thanks widdoes, i have always had some problems with my pressing movements (both bench press and overhead presses) so i am always excited when i make good progress on them

here is my lower body #2 from friday....

4/11/08 Lower Body #2

Clean/Front Squat 3x5 - 175x5, 175x5, 175x5
great movement - i think these are great for explosiveness and leg development, the only thing is i think i am going to have difficulty improving on these and deadlift week in and week out

Deadlift 1rm - 135x5, 225x5, 315x3, 405x1, 455x1, 495x1, 515x1, 535x0
515x1 tied my old 1rm which i was fairly happy about b/c for whatever reason i wasn't feeling all that strong on friday. i was especially having trouble with my grip. i use a double over hand grip up to 455 and then switch to an over/under grip when the weight gets real heavy. on the 515 i felt my grip slipping but i was able to get the weight up and hold it at lock out before setting it down, on 535 i was able to get the weight moving but my grip just gave out and i couldn't hold it. it is frusterating b/c i know that i am strong enough in the legs and back to get the weight up but i just can't hold it. i posted all of the warm up sets that i did to see what you all thought about it (is it too many sets and could that be why my grip was giving out?). also, i was wondering what everyone thought about the idea of investing in some chalk or straps. right now i don't have anything like that. does chalk really help that much? would it be enough to help me keep my grip and get the weight up? also, should i invest in straps? my only problem with that idea is that im worried if i do start using straps my grip strength wont increase and i'll never be able to get the weight up without them. what does everyone think

Lunges 3x10 - 125x10, 125x10, 125x10

Hyperextensions 3x10-12 - 25x12, 25x12, 25x12

Abs 6 sets - done

Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise - 12 12 (single leg) 25 25 25 (both legs)