Going For The Record

[Midwest Viking]

Ok, I am here for some friendly advice.
I work out all year long, but, do to eventual overtraining, and joint problems, I do not lift heavy all year long. In fact, I usually start to train heavy about 8 to 10 weeks before a meet, and usually still end up stronger than the year before. In my opinion, I think it is because muscle memory helps me jump back to my old numbers, and the final few weeks of heavy training help me take those numbers a little heigher.

Well, I just started doing deadlift and bench press again for the first time in 6 months about 3 weeks ago. Last year I set the SLP state record bench at 300 lbs raw in my class (18-19, 198 lbs). I ended up deadlifting 475, but the record is still set at 500 lbs back in 2001.

Well, 3 weeks ago when I got back to bench and deadlift, by bench was maxed out at 225, and my deadlift maxed out at 335. Since then, I have been training very simple. I do bench press and deadlift on the same day. I start with 7 sets of bench, and end with 5 sets of deadlift. I do this every 3rd day. Currently, my deadlift is back up to 445, and my bench is back up to 295. I am hoping to get 325 (ballpark) bench, and hoping to set the record in deadlift with anything over 500 lbs, since this is my last year competing in this class.

I will be honest. I feel that my method is very simple, but it works for me. I am asking for any helpful hints and ideas. I do not want to dramatically change everything about my training, but I am open to any thoughts or ideas. So far I have been making good gains, but I credit that to muscle memory. I feel that now that I am getting close to last years numbers, my progress will be slowing down in a hurry, so I am trying to plan ahead.
I appriciate any advice.

[2475]

Vik Glad to Help Dont Run Your Cycle back to back.

What I would do Set Two or Three Phases. A Comp Phase when you are running your numbers to get ready for the meet 8/10 Weeks out what ever it may be.
The One before should be for building mass and stregth in weak/Under developed areas and use excersise different from Comp Phase being Bench squat and deads you should use excesises such as rack pulls/Low Box Squats for reps(strength not speed)/Hyperextension Reverse Bench/Dumbell/Close Grip Front Squats/Step Ups Lunges.6/8 Weeks.
The First of the Three is Conditioning. This is to raises G.P.P. Running/Prowler/Sprints/Slead Work/Circuit Training. This on is the most important this is when you take care of injuries improve Vo2 Max get in better condition log it keep track. Also it important because the better conditioned the better your body will respond to training the more results meaning more weight.6 Weeks is Fine

U can cut the second out if you have nothing lacking but dont cut it out if you had or are nursing a injury/joint problems whatever rushing it will cut your carrer short Rome wasnot built in a day nore are 800lb bench squats and deads Pros only compete 2/3 times a year at the most because they spent the rest of their time getting stronger.

[Midwest Viking]

I really appriciate the advice. Just for background, I have juiced before, but I am now all natural, and I only compete once a year. When I start getting a little more confident in my numbers, I may start competing two or three times a year.
Again, thankyou for your input, I will put it to good use.

[2475]

No Problem anytime any questions just ask

[2475]

Vil Consider this post i wrote for powerlifters cycle ..please critic

Doping does nothing for a powerlifter until he or she has elite raw numbers and has mastered his gear the best lifter have been lifting many years10-15 on average because if your gear alows yout to beck 400 @65 and you bench 450/w shirt and your competitor uses no gear and can bench 350 but490/w shirt consider the same thing happeneds over the squat and the dead you have just lost. There Is no fast why to big lift( meaning breaking the pro powerlifitng Records)

[Midwest Viking]

I agree, I got to a max bench of 285 while using, but after I went off, i continued to get even stronger than before, just from continuing to lift properly. Now this year, I am almost at last years numbers, and it has taken me very little time, and no juice.
I think that people have an immense amount of natural potential that they should master before deciding to try and take it further by going on cycle.

[RJstrong]

Looks like things are coming along nicely. My main advice is to keep listening to your body. Maybe throw some dynamic work days in if you start to feel over trained. Keep in mind bar speed is just as critical as brute strength. Good luck bro and keep lifting big!

[boondockSAINT]

If you are seeing gains every week I would say keep it up. If gains are slowing, I would switching the benching, whether you got to bands, or board presses and then pause presses. Switching up exercises to hit the different phases of the bench will only benefit you. BTW, in the members cycle results I have a thread titled bench 350 in 4 weeks log that would give you some good ideas. I did heavy triples for about 10 weeks, and when that started to slow I changed it to bands, then board presses and paused presses. Now I am going back to triples, stronger than I left at.

Good luck.