training
Under The Bar: Planning a Powerlifting Meet
There are several reasons why we have not run meets over the past few years and they are all time and business related.
A Christmas Story: An Unsolicited Testimonial
It was a cold October afternoon in 2003. My back was sore and I could hardly straighten my elbow. I iced down and took some ibuprofen; still I felt no better.
To the Critics
Being a part of Elite Fitness Systems for the past couple of years as well as powerlifting and competitive sports, I have been exposed to a lot of critics telling me what I’m doing is wrong or, in the case of football, what the team is doing wrong.
Under the Bar - Risk Management
Risk is one factor that can and will make or break you. There are many types of risks you can take and trying to organize them in an easy way is not as easy as you may think.
Letter of Appreciation
I am sending this in an email as I am unable to get the entirety of my message across within the max characters allowed for a q and a post.
Free Time
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Under the Bar
Over the past couple years I have seen a shift in the type of questions I receive each day.
Why?
We’ve all been there. Whether it be in front of our families, while lying in bed with a significant other or while sipping on a few cold drafts with a new acquaintance at a bar, we’ve all encountered the question; “Why do you powerlift?”
The Glass is Half Full
Lifting is not who I am, but rather it is what I do. However, it is something I do not want to do without at this time. I have previously written about the situation with my arthritic shoulders.
Dragging Humor
“What on earth are you doing young man?” blurts the utterly bemused dog walker, as I was about to complete a 200ft trip of backward dragging. Knowing that she’d struggle profusely in trying to piece together what was going on, I politely stated that I was just doing some ‘fitness exercises’.
Under The Bar: The Iron House Open
I learned more about training during my preparation for this meet than I have any other one in the past. This is because it was one of the worst training cycles I have ever had. We will start with the meet and work backwards.
To The Beginner by Mike Miller (as told to Dave Tate)
This article is intended to provide insight for the individual who is just starting out in powerlifting.
Throw Away the Key
The verdict was read without remorse or empathy. I was given the death penalty. In the medical field there is no due process or equal protection clause.
Big Numbers at the 2003 IPA Worlds
We both attended the 2003 IPA Worlds in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania this past August 8-10 and it got both of our competitive juices flowing. You couldn't help it. The chalk dust in the air, the screams of intensity, and the huge weight being moved was too much for two competitive athletes to handle.
Big B’s Believe It Or Not
I will admit that most people I know would say I am eccentric, some would say I’m an idiot, and my wife swears that I am a bit psychotic. On the same theme, the following incidents I will discuss can only be described as strange.
A Change of Epic Proportions: A Story a Long Way From Finished
About 4 years ago I told myself I would become a strength coach. At this point in time, I had no idea what steps needed to be taken or where this career path would take me.
Beginner Mistakes, Part III; Have a Plan
Here are 10 things that will help you plan your workouts and help keep you focused
In the Beginning
Jim Wendler has written a great series on tips for beginners. I was talking to Dave Tate about it and he gave me the idea for this article. I want to share what my workouts looked like when I first got to Westside Barbell.
Lift Like a Gym Rat, Kick Like a Mule
Gym accidents are not funny. They may cause serious physical injury that may have both short and unfortunately long-term consequences. So it's with mixed feelings that I relate another "Legend of Iron Smith Gym" incident.
Beginner Mistakes, Part II: The Dynamic Bench Press
Having coached for several years and after attending several Force Training seminars, I see the same problems on dynamic bench day no matter where I am. These problems aren't always reserved for the beginner; I seem to make some of these same mistakes and have to take a step back and re-evaluate. Let us first take a look at the general parameters on this day so that we are all on the same page.
Beginner Mistakes - Part I: Max Effort Progression
When I first started training using the Westside methods, I would often end my max effort exercise and feel like I didn’t do anything.
2002 – One Year in Review
The 2002 IPA Nationals marked the one-year anniversary of my competitive powerlifting career.
Things I Have Learned
Many times there is a tendency to over think your training program and it is easy to get confused with all the misinformation posted on the Web.