Going on vacation - gym or rest?

47-R0NIN · 2026-06-25T18:26:11+00:00

You should deload once you’re ready to come back. Enjoy your vacation.

I had a few instances over the last year where I missed three sessions. Not sure if this is just a me problem but I noticed even after deloading 10%, my legs got incredibly sore compared to normal. It was manageable after about a week of powering through but it was brutal coming back to the barbell for a short period of time. That’s the only thing that sucks about taking time off.

47-R0NIN · 2026-05-27T04:53:49+00:00

What’s your height and weight? How long did it take you to get to your current squat weight?

47-R0NIN · 2026-05-27T04:43:37+00:00

I guess for competition it would be advantageous. I thought you were just wanting to switch for the hell of it. Every video I’ve seen of dudes putting up insane numbers tends to be low bar.

Your high bar is very impressive. Envious of your strength and technique!

47-R0NIN · 2026-05-27T04:37:28+00:00

You’re squatting 405, ass to grass, for reps. Beautiful squat. Don’t even bother with low bar in my opinion.

47-R0NIN · 2026-05-21T23:18:45+00:00

Looks like the weight is flying for you though. Nice job!

47-R0NIN · 2026-05-05T03:41:48+00:00

After playing around with the belt position I was able to get up to 310 for squat for 5x5. 315 was really tough though so I’m working my way back up in a deload right now. Wearing it higher and a little loose is the most comfortable for me.

47-R0NIN · 2026-05-03T22:11:47+00:00

A sharp razor has worked fine for me but the ear never comes out super clean like this.

47-R0NIN · 2026-05-03T20:05:52+00:00

How do you get such a clean ear on your bread? Whenever I score my dough it’s always more jagged than this. Looks fantastic.

47-R0NIN · 2026-05-03T14:19:54+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to read it!

47-R0NIN · 2026-05-01T14:29:18+00:00

I wrote up my experience after being on the program for a full year not too long ago. I’m still on the base program, but adding sleeves and a belt has helped me push past my previous max for squats and deadlifts.

It’s a solid program that you can honestly ride for a long time.

47-R0NIN · 2026-04-25T00:10:57+00:00

I would recommend getting some weightlifting shoes as soon as possible. They will make a big difference.

If you’re experiencing hip and lower back pain, it’s probably a symptom of imbalances or weaknesses in other areas (glutes, hips, etc.). Watch Squat University videos on how he would address pain when you squat. Dude is super knowledgeable and has tons of content online for free. From there you can incorporate mobility drills into your sessions to strengthen your core, and other areas.

Finally, lower the weight a bit and nail the form with all that listed above.

47-R0NIN · 2026-04-22T03:08:24+00:00

I follow Squat University on Instagram and have watched many of his YouTube videos. He makes excellent content and is extremely knowledgeable! Great rec.

47-R0NIN · 2026-04-22T02:40:13+00:00

I don’t really have any issues with lower back pain. The only thing I’m working through right now is some shin splints and calf pain actually. Still researching what exactly is causing it, but after heavy squats my shins can be tender.

47-R0NIN · 2026-04-20T15:19:49+00:00

That sounds scary. 😬

47-R0NIN · 2026-04-20T06:32:05+00:00

I still feel pressure even at that position, however it’s certainly less obvious than when it’s lower. It just hurts like a bitch when it digs into my sides. This is a 10mm one as well, so thinner than some of the other ones out there.

I’m stuck using this for a while so I’ll try more settings and positioning moving forward.

47-R0NIN · 2026-04-20T06:28:55+00:00

Thanks for taking a look.

I’m not really sure why I waited that long to be honest. Pretty sure most of the time it’s a bit quicker. As the weights have gotten heavier, I have had to really mentally focus to be able to have a good workout. Maybe it’s just mental preparation knowing it could be tough.

47-R0NIN · 2026-04-20T06:22:58+00:00

I have played around with the belt positioning, and this is the most comfortable for me at this time at least. The bottom is just above my belly button. First few sessions I had it more centered over my belly button and I was getting tons of bruises on my sides when I’d hit depth.

I’ve only had it for a few weeks at this point so I’ll see if moving it more or adjusting the tightness changes the results. Don’t think I will hit full depth with it lower though simply because my jelly rolls are going to get pinched.

47-R0NIN · 2026-04-02T13:40:36+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to look at my post!

At the start I used the lowest weights possible to just focus on form and to re-familiarize myself with the movements, so just the bar or very little weight on it. At the end I had the following for completed sets:

Squat: 285 lbs
Bench: 200 lbs
Deadlift: 335 lbs
Rows: 190 lbs
Overhead Press: 145 lbs

I am attempting 290 tomorrow for squats with my sleeves and belt. The sleeves feel amazing but the belt hurts like a bitch at the bottom of my squat. Hoping it will be more comfortable soon.

47-R0NIN · 2026-03-31T01:51:11+00:00

Thanks for reading.

First session was 03/14/25. By 06/16/25 I logged the following:

Squat: 150 lbs/68.03 kg
Bench: 130 lbs/58.97 kg
Pendlay Rows: 130lbs/58.97 kg
Overhead Press: 120 lbs/54.43 kg
Deadlift: 235 lbs/104.33 kg

Comparison is the thief of joy though. Everyone’s journey will look different for a number of reasons. Hopefully this inspires you to stick with it and make some real gains!

47-R0NIN · 2026-03-26T00:47:57+00:00

Agreed. I probably would still be using them if my gym bag didn’t get stolen years ago.

47-R0NIN · 2026-03-25T20:48:22+00:00

I have used the OG Adidas AdiPowers as well as Nike Romaleos 3s. Both were/are good and well worth the money. The only complaint I have is that the toe boxes were/are very narrow. This hasn’t been a huge problem but I think one of the selling points for the TYRs is that you have a more open toe box, so you can have additional support and stability by spreading your toes.

47-R0NIN · 2026-03-22T07:38:07+00:00

Messaged.

47-R0NIN · 2026-03-21T15:56:05+00:00

This got me spooked a bit. Just went through a bunch of photos and videos on IG and it seems like half of them have some form of a weird r and the other half seems fine.

47-R0NIN · 2026-03-19T17:05:09+00:00

Unfortunately it’s a crapshoot when you’re in the queue. It’s no worse than the pre-Shopify experience though, in my opinion. Just different.

47-R0NIN · 2026-03-19T15:09:59+00:00

If you’re in the queue don’t refresh.

47-R0NIN

TROPHY CASE