A week before The Strongman

Since March I have continued to work on Rehab on my lower back injury. Deadlifts and Squats have been very light not going any more than 500lbs for reps to try and rebuild a solid core for when I can begin to lift heavy again. Slowly but surely my strength is coming back and the injury is healing with lots of help from my Physio and a lot of work stretching and foam rolling.
Last week went very well for me. I did some reverse band Deadlifts up to 765lbs which was fairly easy but 150lbs of my best. Check out my training clip from October last year if you are unfamiliar with reverse band deadlift. Really helps me explode off the ground and takes a little of the tension at the lowest point of the lift to save my back. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FiSxbxpQb8&feature=plcp
I also managed to press 350lbs overhead last week. Getting close to my best and very happy with being able to press that weight overhead, without any issues, with my back. Still aiming for that elusive 400lb goal which will put me on level par with some of the best guys in the country however.
Ever nearly dropped 165lbs on your head?? I was very close............ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW2IFB7HmZw&feature=plcp 2 weeks ago I was so close to locking out the 165lb Monster Dbell that had eluded me for a few weeks. Core strength, balance and explosiveness and great technique are all needed here. The sheer size of the implement makes it that little bit harder to press. Finally, this weekend, I succeeded with the 165lbs.............next stop 175lb!!
With Maryland's Strongest Man coming up next week I worked on my pressing this week and giving my back the break it needs from Deadlifts. Very happy to press 455lbs on the close grip bench press at the start of this week. Felt powerful and think I had more in the tank but that will have to wait to AFTER competition time. 500lbs is getting forever closer.
Also done some work on my log press. Worked up to an easy 310lbs and then dropped the weight down to 220lbs for reps to work on speed and explosiveness as well as muscle endurance.
With Maryland's Legendary Strongest Man 2012 only a few days away next week will consist of some very very light pressing and lower back work followed by swimming to keep the blood flowing. As always there are some great guys competing........time to do work!
Follow my Facebook page for updates on the day. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=563782513

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