Images from the Loot Crate email

The first theme of the year is Origins. The franchises that Loot Crate teased in their email looks great. Last year Loot Crate said they would include a shirt in every box. I'm not sure if they will continue this but I hope they do. The monthly subscription was also increased by $2.00. Since Loot Crate raised the price, I'm going to re evaluate my Loot Crate Subscription. If the next few months are good, I'll keep it. If not, I'm going to look for other subscription services.

If you're into these franchises and want to sign up use this LINK, also use the promo code SAVE3 for $3 off any subscription. I get credit towards more Loot Crates if you use the link. If you have any questions, leave a comment at the bottom.

Lift Heavy and Level Up! 

Back Squat - 3 Rep Heavy

My goal was to at least lift 305 lb. since I was able to do it last week. I didn't feel ready in attempting something heavier or even matching my current 3RM. The workout that day also had a lot of back squats which influenced my decisions on weight. I worked up to 305 lb. which felt a bit light. I could have went up in weight to 325 lb. but time ran out. 

EMOM for 12 Minutes

6 push press (95 lb.)

6 back squats (95 lb.)

20 double unders

Initially, I thought the workout was an alternating EMOM at 115 lb. then I found out that it was actually all the movements. The weight was too much for me so I decided to scale down to 95 lb. My goal for this workout was to at least finish the double unders. 

The first two rounds were good. I was able to finish all the double unders within the minute but the next round was tough. I was only able to get five double unders and I decided to scale down to 75 lb. I was not able to finish the double unders and scaled the reps from six to four. My goal from this point on was to at least finish one double under. I should have started at 75 lb. but I wanted to see if I could hang on at 95 lb. Turns out, I should have been more conservative. Lesson learned for next time.

Lift Heavy and Level Up!

Monday - Back Squat 

4 at 60% (225 lb.)

4 at 70% (275 lb.)

4 at 80% (305 lb.)

2 at 85% (325 lb.)

4 at 80% (305 lb.)

2 at 85% (325 lb.)

4 at 80% (305 lb.)

This was one of my favorite strength workouts for the week. I didn't set any PR's but I did reach a milestone. I haven't been confident in my squat since I came back from Europe. It was kind of a bummer but I knew it was going to take a while for my body to get used to the heavy weight again. Thankfully, I can finally see some progress. A few weeks ago, I wasn't able to complete a set of squats at 80%. I needed a spot and was only able to get 2 reps and then 1 rep after a short rest. Now, I'm able to complete 4 reps without a spotter and I was able to get 2 reps at 85%. I wasn't able to complete the last set at 85% because I wasn't feeling it and it was putting a lot of strain on my knees. It's going to take time, but I will get there. 

Friday - Thruster 3 Rep Max

I set a new PR at 195 lb. My previous PR was set more than a year ago at 175 lb. My first attempt was at 185 lb. I was extremely happy and pumped up that I decided to go for 195 lb. My first rep wasn't too bad but the second and third were a challenge. The hardest part of the lifts was the breathing. I had to brace my core while trying to take in big breaths. The last rep was tough and I almost didn't make it. I got stuck for a second on the press and I barely completed the rep. Hopefully with this jump in weight, I'll be able to set a new jerk PR.

WOD

 Thursday - CrossFit Games Open 11.1/14.1 Workout

10 Minute AMRAP

30 double unders
15 power snatches (75 lb.)

This Open workout was programmed about a year ago and I was able to complete four rounds. I was hoping this time around I would be able to finish five rounds. I started the workout at a good pace. I was able to complete the first round of double unders unbroken as well as the first round of power snatches. This took about a minute to complete. I started to fatigue and I was not able to keep up that pace but I was determined to hit a PR. My double unders were not consistent. I would go for a string of 10-15 reps before breaking and in the later rounds maybe 5-10 reps. This was the hardest part of the workout, trying to string together enough double unders quickly. The power snatches were broken up into sets of seven and eight. In the later rounds it would be a fast set of five.

After ten minutes, completed four rounds, thirty double unders and two power snatches, setting a new PR! It wasn't the five rounds that I initially wanted but I'm excited, since it show improvement. With the open coming up soon, I may have to focus more on metcons so I can work on muscle endurance.

Lift Heavy and Level Up!

The Bam Box is monthly subscription box for collectors. Each month contains nerdy and geeky items as well as autographed collectibles. The Bam Box also has an auto upgrade and instant winner system. You could receive extra items or automatically receive an upgrade to an item in the box. Upgrade examples are variant pin, print and comic colors.

What's in the Box?

The first item is a metal print of Homer Simpson. It's a very interesting item and would look great on my wall. I love the Simpsons and have been a fan of it since I was younger. My grandparents didn't like me watching it which only made it cooler!


The first autographed item is from Dynamite Comics. It's signed by cover artist Ken Haesar. Not a big fan of Betty Boop and would have liked something different. The comic books in these boxes have been misses for me. I was hoping for something more mainstream like Marvel or DC.


The next autographed item is from cosplayer Kristen Lanae. While it's a sexy picture, it's not for me. I'm not a big fan of cosplay and this item is wasted on me. I will probably try and sell it on ebay.


The last autographed item is "Bevis and Butthead Attack Rick and Morty" by KC Day. This is my favorite item in this box since it's a mash up of two great shows. I will definitely be putting this up on the wall soon.

Final Thoughts

While this was a great theme the people at Bam Box missed the mark. I was hoping for more mainstream adult cartoon items and something more than just prints. This was a make or break box and I'm sad to say I will not be renewing my subscription. I had high hopes for this service after seeing past boxes but the last two months have been disappointments. I'm sure other subscribers liked all the items this month but I'm not one of them. If the quality and variety of items change in the upcoming months, I may resubscribe. 

Lift Heavy and Level Up!