Second Wave of the Cube, Thoughts and Review

Time flies, done with 2nd wave of the Cube as of today. 4 more weeks to the meet and 3 more weeks of training. Next 3 weeks' heavy days will involve 1 rep max effort for the 3 lifts. Shall stay conservative and not fail any reps.

Planned 1RMs

Squat 170kg

Bench 150kg

Deadlift 230kg

This will generate a total of 550kg which will allow me to hit my target goal of being a Class 1 powerlifter. Of course this lifts are all gym lifts but ideally I can perform the same way (or better) on the actual meet day. And now I shall discuss how I felt for the lifts on Wave 2.

Squat 

Still learning how to keep my head neutral but getting better at it. Still not as comfortable as I like to be when in the hole but getting there. Based on this week's squat (rep) day, 135 * 6 was manageable but tough and the 60kg for 65reps shows that I can achieve things once I set my mind to it.

Progress: Based on my heavy day of 155kg * 2, I think I am still progressing well and shall keep at it. Improve my form, keeping my core braced and spine neutral. 

Bench

Becoming more comfortable with my current technique and form. Been doing quite a bit of bench work on my bodybuilding days which seem to be paying off well. Using boards really help with my lock outs and correct my weak spots.  

Progress: 115kg for 12 reps. Seems like I am progressing well for my bench. If Wednesday's 150kg feel light, I have a good standing smashing the record. Speed floor press (120*2) also felt light despite the 1 sec pause as the speed I press at remained constant.  

Deadlift

Heavy single deadlift was okay but technique still need much improvement so will aim to sit back more to engage more hamstrings and hip drive. Got to learn to squeeze my glutes more to drive the bar up. 

Progress: Technical fault caused me to fail on my 230kg but managed to lock it out. Shows that with chalk available, 230kg is not hard to lock out. Shall stop shouting to keep my air in and only shout after I got my lifts. I am quite happy to see my deadlift improve by so much within a few weeks.  

Thoughts 

The Cube encompasses all aspect of training to be a complete powerlifter. From speed to heavy days, every session is hard. However, the sense of satisfaction from completing every single session is just irreplaceable. Every session I am getting stronger and better and one step closer to my goals. Current weight as of today is 89kg in the morning. Still have 4kg to gain but as long as my strength is improving, anything else is secondary for now. Shall start the final assault on my body in the following 3 weeks on Monday. 

You mirin brah?