2018 marked a year of a lot of changes towards my goals, mindset, methodology, and overall outlook on sports.
I've always wanted to be strong. I lifted off and on for a few years with a 5x5 protocol. 5 sets, 5 reps, add 5 lbs to the bar each time the specified volume is accomplished. I took years off before deciding I was going to get back in shape in 2016, picked up kettlebells, and started swinging. I reached 1,000 swings with a 35lb kettlebell before stopping because I overextended myself.
I learned a lot in how to do high rep work from the swing and later extended this to being able to do 400 pushups in an hour, with a goal of 1,000 pushups.
I got back into the gym with access to barbells in October. I went back to my 5x5 program for a bit, signed up for a powerlifting competition, decided I wasn't happy with the 5x5 program, and started tinkering with it.
I found that a 2x5 followed by a 1x3 , then trying to convert that 1x3 into a 2x5 works well for some jumps in weight, but is ultimately not sustainable. I read powerlifting basics and adopted Paul Kelso's 3x3 followed by 3x8 protocol.
My lifts have gone up from 225/165/315 to 295/205/380, for an increase of 175lbs , or about 60lbs per month. If I sustain this pace, I will have a 1,000lb training total before my powerlifting competition in March.
Overall, I would say its been a good year.
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