NerdFit

My Week As Rx (Probably Scaled): May 23 – May 29

Nick PalomoLeave a comment

 

Monday

Strict Press – 6×6 at 70% (115 lb.)My strict press feels stronger. All the reps are starting to add up

Power Snatch
 
EMOM for 9 minutes
1 power snatch at 80% (125 lb.)I mainly focused on foot movement and a good first and second pull. I didn’t feel great during a few reps but I corrected it.

Clean Complex – 5×1 at 80% (185 lb.)
 
3 power cleans + 2 front squats
The power cleans felt great, better than the snatches. Was able to get through these without any issues.

Wednesday

Pause Front Squat – 5×3 at 70% (220 lb.) 

3 second decent, 10 second pause at bottom

I really hate pause front squats after this session. The 10 second hold was hard to handle. I couldn’t do the reps in quick succession. I would do one rep and then rest a minute or so. I had a hard time keeping my elbows up after five seconds. I was also trying to control my breathing. It was a lot harder than I thought.

Split Jerk (Behind the Neck) – 5×3 at 75% (175 lb.)

We did this workout last week but this time we had to add 5-10 pounds. Even with the heavier weight, the jerks were not too bad and I felt my form was good.

Thursday

Strict Press – 7×5 at 75% (125 lb.)Heavier than Monday’s session. It took a bit longer to complete but I got through it.

Snatch Complex  – 5×2 at 80% (125 lb.)
Halting snatch deadlift + snatch high pull + snatch
This was a great complex but I need to work on my snatches. It would have been easier if it was power snatches but it did point out my weakness. I need to practice more squat snatches.
Yolk Carry 

AMReps in 5 Minutes at (375 lb.) 

This was the first time I used a yolk in a workout. I’ve done short yolk carries but they were done at a lighter weight. I was excited to see how far I could get in five minutes. We have a 50 m course set up in the gym but I decided to do intervals of 25 m. The first minute and a half, I was able to complete 50 m. The yolk might have been a bit tall and I should have adjusted it. The path wasn’t exactly straight all the time. Members from a class would be doing double unders near the path and I would have to shift a bit to avoid the ropes. The shifts would also cause the weight to become unwieldy. After 75 m, I could feel my legs buckling under the weight. I would be taking slightly shaky steps but I was able to make it over the 25 m interval. It was a fun workout and I hope I get to do more in the future. I was able to walk 150 m in five minutes.

 
Lift Heavy and Level Up!

April 2016 Loot Crate Unboxing: Quest

Nick PalomoLeave a comment

 

What is Loot Crate?

Taken from the Loot Crate site, “Each month, Loot Crate™ ships a themed mystery box of the best geek, gaming, and pop culture gear to a subscriber base of over 100,000 Looters. We emphasize phenomenal support and content, and include gear from some of the most respected entertainment and consumer product companies in the world.” Loot Crate sells for $13.95 a month plus $6.00 shipping and handling. You can save on the costs by subscribing for longer periods as well. If you like this theme check out the link at the bottom to subscribe.

What’s in the Box?

Labyrinth was one of my earliest fantasy movies that I watched growing up. My favorite character was Sir Didymus the fox knight. As much as I loved the movie, I don’t really like this shirt. My mom saw me opening the box and she loved it. She’s a fan of the movie and she loves Bowie. This month is also when Guam holds the annual Relay For Life event. It’s an event and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The colors for Relay For Life is purple and she’ll will wear this to the event.
The Harry Potter item is a pair of socks. On the socks are Voldemort’s horcruxes. I decided to give these to my little sister. She would wear this more than I would.
Skol! If you watched Vikings, you will hear that word every time they pick up a drinking horn. Now I have my very own.

 

Next up is a Nathan Drake poster from the Uncharted series. I haven’t played any of the Uncharted games and it’s a shame. Shame on me! Not sure if this will push me to buy the game but if someone wants to let me borrow it, I will not decline. This game releases on May 10th.

 

One of my favorite items in this box is a D20 ice mold. I’ve been seeing the Death Star mold online and I’ve been wanting something similar. Thankfully, the universe has obliged. Combined with the Avengers ice mold my drinks will be a lot more nerdier in the future.

This pin is a shield with a d20 in the middle. It’s my favorite pin so far this month. They also made alternate pins that were all gold. A friend of mine received a gold pin but I do not have a picture. You can also pick up a Gelatinous Cube companion if you play the Dungeon and Dragons MMO Neverwinter. I might look into this game now since it’s free to play.

Final Thoughts

This month’s box was great, even though I received two items I wouldn’t normally use. Since I could give them to family members, it was definitely worth it. The d20 ice mold and the Vikings drinking horn are my favorite items.
If you want to sign up use this LINK, also use the promo code BOX5 to save $5 off your first subscription. If that code doesn’t work you can use SAVE3 for $3 off any subscription. I also get credit towards more Loot Crates if you use the link.

Lift Heavy and Level Up!

CrossFit Progress: Overhead Squat PR!

Nick PalomoLeave a comment

After weeks of heavy overhead squats, it was time to test my max. I wasn’t feeling confident going into today. I have been trying to get over a cold since Sunday but after last weeks 3rm PR, I was going to try my best. My target for today was 205 lb. and I was able to successfully finish the lift. I attempted 215 lb. but I wasn’t able to get the weight overhead. If I was able to get another attempt I would have done a split jerk instead of a push press. I am very happy with my result and I am looking forward to the next strength cycle. PR video below.

Lift Heavy and Level Up!

Loot Crate August 2015 Theme: Villans 2

Nick PalomoLeave a comment

Taken from Loot Crate email release: “We took a hero’s journey in July, but this August, we’re turning up the heat! Get ready for the strike back, the revenge, the evil electric boogaloo! This month, join us as we cower in fear at the return of the Villains! Whether they’re terrifying or tragic, something about bad guys and gals is just plain fun. Probably the snazzy outfits, army of henchmen and totally relatable “treat yo’ self to some sweet loot” attitude. Anyway, we’re celebrating our darker side with epic items from Marvel, an exclusive DC figure and more (including a unique wearable we’ve never put in a crate before)! It’s good to be bad.”

Last year’s Villains crate was pretty sweet. We got the Joki shirt, Deadpool socks, and some other villain themed items. Last months Hero 2 crate was great which gives me hope that the Villains sequal will be just as good. I’m excited, I hope you are too.

If you would like to subscribe to Loot Crate, use this LINK, and the cupon code SAVE3 for $3.00 off your first crate. I also get credit towards my account if you use this link.

Lift Heavy and Level Up!

Review: Inov-8 Fastlift 335

Nick PalomoLeave a comment

After talking to a few members and coaches about weightlifting (Oly) shoes, I decided to take the plunge and order a pair. The hardest part was deciding which shoe to purchase and what fits my budget. I settled on the Inov-8 Fastlift 335 because of its price point, versatility and availability. I have been using these shoes for a little more than a year and they have been great.

Looks and Fit

The Fastlifts come in a variety of colors but my favorite colorway is the black and red. The materials used were ripstop nylon as well as other synthetics. The heel platform is different from other lifting shoes that I’ve seen. Instead of a wedge it has a “power truss” which look like columns. I think the columns make the shoe lighter while still providing the same stability as a wedge. The shoe has one strap which keeps your foot locked down and instead of a rigid midsole this shoe also has a metaflex system. The flex point should help during movements like box jumps and brupees.

Since these were my first pair of weightlifting shoes I didn’t know what the fit was supposed to be like. A lot of articles online recommended a snug fit. The Inov-8 website recommends a half size up from your f-lites, but I decided to get my normal size. If they didn’t fit well I could always return them. Thankfully they fit well, not loose or too snug. Fastlifts are light weighing only 335 g or around 12 oz. I would be doing some olympic lifts in the coming weeks which gave me a great opportunity to test them.

Performance and Durability

This is my first pair of Oly shoes and I did not know what to expect. I tested these shoes during heavy lifting days and I did some metcons as well.

Heavy Lifting Days

The advantages of Oly shoes can be felt immediately. My ankle and hip mobility are not great; these shoes help keep me on my heels and maintain a more vertical torso. During heavy squats I’m able to push into the heels without the give from regular CrossFit shoes. Snatches and clean and jerks feel better in the Fastlifts. The first and second pulls felt easier and my turnover feels faster. With all these advantages I managed to hit a clean PR at 165 lb. during the first week, adding 10 lb. to my clean. I was able to also PR my snatch but that was a few weeks after my clean PR.

WODs

I would use these shoes for WODs that had moderate to heavy barbell movements. I wouldn’t use them for WODs that had running in them however since the raised heel would kill my running form. During WODs these shoes do not feel heavier than normal shoes which was a concern since those extra ounces add up. The shoes are flexible and do not hinder movements like box jumps or burpees.

Durability

So far these shoes have held up great and still look fairly new. All of the pictures featured in this post were taken a week ago and I’ve been using these shoes almost every week since I got them. I only use these shoes indoors and during certain workouts which helps with longevity.

Final Thoughts

I bought these shoes mainly because of the price, hybrid functionality and online availability. At the time these shoes were $150 but they may be cheaper now. I’m not sure if these would be better than the other hybrid shoes on the market but they are definitely well worth the price. If you have any questions or comments, leave them below.

Lift Heavy and Level Up!

Miniature Mondays: Tristan Durant is Done!

Nick PalomoLeave a comment

After weeks of work Tristan is finally finished. I’m happy with this model even though I tried out some new techniques on him. I still need more practice with wet blending and metals which is good since I have more models to paint. I’m currently working on a full unit of Temple Flame Guard and the unit attachment which I will post next week. I will post some pictures below, let me know what you think!

Lift Heavy and Level Up!

Book Review: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Nick Palomo1 Comment
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

I received my copy of Ready Player One by Ernest Cline in the February Loot Crate. I didn’t know much about the book or the author. I read the sales copy but I wasn’t excited to read it. I read an article about Steven Spielberg being tapped to direct a movie adaptation, so I decided to give it a read.

Ready Player One is a science fiction novel written by Ernest Cline, set in the year 2044. The world is overpopulated, going through an energy crisis and dealing with wide spread poverty. The population escapes this reality by going into a virtual one called “OASIS” (Ontologically Anthropocentric Sensory Immersive Simulation). The OASIS is a hyper realistic open world game where people can go on quests, work, and even attend school. At the beginning of the book one of the creators of OASIS,billionaire James Halliday, dies and leaves his estate to the first person to find the virtual easter egg he has hidden somewhere in OASIS. In his announcement video, Halliday uses many 80’s pop culture references which people interpret as clues. This leads to a resurgence in everything 80’s, from video games to music and movies.

 The narrator of the book is Wade Watts, a high school student and full time egg hunter (gunter). He dreams of finding Halliday’s egg and escaping his life of poverty. He is well versed in 80’s movies, music and video games. He meets a few people along the way, his best friend “Aech” and “Art3mis”. They usually discuss 80’s trivia trying to outdo each other with a “who knows more” contest. The main antagonist of this story is Nolan Sorrento the head of the Oology Department at Innovative Online Industries (IOI). IOI is the typical greedy corporation. They want to destroy the open and free version of the OASIS and turn it into a “pay to play” world. Wade and his friends must find the egg before IOI or else the OASIS as they know it will cease to exist.

Ready Player One is one of my favorite books. It’s a great story about gamers and how gamers can change the world. I loved the pop culture references in this book. It brings back memories of my childhood especially the gaming references. Cline does an excellent job building the world especially OASIS. However, the book primarily appeals to people who enjoy copious amounts of pop culture references. The writing is okay at best with the exposition spanning more than a few chapters. The book also feels like a young adult novel but the target demographic would be 80’s and 90’s kids. Even with the books shortcomings, I would still recommend this book to friends. I might re-read the book before the movie comes out. This is a book any nerd will enjoy.

Lift Heavy and Level Up!

Loot Crate July 2015 Theme: Heroes 2

Nick PalomoLeave a comment
What’s better than Heroes? How about HEROES 2! In a world where bad eggs and madmen run amok ... This month, we have several brave and bold items from DC Entertainment (including an exclusive figure!), a licensed Legend of Zelda wearable, an enterprising Star Trek item with a whiff of whimsy and our very first hardcover Looter Edition book! It's the loot you deserve and the loot you need right now! Make sure you join us for another mighty month!
Next month’s crate is going to be a second hero themed crate. Last August was the first “Hero” crate which had the Funko Groot and TMNT figure. This month we will get a DC Figure (Hopefully Funko), a Zelda wearable, a Star Trek item and a hardcover book. I’m actually looking forward to the book since it’s hardcover. I hope next month’s crate is as good as the last few Crates.  

If you want to sign up use this link, also use the promo code SAVE3 for $3 off any subscription. I also 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!

June 2015 Loot Crate Unboxing: Cyber

Nick PalomoLeave a comment

What is Loot Crate?

Taken from the Loot Crate site, “Each month, Loot Crate™ ships a themed mystery box of the best geek, gaming, and pop culture gear to a subscriber base of over 100,000 Looters. We emphasize phenomenal support and content, and include gear from some of the most respected entertainment and consumer product companies in the world.” Loot Crate sells for $13.95 a month plus $6.00 shipping and handling. You can save on the costs by subscribing for longer periods as well. The June theme was Cyber and we got a lot of cool futuristic themed stuff. The box turns into a display which is pictured at the bottom. 


What’s in the Box?

Terminator Genisys will be released on July 1, and this replica Endo Skull is great. I grew up watching the Terminator movies and this item will go great on my desk. The other Terminator item is a brain chip keychain. I believe it’s from Terminator 2, and the chip is a replica of the T800 chip.



This shirt combines two great things from the 80’s, Tron and Transformers. Even if you do not like the remakes, you have to admit this shirt is awesome! Loot Crate shirts have been getting better every month which is a great sign for things to come. 



I haven’t played a lot of Borderlands but I like the concept. This mouse pad looks pretty cool and I need one for my desk. The pouch has a circut design on it and can be used for almost anything. I’ll probably use it for gaming. I have a bunch of tokens and pens that need a bag. Also, it glows in the dark. The patch is from Blade Runner and represents the Tyrell Corporation. I’ve watched this movie once but it was when I was still young. I do not remember the film but I can always watch it again. Also included were Nerd Machine stickers. I will probably use them to tag my water bottle.


The last item is two Cylon posters. They are in the style of firing range targets. I haven’t watched this show yet but it’s on my Netflix queue. They will make great targets for Nerf guns.


This month’s button has the same design as the pouch. 


After cutting out some parts of the box you can make a display for your Terminator skull!

Final Thoughts

This crate was awesome. I liked majority of the items and will probably use most of them. This Loot Crate felt more put together and thought out. I hope the future Loot Crates feel the same way. If you want to sign up use this link, also use the promo code SAVE3 for $3 off any subscription. I also 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!

CrossFit Progress: PRs!

Nick PalomoLeave a comment

This week is our “max out” week for CrossFit Gof Metgot. So far we had a max day for bench press, deadlifts, hand stand push ups and strict pull ups.

PRs from Monday and Tuesday:

  • Handstand Push Ups – 13, +5 reps 
  • Bench Press – 240 lb, +15 lb 
  • Strict Pull Ups – 10, +4 reps 
  • Fran – 7:07, -4:53 from previous time
I’m happy with all the numbers I put up and the progress I have made. I’m especially happy with my Fran time. I didn’t finish my last Fran attempt under the 12 minute time cap. Also, I didn’t finish all the thrusters in the last set. This time I manged to almost knock off five minutes from my last attempt and finish. Fran is one of those iconic CrossFit workouts and hopefully I make it under seven minutes next attempt. More lifts are coming, I recently hit a new PR on my clean and jerk but I’ll write about that next time. I want to max out my deadlift this week, wish me luck. 
Lift Heavy and Level Up!