Lifting for 12-29-10

Squat:
5 @ 45 lbs, 4 @ 85 lbs, 3 @ 115 lbs
3×5 @ 145 lbs (+10 lbs)

Overhead Press:
5 @ 45 lbs, 4 @ 55 lbs 3 @ 65 lbs
3×5 @ 75 lbs

Power Clean
5 @ 45 lbs, 3 @ 65 lbs
5×3 @ 95 lbs

Chin-ups
7, 6, 5 @ BW

difficulty: easy

Was good about holding my breath during each repetition of squat. Definitely felt tighter, though the weight is also still rather light. Good movement patterns to replicate. Goes without saying that depth was bangin`, and my knees were in line with my toes.

For press, I tried replicating the grip described in the book, and it felt VERY awkward. I’m used to gripping the bar near the hash marks, loading it on my chest, and stepping out of the rack. The book seemed to describe a near front-squat grip, with the weight on the pad of your hand, rather than near the fingertips. The following pressing motion felt very unnatural to me. I’ll reread that section and make a judgement call. I could just be overthinking.

My consistent cue for power cleans was “vertical bar path”. Felt a slight twinge in my left shoulder after one repetition, but I haven’t felt any discomfort or anything. Otherwise feel pretty damn good. 95 lbs is a good weight to learn the movement. Heavy enough where it takes your arms out of the movement, and light enough to focus on your body in space.

Matched my most recent chin-up effort.