Not long ago, JL Holdsworth wrote about Paying Your Dues. A link to the article came right to my email box, just as does every article on elitefts.com. As I sat at work reading it, I realized how amazing it was. The article was one of the many instances that someone has taken the time to motivate, educate, or give an extra kick to readers. I am personally thankful for these articles, as they give me a short break during a long work day. They give me time to focus on something I love as an avenue to make myself better. The longer I am in the iron game, the more I find myself appreciating elitefts™ and what they do for strength athletes.
For myself, I can only hope that I'm paying my dues. Today, however, my thoughts turn towards paying respect to those who, day-in and day-out, teach me to be better. My question to each of you reading this: are you paying your respects? Some of you are going to respond, “how do I pay respect to a website?” Well, here are my thoughts.
1. Make sure Dave Tate stays in business.
I know money is tight for a lot of people, and we are always looking to cut corners. However, sometimes we need to prioritize a little better. I spent twenty bucks on a meal the other day and didn't think much of it — but did you know that the average elitefts™ shirt is less than that meal cost me? In the grand scheme of things, twenty dollars isn't much money to contribute to the people who invest in your training. Personally, I didn’t have any pride in that cheeseburger I ate. But when I wear elitefts™ apparel, I have pride in the fact that I am part of a bigger community. Pay some respect to Dave and elitefts™. Support the business.
2. Support the businesses of the sponsored athletes.
How much money would you pay for a physical therapist to rehab an injury? How much would you pay to have an expert lay out supplementation for a mass building or cutting cycle? How much would you pay to have a professional critique your form? Well, it’s all done for free on elitefts.com. What often goes unnoticed is that these guys have businesses of their own. A way to pay your respect is to support those businesses, like so:
- Spud Bartley has helped me with supplementation. Many sponsors give this kind of advice at no cost. Pay respect to these athletes and this site; don't ask questions here and then buy products on another site named after a river in South America.
- Josh Bryant, Shelby Starnes, and Steve Pulcinella have all answered questions for me on elitefts.com. As a result, I own at least one of each of their books. I also plan to buy Bob Young’s book, even though I have never asked a question of him. His log and advice inspire me, and he makes me think. Pay your respects by not combing the internet for a free version of these books. These individuals have taken the time to share their knowledge, so take the time to pay for it.
3. Support the causes they support.
How often do you honestly get to say, “I made someone’s life better today!"? Elitefts™ and their athletes are huge supporters of Make-A-Wish® and HopeKids®. Send a donation or volunteer if you can. What better way to pay your respect and make a difference than to support one or both these causes?
4. Learn to navigate the site to do your own research.
Jim Wendler has been asked about 5/3/1 and power cleans a million times. Harry Selkow has been asked for a pull-up program about a million and one times. Most of the folks on elitefts™ have been asked the same question at least 100 times. Pay respect by doing your research and treating their time as what it is: a valuable commodity.
Respect is something that is earned. The folks at elitefts™ have earned it through their hard work, their time spent, and their belief in Live, Learn, and Pass On. Respect is something you get by giving.