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Ben Nadel at Dan Wilson's 2011 (North Carolina) with: Nick James Wilson
Ben Nadel at Dan Wilson's 2011 (North Carolina) with: Nick James Wilson

Project HUGE: Welcome Back To .... Initiation

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For the first time in years, I have been working out with a partner and I can't tell you how much of a difference it makes. The requirement to be a the gym at a given time; the requirement of sticking to a schedule; the understanding that if you don't put in the effort, someone else is going to call you out on it. It's been pretty awesome. It took a little while to get back into the swing of things, and at first, I was pretty exhausted. But, my body has really caught up with the regular activity.

I've certainly been feeling a little beasty lately. Getting some good, tight feelings in my chest, back, and arms. But today, I hit a real milestone - I put 315 lbs on my back for the first time in a long, long time. I got to the gym a little before my workout buddy, so I thought I'd put up some nice back squat action while waiting. I started out with 225 lbs. Then, worked up to 245, 275, 295, and finally, finished off with 315. Sure, I only got one rep at 315 lbs, but it was a solid rep. I tried to get a second rep, but failed to get out of the bucket at the bottom and ended up having to unload the weight onto the racks.

It was more weight than I should have attempted, but I'll tell you, it felt really nice to have the weight of that cold, harsh iron digging into my traps and shoulders. It left a white line on my back which has since turned red. There's nothing like some sweet-ass axial loading - the blood rushing to your head, the transverse abdominus giving your internal organs a bear hug, your jugular vein threatening to burst.

It's time to get big, baby.

I'd like to leave you with a quote one of my favorite authors: "I no longer had questions, only answers, and they all point to the weight room."

Reader Comments

I believe in love. I believe in compassion. I believe in human rights. I believe that we can afford to give more of these gifts to the world around us because it costs us nothing to be decent and kind and understanding. And, I want you to know that when you land on this site, you are accepted for who you are, no matter how you identify, what truths you live, or whatever kind of goofy shit makes you feel alive! Rock on with your bad self!
Ben Nadel