate holders if someone is in the middle of their set.

Glad you knocked out your set though! Great job!

Yup same. I did, but it doesnt quite count. a 1x2, then a 1x1, is not the same as a 1x3.

Frustrating, but, in the end, I suppose it doesnt matter. Its just irritating.

Today's winner for the General Board Burrito Lottery is:

Tex117
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CC09LawAg
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4:31p, 4/22/26
How we doing everyone?

Looked back on some of my old workout logs and realized I had probably gotten way too far into the weeds on programming over the past year.

Back when I was killing it, I was doing very simple programming - basically the vanilla BBB 5/3/1 programming with very little assistance work.

I have gone back to that this past couple of months and finally feel like I'm pushing my lifts again. Looking forward to running this for the next 3 months or so and seeing my progress.

I expect to break 500 on my deadlift. Squat has plateaued at 425/430 so if I can add 20 pounds there I'll be thrilled. Bench stuck at 300 for a long time so hoping for that third plate.
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Tex117
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In reply to CC09LawAg • 11:50a, 4/23/26
AG
CC09LawAg said:
How we doing everyone?

Looked back on some of my old workout logs and realized I had probably gotten way too far into the weeds on programming over the past year.

Back when I was killing it, I was doing very simple programming - basically the vanilla BBB 5/3/1 programming with very little assistance work.

I have gone back to that this past couple of months and finally feel like I'm pushing my lifts again. Looking forward to running this for the next 3 months or so and seeing my progress.

I expect to break 500 on my deadlift. Squat has plateaued at 425/430 so if I can add 20 pounds there I'll be thrilled. Bench stuck at 300 for a long time so hoping for that third plate.

Man, kinda in the same boat. Im trying to cut back. My workuots were taking 2.5 (or longer) hours.

Plus, the heavy lifts were taking up all my mental space (like, anxious about lifting all day). Im re-arranging my wave patters to try and make the PR attempts once every 6 weeks (or so). And, trying not to freakout if I miss a workout because life got in the way. Absolutely no one on the planet cares if I squat 325 or 330.

In the end, in my mind, I'm strong enough. Everything else is simply added bonus.

Today's winner for the General Board Burrito Lottery is:

Tex117
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fav13andac1)c
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In reply to CC09LawAg • 12:05p, 4/23/26
AG
Still going on the 5/3/1 - BBB myself. On the 2nd cycle. The AMRAP top sets are a struggle. Lately I've been getting the minimum and calling that good. Hoping that's just a side effect of adaptation.

The BBB sets are kicking my ass, especially on squat. Don't have a problem finishing the sets, but coming from Stronglifts and Madcow, I'm using to squatting heavy 3x5s 3x/week and almost never being sore. Assuming it's just stressing my body in new ways and adaptation will come. As it stands, I don't really feel like doing leg assistance exercises because I'm sore for a few days after my normal squat days. Overall, though, it's been a fun change.

Also just committed to a cut. Trying to drop 15-20lbs.
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CC09LawAg
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In reply to Tex117 • 1:25p, 4/23/26
Tex117 said:
CC09LawAg said:
How we doing everyone?

Looked back on some of my old workout logs and realized I had probably gotten way too far into the weeds on programming over the past year.

Back when I was killing it, I was doing very simple programming - basically the vanilla BBB 5/3/1 programming with very little assistance work.

I have gone back to that this past couple of months and finally feel like I'm pushing my lifts again. Looking forward to running this for the next 3 months or so and seeing my progress.

I expect to break 500 on my deadlift. Squat has plateaued at 425/430 so if I can add 20 pounds there I'll be thrilled. Bench stuck at 300 for a long time so hoping for that third plate.

My workuots were taking 2.5 (or longer) hours.

Man - I can't even fathom that.

My lifting session is usually anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, including warm ups.

But I don't do a traditional powerlifting program and don't do any rests longer than 2 minutes, so I can see how if you're training that way they can go a long ways - not sure what your programming is set up like.
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CC09LawAg
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In reply to fav13andac1)c • 1:28p, 4/23/26
fav13andac1)c said:
Still going on the 5/3/1 - BBB myself. On the 2nd cycle. The AMRAP top sets are a struggle. Lately I've been getting the minimum and calling that good. Hoping that's just a side effect of adaptation.

The BBB sets are kicking my ass, especially on squat. Don't have a problem finishing the sets, but coming from Stronglifts and Madcow, I'm using to squatting heavy 3x5s 3x/week and almost never being sore. Assuming it's just stressing my body in new ways and adaptation will come. As it stands, I don't really feel like doing leg assistance exercises because I'm sore for a few days after my normal squat days. Overall, though, it's been a fun change.

Also just committed to a cut. Trying to drop 15-20lbs.

I know Wendler is big on bar speed and says to lower your TM if you can't bang out the AMRAP set, and I am probably wrong to not do what he says but I just don't push it very hard. I usually don't push it on 3s or 5s week and only do it on 1s week, and even then I do it for 3 or 4 reps max.

May want to look into 5s pro - you basically do a 3x5 every week with no AMRAP instead of the 5/3/1+ (I do 3/5/1 but same concept) and you do it at a lower TM (85% vs 90%).

I do the 3/5/1 for lower body but do 5s pro for my upper body.

I am sore every single time I do BBB on squats and deadlifts and I love it.
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ttha_aggie_09
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1:38p, 4/23/26
AG
Finally broke down and bought some squatting shoes with elevated heels. Squats are going really well right now. Probably going for beltless PR before too long. Should have done this much sooner!
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CC09LawAg
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In reply to ttha_aggie_09 • 1:45p, 4/23/26
ttha_aggie_09 said:
Finally broke down and bought some squatting shoes with elevated heels. Squats are going really well right now. Probably going for beltless PR before too long. Should have done this much sooner!

That has been on my mind for months now - what brand did you go with?
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ttha_aggie_09
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In reply to CC09LawAg • 1:50p, 4/23/26
AG
Osterland Weightlifting Shoes:... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F39DJVFG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Bunch of options out there and am sure I'll upgrade at some point. Pretty crazy how much more secure my feet are on squats now. Also helps a lot of my limited ankle mobility. Much easier to hit depth and feel like I have eliminated some butt wink, although I don't think mine was terrible to begin with.
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Tex117
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In reply to CC09LawAg • 2:22p, 4/23/26
AG
CC09LawAg said:
Tex117 said:
CC09LawAg said:
How we doing everyone?

Looked back on some of my old workout logs and realized I had probably gotten way too far into the weeds on programming over the past year.

Back when I was killing it, I was doing very simple programming - basically the vanilla BBB 5/3/1 programming with very little assistance work.

I have gone back to that this past couple of months and finally feel like I'm pushing my lifts again. Looking forward to running this for the next 3 months or so and seeing my progress.

I expect to break 500 on my deadlift. Squat has plateaued at 425/430 so if I can add 20 pounds there I'll be thrilled. Bench stuck at 300 for a long time so hoping for that third plate.

My workuots were taking 2.5 (or longer) hours.

Man - I can't even fathom that.

My lifting session is usually anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, including warm ups.

But I don't do a traditional powerlifting program and don't do any rests longer than 2 minutes, so I can see how if you're training that way they can go a long ways - not sure what your programming is set up like.

Squats absolutely beat the ever-living sheet out of me (Im a tall guy). So, I have to take a full 5 minutes between sets. Top Set of a 1x3, then back off, 3x5. Thats basically 40 minutes right there all said and done Add in another 3x5 (or 3x8, or 5x3) for shoulder press or bench, that's another 30. So, looking at 1:10 without having done any assitance or accessory. Add in a few of those (basically a normal gym routine), boom. That's two hours.
(And I can't dunk too hard on the accessories and assistance, my lifts have been going up, especially the upper body ones).

Today's winner for the General Board Burrito Lottery is:

Tex117
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ttha_aggie_09
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In reply to Tex117 • 2:43p, 4/23/26
AG
I took me an hour to squat yesterday. Normally it is about 45 mins but had a buddy with me that I was helping with his form on some other leg exercises but I just can't do my squats quicker without cutting out a bunch of warm up sets, which I use as active stretching.

Warm up 1 (5 tempo/pause reps)
Warm up 2 (5 tempo/pause reps)
Warm up 3 (5 tempo/pause reps)
Warm up 4 ( (5 tempo/pause reps)
Working set 1 (5 reps) X 1 (although sometimes I'll just do 3 sets of this)
Working set 2 (2-3 reps) X 1
Working set 3 (1-2 reps) X 2
Heavy drop pause (2 reps pause/tempo)
AMRAP (last warmup set weight X 10-14 reps)

If I want to incorporate other compound leg exercises this day, I'll remove the drop and AMRAP sets. Otherwise they get pushed to my leg day #2.
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CC09LawAg
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In reply to ttha_aggie_09 • 2:57p, 4/23/26
What weight do you use for the heavy drop pause?
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ttha_aggie_09
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In reply to CC09LawAg • 3:18p, 4/23/26
AG
495
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CC09LawAg
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In reply to ttha_aggie_09 • 3:33p, 4/23/26
Sorry I'm a weak little weenie - I meant what % do you base it off of?
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ttha_aggie_09
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In reply to CC09LawAg • 3:43p, 4/23/26
AG
It's about 80% of 1RM but I do a solid 2-3 second pause and slow controlled eccentric.
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Tex117
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In reply to ttha_aggie_09 • 9:32a, 4/27/26
AG
You are a beast though....I don't have an excuse where my top set is 325.


Today's winner for the General Board Burrito Lottery is:

Tex117
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2girlsdad
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4:51a, 4/28/26
Now I know why people use gear, especially when cutting. I was 225lbs and about 20% bf, decided to do a slow cut over a few months and now 203lbs at about 11% bf. But, all my lifts are down by about 10-15 lbs (partially tearing my lat in bjj and having to go lighter for a couple months didn't help). But on things like deads, a 2x3 with 395lbs is heavy when a few months ago I could get a 6-7 reps with 410. You read how Anavar and the like helps with strength gain, but of course it's silly do take something to be stronger when you're already comparatively strong to others. I guess squatting 410lbs at 204 isn't bad, especially for a 44 year old that also trains Muay Thai and bjj 3 times a week!
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10andBOUNCE
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In reply to 2girlsdad • 6:00a, 4/28/26
AG
No doubt!

I would take that weight and BF% trade off any day.
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2girlsdad
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In reply to 10andBOUNCE • 6:53a, 4/28/26
I appreciate that, and yes was looking for some affirmation, I won't lie. I know many of you may be like me, never satisfied. Could be leaner, could be stronger, keep grinding (in bjj I've come to terms that I'll always suck). You hit a PB on a lift, or in my case bf%/lift combo, happy for a day, then try to improve...kinda sick and I know why guys start taking gear. I won't until maybe 65-70 (although T may be enough).
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CC09LawAg
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In reply to 2girlsdad • 8:22a, 4/28/26
This is my biggest struggle.

I know I should drop anywhere from 30-50 pounds but I feel like I've worked so hard to grind to where I've gotten with my strength gains. And as an older lifter, the thought of losing 3 to 6 months of pushing strength gains to lose weight seems like I'm wasting whatever is left of my lifting "youth".

Do you feel like the issue is necessarily strength, or just lower energy for higher volume because of the decreased calorie intake? I think if I could lower the volume but relatively maintain the 1RM strength I could stomach it.

I suppose it's just another mental block and you have to train your mind to think of it as progress in a different way. But the simplest motivation for me has always been just watching my lifts go up - my brain can process that very easily.
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Tex117
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In reply to 2girlsdad • 10:58a, 4/29/26
AG
Dude, Id take that trade off any day. (It will build back up once you increase your calories again).

You have the right attitude, and one that I need to constantly remind myself. You are strong enough. You are stronger that 99% of the people walking this planet and likely ever walked this planet. Knowing that.

What are your goals now? To just push yourself and see where you can go? Or just be healthy? Asthetics?

Just keep things in perspective (which everyone one of us struggle with), and keep evaluating your goals.




Today's winner for the General Board Burrito Lottery is:

Tex117
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