Bench Presses Under 200 - June 2008-February 2009

I didn't think I'd ever see the day. Because of the President's Day holiday, my workout week didn't start until Tuesday night. Tuesday night was par for the course - Arms. Did the usual routine when it comes to arms with the exception of a small twist - rather than do hammer curls for my biceps, I have decided to do close-grip pull-ups with palms facing inward. 3 sets of 10 does the trick. With everything else to do with arms, I haven't made any real significant progress in some time. I'm pleased because with every arm workout, the weight I do gets a little easier and my biceps are getting vascular. I'm not pleased because everything else but my arms is making progress. I suppose I should be satisfied with the overall progress I have made in these past months. I think the staple of my dissatisfaction comes mainly from knowing that in a couple of months, I will be at my 1 year marker. This quite honestly is the longest I have been at any sort of self-initiated workout routine. Had a few stumbles here and there, some bigger than others, but overall, I'm proud that I have stuck to it and not run out of steam.



The thing I wanted to get to is one of my few accomplishments that I just had last night. Last night was chest night and I managed to keep my bench press above 200 pounds for all three sets. It was difficult, especially towards the end, but I did it. I see the increase in ability to lift the weight, but I'm, not seeing any real change in size. Then of course, I'd be the last person to notice it as someone else would be more readily able to notice a difference. I can sense when I'm lifting that I probably won't look to add weight to my highest number on bench press for at least another month, when my highest number becomes the same number for all three sets. I'm also sensing the need to mix up some of the exercises, if not replace them altogether. Keeping in mind that my working out is being done at the VA gym, resources are kind of limited such as dumbbells only going up to 50 pounds. I guess we'll see what I can come up with...