Ego lifting - nobody cares

[The Grim Repper]

As I get older, I'm starting to realize that I'm NOT crazy. Increasing amounts of people that really know what they're doing in the world of programming strength programs and training pro athletes are finally SCREAMING about the fact that ego lifting will not make you anything but injured. Period. I have about 10 or so younger trainees at the couple of gyms I frequent starting to adopt some training philosophies I've shared with them that I've borrowed (stolen) over the years. Many came from Charles Poliquin, the late, great Canadian strength coach and guru. This man had skills. It's nice to be the guy they're asking for advice because I've been there, done that and I'm not going to misdirect them and be like "Brah...yeah, brah, all you brah...let's talk about steroids some more...brah...you ever try tren?..." You get the picture.

One of the hallmarks of Charles' programs was the emphasis on the eccentric (lowering) part of the lift. Three second negatives were a normal event and very humbling. Sure, you can jerk 225 on a barbell row and have shitty lats and lower back issues, or you can squeeze the living shit out of 115 for 15 slow, agonizing repetitions where your lats are swollen and feel like you've been punched under each arm.

So, I've been approached recently by a bunch of different 'youngins' at my gyms asking for all sorts of advice about injury prevention/rehab, but most of all tempo and cadence. Look, they see some dude doing 20 reps on a leg press with 600-700 lbs on there with 3 second negatives, paused and no lockouts, they may think you know a thing or two. Especially with NO grunting, groaning or grimacing. Hell, I may even wink at your girl. LOL

Seriously, though, dig out some of Charles Poliquin's articles off the web, you'll be happy you did. I'll dig some out myself and get 'em posted up. They're game changers people! Get huge...NOW! LOL

Grim

 

[Nike]

Yeah, unless you are planning to step on stage or hit a power lifting meet. You are only competing against yourself.
More often than not ego lifting, trying to impress the bros or ladies = injujry. Smart training at the edge of your limits = progress.

 

[The Grim Repper]

Yeah, unless you are planning to step on stage or hit a power lifting meet. You are only competing against yourself.
More often than not ego lifting, trying to impress the bros or ladies = injujry. Smart training at the edge of your limits = progress.

They want to be "swole" bodybuilders, but lift like powerlifters with shit technique. Sets of 3 grunting, twisting on the bench while their partner does 315lb upright rows..."All you bro."

No bueno.

 

[Wisco2]

My uncle was an old school pro BB, back in the 80s. Got me into lifting at around the age of 11-12 years old and first thing he taught me in the gym was, doesn’t matter how much weight you’re throwing around, it’s all about form, once you have the form down, you will notice you will be able to up the weight when it’s time. He was all about the negatives too, said every lift should be done with negative or as you called it eccentric lift, and controlled pause, then explode the weight the opposite direction. Sorry I’m no word smith here but it sounds like my uncle would have liked your style, god rest his soul, died at 52 from the bottle. He had the world by the ass too as a chiropractor who had his own firm and 2 other chiropractors working for him. He was married into the the family, my aunt actually met him at Palmer Chiropractic College, but anyway, he had mental health issues and they only got worse as he got older and would literally not go to work if one thing in his morning routine was off and would sit in his man cave and drink all day, like a handle of Vodka and then when that was gone would get into the expensive wine or Don Perrion, if my aunt wouldn’t go get him more booze. Sorry for the rambling, moral of the story was that I am glad I had a guy like him teach me how to lift and at a young age, also said he was always very jealous of our families leg genetics and never wanted me to take AAS. Again sorry for the rambling hope everyone is well!

 

[The Grim Repper]

My uncle was an old school pro BB, back in the 80s. Got me into lifting at around the age of 11-12 years old and first thing he taught me in the gym was, doesn’t matter how much weight you’re throwing around, it’s all about form, once you have the form down, you will notice you will be able to up the weight when it’s time. He was all about the negatives too, said every lift should be done with negative or as you called it eccentric lift, and controlled pause, then explode the weight the opposite direction. Sorry I’m no word smith here but it sounds like my uncle would have liked your style, god rest his soul, died at 52 from the bottle. He had the world by the ass too as a chiropractor who had his own firm and 2 other chiropractors working for him. He was married into the the family, my aunt actually met him at Palmer Chiropractic College, but anyway, he had mental health issues and they only got worse as he got older and would literally not go to work if one thing in his morning routine was off and would sit in his man cave and drink all day, like a handle of Vodka and then when that was gone would get into the expensive wine or Don Perrion, if my aunt wouldn’t go get him more booze. Sorry for the rambling, moral of the story was that I am glad I had a guy like him teach me how to lift and at a young age, also said he was always very jealous of our families leg genetics and never wanted me to take AAS. Again sorry for the rambling hope everyone is well!

No reason to apologize. That's a beautiful and touching story brother. I hope he's found his peace. Thank you for sharing that my man, and welcome.

 

[Wisco2]

Well thank you for the kind reply! Hope all is well!

 

[FREAK]

One of the great things about getting older is you care less about what the fuck other people think. I lift what my muscles need to get full not to impress anyone.