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A new challenge goal

rev8ball Posts: 3,081 Joined: 2001/12/27	2002/10/24, 12:01 PM As most of you know, I was forced to retire from powerlifting approximately six years ago due to the diagnosis of a degenerative spine and hip disease. As the bones continue to deteriorate further, disks have slipped on several occasions, causing severe and extreme pain or partial paralysis. While it may be obvious that I am no longer able to squat or deadlift as a result of this condition, bench pressing is also out of the question. Since a competitive lift requires the use of the legs and hips, if a disk slips while I am benching… well, you can figure out what would happen. So, for the last few years, I have been training for maintenance, basically so I don’t turn into a fat and lazy slob. But I am a very goal-orientated person, from my personal life to my company. Therefore, not being able to lift (verses choosing not to lift) has really drove me nuts, even though I try to deal with it every day by being involved in other aspects of the health and fitness industry, such as here with FT. But that has changed as of a few days ago. I figured that since I can no longer do the big three, why not start somewhere else? I have always strived to maintain a certain level of innovation in my life, but this challenge took a little time to find a way to master it. As my Marine friend said: “Survive; Adapt; Overcome.” There is one lift that has been used on more than one occasion to help determine someone’s strength; it is a difficult lift, and people don’t really like to do it, let alone do it heavy. It is the military press. And I am going to attempt some big numbers with it over the next several months. This is truly uncharted territory: there are no real training methods for a big press; no officially maintained records of heavy numbers for it; and no ‘special’ equipment made exclusively for it (i.e., bench shirts). Though I am incorporating lifting regimens from my bench/squat/dead days, and I have no idea what may be considered a heavy press to bodyweight ratio, I really have to start from scratch. So, starting November 4th, I will begin this trek. Figuring into the equation what my PR for a bench press was, my ultimate goal will be in 50 weeks, where, at a targeted 240 lbs body weight, I will do a 375 – 400 lbs press. And this is will be a strict press: no smith machine, etc., just as if I were doing a competition bench. Plus, I will stay completely natural, as I was when I powerlifted. My first target date will be in six months, so we’ll see how things are progressing. I will keep everyone here up to date on my accomplishments, as well as start keeping an on-line diary (thanks to Nina). I am making this announcement here at FTs because I have discovered in the past what a difference sincere outside support can make for personal goals. This is a great community filled with wonderful people, and I know I can find it here. Thanks in advance for your support, and wish me luck. ---------------------------- Michael "Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!"
jbennett Posts: 1,558 Joined: 2001/02/28	2002/10/24, 12:51 PM A press of 375-400lbs?!?! Damn, I just wish I could bench that! That's an awesome goal and one I know you WILL achieve. When you have the drive and the determination (like you do), anything is possible. Just curious Michael: What were your personal bests in bench/dead/squat? -------------- --JBennett "I've up-ed my intensity.... now up yours!" "Pain is only weakness leaving the body." "Never think of how weak you are; think of how strong you're going to be."
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2002/10/24, 01:07 PM YUP! keep us informed big guy! -------------- Those who lift understand it. Those who do not, think we are crazy!
mikencharleston Posts: 1,585 Joined: 2002/01/09	2002/10/24, 01:16 PM That's definitely a worthwhile goal and not a doubt you'll do it Michael. You need to let us know how to track your journal to see the progress on the way to the six months.
Ravenbeauty Posts: 3,755 Joined: 2002/09/24	2002/10/24, 03:53 PM good luck Revball we'll be here to help you along the way!!! -------------- Bettia.... You are nothing less than Beautiful in my eyes.
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/10/24, 04:52 PM Wow, I just got the chills reading that revball. All the power to you and keep us informed.
jplatz Posts: 196 Joined: 2002/10/08	2002/10/24, 05:18 PM Awesome goal Rev and I know, along with all of us here, that you will succeed. You are a true inspiration to all of us because of your determination and desire. I know you've helped many here, so it's our turn. We'll all be with you on every press! -------------- The meek shall inherit the Earth, but the strong and muscular will carry them through it! That which does not kill me can only make me stronger.
mandre Posts: 212 Joined: 2002/04/23	2002/10/24, 05:54 PM Desire, drive and determination, which you have, will get you there! Thank you so much for being here. Look forward to reading about your new journey. :) Melissa -------------- Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but rather we have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. - -- Aristotle
lewdog_55 Posts: 383 Joined: 2002/01/23	2002/10/24, 09:09 PM Rev you have more heart than anyone I know , and you will reach your goal I promise. And what a goal it is!!!!!!!
pambam Posts: 45 Joined: 2001/11/22	2002/10/25, 05:21 AM Good luck.... just be careful. You have experience and will succeed
chris789 Posts: 99 Joined: 2002/09/06	2002/10/25, 09:35 AM Good luck, but I know you won't really need it. If anybody can do it, you can.
rev8ball Posts: 3,081 Joined: 2001/12/27	2002/10/25, 02:06 PM thanks for all of your kind words of support, guys. you have no idea how hard it pushes me! -------------- Michael "Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!"
cpaxp Posts: 31 Joined: 2002/08/30	2002/10/25, 08:23 PM I read somewhere pressing your own body weight was a significant acheivement but doing 1 1/2 times to me sounds unreal especially regarding your health issues. Love to hear about your progress and wish you good health and speedy progress!!!!400 lbs I can't even dream myself benching that!
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/10/25, 08:32 PM Read his profile cpaxp, and some of the comments in there. :)
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/10/26, 08:39 AM I hope we can inspire you as much as you have inspired most of us! There's no doubt in my mind that you can accomplish this feat! And, your training journal could be published here at FT as an archive on how to increase one's Military Press record. We all wish you luck and are always here to support you!!! -------------- **_Robert_** Pain is temporary; glory is forever!
cpaxp Posts: 31 Joined: 2002/08/30	2002/10/26, 12:07 PM Hey I read my last comments and I do sound negative. forgive me it is likely envy on my part! But I was thinking I can military press about 2/3 of my bench weight so 400 for a guy benching 7-800 seems completely doable and please keep us posted on your progress!
rev8ball Posts: 3,081 Joined: 2001/12/27	2002/10/28, 12:05 PM LOL. that's okay, cpaxp, i didnt take your post negatively. but i WISH i could bench 700! we'll see what happens... to answer jbennet: 484, 671, and 706, all in the 220 class, and completely natural and drug free. -------------- Michael "Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!"
jbennett Posts: 1,558 Joined: 2001/02/28	2002/10/28, 07:58 PM Incredible Michael. I don't think I'll ever get to those numbers, but I'll probably die trying. -------------- --JBennett "I've up-ed my intensity.... now up yours!" "Pain is only weakness leaving the body." "Never think of how weak you are; think of how strong you're going to be."
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/10/28, 08:33 PM SHEEEEEEEEESH! Way da go! Rev8ball
cpaxp Posts: 31 Joined: 2002/08/30	2002/10/29, 08:33 PM Asyou guys have probably already guessed I do not know alot about power lifting and such. I saw with Rev8ball pbs his squat was heavier than his deadlift. i had thought generally people can deadlift more than squat What is the rule of thumb? By the weigh all 3 weights are very impressive Rev8ball!
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2002/10/30, 08:53 AM Your legs are the strongets muscle in you body. YOu can usualy deadlift less.... -------------- Those who lift understand it. Those who do not, think we are crazy!
cpaxp Posts: 31 Joined: 2002/08/30	2002/11/02, 11:15 AM mutt I guess because of my own bad knees I can deadlift way more than I can squat so I prob just thought that was how it was thanx for straightening me out!
rev8ball Posts: 3,081 Joined: 2001/12/27	2002/11/05, 12:52 PM Well, yesterday was day one.... 364 left to go! LOL! BTW, if any of you care, I started a journal on the same site that Nina uses. Since I can't find a direct link to my page, go to abcbodybuilding.com and go to training journals. Mine is called 'survive, adapt, overcome,' and my screen name is rev8ball. Thanks again........ -------------- Michael "Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!"
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2002/11/05, 01:42 PM cool thanks Mike! You go BOY!!!!! -------------- Lifting equals peace of mind!!!
workingoutgirl Posts: 289 Joined: 2001/11/15	2002/11/05, 01:55 PM I'll have to look you up guy! I hate road blocks. I some day will have to have rotator cuff surgery but that isn't going to happen for quite awhile. My dad had the same thing with his spine and my sister was diagnosed a few years ago. I don't seem to have the same genes as my father (heart problems, etc.) so I hope such doesnt happen to me. I've never inquired though, with my sister on what are the symptoms. I guess since I never have had any back problems, I can count myself free! I like your motivation!
Sempai Posts: 447 Joined: 2002/06/06	2002/11/05, 05:35 PM rev your goals sound very challanging. I wish you the best toward reaching your goal. I think if it can be done you are the one to do it. Go Michael Go -------------- Never be afraid to try something new. Remember the ark was built by amateurs, The Titanic was built by professionals.