Archives For Texas method

Squat

  • 405lbs: 3,3
    • I noticed the bar had a noticeable bend after my first set. After the second set, I checked the other bars in the gym that I regularly use, and they were all slightly bent. I don't recall seeing this when I first started training at this gym...

Press

  • 215lbs: 2,2,X
  • 205lbs: 1
    • My presses were lopsided for some reason. Left arm was higher than my right arm, and my body was leaning in one direction. This made my back feel strange. I didn't hurt, just felt weird.

Deadlift

  • Skipped - I didn't want to aggravate this strange feeling I was having in my back from doing overhead presses.

Front Squat

  • 225lbs: 3,3,3,3,3

Dips

  • Body weight (187.5lbs) + 50lbs: 10,10,10

Pull ups (Palms Facing Together)

  • Body weight (187.5lbs): 13,8,6

Squat

  • 352.5lbs: 5,5,5

Over Head Press

  • 177.5lbs: 5,5,5,5,5
    • Power cleaned the bar

Notes

  • Over head press seemed pretty easy. Maybe it's because I added push presses last week. I'm thinking the heavier weight used in the push press (225lbs) made it easier for me to handle a lighter weight (177.5lbs) during a strict overhead press.

Squat

  • 405lbs: 2,2,1
    • Failed on 3rd set, 2nd rep

Bench Press

  • 295lbs: 2,1
    • Failed on 2nd set, 2nd rep

Deadlift

  • 465lbs: 3,3

Front Squats

  • 220lbs: 3,3,3,3,3

Push Press

  • 225lbs: 1,1,x
    • Lost balance attempting the 2nd rep on the 1st set
    • Failed on the 2nd rep, 2nd set
    • 3rd set, 1st rep went up about 3/4 before I lost balance
  • 205lbs: 3

Pull Ups (palms facing together)

  • Body weight (189.5lbs): 12,8,6

Notes

I'm going to do push press instead of regular military/overhead presses during my recovery day.

The reason why is Glenn Pendlay says:

The push press has more carryover to pressing in general – bench press etc. – than any other upper body exercise.

He also points out:

With a push press, you can put 10 to 20% more weight over your head. You're forced to develop the ability to recruit those muscle fibers very quickly because you're pushing the bar off your shoulders with your legs and then your arms have to come into play, fast, so it doesn't stall. The ability to do that is very, very valuable.

Second, with the push press there's just a huge overload at the top. That last six inches at the top is like doing a partial. That has a powerful effect on the body.

Works for me! Good thing I didn't end up push pressing the bar directly under my chin this time.