Ice Packs And The 1RM

Any of you out there get muscle tightness in your neck and trap area after doing deadlifts, squats, or bench presses? 

I get it so badly that I usually can't remember my name for about 4 days afterwards.  My eyes feel like they are coming through my face.  It's been like this for about 35 years of my life.

BUT......... not anymore.

Try putting an ice pack on the trap area, right up to the ligament attachment half way up the back of your head.  Keep one on hand (another beauty about the home gym idea), and after those killer sets, apply it for 30 seconds or so.  Do it until you feel frozen, and somewhat uncomfortable. 

For me the big three are the worst, but the deadlift affects me more than the squat or bench press.

Even after you are done your heavy sets, apply it a few more times. 

Maybe it's just me, but for me, it works.  No awful feeling the next day.  Give it a whirl.

Oh yeah, today I bumped my deadlift, working weight about 8%.  My set 1 rep count decreased 25%, and after taking 30 seconds more rest between sets, my second set was down 40%.

This is what hard work does.  The closer you get to your 1RM as a working weight, you will see your rep count fall, even if you take a longer rest.  Try it out, and you will see that I'm probably right.

You hockey players out there, the next time that you brag about skating hard for 25 minutes in practice, think of me, and know that I'm laughing at you.

When you truly master the mental ability to work hard, you will understand what I am saying.

Now......do you have enough courage to work hard?