EDITOR'S NOTE: Welcome to the Athlete Journal of world champion powerlifter Chris Duffin. Follow Chris as he trains and competes in various events over the coming year. Chris's journal will be posted every Tuesday. You can also read about Chris on his website Kabuki Warrior.

Athlete Journal: Chris Duffin, Entry 86 - Massive Volume

I've been coming off a cold this last week. I was feeling better, but still lacking in endurance, with fatigue setting in early in my workouts. Despite the fatigue, I hit some epic lifts on my squat and deadlift, as well as some awesome volume on benching.

MONDAY

Warm up circuit x 4 Times

Mace swings x 20 reps

Curls 30x10

Bench Press

300x2

365x2

415x2 - These were slower than I wanted so I stayed here.

415x5,5,5,5,5,4

Dips

120x12,12,12,12

Front delt kettlebell twist raise

18x20,20,20,20

I left this workout just drained.

WEDNESDAY

Glute activation warm up

Safety Squat Bar Squats w/Chain

135x5

135+300x5

225+300x5

315+300x5

405+300x5

505+300x4

605+300x1

Deadlift

405x25

Glute ham

Bodyweight x15,15,15

I was drained after this workout, so I didn’t get in the level of assistance work I wanted, but the SSB lift was huge!

THURSDAY

On lunch break:

CIRCUIT

Mace swings x 20,20,20

Bodyweight dips x50,40,40,40

Leg extension stack x20,20,20,20

Front delt kettlebell twist x20,20,20,20

This left me drained again, and it was a struggle to complete the circuit.

SATURDAY

Glute activation warm up

Sumo Pulls

405x3

505x3

605x3

705x2

805x0 – I was too drained on setup, so I bagged it and dropped down.

725x10

Bent Over Rows

405x20

That’s all I could get in. I went home, ate, rested, played with my kids, and spent some time in the hot tub that afternoon. I'm ready for the remnants of this cold in my chest to move on.