COACH

What was Westside like before bands? Simple, they lifted without bands.

The speed waves did still exist, though. There were longer waves (five weeks — four ascending and one descending, with the highest weight being 70%) and the bench was programmed in a flat wave. Closer to a meet, the "down week" on the fifth week would be removed, in order to avoid having two consecutive low-percentage weeks.

WATCH: Rapid Fire Table Talk — Military Press for Powerlifters, Grip, and Home Gyms

Dave answers this question and more in the most recent Rapid Fire Table Talk. He talks about his need for a shoulder replacement and how this led to him leaving Westside and competitive powerlifting, as well as how his personal life led to him leaving on terms other than his own. He also answers questions about differences in programming based on gender and weight class, the best alternative to steroids, and how to make a sex swing out of your power rack using bands (yes, really).

The Questions

  • What was Westside like before bands? (0:41)
  • What were your reasons for leaving Westside? (2:30)
  • Should female programs be different than those for men? (5:13)
  • Favorite upper back exercise when competing? (5:57)
  • Sleep or do more training for better recovery? (6:08)
  • How to fix knees caving in on the squat? (6:21)
  • If you made a powerlifting movement with six movements after the big three, what would they be? (6:47)
  • Is training above 90% worth the risk in the long run? (7:02)
  • How did you get started with equipped lifting? (7:29)
  • Best alternative to steroids? Any supplements to help me put on muscle fast? (8:38)
  • Will you ever be lean again? (10:02)
  • What should I do to get rid of my love handles? Russian twists? (10:13)
  • What form of cardio should I do to retain strength while cutting? (10:27)
  • What size bands should I use to convert my power rack into a sex swing while not training or is there an attachment for that? (11:30)

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