Maybe a 5am Wake Up Ain't So Bad After All

Ever since I started my How to Build a Classic Physique program a few months ago I have primarily done my workouts early in the morning. Once in a while I would go later in the morning or afternoon if circumstances (like lack of sleep) dictated.

The main reason for getting up by 5am to work out was the gym was not so crowded that I could readily and reliably start my planned workout without delay. Each workout consists of 3 main movements and the back front or front squat always is the first one. Going in the morning early guarantees that a squat rack is available.

However, I have been thinking of trying to go late in the evening instead just to see for comparison. So, last evening I went at 830pm and guess what? Every flipping squat rack (4!) was occupied. I stayed for maybe 10 minutes then just left without doing anything.

So, I arose early and what did I find upon arriving at the gym? Open squat racks...as usual.

Anyway, the numbers...

back squat - 10x45 5x95 5x115 3x125 3x135 2x145 5x150 5x155 5x165 5x145

There's no new marks, but my right hip felt pretty good. My form was also solid. The next time I plan to do 3x5x170 with good form and no pain. It's the early morning tightness in my right hip that has dogged me for months and negatively affected my squats. I sure hope to have broken through that.

bench press - 10x45 5x95 5x115 3x135 2x145 5x165 5x170 5x171.25

My high mark for the bench press is 3x5x170, so I didn't match or exceed that. However, that last set at 171.25 was the most I've benched in a set of 5. Maybe I'll try that next time in a 3x5.

dead lift - 5x135 5x185 5x215 3x185

Nothing new here either but it felt good in my right hip. It was that right hip that was aggravated a couple of times before from the dead lift such that I stopped doing the dead lift for a few sessions. If I'm smart maybe I can avoid that from happening again.

Tricep dips - 3x5x52.5

Yay! This is a new mark.

Outward curl - 12x30 12x30 10x30

This is maybe a new mark. With my biceps I tend to change it up in terms of movement, weight and reps so that I don't have a consistent bar to shoot for and exceed. Still, I know this movement is getting stronger.

The workout was a good one in terms of form and comfort, i.e. my right hip. And I did achieve one new mark in at least one movement so that's nice too.

I just have to keep in mind that gains and improvements are not always linear. Dips and flatlines will happen as will some aches and tightness. I'm 49 ya know!

Until next time and thanks for reading!