My chest measurement is around 41 inches.
For a size 42, "meet fit" (middle recommended size) is 44.
My lockout is pretty good compared to my off the chest strength, so I think I can handle a meet fit size. I think as long as I can touch ~300, I'll get it up. Plus I have 8 weeks to train in it and I've been reverse band benching for a while.
I'm already weighing in at the top of my weight class so I can't expect to grow into a bigger size.
I think I'm going to go with the meet fit, size 44. Let me know if you guys think that's a bad idea.
For a guy weighing 220 I'm pretty small up top. I'm considering leaning out after provincials (October 3-4) and then making my way up to 230-240.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
For a 42" chest (rounding) size 42 is comp fit, 44 is meet fit, and 46 is regular fit.
I can always get it taken in, right.
Frank, I want your opinion on this before I order it.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
44 sounds like the right size.. but its hard to tell.
when i was 210-215lbs i wore a 46.. not sure of my chest size then but i think i was bigger then you.
when i was 242lbs i wore a 48, chest was at least 46 inches and shirt wasnt all that tight.
44 should be solid. Im sure you could fit in a 42 but then it may be to much shirt. A 44 f6 will be a good shirt. dont get any mods or anything, leave it bone stock IMO.
Cool, thanks guys.
I plan to start benching shirted in two weeks, 8 weeks out from contest.
This one crept up fast, 10 weeks out already.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
make sure you have a really good spotter + power rack unless you can find 3 good spotters.
8 weeks is pushing it a little close, but its possible.
The shirt will be super stiff the first few days and it will take some time to break it in. I would use boards for the first 2 or so weeks and try get it close to touching.
something like
w1: 3 board, 2board
w2: 2board, 1board, touch
then 3-8 I would work with doubles and triples trying to get as many reps to touch as possible if you are having troubles.
I almost assure you that you wont touch anything the first week or two while you learn it. If you find someone who knows shirts well that will help huge, its not like a squat suit where you throw it on and then in 3 weeks you got it pretty much figured out.
also - pick up a pair of wrist wraps if you dont have any(or make some out of 1/2 of a knee wrap + velcro) you will need them once you get in a shirt.
I'll be in the shirt during the week, so I should have someone from the club with me for that. Saturdays will be raw, I won't have anyone with me.
I forgot about wrist wraps. I'll see if anyone I know has some laying around.
Eight weeks is pushing it?
I'll only have four in my suit. Actually three, because the fourth week is a deload before the contest. And six in the shirt, because two are deloads.
Should be enough for my purposes. In a year or two when I'm stronger and get more out of my gear, and going for records instead of just PRs, I'll spend more time in it.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
With my first katana it took 8 weeks before I touched a weight.. and i used it 2x a week most of the time.
Have you ever worn a shirt? Until you are used to it, it is VERY uncomfortable. blood, scars etc are not uncommon. I would equate it with wearing the tightest knee wrap in history over your whole upperbody haha. Dont worry to much about deloading etc, focus on learning the shirt because 90+ strength and a learned shirt will give a better number then 100+ strength and a poorly learned shirt.
its not a huge deal though, if the training in the shirt isn't going great, just open raw then put it on.
It only really hurts when you trying to force a light weight to touch, aslong as your getting comfortable touches, theres not much pain, just red marks and shit all over the chest and arms haha. You'll look like somebody has tied you up and whipped you... or some kinky shit like that
I once had two homos at the gym saying "you look like you just came back from the bondage club" :eek!!!
Free squat: 400 - one month ago
Parallel box squat: 350x2 - today
High box squat (2inches): 400 - today
Is that normal?
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
my raw box squat was always 15-20% behind my best free squat.. but that number is different for everyone. I'm a little surprised your high box squat isn't a bit higher though, because 350 x 2 would likely be high 300s for a single.
I'm not sitting back enough (knees come forward), I still plop on the box, the bar comes infront of my feet right before I leave the box to come up which turns the squat into a goodmorning.
You guys see anything else?
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
Those are not too bad, just sit back a little more and make sure you are firing with your glutes/hips as you come off the box rather then later on during the lift.
Thanks Frank.
I saw a video on youtube by elitefts where they went over the box squat but I can't find it now. Wish I could.
Here are some videos of me benching. If I'm remembering right, this is the first time I've taken video of a bench press.
My arch is actually pretty good, much better than it used to be. I worked with a foam roller/half foam roller a few times, just practicing arching around it.
I didn't use much leg drive today, didn't need to as it's a deload week right now and I left a lot in the tank (failing that one rep was just a mis-groove/loss of concentration). Also I still can't do it very well.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
this is the last time ill say this because im sure ive said it at least 5 times to you..
you need a training group or something.
-You can't take the bar out of the rack properly without someone to give you a lift off. I don't care if its 1 plate- its not possible. Its a pullover to get the bar out and if you have to press it up first, your out of position. Check out the article barrett posted in the PL section and watch the video, i highly recomend it.
-boards can't and shouldn't be held like that. You need to match the angle of the boards with your arch. At the bare minimum strap them on you - even that sucks.
I don't want to be mean, but your set-up sucks. I can tell with the way your feet are moving when the weight gets heavy that you are not tight. You are setup on your rear delts rather then your traps and you are not holding air in your stomach. As the bar comes down to the boards, the boards should be moving up closer to the bar. With your set-up they are actually traveling away from the bar as it approaches on most reps.. You are loosing any arch you have. You also need to get your stance out wide, as wide as you physically can most likely, you will be more stable and be in a much more powerful position.
The good news is, you have a way stronger bench then you think. Once you fix your setup I bet you will get 50+ more lbs. A bench set-up sucks, it is not comfortable and it hurts like hell to get in and out of my back gets more taxed from benching then squatting, if it doesn't you arn't pushing your arch and staying tight enough.
again I don't want to be mean, its just painful to watch knowing that you have so much higher numbers just around the corner. If you find a good training group (and I know there are quite a few around you, i know some of the guys, actually one guy is one of the best bench shirt technitions in the country) your bench will go up so damn fast. No reason you can't be pressing 300+ in a month or two.
Ok. I emailed a guy from Titans of Mississauga. I can't find any results from that team though, so I'm not even sure if they're still running.
Being in classes through the summer and not having a car make it kind of hard to travel to another city to train.
I didn't think my form was that bad. I see what you're talking about though.
I'm wobbling around, my feet are moving, you're right that I'm not holding air in my stomach, I can see it rising and falling. I'll start using a mini band to hold the boards down.
I'm trying to get on my traps but can't seem to find a way. My upper back flattens to the bench.
Is the bar path at least right? haha
Be mean Frank, I don't take it personally. I knew I needed help with my set up, that's why I took the videos.
Thanks.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
chalk the crap out of your upperback, its probable that the bench you are using sucks, too. You can work around that (I have too as well) by using lots of chalk or some people like to wear sticky shirts.
I am not very flexible so in order for me to get more on my traps I need someone to physically push me into position. check out this vid at like 1:30. (the bench was very slick though so i lost it a bit)
I get my training partner to push me into the right position. I'm not 100% sure if this is legal in the IPF but its fine in the WPC/GPC.
Training with a group will do you wonders. Ill send some emails out to some friends who live near you and see where they are training these days.
The shirt came today. I was taking a shit when the door bell rang. Why is that important? It's not.
It looks small, like it came off the kids shelf from Sears.
It came fast too, I wasn't expecting it until Monday.
Good, now I can start training in it next week like I planned.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
The shirt came today. I was taking a shit when the door bell rang. Why is that important? It's not. It looks small, like it came off the kids shelf from Sears.
It came fast too, I wasn't expecting it until Monday.
Good, now I can start training in it next week like I planned.
you need to eat more fiber.
__________________ True Protein 5% off discount code: ZHS099 www.trueprotein.com
That's right.
I haven't tried putting it on yet, I had to catch a bus.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
some last minute tips
- when you get the shirt on make sure its seated all the way into your armpits, if its not its going to be far harder to touch.
- use a belt to hold the shirt down and make sure any wrinkles are out
- wet the shirt with a spray bottle if you can't get a weight to touch
- get your grip out to max legal width
- put the arms on about 90% of the way before you pull the shirt over your head
- use baby powder to get it on if you must.. but only do this the first time, you dont want the shirt to slide around at all. it will stretch some after the first use.
- if you cant get it over your forearms use safeway/grocery bags. rip a hole in the bottom, stick you hand through it and grab the 2 handles. put the shirt on over this (the material will slide on the bag far easier then your arm).
- the higher you collar rides up, the easier it is to touch. if I am trying to touch a light weight my collar is suffocating me. If weights are touching easily, start pulling down the shirt to get more support.
Thanks frank, I'll be making use of those tips.
I saw something about twisting the arms, know anything about that?
Turns out the club I emailed is primarily a special needs group.
As far as I can figure that club was my best option.
Too bad, but I should have a couple guys in the gym at the same time as me on my shirted day, so I can at least get a lift off.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
Im still waiting on a reply from some guys i know, ill keep you updated.
If you put the shirt on with your arms underhand you will jack the shirt more and it will support more at lockout. Don't worry about that until you get more familiar with the shirt. In order for this to work the arms have to be damn tight.
I know on katanas this is pretty much useless due to the twisted sleeve design, i think the f6 still has straight cut sleeves so it may work.
You're probably going to need some help getting the shirt on I'd say, you need a regular training partner for shirt work.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matthew
Thanks Frank.
The shirt came today. I was taking a shit when the door bell rang. Why is that important? It's not.
It looks small, like it came off the kids shelf from Sears.
It came fast too, I wasn't expecting it until Monday.
Good, now I can start training in it next week like I planned.
I had gotten 180x3 before that last video. I missed my groove on that last rep, sat a bit too far forward and I was watching the mirror too much.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
No, all the platforms are in front of the mirror, all I can do is put mats up.
In the shirt tomorrow. Still haven't put it on, I might try tonight.
I was planning on competing in an open contest in July and junior/senior provincials in October, but there's an intermediate provincials in November. I might do that instead of the October meet. That gives me more hope to place, and an extra month of training. I can compete against the better lifters as I get better.
Intermediate = between class 1 and class 3.
__________________
And major action will certainly make you feel a bit uncomfortable, which is absolutely fine. You've gotta get excited about feeling uncomfortable, you've gotta love feeling slightly uncomfortable, because you know that you're stepping outside the boundaries that you used to create.
Zach Even-Esh
I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.
-Dave Tate
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