Behind every routine change, every gym session, and every rep, strength was always the original goal. The idea of chasing a better version of me was intoxicating. The idea that every time I was out on the dance floor or playing a sport was also a test drive/diagnostics of what I've built was awesome (if not done what silly).
Somewhere along the way, I got lost. I still told myself that I was chasing strength on my notebook record, but the results I looked for were in the mirror. If what I saw in the mirror disappointed, I correspondingly would project this image out into the world. Stating the obvious, this is a very very bad idea. It focusses on what I didn't have instead of what I bring to the table. It creates the idea of 'if I could just do X I would be accepted.'
It's crazy, but that's how negativity gets rooted. It doesn't sound like negativity, it sounds like a goal that you jusssssst can't reachhhhhh.
Conversely, every time I've looked my best and felt my best is linked to when I simplified my diet and training. Sticking to the original goal of getting as strong as possible centers my self esteem. Possibly because my attention can be diverted to other kicking ass in other avenues of life (as opposed to writing this week's 5th routine). Possibly because the payoff from a focussed mindset is more powerful than one that does not know what it wants.
In either case...life is good, lifts are up, focus is honed in. Hope everyone is out there kicking ass in and out of the gym.
Focus routine 3000 (45min run time)
Note: 3-4x a week, change up when daily max stalls. Expected run time is 7 to 14 days. I.e. run squat press 1 for 14 days, switch to pull 1, switch to squat press 2, switch to pull 2, repeat
Note: each daily max movement will be lower body dominant, but essentially a full body movement
Squat press 1
Front squat x daily max
Partial front squat 1x10
Hise shrug 1x20
Pause front squat 15x1 (80% daily max, 1min rest)
Various db presses super set with bodyweight pullups
Stretch and foam roll
Neck curls 1x100
Pull 1
Jefferson Deadlift x daily max
Partial JD 1x10
Shrug 1x20
Jefferson Deadlift 15x1
Various db presses super set with bodyweight pullups
Stretch and foam roll
Neck curls 1x100
Squat press 2
Zercher squat x daily max
Partial zercher squat 1x10
Pause zercher squat 15x1 (80% daily max, 1min rest)
Various db presses super set with bodyweight pullups
Stretch and foam roll
Neck curls 1x100
Pull 2
Snatch high pull x daily max
Partial snatch 1x10
Shrug 1x20
Snatch high pull 15x1
Various db presses super set with bodyweight pullups
Stretch and foam roll
Neck curls 1x100
