[Drew]

Thank you Jordan and Hilly. Noted with the photo!

How much should I look to drop now in the tidy up phase? Would 10/14 lb be sufficient?

It has really helped me having feedback on this board.

[Drew]

Thanks very much for the advice Hilly and Claire, I appreciate your time and energy.

Got an NHS referral for physio but may look privately.. Also have some naproxen for the meantime.

It could be a big signal that I should stop trying to emulate my powerlifting days..

Thanks again

[Drew]

Hi Meg,

Thanks for replying, much appreciated!

I am definitely due a tidy up either near or soon. Feel as though I’m kind of in a hinterland with regard to condition.

I’m not far off my best numbers for some
exercises so it’s not all bad

[Drew]

From his insta he’s left or leaving!

[Drew]

Hi Adam,

Enjoying following your log and progress.

How do you find pulling on a stiff bar compared to a deadlift bar?

I tried one for the first time the other day and it felt like it took a lot more tension to take the slack out.

[Drew]

Absolutely. It is a slower process though and depends on your current level of development and experience (ie more likely to happen if your new and less experienced)..

Can also happen-

When you go from doing things incorrectly to closer to optimal.

[Drew]

I would also look into getting some in person coaching if possible.

Technique is a massive part of powerlifting as I’m sure you know

[Drew]

Strength Coach Farncombe

Highly respected

Trains some of the best in UK

Former head UK powerlifting coach

[Drew]

Dumbell bench 60kg x5 reps, controlled decent reps..

In itself not super impressive but I was only 87kg at 5’11 at the time

[Drew]

Thanks very much for the replies!

Will look into everything that’s been suggested, and potentially see if I can see a physio/expert.

Much appreciated

[Drew]

Some great comments here.

I would add learn the correct technique from someone who genuinely knows (not all that common) the correct technique of squats and deadlifts in particular.

Even if further down the road you don’t do them all that much, learning to squat properly and pull with decent form from the floor will pay a huge dividends.

Be prepared to spend a long time building a foundation before going down an assisted route (if at all).

Lastly I would say a decent conditioning base is something many forget – I certainly did. Being in good shape cardio wise will be highly beneficial.

Always ask yourself how what you choose to do or not do will benefit you in 3/5/10 years. Bodybuilding is a long, slow endeavour built on wise choices and consistent application.

[Drew]

Yeah I would say so Sam!

Can always push harder though ?

[Drew]

What are your long term goals?

I understand if you want to compete, but you look awesome naturally and better than the average gym rat on gear already

[Drew]

Thanks Max, appreciate the ideas

My knee injuries were from low bar squats, usually heavy in the 3-5 rep range (powerlifting training).

Will definitely look to increase the rep ranges!

[Drew]

Many thanks Sas, appreciate that.

Great idea on the rest after lower sessions/ will do that.