ExRx.net

awesome interview with Dorian. It's pretty long, and there's some bad language, but he speaks frankly about topics a lot of bodybuilders avoid

When I started training my original training partner was/is one of closest friends. Gradually, there were a group of us - another friend would join, then another, then another. There would be anywhere from 4-6 people training all the time. All but one beginner (who is still a regular training partner) quit, eventually.

Now, I actually LOVE training myself. However, when we had our little training crew, and especially when this strongman/powerlifter joined it, I seen the value in training with others. The technique feed back, the coaching cues, accountability, etc. Also, being riled when some of the others were being annoying, mostly because I wasn't quite in the zone and they would purposely get under my skin - you need that!

Anyway, 6 became 5, then 4, 3, 2..... For a while 1, but that beginner didn't quit, e immersed himself in Thai Boxing. Now it's boxing, but he's back training 4 x/week with me, too, so he can't really be lumped into the same category as the others.

I guess since i'm nearly 30 I reflect a lot more. Also, I can see another training crew forming. Made a client a training partner, then this 17 year old with freak strength and determination (seriously!), and another 17 year old competitive boxer. So, i'm back up to 2-4 anytime I train.

So, one of the original beginners who fell by the wayside, naturally, I'm pestering him to come back. Saying it's just like before. He had a lot of potential, he got stronger and put some size on pretty quickly. Couldn't believe he eventually quit. Anyway, he, and the other quitters are obsessed now with none other than Black Ops.

For the last 2-3 months, he's been saying he's had to work late, not really had time, too tired, etc. Then, recently he showed me the new black ops and pulled up his stats.

Since it came out, in November 6th (i think), he's played it for 2 and a half weeks. WEEKS. There's 168 hours in 1 week. 2 weeks is 336 hours. Lets call the total 420 hours.

If he trained 4 x per week, 1 hour each session, every week from November to the end of this month, that's 12 hours.

So, he can find 420 hours to play black ops, but not 12 hours to go make himself better, over a 3 hour period.

Lost cause?

Talk about putting things into perspective.

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Thanks TimD

Did you put it to him that way?

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Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter.--Francis Chan

4:20

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Thanks TimD.

that's probably the number one reason why I hear people say they won't go to the gym; that they don't have time.

If people really can't spare 3 hours a week then they're working too hard.

I got stapled on bench on Thursday. Has never actually happened to me, since I use rails or a spotter.

And it was 145 pounds! OK, it was the second set of 10 doing BBB after two big singles near 95%. But it was a big surprise when I failed rep 10 and found the bar on my chest saying, "uh, help!" Sam jumped over and grabbed the bar and said, "on 3 push" and I said, "It's all you Sam I've got nothing!"

I stapled myself before too. No one was in the gym to help me get it off either. I had to roll it down my body to my thighs then stand up with it.

I'm glad no one saw it. Ended up with big bruises down my ribs and hips

If you haven't, you're not trying hard enough. That's how you learn how far you can go without a spotter. Better your ribs and hips than your neck!

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Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter.--Francis Chan

you may need a differnt spotter. Someone who can 145# would be a good start.



Afraid you might be serious

I've almost gave up on my weight belt for deadlifts.

I like it for squats but I hate it for deadlifts. I'm trying to be patient, try different positions etc but i'm quite close to just remaining a beltless-deadlifter.

Also, flat footed paused bench presses suck.

That is all.

KPj

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Thanks TimD

I bet your belt is too low. Try the Spud Inc. belts. They are soft.

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Thanks TimD.

I'll look into the Spud Inc belts. I bought a 10mm belt which is a little softer than the solid 13mm one's that we're allowed. I was told they're easier to get used to than the 13mm one's, and if I liked the 10mm, then get a 13mm, too. I've never used a belt before so thought the thinner one would be a safer bet to start with.

I love it on squats, actually can't wait to try a 13mm belt. On Deadlifts, they make me want to round my back into the belt. I've heard of "leaning too much into the belt" and I think this is what I have going on.

It feels a little better if I put it higher on my midsesction, like Konstantin Konstantinov.

It's a slight dilemma. Basically the belt changes my technique and this is screwing with me a little. It makes me think, "it wasn't broke, so why am I trying to fix it?". However it also makes sense that if I can just get comfortable with it, I should get a little more out of it like I do the squat...

KPj

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Thanks TimD

Embarrassing fat bodies on channel4 is making me want to cry myself to sleep. Highlights include being told not enough protein causes muscle to turn to fat and ditch butter for margarine, full fat for skimmed milk so bad cholesterol doesn't clog arteries. Maybe another 50 years we may have progress.

I watched that show until they showed a lady with a vaginal prolapse. Never again.