The Terrible 10 Conjugate-Based Program for Geared Lifters Going Raw
Geared lifters who want to do a raw meet or transition to raw need to relearn or unlearn certain things, which is why this program can be manipulated for different weaknesses.
Is Technique the Same for Raw and Geared Lifters?
The debate between raw versus gear has died down, more or less, but the debate of how to train one versus the other is still on-going. This might be controversial, but for the most part, I don’t think you need to train differently raw or geared with a few exceptions.
Meet Report: 2019 USPA Nationals with Dan Dalenberg
2018 was not a good year for my powerlifting career. 2019 has been better. My training’s gotten better, I’ve gotten better at caring for myself, and I competed better. I want to do better next time around, though….
You Might Be a Serious Powerlifter If...
This life we live is comprised of sheep, and it is also comprised of shepherds. Followers or leaders. The flock goes where it is directed. Shepherds set the course for the journey. Are you part of the flock? Or are you a shepherd? Are you a serious powerlifter or not?
2 FREE Ways to Increase Your Total
Hard work pays off — not snake oil sales and get-rich-quick schemes. That doesn’t mean you can’t get stronger quickly. It just means you’ll have to put in a little extra work, like bumping up a weight class.
How Stuff Works: The Knee Wrap
Beyond the heated debates, love and hate, blood and tears, that constrict knee wraps, exactly how do they work? Let’s take a look at the basics, different types, knee wrapping techniques, a 197-response survey to see how athletes use them, and more.
Stop Compensating Early
If you’re new to powerlifting, you don’t need gear. Seriously. Start training raw and see where it takes you. Oh, and if you’re an athlete, I’d better not see you putting on lifting gear.
WATCH: Table Talk — The 3 Most Impressive Things Dave Has Seen at the S4...
The mind-blowing lifts and accomplishments that have occurred in the S4 are too numerous to recount, but there are a few that stick out in Dave’s mind.
To Compete or Not to Compete
Some people only have a small window to compete in powerlifting or play sports, and then they might never compete again. Avoiding this opportunity with weak-ass excuses is the worst thing you can do.
WATCH: Table Talk — When to Add Gear During A Training Cycle
This doesn’t only apply to multi-ply lifters. How you add equipment in training should have a sequence to it, even if you compete raw.
WATCH: Mario D'Amico — A Return to Raw
When the long-term goal is a 1000-pound squat at 220, and the ultimate goal is a 2400-pound total, you need two things: patience and a lot of hard work.
Why I Love Powerlifting: 2016 RPS Lexen Dog Days
This was my first push/pull meet and I kept repeating to myself, “It’s time. Work is done. Make it happen.”
A Glimpse Into the Rebirth of Powerlifting
One doesn’t need to look that hard to see glimpses of this rebirth of powerlifting because they are all around us. I caught a glimpse (one of many) of the resurgence at the 2015 APF Chicagoland Summer Bash.
Méana Franco Takes Second at CPU Canadian Nationals
With a PR total and new national record, Franco finished the CPU Canadian Nationals by barely missing the mark for first place.
WATCH: Dave Kirschen Settles Gear vs Raw Debate
This is it. Dave's closed up the argument. Nothing else to be said about it.
Raw Unity Meet Eliminates Knee Wraps and Monolifts
RUM9 will be absent of the monolifts and knee wraps of previous years. What will this move mean for the meet?
Dan Green's 4 Bench Tips
Increase your numbers with techniques from one of the top raw lifters in the world!
RUM8 Champion Carlos Moran Discuss Training, Lifestyle
An exclusive interview from Total Performance Sports that covers the mindset and training of a world-class raw lifter.
Have You Tried Gateway Gear?
C’ mon guys, everybody’s doing it. It won’t hurt you (as long as you use it correctly).
Eric Lilliebridge Breaks Wrapless Record (with Video)
A day before Tom Brady carved his Super Bowl legacy in stone, Eric Lilliebridge was leaving his own exclamation point.
Using Gear to Overload Your Raw Strength
If you aren’t wising up to the value of gear for raw lifting, Joe will choke you out with a pair of Krait Knee Wraps.
Gear for the Raw Lifter: Know Your Weapons
Are you afraid that the chalk police will find illicit lifting paraphernalia in your gym bag?
Iron Subculture Podcast: Meet the Newest Team Members (Episode #9)
What does it take to join Team Elitefts?
How Training for a Single-ply Meet Benefited My Multi-ply
I knew I wasn’t done powerlifting, not by a long shot, but something needed to change.
Chris Szorc: Live. Learn. And Pass On.
Athletes and coaches within the sport, living, learning, and passing on.
Brian Schwab: APF Raw Nationals Results
My point from this is that meet conditions are never perfect, whether or not you plan for them to be.
UGSS: Taylor's Training
Looking forward to applying it to my training, to get even better for my next meet.
One Week of RAW
On the 3rd rep of 660 I dropped the bar and decided to walk away without risking injury.
Tips for Your First Raw Powerlifting Meet
Here are some tips for those of you who are considering your first powerlifting meet.
A Peaking Cycle for a Raw Stalling Deadlift
This is the exact deadlift cycle I’ve used for the past three meets.
Assistance Exercises for the Raw Squatter
So it’s been three meets now and I’m still doing this raw thing.
Problem—Raw Bench Press; Solution—Plyometrics
Speed training in the bench press has become increasingly popular. Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell Club popularized this concept by advocating a speed day in the bench press. Some call it a “dynamic” day, and some call it a “light” day.
Bigger and Better Benching
A lot of my tips are just repeats from everyone else but I think they get overlooked while everyone is looking for the next gear craze or shortcut. Some are gear related and some are raw work.
