So I have been eating right and all that....Been studying like crazy. Just incase anyone wants to know, I sort of max out on the big 5 lifts in 3 weeks...Post that I plan on starting a 3 day a week full body workout program largely inspired by Maximum Strength. I will only have 3 formal training days listed but I will (90% of the time) be able to workout 4 times a week in which case the 4th workout will be a "messing around" workout where I will focus on some arm work, grip work, mobility work, etc etc...It all depends on my school workload for that week.

I began the workout with Speed Squats @ 55% of my max = 175 lbs. I performed several sets of 2 reps. I think speed was relatively okay and I sort of changed my form a bit on the last set.

After the Speed Squats came the Heavy Squats. I had to do 2 sets of 2 reps. Last time when I did this I had taken 305 lbs. I was very unsure of myself today because I had forgotten about this (and thus fantasized about rack deadlifting only haha) and the one guy who I trusted to spot me correctly left midway through the workout...I took this as a sign that I must try and do what I think is right. I was in two minds: should I take 305 again or should I bump it up to 310 or should I just go balls deep and take 315. I decided to take 315. I nailed 2 sets x 2 reps with 315 lbs. In the video you will hear a nasty grunt from me on the last rep of the second set. My apologies.

After Squats it came time for Rack Deadlifts. I loaded up the bar to 365 lbs. Damn the first set was hard as hell!!!! I thought about reducing the weight for the second set of 5 but I decided to stick to 365. So I ended up doing 365 lbs x 5 reps x 2 sets. Gosh my back was hurting. I kinda hitched the weight on the last rep of the second set - partly because I was trying to roll my shoulders back. Oh well....I had to reduce the weight and do 1 set of 7 reps but in my anxiety I forgot to do 7 reps and instead did only 5 with 315. No big deal though...

I concluded with some Reverse Lunges and Ab Work.

Speed Squats @ 55% = 175 lbs x2 reps:
http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...DESQ1175x2.flv
http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...DESQ2175x2.flv

Heavy Squats = 315 lbs x 2 reps x 2 sets:
http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...t=SQ1315x2.flv
http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...t=SQ2315x2.flv

Rack Deadlifts = 365 lbs x 5 reps x 2 sets, 315 lbs x 5 reps:
http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...ckDL1365x5.flv
http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...ckDL2365x5.flv
http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...ckDL3315x5.flv

My lower back is in extreme pain - but not the bad kind. It's just really tired. I've applied balm to it twice and I've just been sitting around studying....After my workout I went and had a double cheeseburger :D

I think a large part of my problem is psychological barriers. I build these unconsciously...like 365 lbs for Rack Deadlifts...I was genuinely scared to do these. I just thought 365 is so heavy and other negative things. But I'm trying to perfect the art of calming oneself so I think that will help :)

I hope everyone has a prosperous week ahead!