End of the Year Wrap up

So, I'm thinking I'll start posting here again in the new year. It's been a crazy ride the past six months. I dropped weight down to around 212 in July and ended up jacking up my back something fierce. Had to take three weeks off completely from lifting and it took two months to build my lats back up and get back to serious weights.

After that though, I ran a solid program while going back to school, applying to med school, and working 20 hours a week. Ended the semester with a 3.6 GPA from all upper div science classes, while bringing my squat back up to 405x3/415x1, Deadlifting 495 again no problem, and building up my press and bench (last big PRs were 140x6 and 195x7 respectively) That gives me a solid 40 lbs on squat, 50ish on deads, and some good press and bench progress this year. Currently taking a week and a half off from lifting for the first time since august, then I'll do a mild reset and start working on next year's goals. I have high hopes for it, on both a personal and physical level.

Measurements

So, I've cleaned up my food, and while I'm only down a couple of pounds, I'm feeling better, even with the stress of an imminent move. Weight is around 224.

Bicep- 17.5"
Forearm- 12.5"
Chest-43"
Stomach- 41"
Butt- 47"
Thigh- 25"
Calf- 16.5"

All of these were taken in a classic pose standing straight up with my arms flexed.

I'll take measurements again when the current program is finished.

Acomplishments

Whelp, yesterday I concluded the final workout in my eight week stint with the Texas Method. This time around I saw a 45 improvement in my 3RM, I pulled a 25 pound PR on deadlifts, and I maintained bench and press, while adding half an inch to my traps.

Squat: 405x3. Hell. Yes.

Get Ready!

Tomorrow is the big day!

Priorities

So, I've been lifting hard and eating tons the past few weeks. I started cleaning up my food last week, making meals, and planning everything out. So far I've maintained weight, and I'm getting really close to meeting my strength goals. Just got to make it through one more week.

Let's Get Serious!

Quick Note: I finally hit my biggest longtime PR. 405x1 Squat. I don't have video, but I'll be getting some soon. Now that I've deadlifted 505 (the same day), squatted 405, and am benching close to 250, it's time for me to consolidate my gains.

Namely this means that after mostly taking this past week off, I'm dialing in my food and leaning out, while trying to hold on to or slightly improve my strength. I've gotten a lot stronger over the past three months, but I've put on a lot of weight to do so. I'm currently sitting around 225, and I have two goals to meet by the end of June.

1. Get down to 205
2. Squat 405 for a triple

I'm going to go ahead and post my current pics so I have some accountability for how I do. I have 42 days to get where I want to go. Time to go out and start working towards it!

Day 27

Whelp, it's been a long month. A good month, but a long month. After the initial weight loss I've hovered around 220, though I'm slowly looking better and better in the mirror. I haven't weighed or measured anything, and I really just eat what I want within the confines of the framework. Switched back to texas method for my programming, and despite a very hectic schedule and stress from personal stuff, I'm making solid gains in technique and putting on a little muscle.

Overall it's been a reminder that I'm eating to support my goals, and I'm ready for my single cheat meal and then back on the range for another month. Looking to ease down to 215ish by the end of may, then we'll see where I'm at strength wise.

PR's- no big ones to report, due to program switch.