For those who haven’t checked out the new PRS 2.0, have a look around and be sure to let us know if you find any issues as we are still fine-tuning a few aspects. And while you’re here, make sure to check out this brand-new article: LOUIE SIMMONS OF WESTSIDE BARBELL- ONE OF MY GREATEST INFLUENCES.

As always, huge thanks to Inzer Advance Designs for their massive support over my nearly 20-year powerlifting career. Big thanks to Captain Jacked for supplying TeamPRS for the best supplements around.

I’m a little bit behind on my log. Two weeks ago, I made a trip up to Columbus, Ohio (yes the week BEFORE the Arnold) for both business and pleasure.  I’ll outline this entire trip in an upcoming article. Stay tuned. 

With this said, I was able to get a lot done on this trip and very glad I made it happen.

Friday night squat at Westside 2.23.18 with Dave Hoff and crew. (Huge thanks to Dave Hoff {and Kellyn for letting me borrow him} for having me up for a couple of training sessions)

We had a great crew of lifters on this night.

I’m considering doing a ‘tune-up meet’ this spring at some point before the WPO, so according to the plan, it was time to take my first 1000lb squat since the Arnold of 2017, which made it almost a year since. I was coming off a deload week, so I was feeling good. Before the deload week I took a squat just over 900 and it felt good. Again, unfamiliar territory after a year of offseason work.

Normal 10/20/Life warm-up

a. Bodyweight squat plus heat creme

b. McGill big 3

c. Band flye/hip airplane

d. the empty bar for a few reps

Squat 

500 with preds

650 same

790 added Leviathan Ultra-pro, gripper knee wraps

915 same

1005 same – moved well.

Dave Hoff and I were doing a little jawing back and forth about who would move 1000 faster. These exchanges were more to get me motivated than anything since I’d been so long since I’d taken some weight. Don’t worry, in my article about the trip will entail a lot more details and video.

I have to say this is the best my squat has felt in about 5-6 years. It is probably partially due to the environment, who I was lifting with and the excellent handling skills of legend Jim Grandick wrapping and pulling my straps.

I always feel good coming off the deload and ready to ramp up when the time comes.

This night was a step in the right direction, 100%. I will be well prepared for the WPO in November as everything else along the way is more of a learning experience.

The offseason work and time away will pay off when it counts. Stay tuned for more.