End of Peak and Mock Meet - 6 Months of Juggernaut AI

In this video I briefly cover the last 2 weeks of peaking and the final test out of my Juggernaut AI training cycle. It's been a fast 6 months, let's see if I can put together a good showing despite a very unexpected illness.
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[@JuggernautTrainingSystems]

Great job Brandon. Sorry to hear about the timing of the illness.

[@BasementBrandon]

Me too, but I think it speaks volumes that even though I felt like death I was still able to get some good numbers for myself (and hit some great rep PRs in training). Looking forward to the next training cycle.

[@JuggernautTrainingSystems]

@@BasementBrandon 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@brucemackenzie4952]

Glad you like training. 40 is not old and you have more PR’s ahead as long as you like training and train smart. I am 74 now and have been powerlifting off and on for 3 decades and had my my best PR’s in my mid 50’s. Keep it up.

[@BasementBrandon]

Well said!

[@BrownBarbellClub]

Glad you are feeling better now. Saw you post about fever. Not bad that still managed 1545! Thanks for update on this

[@BasementBrandon]

Had no expectations but def could have done a lot worse!

[@harlemdeni]

I watch your channel for 10 years now? Damn. Anyhow, your consistency, grit and thoroughness with Every program you have ever had - is truly an inspiration, man. And yeah, still waiting for that video where you're telling the story behind the tattoos. 😂😂😂

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol shhh people forget.

[@WhoIsJonHarris]

I like the honesty my friend. Integrity for days. In saying that, congrats on the gym PR. Lookin strong.

[@BasementBrandon]

I appreciate that!

[@rainaclarke6464]

Yeah man! Stoked for you! Those some solid numbers!!!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Raina

[@twistedbarbell3950]

Awesome work and definitely a huge success! Congrats!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks big Marcus

[@handro33]

Great job!! I'm happy I found this channel. I'm 42 and just getting started with the powerlifting sport!

[@BasementBrandon]

You got this!

[@DylanKJohnson]

Right on mate! Glad you're feeling better and were able to hit some awesome PRs!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Dylan! Maybe powerbuilding next.

[@Garage_gym48]

Legendary stuff mate! Love the content.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@joecowan3719]

Congrats Brandon! Hitting those right after being sick is very impressive. Next training block your health will sync with your peak , looking forward to it!

[@BasementBrandon]

Let's hope so!

[@juicef3379]

Those are big numbers man, congrats on everything you accomplished this training cycle. I like watching you and Ivan (squat everyday guy) for realistic training progress.

[@BasementBrandon]

I appreciate that!

[@Sean-fz1zg]

Really enjoy these videos Brandon, was supposed to have testing last week myself and was sick as well lol, about to turn 38 but the long term plan is to be stronger at 40 than ever before

[@BasementBrandon]

Kick some ass!

[@rolltide010]

Congrats man! Awesome job

[@BasementBrandon]

thank you for taking a look

[@bmstylee]

My man bringing the goods. Giving hope to us masters guys. That high squat means your ready for some multi ply and a monolift.

[@BasementBrandon]

lol'd

[@ronski99]

Awesome work Brandon - despite the setbacks still pulled off some dam good lifts

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Aaron, YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE.

[@maxfit68906]

My Man! Still getting after it after all these years 💪🏽🔥. Stay healthy. I don’t want you pulling out! 🤣.

[@BasementBrandon]

not dead yet.

[@stewartvaldez4154]

Those gains! Making age look like a number. Congrats on your lifts and will power man.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Stewart, looking forward to jumping back to actual training!

[@Metalmachine18]

Absolutely smashed it! You talk so not chalantly and casually about training that its quite easy to forget that youre actually lifting monstrous weights. 605 squat alone in your basement after being sick at any age is unbelievably impressive. Big dad strength energy

[@BasementBrandon]

Appreciate that dude

[@jasoncalicaveman]

Congrats bruddah‼️

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Jason

[@davidkoch1520]

Real nice Brandon. I've had my eye on a 585 squat too. I hit 565 as a pr two years in a row. Maybe next year will be my year... I've been following Garret Blevins for about 5-6 yrs as well as you and I think between both of you I am convinced to run Juggernaut AI as well. Thanks for the great content and information.

[@BasementBrandon]

Get it!!

[@benrivera8468]

definitely a huge accomplishment. congrats

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks so much!

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

Great progress. That was a monster squat! And I'm sure you hit that deadlift in a later video.

[@BasementBrandon]

tune in next time...

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

@@BasementBrandon You know I will!

[@DPN1DPN]

Good Work - Thanks for the inspiration

[@BasementBrandon]

appreciate it Don

[@ediot6969]

I tested last week and had a similar result. Great squat PR of 525 after 2.5 years of training and then Bench stayed the same as my previous best of 315 and finally Deadlift I missed 635 right at the middle of my knee cap. I will retest in another 12 weeks and come back and smash that weight! Great to see you PR that Squat! Congratulations!

[@BasementBrandon]

Get it!

[@tuukkakankkunen2869]

I've been following just the regulal Juggernaut Merhod 2.0 Program with similiar results. Squat going consustently up, Bench progress stalled a bit and with Deadlift I actually had to go back down on weight during the training cycle. I like the structure of the program but different lifts seem to respond way differently to the big percentage jumps in the program.

[@hulkslayer626]

Congrats Bro!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks!

[@higherlifts420]

Awesome progress!!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@DanielGarcia-th5ri]

Glad you met your lifetime goal. I always wondered what the back story was on that photo you always used for your outro.

[@BasementBrandon]

Need to update it now :)

[@magadorm4218]

Great job pushing through despite not feeling so great. I just tested out 2 days ago, a week after my 41st birthday. I was able to get some great PRs, 625 squat (70 lb PR), 385 bench (30 lb PR), and 585 deadlift (40 lb PR).

[@BasementBrandon]

damn, awesome!

[@charlesmcguffy]

Mugging to the camera after you squat is the ultimate power move.

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol doesn't happen often.

[@Massenomics]

Nice work Brandon! Very cool beans

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Tommy and/or Tanner.

[@JasonLeeno]

That a boy B! Way to give the old dudes/semi-old dudes hope 💪

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Jason, hope all is well. Haven't seen a video in awhile!

[@JasonLeeno]

@@BasementBrandon It’s funny that you say that, because my comeback is this Friday. I’ve Just been super busy with the new house. I’m sure that you know how that is.

[@thecappy]

Being that old(I turn 40 in September) is a blessing and a curse. I feel stronger now than I did in youth while in the military. But damn does everything hurt more and lasts longer now. Good job on those PRs.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks and I hear that lol. Funny thing is now when I get hurt or dinged up it's from something stupid, like emptying the dishwasher lol.

[@darkknight716]

I'm gonna be 34 and people like you inspire me because you demonstrate that no matter what age, you can still lift and lift heavy. Btw bring back the intro!!!

[@BasementBrandon]

The "hey what's up everybody"?

[@dewildeworld6766]

Real gym bro here fellas nice straight talk no bs just the truth

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks, this went on longer than I would have wanted, but it is what it is!

[@dewildeworld6766]

@@BasementBrandon not at all you and Coop should do a collab

[@kennethsteelhammer]

Nice lifting Brandoni!💯👌

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my friend.

[@JoelP1961]

Good job young man! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@BasementBrandon]

Need to keep up with you.

[@JoelP1961]

@@BasementBrandon your 40’s are going to be your best years. I had my best competitive years between 42-52.

[@jaya.2424]

Nice to see you back in PR territory.

[@BasementBrandon]

agreed lol

[@BertoBatista]

It’s go time!

[@BasementBrandon]

all show, no go!

[@roberthicks767]

Damn, back to back vids noice

[@BasementBrandon]

Have a big back log so going to try to bang a bunch out.

[@roberthicks767]

@@BasementBrandon look forward to them

[@reginaldchesterfield8110]

You give hope to all the nattys in the world! Thanks!!!!

[@furezj]

He's not natural...dude is on TRT. He has been very transparent about that.

[@BasementBrandon]

You must have me confused with someone else. I’ve never used HRT/TRT and have been very upfront about it 😂

[@Jimlifts1]

I agree, with him and Candito it gives me so much hope. This guy isn't taking anything, just doing shit right gigachad style.

[@calvinnguyen1097]

@@Jimlifts1 candito on roids

[@Jimlifts1]

@@calvinnguyen1097 Not a chance

[@Gio53087]

Way to kill it Brandon! You make approaching 40 less depressing 😂

[@BasementBrandon]

Haha thanks, I think!

[@Gio53087]

You have to be the strongest natty 40 year old that I know of . Truly motivating sir !

[@benjaminwetscher9614]

Champion 🏆

[@BasementBrandon]

Not dead yet!

[@reginaldchesterfield8110]

“Helicopter move” lol I learned a new phrase today

[@BasementBrandon]

Best thing I could think of lol

[@PrototypeBMX]

very nice sometimes you try those kinda lifts twice and the second attempt buries you and sets you back mentally i been on a six month journey too my brother mine been losing weight my lifts are probably terrible rn >.

[@BasementBrandon]

it's the trade off right? Anytime I try to cut down my strength can't keep up for long lol.

[@robertcasey1708]

SHEEEESH contrats on that life goal

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks big Rob

[@Xplora213]

Very nice work. Concerning to hear about the illness during peak week, but I am guessing you will be running the program again to find out.

[@BasementBrandon]

Might be doing powerbuilding!

[@liampowers2161]

I love the expression he makes when he hits 585.

[@BasementBrandon]

I was surprised lol

[@dvmtraining6231]

That's awesome 👌 605 is no joke

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks man, need to sink it next time.

[@jackminnella8466]

Hey Brandon! sort of new but are you natural? You’re throwing up some crazy numbers! Keep it up

[@BasementBrandon]

I know it's prob tough to tell b/c i'm so jacked, but yes natural.

[@ront2457]

Awesome work Brandon....When I grow up I want to be like you ;-) I was so much older then I younger then that now...Hip surgery for me soon...I'm just old and in the way

[@BasementBrandon]

Hope it goes well!

[@ront2457]

@@BasementBrandon Me too my left leg as atrophied app 3-4 inches and I've put it off for about 3 years

[@nathanielkang2397]

Beast mode 🔥🔥

[@BasementBrandon]

Just trying not to die.

[@darrenmasters7331]

I’m curious if the program has some hiit/ CrossFit/ cardio style applications for weight loss? I have almost a full home gym but would like to incorporate some more hi tempo workouts.

[@BasementBrandon]

Not as is, that stuff isn't really in line with powerlifting goals.

[@fredc1932]

Check out some of Brian alshrues free programs on his neversate channel, they are more circuit-like

[@SethAKPI]

I felt that this program was great except for two things; and this is me personally. The squat and bench frequency were too high for me. I took off two outta four days on bench and 1 outta 3 for squat. Now I’m seeing amazing results in the strength phase

[@BasementBrandon]

I actually found the program allowed me to increase frequency without overdoing it. I was doing 3 squatting movements a week and 4 benching movements and was really making some fantastic progress. Did you rate the sessions as too hard? It should have adapted your MEV/MRV based off the data provided.

[@SethAKPI]

@@BasementBrandon I think I was rating the RPE too low for some things. In the hypertrophy stage I had the same frequency as you and it was great, but when the strength phase started I felt pec/shoulder pain and overall tiredness. The cut backs I made worked very well for me, I just added some more volume from the days I took away from, onto my adjusted days. It’s been great watching your channel though, and congrats on the squat PR. It was a little high, but you would’ve gotten it regardless.

[@bigk2080]

Fellow cellar dweller know this, the basement Gods are proud of your feats of strength.

[@BasementBrandon]

#teambasement

[@SimonLi]

Strongest old man I know 😤

[@BasementBrandon]

are all the other ones dead?

[@Reppintimefitness]

🔥💯🔥

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my dude

[@JustinRudd42]

Their website says just a barbell and rack is necessary, but I’d be interested in your take on whether or not this program is suited for those with a more…modest garage gym.

[@BasementBrandon]

It can def be done. Will be pretty boring as you'll likely do a lot of the same movements however.

[@tommymanno3357]

How long did you take between attempts? How long between movements? I want to do something like this myself soon. Thanks!

[@BasementBrandon]

3-5 min for everything for the most part. I tried to expedite this as much as I could but warming up for squats and deadlifts took some time.

[@gizmomagoo]

Surprised it doesn’t give you warm up sets for a big lift. A lot people mess that part up. Awesome lift.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think this is something I'd like to see included in future versions for sure.

[@tariqo16]

SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESH that was smoof

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@brucemackenzie4952]

Brandon were you going to do a video on your thoughts on the AI. I am doing on 13th week. Very interested to hear your critique;

[@BasementBrandon]

Def will, hoping to do so this week.

[@GR-uc1gq]

I'm excited to use J-AI for my first meet in November. My current numbers are 405/325/415. I wonder I'll get in these 23 weeks.

[@BasementBrandon]

I would def use this for a meet prep personally after having tested it.

[@clownpocket]

Do you ever have any coaches give you form checks to optimize your lifts?

[@BasementBrandon]

I have

[@chrisarksey]

Never used a belt but would like to start on heavy DL lifts... a recommendation? Lever or traditional belt style?

[@BasementBrandon]

I think for most people a 10mm pioneer cut prong belt is the best start.

[@BrownBarbellClub]

Lever or prong - nothing different. Just make sure to buy 10 mm or 13 mm not those bodybuilding belts. Lever helps you take it on/off easily!

[@nicholastartaglia4276]

nice work! why don't you train with competition plates if you primarily powerlift though?

[@ramybroudefan8659]

He sold them

[@BasementBrandon]

I mixed them in some this training cycle but TBH i prefer the ease of using machined plates (math and loading/unloading).

[@nicholastartaglia4276]

@@BasementBrandon makes sense since you hit majority of your PRs in lbs

[@jonathanadams9102]

Get that 🍞 homie!!!!

[@BasementBrandon]

Not dead yet!

[@rjm656]

That's really impressive total compared to your all-time given the lighter bodyweight. Add that bodyweight back and it'd be easy to beat!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks man!

[@SSTEVB]

Damn good numbers, would not have guessed 219 bw either

[@BasementBrandon]

Tall and skinny life lol

[@HarlanSchulze]

Dude what is next on the training horizon? PB AI?

[@BasementBrandon]

I think that's the choice.

[@TheTfraze]

Are you going to continue using the Juggernaut AI or are you pivoting away from it?

[@BasementBrandon]

Def going to run again, just not sure if powerlifting again or powerbuilding.

[@NoFate247]

Congrats on the squat PR! Seriously heavy weight

[@BasementBrandon]

Maybe if I start drinking some of those drinks you review I could have the energy to get through these days better lol.

[@NoFate247]

@@BasementBrandon maybe on a day to day basis, it'll help you through those dad life days that just never quit. But I don't think energy drinks will help you out of the hole when you squat that tonage.

[@georgegerhard7126]

will you be continuing with the Juggernaut app?

[@BasementBrandon]

For sure, just not sure if with powerlifting or powerbuilding.

[@Chronic_Christopher]

In for the early comment squad 💪

[@BasementBrandon]

Only time where coming early is a good thing.

[@matt30125]

Would you recommend the program for someone thats looking to get back into powerlifting? Haven't lifted in 4 years not sure where to start.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think it can be useful for sure, but I'd prob steer you towards one of the free programs from The Strength Athlete first to get your feet under you before paying for something like this.

[@joshuaplanting2808]

You give off Ryan Reynolds vibes

[@BasementBrandon]

The physically damaged one from deadpool??

[@joshuaplanting2808]

Nah, the hot one from every other movie

[@taso7s]

I think this video shows us that having a real life coach is still better.

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't think you'll find anyone that disagrees, but most don't want to pay for good coaching. For context I paid more in a month for actual 1:1 coaching than i did for all 6 months of this program.

[@taso7s]

@@BasementBrandon Yeah, and the results are not impressive

[@BasementBrandon]

@@taso7s completely disagree there.

[@taso7s]

@@BasementBrandon Don’t get me wrong, you’re strong af, but the progress was not that impressive.

[@BasementBrandon]

@@taso7s Completely disagree, I didn't know that adding 160lbs in a training cycle to a total for someone who has been training as long as I have was unimpressive lol.

[@ariahzach6510]

Power building AI next? Let’s gooo!

[@BasementBrandon]

I think that may be the choice.

[@mikeg.7083]

he said "it moved pretty well.." meanwhile it's flying out of the bottom for an easy 605.... OKAY BRANDON OKAY.

[@BasementBrandon]

I mean it didn't feel great at the time lol

[@danielprest5887]

@@BasementBrandon it always feels slower when your under the bar, My brother comments on my bar speed being good even when I feel slow. Then when you see a replay it looks nothing how it felt haha

[@JustMarioBros]

I think that "helicopter" movement is due to your hips being out of balance. I think your left hip is the weak/low point. Place the camera directly in front or behind you and notice that when you pull the bar off the ground, you tend to shift the weight to one side.

[@BasementBrandon]

Could be!

[@basedabdu8653]

Johnny sins???

[@BasementBrandon]

He's held every other profession, why not powerlifter?

[@realmaniac]

thanks for the cool video! as for the lifts i'm not gonna sugarcoat it: squat was high, bench was tng and deadlift missed. at a meet you would have gotten 4/9 lifts. personally i wouldnt feel great about that lol.

[@BasementBrandon]

This wasn't a meet and I talked about all those points in a video. You must be real fun at parties lol.

[@realmaniac]

@@BasementBrandon possible that my party skills are a bit rusty due to covid but since we're talking about powerlifting, your title says "mock meet" and i wrote "personally i wouldnt feel great" i think my points are pretty valid.

[@lordnyra]

Maniac your weak as fuck bro