Brief post today, as I focused on one skill and one skill only: the overhead squat. As I wore a new pair of Lululemon shorts, I looked amazingly good doing so. I arrived at CFZ at 9:30, and Michael Kelley was kind enough to hold open the door for me. He’s been awfully nice to me lately, and I don’t understand why. Oh, wait, it’s because I’ve been nice to him. Have I mentioned how exhausting it is to be so?
My original goal was to complete 100, 65# OHS. I began by doing 2 sets of 10 reps, recording these and all remaining sets. Just before the third set, I walked into the office and said, “Are you busy, Michael Kelley? If you’re not too busy, would you mind coaching me?” He kindly did so.
I said, “You can coach me during lifts. Tell me what to do.” And he did. We watched the set together, and he pointed out errors and made suggestions. “Don’t push your ass back before you squat. Focus on pushing your knees out.” I’ll forgive him for ending a sentence with a preposition. I’m just that nice.
I increased the weight to 75# and once again asked Michael Kelley to observe. As he enjoys looking at my ass, and even more so when I’m wearing Lululemon shorts, he kindly agreed to do so. He said, “Much better.” I had, however, lost count of reps, and dropped the bar after completing just 7 reps. And that’s okay.
The squats looked and felt much, much better.
I completed 2 additional sets of 10 reps @ 75, then increased the weight to 80# and did 2 sets of 10 reps. Michael Kelley continued to provide coaching, and constantly reminded me to push my knees out push out my knees. I asked, “Should I go heavier?” He replied, “Yes, but use the rack and only do three reps.” I used the rack, and did 5 reps @ 80 and 86, and 3 reps @ 95#. While 10 reps shy of 100 OHS, I accomplished much.
I consider today a breakthrough day, for overhead squats have never felt so, dare I say, comfortable.
Thank you, Michael Kelley. I shall buy you a pair of Lululemon Champion shorts.
A small group had arrived throughout the morning, including Claire(!) and Alex(.). Claire mistakenly began to return a 33# bar to the rack the held the 45# bars, and Alex said, “Make sure you put it in the right hole.” I sighed and said, “You sound just like my mother.”
Tags: overhead squats
