The Philosophy of Iron

Deadlift training at any age can put you in a euphoric zone.

For some of us, training is a painful event that we just need to complete.  For the more sadistic, this can become a bizarre game of pushing beyond realistic boundaries in order to feel unique or powerful.  And yet for others it is a blissful, almost euphoric state entered at least 2 to 3 times each week.  
It seems that how you personally view your training can influence its benefits over your lifespan.  

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99% Perspiration: Work Ethic in the Gym

If I had a nickel for every time someone approached me seeking the path of least resistance, I would be a wealthy man.  No matter what I say, it is obvious they only want to hear affirmations.  No matter how many glaring blind spots I turn up, they still see only what they want to see.  I've said it before, but it's worth repeating.  Everyone is looking for some magic bullet for what ever it is they want most.  It is important to realize that nothing in this life comes for free and nothing worthy comes at a low price.  The way we go about finding our path to fitness is just like any other endeavor.  You need determination, scientific method, and a bit of luck to find your path.  Here is how some of us do it.

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A Powerful Mind Rests in a Powerful Body

OK.  I'm not saying that jock equals genius.  If that were true, there wouldn't be so many jokes pointing to the contrary ;-)  I'm saying that to be fit in midlife and beyond, it is also necessary to be fit mentally. 
There are a few things that most of us experience when crossing the magical 40 year threshold.  All of the sudden we need reading glasses and we seem to forget where we put our keys (much to our loved one's aggravation).  What are we supposed to do?

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Competing / Psyche

Click "older posts" on home page for all posts.

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Why Train?

Recently, I got a chance to speak with an old friend who quickly inquired how my training was going.  He seemed to be anticipating a quicker decline than I had described, but was very curious about my recent injuries.  After I explained how and under what conditions the injuries had come to be, he shook his head and asked why?

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Mindset for Midlife

mindset  mind·set or mind-set  (mīnd'sět')
n.

1.  A fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines a person's responses to and interpretations of situations.
   
   
   Dictionary.com (2010)
   
   
   In many sports there is a moment right before you must engage that some athletes fill with a mantra (a little blurb spoken aloud to to help get your mindset).  I remember standing in front of a bar loaded with 589lbs at the 2004 WPO qualifiers.  I had just gotten over the flu and I weighed in at 146lbs.  I told myself before I stepped on the platform that nothing would stop me from lifting that bar to a full lockout.  My mindset was locked and I had a mental picture of a finished lift.  At that moment, nothing else mattered.  I was quietly mumbling to myself, "power is in the mind, a powerful mind rests in a powerful body, and a powerful body can do anything".  A deep breath and I went on autopilot.  
   I locked out the lift, but my left hand broke loose just enough for that side of the bar to drop about an inch.  I got one white light and two reds (No lift - you need at least two out of three white to have the lift count). Despite of ruling I had never gotten 4X body weight above my knees and I left feeling victorious.  When I approached my  family and friends none of us could stop grinning.  Everyone understood what had transpired.  Few things can compare to the powerful, positive feelings that come with the right mindset.
   
   

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