Poll Results!

Not that I expect a whole slew of people to be reading this blog, but it was good to see almost a dozen poll votes. Glad I have reached at least a few readers. That being said, for those of you who voted, post up what you do with your gym time! And if you were one of the few who didn't go, do you have plans to? Why don't you go?

And on an aside, I did get at least some interest in my goings on at the gym. Needless to say, I can't find my 1RM (1-rep max), because I often go alone and thus don't have a spotter, meaning I won't risk it if I can't do it safely (and no one should, for that matter!). With that caveat aside, here is where I stand on the top end of my lifts:

Squat (top of pyramid; 6 reps) - 325lbs.
Deadlift (top of pyramid; 4 reps) - 415lbs.
Bench (top of pyramid; 8 reps) - 225lbs.

The bench is where I am suffering, but mostly because of all the lifts I do, it feels the most dangerous to push hard. I tend to really hit my chest hard and I am sure with adequate spotting I could do more.

One last bit for you gym rats - if you haven't discovered the lovely pain of Rest-Pause, check it out! I did it recently and my-oh-my did it kick my rear. Really leaves me sore, where little else seems to.

Supplements & Gear

A week or so ago, I ordered some extra stuff to help me keep pushing towards my goals and to enhance my performance. No, not steroids or anything. Just some basic supplements and gear to assist me. Check these out!

Rogue Fitness Belt

The idea behind this is to give me something to push against with my abs, keeping my core stabilized. It really, really helps for squats and deadlifts. It isn't like the leather heavy-duty ones, but I find for the more casual lifter like me, it was worth the $18 vs the $100+ for any quality leather lifting belt.

Rogue Fitness Lifting Straps

These have been a major help. I was finding that my grip gave out before my muscles did, so these really helped me keep from losing the bar during those very heavy deadlifts. They also have the added bonus of being cushion between my hands and the bar so I don't tear them up. The key to these is to use them only on the heavy stuff. Don't use them as a crutch, or you won't be improving your grip strength. Another perk for these is shrugs, for the same reasons.

L-Carnitine

This supplement touts itself as a means of getting the body to burn more fat. The research is there and I have some in my pre-workout powder (see below), but when you are struggling to shed the fat like I am, a boost on non-lift days seemed like a good idea. I am now taking two of these on my non-lift gym days about 15-30 minutes before I go. 

Pre-Workout Powder

As a someone who eats "clean" - that is, as few additives and junk in my food as I can manage - I was all in for this PurePump stuff I found. It has a load of good stuff, including B vitamins, Creatine, caffeine, and amino acids too. All that good stuff to help get you through a tough workout. I take it 15 minutes before my workout on lift days, usually mixed into 1 scoop of my Whey protein powder (taken with 8oz of Almond Milk).

Whey Protein Powder

I take this twice a day on my lift days. Before, as stated, it has the pre-workout powder added and really is there because it improves the dreadful flavor of my pre-workout powder while giving me a higher protein total for the day. I take another scoop after with the thought that Whey is fast-acting and will help me with my recovery, muscle gain, and all sorts of other benefit.

That is all for now, folks. I am almost done with the Blood Angels, so look for them next week or so, plus the start of some Bolt Action models. Possibly one of the new Bloodthirsters eventually, as well. Fingers crossed for that one!

Plus, inevitably I will start my personal projects, but with the rumors floating around about so many new things, I am leaning towards my Knights and Cadians before anything else.