Man, it’s been a journey trying to bulk up to that D1 linebacker size. I started this whole thing a few months back, and let me tell you, it’s been a real grind, but in a good way. I mean, I always played football, but the thought of getting to that college level seemed so far off. But here I am, making some good progress.
First off, I had to really change up my whole workout routine. I was used to doing a bunch of different things, you know, just general fitness stuff. But to get to that linebacker size, I had to focus on some specific moves. We’re talking heavy lifting. I started hitting the squats like crazy. I remember the first time I tried to go heavy on squats, my legs were shaking like leaves. But I kept at it, and now I can see a real difference in my lower body strength.
- Squats: Started with lighter weights, focusing on form. Gradually increased the weight each week. Now I’m squatting more than I ever thought I could.
Then there were the jumps. I never really did much jumping before, but man, these are essential. Box jumps, broad jumps, you name it. They really help with explosiveness, which is key for a linebacker. I’m jumping higher and further than I used to, which is a great feeling. The first time, I almost fell. LOL.
- Jumps: Box jumps were tough at first, but I got the hang of it. Broad jumps are great for measuring progress.
Cleans were a whole new world for me. I had to get some help from a trainer to learn the proper technique. These are not easy, but they work so many muscles at once. I feel stronger all over, especially in my core and back. I struggled to keep my balance initially, but I practiced a lot and finally got it right.
- Cleans: Had to learn the technique from scratch. Now I feel the power in my lifts, and it’s awesome.
And let’s not forget about the good old hex bar deadlifts. These are a killer, in the best way possible. They really target the hamstrings and lower back. I remember feeling sore for days after the first few times, but it’s that good kind of sore, you know? The one that tells you you’re getting stronger. I kept on adding weights, and now I can do more deadlifts.
- Hex Bar Deadlifts: These were rough at the beginning, but they’ve made a huge difference in my overall strength.
Aside from the leg stuff, building up my shoulders, traps, and upper back was crucial. I started doing a lot more shoulder presses, rows, and shrugs. Seeing those muscles grow has been really motivating. I mean, I’m starting to look like a real linebacker, not just in the legs but all over. I always do these in front of the mirror now. It’s really cool to see your own progress!
I also incorporated bench presses into my routine. This is a classic, but it’s a classic for a reason. It really helps build that upper body strength that you need to push through the line. Plus, who doesn’t love a good bench press? It’s a real test of strength. I wasn’t good at the bench press at first, but I spent a lot of time on it and improved it a lot.
- Bench Press: A staple in my routine. Seeing my max go up has been a great confidence booster.
Landmine presses and kettlebell swings were new to me, but they’ve been great for adding variety to my workouts. They work on strength but also on speed and agility, which are super important for a linebacker. I need to be quick and strong, and these exercises really help with that. I love these two exercises, which are full of fun. At first, I couldn’t find the rhythm of the kettlebell, but I finally got the knack after practicing.
- Landmine Press: Great for shoulder strength and stability.
- Kettlebell Swings: Awesome for explosive power and conditioning.
And of course, I had to do some serious work on my legs. Bulgarian split squats are no joke. They’re tough, but they really work those quads and glutes. And then there are the back and front squats. I mix these in to make sure I’m hitting all the right muscles. My legs have never been stronger. When I first did the Bulgarian split squats, I couldn’t even stand up straight after the first set. After getting used to it, I started to like this exercise.
- Bulgarian Split Squats: Brutal but effective. They’ve really helped build my leg strength.
- Back/Front Squats: Essential for overall leg development. I make sure to include both in my routine.
Oh, and I added dips, deadlifts, and pull-ups to my routine too. These are great for adding mass and getting that “swole” look. It’s all about those big compound movements, you know? They work multiple muscle groups at once, so you get the most bang for your buck. I can do a lot more pull-ups than before, thanks to these exercises.
- Dips: Great for chest and triceps.
- Deadlifts: A must for overall strength.
- Pull-ups: Essential for back and bicep development.
The diet change was another big thing. I had to start eating way more, but not just anything. I focused on getting enough protein to help build muscle and carbs for energy. It’s been a lot of chicken, rice, and veggies, but also some good fats like avocados and nuts. I’m eating more than I ever have, but it’s all good, clean food. I’m getting better at cooking, too. I can make some mean chicken and rice now. Haha.
So yeah, it’s been a lot of hard work, but I’m starting to see and feel the results. I’m bigger, stronger, and faster than I was a few months ago. And I’m not stopping here. I’m going to keep pushing myself because I really want to make it to that D1 level. It’s a dream, but it’s a dream I’m working hard to make a reality. Let’s keep going, and maybe one day I’ll be playing on that big stage. That’s the goal, anyway!
And all in all, I’m just really proud of how far I’ve come. It’s not just about the physical changes, either. I feel more disciplined, more focused, and more determined than ever before. This whole process has taught me a lot about myself and what I’m capable of. And that’s pretty awesome, if you ask me. I’ll keep sharing my journey, so stay tuned for more updates. It’s going to be a wild ride, but I’m here for it!
My Measurements Now
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 220 lbs
