Yea I am not trying to be a dick but you honestly can get the bar in a better position without it. It will feel like it is bruising you the first few times but after that you won't notice it. Let me know how it goes. I like anyone who knows how to squat, bench and dead, no matter what weights you are working with. Glad to see you doing the main lifts, man.

squatted without the pad today, felt pretty good although i had a red barbell line mark across my shoulders/traps when i was finished.

I think ive plateaud in the chest. None of my lifts are increasing. Help?

Oldie but a goodie, worked for me every single time I did it. Its an old Muscle Media routine.

http://www.timinvermont.com/fitness/benchpgm.htm

eat more

Cant always eat your way to muscles. Otherwise no one would ever need roids.

my advice would be eat more, if he doesn't gain change his routine. (good ones in OP)

bump

Anyone have any suggestions on where/what belt to get? I have used a 4" valeo, thin profile belt that provides support without cutting off all movement. However, the velcro on this belt last just a bit over a year. It no longer stays closed once I get up to near max weights.

I wouldn't mind a thin leather belt but those are hard to find. All I see are the huge, thick powerlifting belts.

Check out http://www.prowriststraps.com/weight...t_workout_belt or elitefts.com

I used that same valeo and honestly would stay away from velcro. Yeah, it feels more comfortable than the notched belts, but if it busts open mid lift your screwed.

Dude that is the perfect link. I see some 4" wide leather belts that would work perfect. Low profile but enough support for squats and deads but not sacrificing depth on squats.

Thanks man.

Was feeling tightness in my neck and back all day yesterday. Felt like I just slept on it wrong or something. Middle of my first set last night, I get shooting pain in my neck and back of my head, followed by a horrible headache. Gonna shut it down at least until after the holiday. My body could really use a rest, and since i have no games or anything this weekend, I guess I'll take advantage. Anyone ever have something similar?

Did the mile relay race today.

My 1.1 mile time was 5:30. Not bad. Not the fastest, though, which was around 5:18 or so.

Doing pretty well on my bike. Had a wreck about a month ago that resulted in missing a week and a half while the front wheel was replaced, but I think the break was actually good, and the end result is that last week's rides were my three best to date. Monday was my longest ride of the year, albeit a bit slower than usual since I was exploring a new trail, 27.8 miles in 1:56:10 (14.3 mph). Wednesday was by far my fastest ride to date, 14.9 miles in 56:34 (15.8 - prior best 15.4). And Friday I split the difference, going 25.7 miles in 1:39:49 (15.4).

Come a long way from last year. I'm consistently covering a lot more trial in a lot less time, and my legs have become much stronger.

Get to add one more to that. Just rode 30.88 miles in 2:02. Including adding some hills in to make the ride more difficult.