[Ben]

Busy morning at work, then ran a CPD course for a friend’s staff team, going through some advanced coaching stuff. Was really engaging, I love educating other coaches.

All meals in, very much Groundhog Day nutritionally and I feel super ready to tackle my last heavy week of training before a deload.

[Ben]

Hey mate,

You shouldn’t generally be feeling RDLs in your neck or getting prolonged stiffness after. Might be a form issue (do you have a video link or DM me on insta @blgstrength and I’ll take a look)

Important cues are neutral alignment (I actually promote a chin tuck on RDLs) and bracing properly to maintain stability.

Or potentially see a physio if it’s been going on a while to get some prehab/rehab in place?

Hopefully then you’d be able to keep them in with less issue!

[Ben]

Superb training today very basic but always appreciate fellow TBJP Adam Bishop for letting me use his kit and helping me out. He’s played a pivotal role in my development as a strength athlete.

Stone walk – one full length (ouch my thumbs)
Farmers walk – runs with 120/140kg per hand
Atlas stone run 100-180kg nice and fast

Feeling battered, big weekend of recovery and rest!

Bodyweight has gone up to 138.5kg which is good.

Unwind is playing a big role at the moment. That post training wind down means I can start the recovery process right after training.

[Ben]

Eating the food, lifting the weights.

Training was productive today, got my squats done a day early as timings tomorrow wouldn’t work, full WSM setup (ridiculous goofy setup)

293kg x5
Then shoulder presses, few pull-ups and pulldowns and some lighter rows as my elbows are sore and I need them tomorrow!

CNS and joints are starting to feel it now. The deload draws near…

[Ben]

Solid morning of coaching, then had physio and saw a friend in the afternoon.

Nutrition is dialled and ready for another big couple of training days as we close in to competition now.

That’s about it quite repetitive at the moment but the work is getting done!

[Ben]

137.5kg bodyweight today which is interesting, more carbs for me I guess….

Deadlifts on the menu
335kg x3, 273kg 3×3 all on the horrible axle
Hamstring curls, back extension holds, core work after

Starting to feel extra fucked heading into final stretch before comp. Both good and bad thing as it means with a deload I’ll be feeling superhuman 😎

Recovery is a must.

I reinvested in a Whoop to track stuff better; sleep, heart data etc and been really trying to dial in my pre bed routine, resulting in better sleep alongside all the supps (Dream Sleep, Magnesium, Unwind on training days) and it’ll pay off.

[Ben]

Really loving how busy life is at the moment every day feels like steps forward and exciting instead of overwhelming. My physical ability is super tied to my mental homeostasis so I’m really happy with this.

Log press today penultimate session before Europes, 165kg x1 to create better neutral drive for 140kg x7 afterwards, big lungbuster!

Then 60s x8 paused on incline dumbbell press, triceps, shoulder stability work and some stretching for my neck which is tight at the moment.

Just finishing up all my food, early night needed!

[Ben]

Looking forward to a full introduction of TBJP COR into my diet this week.

Got a bunch of sample packets to get some different flavours on the go and pick what I like.

Carbs are upped due to wanting a final push in bodyweight/glycogen stores towards competition so bringing in the heavy stuff 😎

[Ben]

As Kamara said above I think so long as your nutrition is nailed you’ll be fine in terms of holding muscle mass with slightly sub optimal training, especially if it’s only a short period of time.

Just do your best and control the controllables!

[Ben]

If you get acne via testosterone I maybe wouldn’t look towards tren as an option as it’ll be a very potential side effect.

As with any drug change or introduction though, it’s worth a try and then base whether you stay on it on how you feel and what it does.

[Ben]

Manchester for sure.
TBJP gym in Cheltenham obviously!
Ultraflex Rotherham is a big hub great place
Muscleworks in Orpington is cool
Dedicated Super Gym in Liverpool is pretty crazy

All of those places may not have ultimate tourist attractions (could head into York after Rotherham?) surrounding but definitely best/coolest BB gym options

Day trip to London doesn’t go amiss to see stuff

[Ben]

Extremely busy last couple of days!

Thursday was a good training day also had a bunch of work on.

Friday I did events training with Adam Bishop down at his place. Some farmers walk, stone walk, atlas stones and truck pull. Big session that one. Then had a bunch of setup and work at the gym.

Then this weekend I’m running a strongman coaching course at our gym. Great to have something accredited that people can have as CPD.

Next week is looking busy and heavy. I’m excited but need to make sure recovery is a priority!

[Ben]

Busy day!

Coaching all morning, weekly physio session (luckily he now works out of my gym Athlete Movement so very convenient) and then an echocardiogram over in Kent.

Wanted a thorough check up on my heart following my medical last week as I’ve never had it done properly and all looks extremely positive. I honestly can thank Love Heart, Heart Care and Vital Support. What incredible supplements they are ❤️

Two big training days incoming! Carbs have been put up the past week to account for extra energy expenditure.

Bodyweight holding around 138.5kg slowly looking to up it.

[Ben]

Solid Tuesday!

Axle Deadlift 325kg x6, 263kg 2×6
Kroc rows, Hamstring curls, Back extension ISOs, GHR sit-ups to follow

Very good session everything progressing nicely.

Picked up stuff from the printer for a coaching course I’m running this weekend, all looks great.

Bunch of online work, food prep, household chores and a consultation call to fill the rest of the day.

Starting to get that zapped feeling creeping in earlier and earlier which shows I’m near a comp. Need more sleep!

[Ben]

Solid Monday training and life.

Log press – EMOM 130kg x2 8 rounds
Incline DB press – 57.5kg x8 paused, 42.5kg 2×8 paused. All easy lol
Triceps, shoulder stability and cardio then ticked off.

I feel really strong at the moment just a bit battered as fatigue is racking up.

Food and sleep will see me through!

Deadlifts tomorrow…