The sense of entitlement and vulnerability that I see especially in the younger “socially conscious” (between quotes, because I consider myself pretty socially conscious) or the older self-righteous generation reminds me of things we all need to do, well… to live. Yes, to improve, to excel, but even to just get by. Most of the […]
You really don’t need to like it Read More »
To my dear friends just starting their journey This is just a note to my many friends, and students’ clients who are afraid of squatting with the bar for the first time. I have some words for you: I understand you are frustrated and I am with you on your quest. I’m here if
Adults afraid of squatting with the bar: you and the rest of the world, don’t worry Read More »
I might be playing the mother-figure here in saying both are right and that you possibly agree more than not. Most people who know me also know that I belong to the second class for a very strong reason: it was the accidental discovery of powerlifting that saved my life. I abandoned an academic career
A recent post from Alexander Juan Antonio Cortes about training routine structure and rationale for exercise choice, which I hope he expands into a full article, got me into a train of thought. I remembered the wrap-up session of one of the “powerlifting 5” courses, which is actually not powerlifting, but “grip training” (they are
“Stuff from everyday” – where does fun come into the training routine? Read More »
Powerlifters spend their whole lives having to fix small (or big) movement pattern or technique problems here and there. One might think that a very experienced high performance athlete doesn’t need to. Wrong: at each new injury (and they are inevitable and frequent), movement patterns are changed. They need fixing. Besides that, we evolve. Our
“Stuff from everyday” – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it Read More »
Lifter approaches me a few days ago telling me she couldn’t go heavy at all (not even her competition max) on a deadlift static hold: the knurling of the bar was already tearing the skin from the palms of both hands. Methinks. As she talked, she mimicked the movement of a lockout. I told her
“Stuff from everyday” – Grip strength, supra-maximal work and the deadlift Read More »
1. It amazes me how so many people echoed through social media the crucifixion of Russian lifters for failing drug tests reported on mainstream press. To anyone who’s been in the game long enough, it is obvious that some political agreement went sour or some “negative test fees” were not paid. That is all. There
About witch hunts: lynching athletes for failing a drug test Read More »
Each person has their own reasons to dedicate increasing time, effort, money and other important resources to something that renders no financial benefit. Sport is defined as institutionalized game and game is an autotelic activity, which means it is an end unto itself. Amateur, marginal sports are that plus more: you don’t get external resources
Powerlifting branching meanings 2: the Spider Boys Read More »
* The lists of “how to achieve mental toughness” and pictures supposedly associated with some idea of mental toughness seem to be increasing on social media. I wonder if they are a development of the “no pain, no gain” bodybuilder motto, that became a bit old and faded * Some people offer courses on mental
The Instagram toilet thoughts #3: about mental toughness Read More »
* the number of lion pictures associated with the values of aggressiveness, leadership, hunting behavior, taking action leading a group, moral superiority, etc., is amazing. I’d say everyday, in three toilet sessions (you know what I mean), there are at least three lion picture in a five minute scroll * take a moment to read
