It's the first time I've picked up a 16kg for snatches for some time, and it felt at least twice as heavy as before. (There's a lesson there, I'm sure!) Given my goal is the CMS this year, I've got to pull my finger out. For this, I wanted to try leaning back more for dropping from the top fixation, and to see how it felt. My back's notoriously inflexible but, thankfully, it didn't feel too bad; but it does impacts the rep speed, of course. Given the CMS with a 16 for my age group is 235 reps in 10 minutes, an average of 23.5 reps per minute is an impossible goal at the moment; but it's something to strive for. The first set was 20 reps each side, but I couldn't maintain that pace for the second set. I think it was 17 or 18 on each side. Onwards and upwards! https://youtu.be/0Qmu4ibj_6Y

Was trying to be a superhero and go for a full 10 minutes with a 12kg after injuring my back again last week, but my technique was shot, the squirrels reappeared*, and away went my focus and concentration! I think it was 73 reps on the left and that's when the little furry buggers started swirling in my head and I lost it. I took a minute or so to try and regain my thoughts and concentration, and then attempted more with the right. But, today's not the day so I decided to sit down and apply for a new contract. Refocused and back on it, I decided to do 50 snatches right, and then (I think) it was 50 left with a 14kg but the bell was really slippery towards the end and the squirrels put in their second appearance about 30 reps in, and this caused me to lose momentary focus again, and I either went through the remaining reps on automatic or I might've skipped 10. I know not. 😄 12kg - https://youtu.be/PTZ3jd5ngbU 14 kg - https://youtu.be/FJpN8VTCby8 - *The squirrels only ever appear when I'm counting reps, and are excellent at 1) distracting me, and 2) causing me to lose count. Of course, once the count is lost and my mind refocuses, I've no idea how many reps I've lost. Mind-games galore! 😁

After yesterday's 200(+) reps, I wasn't sure whether to take a day to rest but I didn't feel too bad. Not well enough to go for the same as yesterday, so I decided to a military snatch session instead (multiple hand switches allowed). 10 x 1 minute sets: 1 min left, then 1 minute right; no rest between sets The pace for the first 2 sets (each side) was 23 reps/minute (maybe a little lower on the initial set as I messed up the tactical snatch hand switch. Good job I didn't damage anything!) Quite happy with that. https://youtu.be/rfzNIpRc2_8

80 snatches left, then 80 right (1 hand switch). I used cast iron today, and as it's only 30 degrees ot there decided to it in the fresh air. I'm pleased to say the session didn't feel too bad. I didn't like the glove slithering about but I'd prefer that (at this stage) than not having them a s then accidentally doing some palm damage. The bloody camera shut off after 11 seconds though (and O have no idea why). https://youtu.be/r5XTH01ntcg?si=9MIHg_QTpRLrMCbR

From Arnold Schwarzenegger's newsletter: If you’ve ever watched a parent or grandparent lose strength, you know how quickly independence can slip away. The good news? Scientists have more clarity than ever about what actually works to slow — and even reverse — age-related muscle loss. The strongest results come from pairing resistance training, balance training, and higher protein intake — a combination that improves strength, function, and muscle mass far more than any single strategy alone. A new meta-analysis pulled together 96 randomized controlled trials, and the researchers compared every major training and nutrition strategy for age-related muscle loss and frailty. The combination of strength, balance, and protein produced the biggest improvements in walking speed, grip strength, lean muscle mass, overall performance, and balance. It’s worth mentioning that protein without exercise offered only small changes in muscle mass and did not meaningfully improve strength or mobility. Simulated exercise approaches (such as EMS and vibration platforms) ranked near the bottom, with little to no change. The researchers suggests that the best way to fight aging is to perform at least 3 days of resistance training (machines, dumbbells, bands, or bodyweight), 5 to 10 minutes of balance work (single-leg stands, heel-to-toe walks, step-overs), and getting enough protein per day (a minimum of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram per day, and up to 2.2 g/kg per day for those who are more active).