I'm back, and better than ever!

Good morning to visitors both old and new.

After completing Insanity, I have managed to retain the size loss, and began looking for a new challenge.

So because I'm really normal and all that, I've started powerlifting :) Proper old-school barbell and dumbbell training. Deadlifts, squats and bench press are the focus - I'm never going to be skinny so I might as well be strong. I am following a slightly modified Paleo diet to help gain strength - no grain except an occasional small portion of brown rice.

I started this during the second week of January, and began recording what I was lifting with the three main exercises, and also with the dumbbells.

10th January's stats:

All exercises = 3 sets, 6-8 reps, when 8 reps got easy I added weight and lowered reps.

Deadlift - 30kg
Squat - 25kg
Bench - 20kg
Dumbbells - 7kg each

10th February's stats:

All exercises = 4 sets, 6-8 reps

Deadlift - 50kg
Squat - 45kg
Bench - 32.5kg
Dumbbells - 9kg each

I got talking to a couple of guys in the gym who mentioned a powerlifting club, and didn't treat me like some sort of alien for not being in the cardio area and just wanting to lift heavy things. One of the club coaches suggested upping weight and dropping reps for 3-4 workouts a week, 2 light weights or cardio 2 workouts a week, and a day resting to recover my body.

 So, I tried this, and here's a heavy-day result:

All exercises = 8 sets, 3 reps (except dumbbells, 3 sets 6 reps)

Deadlift - 60kg
Squat - 55kg
Bench - 40kg
Dumbbells - 10kg each

I feel better than I've felt in a long time. I can feel strength building and confidence growing. And I'm down from 87kg to 83kg :D Naysayers have told me I'll get bulky - NO. I am training heavy and low repped - this builds compact, dense muscle.

Wish me luck!!

Kim x