It's been a minute since I last posted. I might return to post more beyond the occasional lurk reply. But here is 600lb deadlift using my favorite bar, the WestSide Rogue 2.0. My first time being back in 600lbs territory since starting my cut in March 2025. I'm no longer cutting, I shed 32lbs, 264lbs down to 232 lbs. I used and am still on a Powerbuilding routine. A mix of the basic barbell lifts plus fun bodybuilding style movements, curls, tricep extensions, and so on. Plus two days a week I do conditioning: sled on Monday, Assault bike on Friday. I cut slow for a number of reasons. One, I lift heavy weight, I didn't want to get injured with a drastic cut. I wanted to ease down. Two, I wanted to acclimate to the lower calories. But it was easy, I was eating 4,500 calories a day and was exhausted with it. I'm now at 3,650 calories a day (3,200 -3,000 on non workout days). Three, manage all the big changes coming up with a move and baby. A wall was hit with my strength right around when my daughter was born in December. I failed my 685lb warmup on Rack Pull, it was an ego killer for sure. But around February I felt like I was coming back to my previous strength and still am. @TestifySC does my programming and coaching. They're awesome. They took over my programming in January. Squat strength is back, and upper body strength is back. Not yet at 264lbs levels, but close and climbing.

I used to be a big time stretcher. Got injured all the time, and tons of tweaks with it. I stopped a few months into SS five years. The tweaks and injuries dramatically reduced.

I don't often pin squat in Omaha, but when I do I pin squat at @TestifySC I always research gyms when I travel. Consistency is king. I lug my gear with me, belt, shoes, and all. It's worth it. And if I can't find a great gym within an hour drive, I'll readjust the workout at the crappy place. But it's a cherry on top that my fiancée's hometown has a sweet SS affiliate gym, and one that feels like my second home gym.