Thursday, July 26, 2007

Day 260: A Shocking Loss Of Strength...Why?

G'day,

Wow, that was a weird workout!

About Lactic Acid Training

Today I did Lactic Acid (LT) Training for chest, back, biceps and calves. LT is a high volume, high intensity form of training that is designed to penetrate your deep muscle fibers and overload them with lactic acid.

I have done this kind of training about 20 times since I started this journey back on November 8, 2006. Suffice to say, I know to a "t" what gains I can expect from LT workout to the next.

As I racked up the bench press with the same weight as my previous LT chest workout my goal was to beat by 2 reps for each of the 8 sets.

To be precise, LT training dictates that you get 20+ reps on the first set, then rest 20 seconds for each additional set with the goal of getting in as many reps as possible.

Here's Where It Gets Weird

I got out my 20 reps on the first set but then averaged 2-3 reps less for each additional set (compared to my previous LT workout).

I was mortified!

This loss of strength has never happened to me before.

How could it be that I went backwards for the last 2 weeks?

The weirdest thing is that I have gained strength across the board for every other chest workout throughout these last two weeks! I am actually now lifting my bodyweight on the bench press for my "heavy sets" which is a first for me.

It Gets Even Weirder!

I originally thought I must be having "one of those days" where I am lacking energy or overstressed about getting that six-pack.

But, I then proceeded to beat my previous rep counts for my back, bicep and calf sets on LT in the very same workout!

What is going on here? I couldn't figure it out.

Then, as I was doing my HIIT cardio session after LT it hit me like a ton of bricks!

Ohh man, how could I make such an elementary error!

Can You Guess What Happened?

If you think you know the reason why I lost so much strength on my chest workout because of a simple error just post a comment to this entry. I'll discuss the answer and who got it right tomorrow.

There may even be a (small) lesson here!

Peace,
Adam Waters, NESTA-CPT

P.S. Lactic Acid Training is derived from the fat loss training system - Metabolic Surge - I have used for Mission 1 & 2 and am currently using for Mission 3 - Phase 1.

For more information on Surge and an RTP bonus offer check out my Day 75 Post: Nick Nilsson's "Power Surge"

P.S.S. Below are Day 260 pics for July 26, 2007: Mission 3 Phase 1 - Day 30 of 60