[LOG] Kevin Levrone 500 lbs squat challenge

[chief108]

The Next Levrone Transformation (http://levronereport.com/?p=1635)
November 12th, 2009

Okay guys, take a look at the video and see what’s up. We’re going to train hardcore over the next six weeks. Say hello to pain. This might just be the best transformation yet, we’ll see. It kind of depends on you. I know I’ll do my part. Get psyched up and let’s do this together.
Get ready to learn a ton during this transformation. We’re going to inspire each other to get through it. Get fired up, and fire up your cameras, too, so you can step up and share your progress this time around.
There will be more transformations after this, but right now I gotta to do this one – it’s calling me and I can’t refuse. I need the help of the best online community in bodybuilding today and I know you guys won’t let me down. Out
YouTube - LevroneReport.com ? 500 lbs Squat Challenge (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82T4SzgYeCo)

500 lbs Squat Challenge • Day One (http://levronereport.com/?p=1647)
November 16th, 2009

Today was a test of strength to get used to the squatting motion and see where I’m at.It felt pretty good, but I know I’m going to be sore tomorrow. My lower back is a little stiff while I’m writing this.
Sometimes at the beginning of these transformations, part of me wonders what I got myself into.
But I’ve been here before. All I need to do is stay focused and positive, because soon my legs will get used to the weight. It will come more naturally and I’ll be on my way to achieving the goal.
Next workout is Wednesday. I’ll be focusing strictly on quad strength, 4 sets, 4 reps, just like I did for 405 bench. Except it’s going to take a lot more out me. It’s going to require more visualization, and a whole lot more inspiration.
That’s where you come in. I really need you in my corner, psyching me up, inspiring me with comments and videos. Work your own squat challenge but listen carefully to the advice below. Hopefully we can push through this and achieve our goal together.
YouTube - LevroneReport.com ? 500 lb Squat Challenge, Starting point (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcfcgTZfnzA)

[chief108]

500 lbs Squat Challenge, Workout #1, 315 lbs (http://levronereport.com/?p=1671)

November 19th, 2009

Thanks for your comments on the visualization exercise video. For those of you giving visualization a shot, don’t just do it once, be resolute about making it a lifestyle going forward.
Workout number one is complete. I banged out 4 sets of 315 x 4. It felt good but it wasn’t easy. Making heavy weights look light is my signature – it’s my form and the way I internalize the effort.
But make no mistake, this took plenty of focus, intensity and visualization. Next workout will require even more.
You can see the bar bending a little. Get used to it, it’s only going to bend more going forward. Hardcore squats, hood up, no looking back.
I explain as much as I can in the video. But remember, The Levrone Report is a two-way conversation. Let me know your questions on squats. More info will come during the workouts ahead.
Out.

YouTube - LevroneReport.com ? 500 lb Squat Challenge, Work Out # 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa3xNoIfFOY)

[thefxr]

Het lukte mij alleen met leg press!

[chief108]

500 lbs Squat Challenge, Workout #2, 350 lbs (http://levronereport.com/?p=1681)

November 23rd, 2009

After workout #1 my legs were locking up, I could barely sleep. Took three days off – my body needed rest. I had to up my nutrition, took in more carbs. Tip: You want to make sure your body’s fully loaded, like a full tank of gas, before you get under that massive weight.
Today, 350 was more challenging physically, but mentally it was easier. The breathing came into play more on this workout. I went into deeper visualization. Mentally it’s all coming back to me.
Squats are very draining, they employ every muscle. But they drain the mind, too. You have to think of everything: positioning, stance, the response of your knee joints every second. You have to suck in the oxygen as you go down – if you don’t it can throw you off.
This is an art form. Precision, focus, vision, balance. It could all go wrong in a split second, so you need to be fully present and inspired.
My lower lumbar is compressed, hurts on the left side. My overall legs hurt. Leg wraps would make it easier, but I’m doing without them cause the goal is building and strengthening the ligaments and tissues needed to support the squat.
No cardio either. This is about strength in legs. A poorly-timed cardio workout can weaken your legs, but it’s not just about legs. Squats drain your whole body. I’ve been staying away from cardio. You can do light cardio on off days, but take it easy. No cardio 24 hours prior to your squat workout.
I’ve NEVER squatted 500 lbs clean – this is an adventure and I’m strategizing the course so I don’t get hurt. One wrong move, not enough rest or nutrition, and it’s all over. I’m at war and I refuse to lose.
You asked about Smith machine for squats. Smith machine for shoulders, yes, but not squats. I would never bench on a Smith machine, and I would never squat on one. Free weights for big muscle groups builds overall size and a balanced feeling.
You asked about shoes. Mine are Prada. Old school Converse Chuck Taylors work fine, too, and are a lot more affordable. The key is, closer to the ground the better. My Pradas give no support, so they work great. I used to rock it out barefoot. Most gyms don’t want you doing that these days.
The plan is about three workouts a week going forward. Stay with me and keep the questions and comments flowing. There’s power in doing this as a group, and I know I always do better with that camera on me, knowing you’re watching. Go make your video, too, nothing would fire me up more.

YouTube - LevroneReport.com ? 500 lb Squat Challenge, Work Out # 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84aHSzoFiz8)

[Might Is Right]

Super!! Kevin Levrone is een van mijn all time favorite bodybuilders! Deze gast trainde in zijn hoogdagen maar 6 maand/jaar, niet te geloven.

[chief108]

500 lbs Squat Challenge, Workout #2, 350 lbs (http://levronereport.com/?p=1681)

November 23rd, 2009

After workout #1 my legs were locking up, I could barely sleep. Took three days off – my body needed rest. I had to up my nutrition, took in more carbs. Tip: You want to make sure your body’s fully loaded, like a full tank of gas, before you get under that massive weight.
Today, 350 was more challenging physically, but mentally it was easier. The breathing came into play more on this workout. I went into deeper visualization. Mentally it’s all coming back to me.
Squats are very draining, they employ every muscle. But they drain the mind, too. You have to think of everything: positioning, stance, the response of your knee joints every second. You have to suck in the oxygen as you go down – if you don’t it can throw you off.
This is an art form. Precision, focus, vision, balance. It could all go wrong in a split second, so you need to be fully present and inspired.
My lower lumbar is compressed, hurts on the left side. My overall legs hurt. Leg wraps would make it easier, but I’m doing without them cause the goal is building and strengthening the ligaments and tissues needed to support the squat.
No cardio either. This is about strength in legs. A poorly-timed cardio workout can weaken your legs, but it’s not just about legs. Squats drain your whole body. I’ve been staying away from cardio. You can do light cardio on off days, but take it easy. No cardio 24 hours prior to your squat workout.
I’ve NEVER squatted 500 lbs clean – this is an adventure and I’m strategizing the course so I don’t get hurt. One wrong move, not enough rest or nutrition, and it’s all over. I’m at war and I refuse to lose.
You asked about Smith machine for squats. Smith machine for shoulders, yes, but not squats. I would never bench on a Smith machine, and I would never squat on one. Free weights for big muscle groups builds overall size and a balanced feeling.
You asked about shoes. Mine are Prada. Old school Converse Chuck Taylors work fine, too, and are a lot more affordable. The key is, closer to the ground the better. My Pradas give no support, so they work great. I used to rock it out barefoot. Most gyms don’t want you doing that these days.
The plan is about three workouts a week going forward. Stay with me and keep the questions and comments flowing. There’s power in doing this as a group, and I know I always do better with that camera on me, knowing you’re watching. Go make your video, too, nothing would fire me up more.

YouTube - LevroneReport.com ? 500 lb Squat Challenge, Work Out # 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84aHSzoFiz8)

[chief108]

LevroneReport.com • 500 lb Squat Challenge, Workout # 3, 365 lbs (http://levronereport.com/?p=1692)

November 27th, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0Wi7M2IRy0&feature=player_embedded

[chief108]

LevroneReport.com • 500 lb Squat Challenge, Workout # 4, 385 lbs (http://levronereport.com/?p=1718)

December 1st, 2009

No injuries, no setbacks, feeling stronger every day. Everything’s going according to plan on the way to 500 lbs, thanks to constant visualization, focus, and your support on the blog.
In this video I’m stretching and warming up in real time. I’m giving you a sense of being right there in the gym, stretching with me, and I’m letting you know what goes through my mind before lifting.
Just like you, sometimes I have that tired feeling before a workout. It’s normal, especially if you’ve been killing yourself for a few weeks on squats.
Learn to see moments of tiredness as precious opportunities. These are moments that define your CHARACTER. If you can zone in and visualize and conquer the forces that try to hold you back – that’s the strength of champions. I know you have that strength within you .
By the end of this workout I felt awesome. It’s good to be banging out heavy squats after 4 1/2 years. It feels even better knowing you’re doing it with me.
Get some squat videos on the Fire That Inspires youtube page (http://www.youtube.com/group/thefirethatinspires). I don’t care if it’s 45 pounds or 450 pounds – I need to see YOUR fire to get me fired up. Step up and do your part to help make sure we DEMOLISH that 500 pounds as a team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UOkUoLoG64&feature=player_embedded

[chief108]

LevroneReport.com • 500 lb Squat Challenge, Workout #5, 405 lbs (http://levronereport.com/?p=1738)

December 2nd, 2009

405 lbs – that’s what’s up. Eight plates up on the bar, tells me we’re making real progress.
It’s not the weight, but the journey that unites us. Pick a personal goal and smash through it, use the spirit of this quest to fuel your fire.
Michael R is going for 400 lbs. Rich Aponte is going for 315 lbs. Andrew has a 250 lb squat challenge going on. That’s what this is about. I read everyone’s comments and I’m right there with you.
The solidarity follows me wherever I go – that little voice in my head that says I’m part of something. Whether you’re at Gold’s Gym Venice Beach or some basement in Australia, I know you feel it, too. As a result, we’re focusing and training on a higher level.
Today was new territory. I didn’t know what would happen under eight plates. I forced myself to believe, visualize and focus, and I made it happen. WE made it happen.
No turning back now, let’s keep it going. Full blown, hardcore, freaky VISUALIZATION and focus. Let’s end ‘09 with tremendous gains so we can EXPLODE into the next journey, wherever it takes us.
– Kevin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbMSsRjrt3o&feature=player_embedded

[chief108]

LevroneReport.com • 500 lbs Squat Challenge, Workout # 6. 425 lbs (http://levronereport.com/?p=1756)

December 9th, 2009

Adapt and overcome. That’s what the life of a champion is about. For example: I had to put up 425 lbs in Los Angeles INSTEAD of the Maryland gym I’m used to. Different squat rack. Different spotter. I didn’t even have my own weight belt, I had to use the gym’s belt.
These details matter when you’re staring down massive weights and going for long-time personal bests. Part of you wants that home field advantage.
But home is not about any particular gym. Home is a mindset a champion takes with him. Home is this blog, this community.
Home is the vision of the future you’ve been carrying in your mind. When you step inside that vision and make it real, you are truly home.
I’d been imagining squatting 425 lbs for days. We killed it, bro. 425 lbs, 4×4, no problem. It was great to finally step into that vision, to arrive home. But the journey never ends…
Home now awaits at my next workout. And as the weights get more serious, so will we…all the way to 500 lbs, baby. NOBODY can touch us.
Levrone, out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysSMhz2Wf7U&feature=player_embedded

[chief108]

500 lbs Squat Challenge • Training with 440lbs (http://levronereport.com/?p=1771)

December 16th, 2009

“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.” – General George Patton
The challenge is on.
– Kevin
YouTube - Levrone Report ? 500lb Squat Challenge ? Training with 440 lbs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJJynJYpEyM)

Coach Explains His Squat Spotting Techniques (http://levronereport.com/?p=1778)

December 18th, 2009

When I was squatting in LA last week I had the honor of being spotted by the The Coach. In this video, he explains the science and background of his spotting technique, which many of you had questions about.
Being open to new techniques, new people, new ideas – that’s all part of being a champion. What meets the eye isn’t always the full story. Sometimes the explanations are more rational and valuable than you could have predicted.
I’m back in the gym today for the 440 lb showdown. Longer warm-up and some other tricks up my sleeve. Will post tomorrow night, please be there. This should be interesting.
YouTube - LevroneReport.com ? Coach Explains His Squat Spotting Technique (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmQi5LbnvAs)

[chief108]

500 lbs Squat Challenge (http://levronereport.com/?p=1799)

December 28th, 2009

I’m back in the gym after a long holiday weekend. More importantly, I’m back in charge of 440 lbs.
I banged out 440 x 4 for one set and my knee felt fine. No leg wraps involved, which is a great sign. The warmup and the one set were a sufficient workout this time around so I stopped there.
Remember, it was just one workout ago that I felt the twinge in my knee – so it made sense this time to ease off after one strong set, even if it felt great.
The champion’s journey is not just about what you lift. Sometimes it’s about what you don’t lift.
Sometimes, like a racecar driver, you pull over and let the pit crew swap out the tire. You pace yourself. You strategize and navigate around potential injuries so you don’t crash and burn.
The 500 lb Squat Challenge is living up to its name – it’s definitely an incredible challenge. But we’ve got this, guys. I’m giving myself four more days to bang out 500 lbs. TSSSSH-BAM! Let’s do this.
Peace

YouTube - LevroneReport.com ?*500 Lb Squat Challenge, Training With 440lbs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCQpt-1WIAc)

[chief108]

500 Lb Squat Challenge FINALE (http://levronereport.com/?p=1809)

January 3rd, 2010

With the posting of this video, the exhilaration of victory is ours! 500 lb squat for the first time in 4 1/2 years – all natural. I’m honored to share this victory with you.
I’m also honored that you’ve shared your victories with me, through thousands of comments, pictures and videos since we launched the 500 lb Squat Challenge in early November.
The inspiration and support coming from you played a huge part in the completion of this goal. Your high expectations, your belief in me – that’s the fuel that gets me over the top.
This was the toughest transformation yet, and the most gratifying. It’s with perfect timing that this chapter of the endless transformation is complete.
Tomorrow is Monday around the world. For many, it’s the first workday of 2010. We have new goals, new standards, new obstacles.
Visualize tonight. Wake early, start strong, fight hard. If we’ve learned anything from these transformations, it’s that we’re in this together, and we can exceed the requirements of obstacles that lay ahead, no matter how tough they seem.
The endless transformation continues. The blog continues. The community continues. Once again, it’s time to up the ante.
Peace, Kevin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggXjsTMuy4I&feature=player_embedded