A Hebridean Diary
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| Martin1956 |  | ... | 20-10-2025 @ 18:33 |
 Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | b15ape1 said:Well done Fletty, keep chasing them sheep pal   | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 22-10-2025 @ 21:12 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | Haven't trained since last Thursday, for a diverse range of reasons. But we're back... Bench Bar for 10 x 3 sets Thin red band on (adds maybe 15 at lockout} Bar for 8 x 2 sets 40 for 6 50 for 4 60 for 2 70 for 1 80 for 1 90 for 1 100 for 1 90 for 1 Finish Using a band because my lockout is especially weak. I'll try a stronger band next time. Expected to max out at 90, maybe 95, today, so 100 a pleasant surprise. Sadly no energy left for down sets, but I got out and walked the dogs. | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 25-10-2025 @ 18:59 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | A day late, Friday Bench report Thick red band day, adds 25 to 30 at lockout Bar for 10 x 3 sets Band on Bar for 8 30 for 6 40 for 4 50 for 2 60 for 1 70 for 1 80 for 1 90 for 1 80 for 2 70 for 3 60 for 4 50m for 5 Finish Much better than Wednesday, felt fitter. Still a long way to go, though. On Thursday, I did a 1 to 10 to 1 pyramid with 50 on seated rows. Tried to follow with dumbell curls, but got tired and dizzy after one set so left it there, rested, and walked the dogs. | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 18-11-2025 @ 14:32 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | Not trained since 24th October. A bout of illness, issues with my balance, a trip to see family in Cheshire and a delayed return due to ferry cancellations. Feeling really weak on my feet because of the balance issues, questioning whether I can still do this. Went to the garage yesterday with the following thoughts in my head. If I can't do 80, time to call it quits. If I can't do 90, serious questions need to be asked. If I can do 95 or more, keep at it. Just a strength test rather than a proper workout. Bench Bar for 10 x 3 sets 30 for 6 40 for 5 50 for 4 60 for 3 70 for 2 80 for 1 (easy) 90 for 1 (still easy) 100 for 1 (easy off the chest, had to work to lockout) Finish Seems I'm stronger lying down than standing up. So we keep going for a while more. I won't be doing either of the British Benches in 2026. I have a cancer operation beginning of December, and I won't be recovered in time for the equipped, plus I currently can't press what I need to get a touch. My children have arranged a 70th birthday bash for the weekend of the classic in February, so that easily trumps the bench. If I can keep on training and get my numbers north of 120, I'll target the Scottish Bench - normally in June. Assuming medical issues allow. Just had eye injections this morning, so hopefully I'll be recovered enough to do a proper session tomorrow. My off the chest strength is fine, so bands for the next few sessions and I'll hopefully see 110 by Christmas. The joys of aging, but it's better than the alternative. | ||
| Billwest |  | ... | 19-11-2025 @ 15:54 |
Member 541, 5267 posts SQ 192.5, BP 120, DL 222.5535.0 kgs @ 92.8kgs UnEq | Best of luck with the op Martin, I had no idea that was the cause of what has ailed you the past year or so. You sound upbeat and sticking to the training, where possible. | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 19-11-2025 @ 17:28 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | Billwest said:Best of luck with the op Martin, I had no idea that was the cause of what has ailed you the past year or so. You sound upbeat and sticking to the training, where possible. Thanks Bill. | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 19-11-2025 @ 17:36 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | After Monday's strength test, a proper workout based on the test numbers. Thin red band bench, band adds 10 to 15 at lockout. Focus on lockout for the next few sessions. Garage like an ice box, several layers and a woolly hat. Bench Bar for 10 x 2 sets Band on Bar for 8 x 2 sets 30 for 6 40 for 5 50 for 4 60 for 3 70 for 2 80 for 1 90 for 1 - not at my limit, but that was the planned number for today 80 for 2 70 for 4 60 for 6 50 for 8 Finish Good start, no fatigue. | ||
| b15ape1 | | ... | 19-11-2025 @ 21:37 |
 British bum sex champ Member 450, 1943 posts SQ 315, BP 212.5, DL 290817.5 kgs @ 137kgs Eq | Well done Fletty, stay strong brother | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 20-11-2025 @ 12:19 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | b15ape1 said:Well done Fletty, stay strong brother Thanks Andy, I'll keep trying until I run out of try.  | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 28-11-2025 @ 16:46 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | Not trained since Wednesday 19th. Ill last weekend, recovering and taking advantage of good weather Monday and Tuesday, stuff on Wednesday and Thursday, needed to get a session in before the week ends, so quite chuffed I managed to get out today. I attempted the session I planned for last Friday, which was thick red band up to 80. Band adds 25 to 30 at lockout. Bench Bar for 10 x 3 sets Band on Bar for 6 30 for 5 40 for 4 50 for 3 60 for 2 70 for 1 80 for 1 70 for 2 60 for 4 50 for 6 40 for 8 Finish Pleased with that, all things considered. I'm hoping to train three times a week next week and the week after, to build up as much strength as possible. I have my op scheduled for Monday 15th December, so may not be able to train again this year after that. The plan for Monday is green band (adds 35 to 40) and then a strength test Wednesday, hoping for at least 105. | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 01-12-2025 @ 18:36 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | Green Band Bench Band adds 35 to 40. Target is 70 Bar for 10 x 3 sets Band on Bar for 5 30 for 4 40 for 3 50 for 2 60 for 1 70 for 1 - easier than expected, so 75 for 1 - really happy with that 60 for 3 50 for 5 40 for 8 Finish Next session, no band, see if the lockout has improved? | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 03-12-2025 @ 22:40 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | Bench Strength Test Bar for 10 x 3 sets 40 for 6 50 for 5 60 for 4 70 for 3 80 for 2 90 for 1 100 for 1 105 for 1 Finish Trained early before other appointments, body just wasn't up for it, everything felt heavy, still managed a 5 kilo improvement after the 3 band sessions, but it was tougher than it should have been. Still, an imorovement is an improvement... | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 06-12-2025 @ 15:15 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | Friday Bench - Thin Red Band (adds 10 to 15 at lockout) A day late posting. Wanted 95, got 90 last time. Bar for 10 x 3 sets Band on 35 for 6 45 for 5 55 for 4 65 for 3 75 for 2 85 for 1 95 for 1 85 for 2 75 for 4 65 for 6 55 for 8 Finish A long way to go till I hit respectability again, but without these sessions that will never happen. So we do what we do... Thick red Monday, green Wednesday, strength test Friday and that'll probably be me done for the year. Operation on Monday 15th. | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 08-12-2025 @ 18:16 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | Monday Bench, Thick Red Band, adds 25 to 30 at lockout Bar for 10 x 3 sets Band on 25 for 6 35 for 5 45 for 4 55 for 3 65 for 2 75 for 1 85 for 1 75 for 2 65 for 4 55 for 6 45 for 8 Finish. Horrible conditions, cold and damp, so very pleased I got every rep. 5kg more per set than last session with this band, had to work hard but who said it was easy? Green band next time... | ||
| Martin1956 | | ... | 10-12-2025 @ 18:39 |
Old Age Presser Member 75, 8033 posts SQ 0, BP 200, DL 200400.0 kgs @ 105kgs Eq | Wednesday Bench - Green Band (adds 35 to 40 at lockout) Dreadful weather up here today, tough to get out of the chair and go to the garage. Target was 75, maybe 80 if 70 feels good. Bar for 10 x 3 sets Band on Bar for 6 30 for 5 40 for 4 50 for 3 60 for 2 70 for 1 - easy, so 80 for 1 70 for 2 Finish Was wiped out after the 70x2, didn't eat enough before training, plus the 80 took everything I had. Happy to get 80 and to have got some work in. One more session this year - strength test on Friday, then it's operation on Monday and the next couple of weeks recovering. | ||
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