My 1RM thread

[RottenWillow]

You won't get that thick waisted look unless you're really short waisted (generally). Heather and Bonny both squat over 400 pounds for reps (not a lot of reps, but still).

That sounds similar to the genetic shape I have. Shorter torso and longer legs. In late july after 7 months of training I squatted 365 down to parallel. I kind of got into this poundage contest with my stepdad and ended up putting another inch on my ass and thighs which was the last thing I wanted. I didnt train legs again until I began my HST program recently. Thankfully both muscle groups have deflated now. There's a pic of me standing in my gallery that may give you some idea of my body shape.

 

[JJFigure]

In your journal on the other board, I noticed you're squatting 5 reps @ 265 lbs, one inch above parallel. When I started DLing, I was squatting 225 for 8 reps, just above parallel. It took awhile for me to develop the hamstring strength to bring my DL up to 225+ lbs - probably about a year.

Now that I sqat below parallel, my squat numbers dropped considerably (235x1 vs. 225x8). If you were to squat below parallel (which I understand you don't want to do - I'm just doing a hypothetical here), your squat poundage would probably be more on par with your DL poundage. Once I hit 225 on the DL, it took me another year to get to 315 lbs.

So, I think you're well on your way with your DL poundages; you just need to be patient and give it a bit more time.

As far as your grip, maybe start all your DL workouts with mixed grip and chalk, and switch to straps when your grip starts to fail.

 

[RottenWillow]

In your journal on the other board, I noticed you're squatting 5 reps @ 265 lbs, one inch above parallel. When I started DLing, I was squatting 225 for 8 reps, just above parallel. It took awhile for me to develop the hamstring strength to bring my DL up to 225+ lbs - probably about a year.

Now that I sqat below parallel, my squat numbers dropped considerably (235x1 vs. 225x8). If you were to squat below parallel (which I understand you don't want to do - I'm just doing a hypothetical here), your squat poundage would probably be more on par with your DL poundage. Once I hit 225 on the DL, it took me another year to get to 315 lbs.

So, I think you're well on your way with your DL poundages; you just need to be patient and give it a bit more time.

As far as your grip, maybe start all your DL workouts with mixed grip and chalk, and switch to straps when your grip starts to fail.

JJ you've been tremendously helpful.

Back in late july I squated 365 to parallel after pushing hard for strength gains for about 7 months. Because of the rapid inflation of my ass and thighs I layed completely off legs until the last 2 weeks. I guess I was still thinking my squat was that high and was comparing my DL to that squat poundage. I'm still a newbie so I was extremely naive about how rapidly you lose strength if you dont train a muscle.

So now that I've cleaned up my DL form I guess my poundage is on par with my current leg strength. Looks like it just matter of building more forearm strength then.

 

[Nonerz]

As for carrying stuff I was referring to the farmer's walks Nonerz mentioned. Yeah I shouldnt have mentioned that in the same sentence with PL'ers; I know that's a strongman competition thing.

Carrying stuff (i.e. farmer's walk) will strengthen your grip, which I assumed was your weak point.

Doing them doesn't mean that you are necessarily now going to turn into a stongman competitor, but it's more along the lines of what spatts often brings up, "Train for strength AND size. You will get more of both that you could ever expect."

In my example...that translates to doing FW's to improve your weak grip. I'm not sure how you're taking my advice/opinion, but for what it's worth I only speak from my personal experience. I know how much my grip was holding me back and I tend to be a little passionate about sharing what has helped me.