Powerlifting

I see many lifters lack the mind-body connection needed for getting the most out of accessory or supplemental work. Without it, you're just going through the motions and wasting your time.

A lot of lifters think you have to train over 90% week after week to get stronger. Adjusting to a program like 5thSet may challenge you mentally to trust the process, but it won't be long before you experience the benefits.

It’s been more than a year since I last competed (not counting the unsanctioned and unseasonable non-invitational last December) and announced that I would be taking a step back from chasing the biggest bench possible.

Improving in the sport of powerlifting is simple if you know how to approach it. I prefer using a series of three macrocyles: hypertrophy and volume, general strength, and competition preparation and peaking.

Companies are collecting data on everything: your recent purchases, internet searches, prescriptions, travel habits, and even the TV shows you are watching. So what does this have to do with powerlifting?

What has changed about 5thSet over the course of its rise to popularity? And what is it like being an elite lifter that hands his training over to someone else?

To be on the board at Westside, at the time, meant you had to break the all-time world record, because that was pretty much everybody that was on the board.

If I could go back in time to when I first started in this industry, I'd force myself to follow these five rules of training. Those of you starting now should listen.

You've probably heard it said that Westside became the strongest gym in the world by bringing in the best lifters from outside. This is a lie. What made Westside great wasn't recruiting.

If you could go back 10, 15, or 20 years in the past, what would you say? What advice for life would you share?

Anyone who has attended this meet describes it as an amazing experience, and I have been fortunate to speak to a few incredible women (Maureen Barbetta, Tracey Patrick, and Janel Vegter) who competed.

Training in commercial gyms has its pros and cons. This is a call to arms for those who need to hear it.