Way back in late April of 2022 I posted my last high-rep squat video, doing 45 total reps with 185 pounds. I stated then that I expected to hit 50+ reps soon, and that my goal by the end of the year was 50 reps with at least 200. In May I was feeling strong. I set a new PR in deadlift, and squats were going well also.
Then, unfortunately, the bottom fell out. First my feet began hurting badly, apparently due to the pounding they were taking from running and jumping. Then I got sick. When I recovered, side jobs ate up all my spare time and energy. I also continued to have lingering pain and other health issues at the same time. My sleep was disrupted frequently, leaving me feeling exhausted. Training became very sporadic and much lower intensity. Basically, I got fat and lazy. I didn't do ANY high-rep squats for several months. When I finally did try squatting again in September, I struggled to hit 20 reps with 135.
By October I was feeling slightly stronger and more rested. I began doing frequent kettlebell swing sessions and long, slow cardio to build my fitness back. I managed to squat 20 reps with 185, and I also started slowly working to lose the extra flab I had accumulated. As snow hit in early November and never went away, I began doing primarily snow shoveling, firewood splitting, and snowshoe rucks for my workouts, but occasionally threw in 20-rep squat sessions. Gradually my strength and conditioning has been returning.
I finally felt ready to take on the high-rep challenge again. Although my strength level is still not close to where it was last May, my stamina is improved, and I have also been building my mental strength. Since squatting with 185 is not about maximal strength, but rather conditioning and pain tolerance, I was determined to reach my goal anyway. This time I didn't bother setting a timer. I knew it would be a long slow grind. I just had to keep doing reps for as long as it took without racking the bar.
This is the result of my stubborn refusal to stop. It was painful and it was ugly. But, I finally got it done. The next step will be to do 50+ reps with more than my bodyweight on the bar. I've currently plateaued at about 188 pounds, while targeting an eventual bodyweight of roughly 180. For my next high-rep squat sessions I will go slightly heavier (probably 195) and begin building up reps again. Hopefully I can stay healthy this time and continue to improve both my strength and my overall fitness level. I really want to hit 50+ reps with over 200, especially if I can complete it in a shorter time.
For now I will enjoy my success in overcoming the previous goal, and try to ignore the exquisite pain that such a taxing squat session provides.
This is part one of two videos showing some of my inexpensive improvised, repurposed, modified, and/or DIY gym equipment. Note that I have actually purchased several items, but may be using them in unusual ways or as part of some other system. Most things that I build or cobble together from assorted components make use of items I already have laying around from other projects or used/damaged items given to me by friends, family, or customers.
Pardon the mess in my barn. Rest assured the section I don't show looks much worse. Also, note that I need to "install new flooring" (break open a new straw bale) in my gym.
If you or anyone you know is looking for a project Grand Wagoneer, feel free to leave a comment. I have to admit I'm never going to get around to it, and I could sure use more gym space. I'm open to offers.
Stay tuned for part two, outdoors with smaller, portable items.
A quick video of the heaviest Zercher squats I have done so far. My previous best pulled from the floor was 225. In this series I started with 220. I had planned to next jump to 230, but since 220 was relatively easy I decided to go straight to 240. Then I finished up with 250.That was a bit of a grind, but I'm sure my true maximum right now would be at least 10-20 pounds more. Hopefully this will be the year I hit a 300 pound full Zercher squat. I'm sure it's not impressive to serious lifters, but this 54 year old, 180 pound recreational lifter is pleased with my progress.
Also, it was 34 degrees in my "gym".
What did the old-timers do to get strong and fit, since they didn't have commercial gyms and modern workout equipment? Share my random thoughts on the topic during my frosty morning commute. There is certainly a time and place for making things easier in order to increase production, but in much of our modern lives "easier" does not automatically mean "better". Get strong, fit, AND more prepared by doing more physical tasks the old-fashioned ways.
As always, sorry about the poor audio and wind noise.
This is a quick overview of how most search and rescue (SAR) missions are caused - or made worse - by a lack of preparedness. It is by no means an exhaustive analysis, but basic generalizations based on my nine years as a SAR member. Just the simple act of realistically checking oneself for preparedness in these areas before venturing out into the wild would greatly decrease the odds of needing rescue, or make any unexpected overnight events much more pleasant.
This was the outdoor part of my Sunday afternoon workout. I also did Zercher squats and natural stone carries inside the barn, though I did not film those.
It was 29 degrees in the barn, and probably slightly warmer outside. The untouched areas of the snow were roughly a foot deep, with an icy crust on top and loose powder underneath. Footing was treacherous everywhere, but it was great to get outdoors and "play" in the snow anyway.
Just in case anyone didn't notice, I have no clue what I'm doing when it comes to throwing a hammer. I just wanted to have some fun and work a little on some explosive movement (or what passes for explosive with my slow-twitch dominant muscles).
My workout did not take very long, and the weights I used were not very heavy. However, it was still quite intense due to other obvious factors. This was a good workout for a little conditioning as well as physical and mental toughness.
Let's revisit a video I posted last October. What did I get right, what did I get wrong, and is it even relevant today? The video in question: https://youtu.be/uDtv0xThhRs (also available on Rumble and Odysee)
If the current state of the nation doesn't convince you that prepping is a good idea, nothing will. Make good use of this lull while food, fuel, and other goods are still available and at least somewhat affordable. Things will probably get worse soon.
This just in! A couple of articles i saw today after completing the video:
https://www.foxnews.com/world/saudi-prince-sends-threat-west-after-biden-warns-consequences-kingdom
https://www.foxbusiness.com/energy/new-england-risks-winter-blackouts-gas-supplies-tighten
Things are really looking up now!
Four minutes of pure misery! This time I used the same weight (185 pounds) that I did eight weeks ago, but managed an additional eight reps. Hopefully within another couple of months I'll be able to hit 50 reps with it. Then I'll increase the weight a bit and start building up reps again. My goal for this year is to get 50 reps with at least 200.
After that squat set I didn't have much left in me, but I did manage a couple of sets of Z presses and close-grip sternum chins (only one set on camera). I decided to experiment with cleaning the bar from the floor for the presses, which was awkward but at least workable with low weight.
I'm already quite sore, and I know it will be worse in a day. If you have not tried high-rep squats, I have no way to describe the impact it has on my entire body, both in pain and fatigue. Nevertheless, I find them to be beneficial for strength, muscle endurance, and mental toughness. As long as I can stay healthy and injury-free, I expect I will do this semi-regularly for a long time to come.
Some quick "footage" from a relaxing Sunday evening stroll on our road. I have talked in previous videos about the benefits of both rucks/loaded carries and barefooting. In this instance, I combined the two. This video features my typical poor audio in the introduction, and a complete absence of sound from the walking segment.
This is just a short clip I filmed during my campout way back on Memorial Day weekend, but didn't use in the video I posted then. It was a beautiful 42-degree morning and I was fairly comfortable in my shorts and T-shirt. I felt just a little chill but never shivered at all or even had goosebumps. Even well past the last extreme cold of the winter I maintain enough cold hardiness that I could go about my business in temperatures in the 30s or 40s without any type of coat or other warm clothing and have no concern of suffering from exposure. This really does give me an extra level of safety and confidence when venturing into the woods at any time of year.