Quote Originally Posted by Hosehead View Post
So you added an extra plate for the same number of reps. You **** ! Oddly enough I could do 15 with 405 but topped out at 455x7 (with belt - I always used one with anything over 425) and 455 felt like my hips were going to rip off from the rest of my body. I didn't use wraps back then and I use thick Pling sleeves now. Wish I'd have used them back then. Last time I tried 405 I used sleeves but no belt. Got 8 reps. My body hurt for a week. It doesn't like anything over 365 now. Does HGH help significantly with joints in respect to pushing heavier weights at our age Prae ?
I always use a PL belt on anything over 405...when I hit 495 for 15 i did use a belt and knee wraps. My reps are always below parallel with any weight because I started out training as a PL and unless you drop into the hole when training you pretty much screwed when you try a meet...so no half rep BS here. GH does help alot especially once you are over 35-40, recovery is better and knees feel much better. I also use joint supps such as Joint Plus and Arthrolyze by Species...the knees have taken a pounding with all the heavy training for the last 27 years. I dont go over 405 any more and I prefer to squat last in my routine so im not looking to push heavy just to really target the quad and hams and use a controlled movement...say 315 for 15 for 3-4 sets is good after i have done all ham work and high rep leg extensions and leg presses first.

P