If you read my Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning you KNOW I have a HUGE regret, which is that of NOT knowing what weightlifting was back in 1989 when "Andre The Giant" made me cry.
I could have had the opportunity to learn weightlifting from 1 of the best from that time.
Andre did his own thing while everyone else did a circuit of lat pulldowns, leg extensions, tricep push downs, etc.
Andre was in the corner with his squat rack, attacking his barbell with a ferocious intensity that reminds me of video footage of Ilya Ilyin.
When I began learning about training athletes, the schools of powerlifting VS weightlifting existed. I found little if any info back then of Coaches saying, "YES! Do BOTH, NOT just 1 or the other".
I regret not learning weightlifting in my early years.
Today, I don't discriminate against anything that can get me stronger, faster and tougher.
Drop the ego and always learn. That is my advice to you.
Be inspired.....
- Don't be afraid to learn something new.
Harness your fears and know that you will be uncomfortable learning something new. But, what great things aren't found down a tough road?
This applies to coaches AND athletes. You'll be amazed at how many are close minded to something new because it requires effort, creates discomfort and forces you to take 2 steps back.
As mentioned in The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning in the foreword from Coach Ethan Reeve, "The best athletes are Coachable and Humble....."
- Mobility. Weightlifting will push your mobility to new heights. Mobility improves your health and makes you feel better. Notice how weightlifters warm up and stretch through their exercises. Squatting low, stretching all muscles and movements, jumping and overall being athletic.
- Speed. You learn to lift weights fast. Plain and simple. Kill the "Strong & Useless" and work to become agile, mobile & hostile. Speed requires effort. Speed requires an aggressive mindset and attitude.
Drop your comments below.
Till the next time.
Live The Code 365
--Z--
STRONG in The Gym.
STRONGER In LIFE!
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4 Responses
Nothing but the truth!
Thanks, Z!
Thank YOU, Frank, see you soon!
Zach, I’ve seen these videos, amazing!
I too regret not learning the Olympic lifts at an earlier age, so now I’m trying to learn them and teach to my athletes. I use puny weights compared to most but I don’t really care. I feel really good taking on a new task and seeing (modest) gains.
Later bro!
That is what a great coach does, learning on the constant and sharing to help others achieve greatness!