Invictus Fitness

It’s been months since I’ve last updated this blog but so much has happened that the blog had to take a hiatus. First, an update on what I’ve been up to the last few months.

Remember when I said I’d build a solid routine when my schedule at the bar was more consistent? Well, that never happened lol. Work has been getting busier and busier and it was impossible to get a set schedule (although there was a lot of effort in trying by all parties). That said, I had to make time to study for my personal training certification exam and train for Strongwoman. After six months of working long hours to wake up at the crack of dawn to study to then go to the gym and then get back to work, the hard work has paid off. I am now Liz Chong, NASM-CPT! That’s right, I am now a certified personal trainer! Immediately after taking the exam, I literally did a happy dance being a total woo girl with tears streaming down my face in the car. Needless to say, I’m pretty f*****g proud of myself.

Now I can put the books down and focus on the next goal: Strongwoman 2018. Last year I placed Third in the Lightweight Novice division. I’m in the same division this year, but this time I’m going for First. The events this year include:

• Weight for Distance Sandbag Throw 40lb in 60 seconds
• Deadlift for max reps 205lb in 60 seconds
• Press Medley with barbell 2 reps, axle bar 2 reps and log for as many reps as possible (AMRAP) 85lb in 60 seconds
• Carry Medley with 150lb duck walk, 90lb keg and 90lb sandbag for 50 feet each implement in 60 seconds
• Rolling Thunder Grip for Time at 60lb

I’m nervous about all the events, but I feel the most comfortable with the carry medley and maybe the deadlift and press medley. 205lb is LOT of weight to pull in 60 seconds, but I’ve been training for max strength for months now. I know I can pull the weight, I just need to get over my nerves before I get in position!

I’m the most nervous about the rolling thunder grip. Besides a kettle bell, I don’t have anything to replicate this implement at my home gym. The grip is very wide and if you lose tension even just a little bit, the grip itself will roll and becomes increasingly hard to keep above ground. I’m also nervous about the weight for distance since I don’t have a 40lb sandbag to casually throw around at my gym either.

My goals for this year is to get 4 deadlifts, 5 log presses after the 2 axle and 2 barbell reps, and 40 seconds for rolling thunder. The others I’ll have to throw and carry as fast and far as possible.

Here’s a video of me with my trainer Adam at Fivex3 Starting Strength Training Gym a couple of weeks ago trying out the implements! I didn’t get to throw a sandbag or deadlift, but this is a great place to be. Unfortunately I caught the cold a few days ago so I haven’t been able to train during that time, but I’m on the tail end of it so it’s time to get back into gear!! Just 12 days left!