Dufisthenics

Today I had a rare occurrence where I am pretty sure I matched my all time best in the squat press machine with six big plates on each side garnished with opposing 25 pounders as well.  The total weight should add to something around 635 pounds.  To match a number I probably established when I was around 20 pounds heavier and 20 years younger felt good.  Again, I know 6 plates and a 25 on each side is a number some truly strong guys would warm up with on this machine, but in my scope of work it was a notch in my belt.

I actually did two reps at the top end. Each one was slow and controlled with my thighs touching my chest and my hands locked into the handles where they should be.  Sometimes you will see people pushing on their knees with their hands at higher weight which just seems silly to me.  If you need your arms to help you move the weight for a lower body exercise you are using too much weight, duh.

I did notice doing heavy weight on this machine does have some negative side effects on my lower back.  The pressure from the stack is applied directly to your lower back, smashing it into the back pad.  The last three times I finished my squat press sessions I did so with a lower back that felt pretty tweaked from that pressure.

Today’s Workout

5 minutes cardio/stretching

15 pull ups

Cybex plate loaded squat press – 225lbs x 10, 315lbs x 10, 405lbs x 10, 495lbs x 8, 585lbs x 4, 635lbs x 2

Seated leg extension – 115lbs x 10, 175lbs x 5

Prone leg curl – 110lbs x 8, 130lbs x 5

Standing calf raise – 295lbs x 8