Need to Vent...

[ADAMBAUER]

OK I have to ask ,how many, when they try to explain to friends and family what we do, instead of getting some kind of support they get all sorts of ignorant or stupid questions? Other than my wife and kids I have no local support in my training, I use it as motivation to bust my A** in training but it frustrates me when I try to share my training results that they act like it is no big deal. I hit a P.R. squat in the gym and other than my wife and kids all I heard was " what about your knee? Your going to hurt you back," etc. etc.
Sorry to sound like I am whining but I had to vent! :EP:

[Kristyn Vytlacil]

Well, I guess we can let you vent here.... j/k.

Hey man, if other non-strength athletes don't get what you're talking about, post your PRs here. We won't ask you whether or not it's going to hurt your knees and back. We'll simply congratulate you and if you've got vids to share we might do a bit of critiquing. But seriously, this is why this forum is here, so you don't have to get irritated with those people who simply don't get it. So, please share your good moments and bad moments with us, because we are all here to support you!

[jon hergert]

Simple rule, you can't discuss your workouts with people, even friends that don't seriously work out.

They aren't interested. Even more so, i think many of them are jealous.

People in general don't want to subject themselves to pain or make a sacrifice for their physical bodies and health. When you talk about your workout, it reminds them that they aren't doing what every every bit of medical advice and common knowledge suggests that they should do. They don't want to hear that.

They don't even want to hear about how relatively little time it takes to take care of yourself.

Those that do go to the gym but don't have serious workouts don't want to hear about you either because they want to think their routine is hard, and since your are bigger and stronger than them, you must obviously be taking some "supplements" otherwise you would look like they do.

When faced head on with the discussion, their natural evasion will be to come up with excuses of why they don't/can't/shouldn't.

As a general rule, i don't discuss my progress or physical activities with anyone who doesn't ask first.

[Matt Meinrod]

I'll vent on here too than...makes me mad when 150 pound dudes think they know it all because they have a bunch of letters behind their last names. If you know everything about training Mr. Egghead then why don't you apply it to yourself?

[AaRoNSnider]

Simple rule, you can't discuss your workouts with people, even friends that don't seriously work out.
Thats the truth.I agree with what everyone else has said.To the outside world squats hurt our knees,deadlifts will ruin our backs,our diets are going to kill us etc.You even get that kind of treatment from alot of people in the gym.I bought a few weights for home for the days when I cant handle those types of people in the gym.One thing is certain,you will always have support here!
By the way WSM is on NOW!

[chrisklavette]

They are very unappreciative until it is time to move something heavy or when it is time to pick up their fat A** off the floor and take them to the hospital. Than they are really impressed with the amount you can deadlift and how much time you have spent dragging sleds.

[Jesse Marunde]

it's real simple. get REALLY huge. then people will be too scared to question your alpha male dominence for fear that you might pee on them.

[AaRoNSnider]

it's real simple. get REALLY huge. then people will be too scared to question your alpha male dominence for fear that you might pee on them.

Good advice haha

[Brian Brouwer]

it's real simple. get REALLY huge. then people will be too scared to question your alpha male dominence for fear that you might pee on them.
Haha, or you tell them if you don't get protien every 3 hours you'll go into a catabolic state, and they mistake that for us for wanting to eat them IF they negitivly question you. :EP:

[Patrick McGuffin]

it's real simple. get REALLY huge. then people will be too scared to question your alpha male dominence for fear that you might pee on them.

Thats why I LOVE high school weight rooms, the fear in some kids eyes is hilarious(like we are actually going to do anything to them?), I miss my high school weight room.

[Brett Tucek]

I agree with most of what Jon said.

I don't bother discussing my training with anyone who isn't serious. In fact, I've become so jaded that I quit discussing my training and numbers with anyone, even if they ask. Too many people in this world were (completely unbeknownst to them) world record holders...in high school.

Lift for yourself and you won't feel the need to share your PR's with everyone you meet.

[ADAMBAUER]

Thanks to all who posted replies:YR:, like I said I just needed to vent. I realize that if they don't lift they just don't understand. So they may want to stay out of my or I will eat them!lol ( Is human considered clean : ?)

[Mac Smith]

it's real simple. get REALLY huge. then people will be too scared to question your alpha male dominence for fear that you might pee on them.


Works for me!!!!! :M:

[Joshua Davis]

My personal favorite is the guy that tells you he benched 500lbs in high school, then when you are squatting your warmups, he exclaims "HOLY CRAP! I HAVE NEVER SEEN A BAR BEND THAT MUCH! HOW MUCH WEIGHT IS THAT?" and you tell him, "495lbs"

Unfortunately, I am the biggest guy training at the times where I am actually at the gym. Because of this, I get 1. told deadlifts will break my back, or 2. asked for advice on creatine and n02 supps, then get ignored for telling people just to eat and train hard.

[David Bennett]

Im really glad this was posted im relatively new, and i feel that i am totally alone with training and support, the only one who cares is me, i get the same things, you look to small, youll hurt yourself, you dont want to look like that, why cant people be happy and try to help, all i keep saying to myself is "no one will ctach when you fall but yourself"

[Alan Benninga]

I would get Dan Harrison's advise on this and following it to the T.

[Corey DuCharme]

Works for me!!!!! :M:

You big guys are lucky to have that going for you!! Try being a skinny guy busting his butt only to have people think, "I'm bigger/stronger than him and I don't even workout." It doesn't bother me, I do this because I love to.

[Jeff Bach]

This is all why you have to a good group to train with. If you don't have a good group, recruit until you get a good group. Could take some time and a few beers but it is necessary.

The guys or gals you train with are the only ones who truly get it.

[ADAMBAUER]

Im really glad this was posted im relatively new, and i feel that i am totally alone with training and support, the only one who cares is me,

That is why I posted this, Ifigured if I was feeling that way some others would too. But take the advice you have read here and use it to motivate yourself in the gym and event training after a while they will quit questioning and just accept you as one of the freaks we are. :EL:

[JEFF VANCO]

My bro "The Punisher" set me straight in the summer with this problem.

He told me to train even harder and let your actions speak for yourself. The stronger you get, the higher you place, the bigger you become - the more people will respect/fear/admire you - without you having to say a word.

There will always be haters, there will always be the armchair experts.

What more support do you need other than your immediate family - your wife and child.

Remember bro, at the end of the day you do this for one person and one person only - YOU!!!!!!!!

The most dangerous man is the one no one sees coming.

[ClayEdgin]

Simple rule, you can't discuss your workouts with people, even friends that don't seriously work out.

They aren't interested. Even more so, i think many of them are jealous.

People in general don't want to subject themselves to pain or make a sacrifice for their physical bodies and health. When you talk about your workout, it reminds them that they aren't doing what every every bit of medical advice and common knowledge suggests that they should do. They don't want to hear that.

They don't even want to hear about how relatively little time it takes to take care of yourself.

Those that do go to the gym but don't have serious workouts don't want to hear about you either because they want to think their routine is hard, and since your are bigger and stronger than them, you must obviously be taking some "supplements" otherwise you would look like they do.

When faced head on with the discussion, their natural evasion will be to come up with excuses of why they don't/can't/shouldn't.

As a general rule, i don't discuss my progress or physical activities with anyone who doesn't ask first.

Thanks, Jon, for posting everything I wanted to say!

[Mac Smith]

I've thought long and hard about this. Some of you guys are waaaaaayyyyyy to sensitive. Who really gives a rat's a$$ about what other people think. I can't remember the last time I heard something negative from anyone about what I do. They've always looked at me with curiosity. Maybe people don't approach me as much because I look very intimidating, but oh well. Like Jeff said, the only people who matter are your family. Here's a word of advice to everyone who works out a major gym or health club, stop being such pricks in the gym and maybe people will be more encouraging of you. I've heard stories from cats on this forum (who posted on this topic) that they've given dirty looks and made negative comments to 'regular' cats in the gym all the time for things likes bench pressing, doing curls, and trying to look pretty. Why would you now expect those same people to support you or take your advice about anything? Most of us are fat (or appear to be so), skinny, and/or throwing weight around without the typical 'form' used in the BB mags.

Just live by the golden rule and you'll begin to notice that more and more people will be more supportive of your endeavors. Even people you don't know. But again, in the long run, it really doesn't matter what anyone but you and your family thinks anyway, so don't lose any sleep.

[Matt Meinrod]

Mac...great post...I just want to know when you're gonna open your gym so you can hire me up! Just say the word and me and the fiance are movin to the LV --- I'm serious :)!!!

[Nikhil Rao]

The biggest problem I've had in the gym is people asking me how to 'get big'. I take it as a compliment, even though I've never trained to 'get big'.

As for friends, and family, whatever. My mom whines I get too big when I'm doing nothing but a 100 pushups a day. The doctors smirk and say 'you'll destroy your joints' and I'll just counter with 'how come I'm more pain free now than when I don't lift?". Friends are fairly indifferent to it.

My only other friends who train hard do it to look pretty. I usually get the 'you're small for your strength, don't you want to be bigger?' or back when I wasn't lifting 'I call BS, i bet you still lift all the time'. But oh well.

At the end of the day, I train for me. I train because it literally is physical therapy. A new PR on shoulder press means I can actually hold a phone during a conversation in my gimpy hand. A stronger back means my spine's a bit straighter and I"m visibly taller, and I hurt a whole lot less.

I learned a long time ago that most people love to watch a special on 60 minutes about something 'inspirational' about overcoming pain, injury, etc to keep moving forward, because it makes them feel good to see people persevere. But at the same time they don't like one of those stories to be too close to them, then it makes them feel inadequate for all the bitching and moaning they do over nothing big.

Whatever.

[Jason Oyler]

I haven't really got any negitiveity frome people really. Mabey once in a long while. My famly- including relitives- is very interested in what I am doing. My dad is very proud of my strenght and brags whenever it is brought up. The gym that I started working out at when I was 15 has since closed down. Anyone that I see that use to go their will stop and talk about how they rember seeing me grow up and develop and that I am looking good.
I don't really talk about my lifting really because most people don't have an apreciation for it, just because they don't train for strength. I fell that if you are really gonna let some "normy" get you all bent out of shape mabey you should re-think some things over.

However, I did work at a GNC at one point (nice while it lasted) and the stories of how they use to squat 700lbs or deadlifted ove 900lbs in highschool did get old sometimes. Sometimes I would just straight up half to call them liers. They didn't like it to much.....

[Dan Harrison]

I would get Dan Harrison's advise on this and following it to the T.

Thanks Al,

I have had nothing but great experiences in my gym (LA Fitness) since I got a membership there in around march 06. The trainers and staff love me, they always ask me when I have a show coming up and they ooh and aah when I do my heavy lifting (which is a great compliment as well as being motivating). I'm like a god in my gym! People see me REALLY busting my ass in there and they come up to ask what sport I'm training for or to ask why I'm doing a certain lift, and I am always glad to explain it! It is really an honor!

One time, at a different gym, while doing partial squats from the rack (before my strongman days), I was doing some lockouts with 8 plates and a trainer lady there started laughing LOUD at me while she was with her client. She started saying "I should be laughed at and I wasn't doing real squats, etc.." I was so mad that I gave her the most spectacular middle finger I could give (which usually blows people's faces clean off) and after I walked over there, she had literally fallen over from the power of my finger, and then she accidentally got peed on.

[ADAMBAUER]

I really appreciate all those who took time to post on this topic. I try to share my workout stories with my folks because it is a part of who I am, they had no problem when I was a slug feeling sorry for myself but now that I am doing something with my life and they don't share my enthusiasm it just gets frustrating and I had enough today and posted the thread. I know what they think does not matter, I lift to see my progress, nothing like throwing another plate onto the weight you did last time and leaving everything you got on the table and then getting home and my sons asking how much I liftedd to day. I was weak when I posted the first time but since then I had a killer workout and great time with my wife and three sons. So to all those who don't understand... "It's an Iron thing, you wouldn't understand! :LOL: "
To those who took the time to post :YR:

[WJ Hasey]

gotta agree with mac...family is all that matters....it's your interest...there are tons of guys on hot rod, mma, collectible, etc websites whining about the same thing. the people that get you are few and far between no matter what you do so instead of whining about who doesn't get you just be happy at who does and actually from what i've seen the nicer you are the better response...most people ask out of interest not out of disdain

[JEFF VANCO]

Thanks Al,

I have had nothing but great experiences in my gym (LA Fitness) since I got a membership there in around march 06. The trainers and staff love me, they always ask me when I have a show coming up and they ooh and aah when I do my heavy lifting (which is a great compliment as well as being motivating). I'm like a god in my gym! People see me REALLY busting my ass in there and they come up to ask what sport I'm training for or to ask why I'm doing a certain lift, and I am always glad to explain it! It is really an honor!

One time, at a different gym, while doing partial squats from the rack (before my strongman days), I was doing some lockouts with 8 plates, maybe more, don't remember...) and a trainer lady there start laughing LOUD at me while she was with her client. She started saying "I should be laughed at and I wasn't doing real squats, etc...). I was so mad that I gave her the most spectacular middle finger I could give (which usually blows people's faces clean off) and after I walked over there, she had literally fallen over from the power of my finger, and then she accidentally got peed on.

LOL, Dan you're hilarious.

[Mike Pelosi]

I think Im going to go against the grain here, but I absolutely love talking about what I do and the passion I have for it, and even more so, I love giving advice and answering questions to what I feel I know. I love the questions, the comments, everything! And what I love even more is converting people into powerlifting/strongman fans. Last night, at our New Years Eve Dinner, my cousin (11) and his friend of the same age were over my grandmothers and we sat around the TV w/ some damn good Chinese food and I explained to them how an American hasn't won in such a long time, and how Mariuz usually wins. When Phil beat Mariuz in the stones, they started jumping up and down and screaming like some team they like won the World Series or something.

Im lucky enough to train at a private gym, but when I make my occasional stroll to Gold's and people ask me certain things, I give them honest to truth answers and as long as your not stuck up or act like your god's gift to strength, I think people give positive responses. Who really cares if someone curls and benches every workout, not everyone is in it to be the next Kaz and if they are, they will soon learn thats not the way to go. Now if their curling in a power rack or something to squat out of, then ITS ON LIKE DONKEY KONG

Im a firm believer that if you do something and you love it, you should share it with the world and thats what I do. Something positive can always come out of any situation.

Happy New Year everyone!

-Mike Pelosi

[Corey DuCharme]

My dad is very proud of my strenght and brags whenever it is brought up.

Dad's are great like that aren't they! :D My brother and I are both into strongman and my dad just loves it. He's so proud of us and loves to talk about what we do. He compliments us on our strength all the time.

The funny thing is, when he was our age, he was 6'2" tall, and weighed 265lbs. (We're both around 200lbs) He was strong like an ox, all natural, from hard work. There is no doubt in my mind that he could have wiped the floor with us when it comes to strength.

My mom cracks me up too. She is always telling us how we are going to hurt ourselves. She is actually very fascinated and impressed with what we do though.

[chrisklavette]

One of the most rewarding times is when to strength athletes cross paths in a completely neutral environment and recognize each other for what they do. Example, in Iraq a new guy came to live in our compound and you could tell he was pretty thick from lifting but definitely not a BBer. So I tested the waters by walking to the Cadillac (bathroom) with a copy of MILO in hand thinking he would be somewhere along my path. Sure enough on my way back he was coming out of the laundry facility and asked me what that was in my hand. I showed him and he told me about his love for arm wrestling and throwing. He told me he was pretty sure I wasn't a BBer and was going to ask me if I would go lift with him sometime. Also, in Germany I was drinking a beer and another American in the bar asked me something about lifting and in particular odd objects (he was sitting next to me and just making conversation) I briefly told him I was familiar with this practice, turns out he was stationed with Adam Keep in Dover. It is pretty cool how we can usually pick each other out.

[JoeCSnavely]

I've thought long and hard about this. Some of you guys are waaaaaayyyyyy to sensitive. Who really gives a rat's a$$ about what other people think. I can't remember the last time I heard something negative from anyone about what I do. They've always looked at me with curiosity. Maybe people don't approach me as much because I look very intimidating, but oh well. Like Jeff said, the only people who matter are your family. Here's a word of advice to everyone who works out a major gym or health club, stop being such pricks in the gym and maybe people will be more encouraging of you. I've heard stories from cats on this forum (who posted on this topic) that they've given dirty looks and made negative comments to 'regular' cats in the gym all the time for things likes bench pressing, doing curls, and trying to look pretty. Why would you now expect those same people to support you or take your advice about anything? Most of us are fat (or appear to be so), skinny, and/or throwing weight around without the typical 'form' used in the BB mags.

Just live by the golden rule and you'll begin to notice that more and more people will be more supportive of your endeavors. Even people you don't know. But again, in the long run, it really doesn't matter what anyone but you and your family thinks anyway, so don't lose any sleep.

Mac, Amen bro. Positive and humble responses usually get positive feedback. If you love the sport stop feeding your ego and get back to work!

Dan, hilarious!

Joe

[dave barron]

One of the most rewarding times is when to strength athletes cross paths in a completely neutral environment and recognize each other for what they do.

Absolutely. Years ago I was in Germany at a cafeteria and two of the biggest guys I'd ever seen were eating there. They were tall and muscley and wearing track suits and had "shot putter" written all over them. Of course I had to go over and talk to them. Long story short, they ended up inviting me to train with them while they were in town. Maybe you've heard of one of them, a swiss guy by the name of Werner Gunthor.

[Glenn King]

Dave Barron . You caber tossin , hammer throwin , haggis eatin , kilt wearin ....um .. well anyway . Good point . Its like all of us are in a secret club . And our decoder rings are our bodies . Its a great feelin and ya gotta love it . The jealous will never understand . Hey if your ever through southern va give me a holla Id love for someone to show me how to really throw . God bless guys and gals .

[Mike Westerling]

I think Im going to go against the grain here, but I absolutely love talking about what I do and the passion I have for it, and even more so, I love giving advice and answering questions to what I feel I know. I love the questions, the comments, everything! And what I love even more is converting people into powerlifting/strongman fans. Last night, at our New Years Eve Dinner, my cousin (11) and his friend of the same age were over my grandmothers and we sat around the TV w/ some damn good Chinese food and I explained to them how an American hasn't won in such a long time, and how Mariuz usually wins. When Phil beat Mariuz in the stones, they started jumping up and down and screaming like some team they like won the World Series or something.

Im lucky enough to train at a private gym, but when I make my occasional stroll to Gold's and people ask me certain things, I give them honest to truth answers and as long as your not stuck up or act like your god's gift to strength, I think people give positive responses. Who really cares if someone curls and benches every workout, not everyone is in it to be the next Kaz and if they are, they will soon learn thats not the way to go. Now if their curling in a power rack or something to squat out of, then ITS ON LIKE DONKEY KONG

Im a firm believer that if you do something and you love it, you should share it with the world and thats what I do. Something positive can always come out of any situation.

Happy New Year everyone!

-Mike Pelosi

Best attidue I've heard in a while!
Happy New Year!
-Mike

[Russell Selcho]

After reading several of these posts I feel really lucky. My mom started going to a gym when she noticed I was getting stronger, because she thought it was a good time for her to be in shape and get strong, she is 50+. My brother and my sisters boyfriend always want me to show them how to do a certain lift. My friends just recently filled tubs with ice so they could watch me lift them. I have been asked advice several times at the gym, and like Dan and Mac said, I treated them with respect and helped them anyway I could. I also get asked by the people I work with when my next contest is going to be, and they are sincerely interested. I am not even close to being as big or as strong as alot of members on this board, but several of them have given me advice when I asked so I need to return the favor to the next guy. I also have a good group of people I train with or around.

[Jonathan Macfarlane]

Absolutely. Years ago I was in Germany at a cafeteria and two of the biggest guys I'd ever seen were eating there. They were tall and muscley and wearing track suits and had "shot putter" written all over them. Of course I had to go over and talk to them. Long story short, they ended up inviting me to train with them while they were in town. Maybe you've heard of one of them, a swiss guy by the name of Werner Gunthor.


Easily one of the greatest freak show putters ever. Apparently his wife is like 5'2 and he's 6'7!

To Adam, if your wife supports your lifting, then thats more than good enough IMO.

[chrisklavette]

My friends just recently filled tubs with ice so they could watch me lift them. also get asked by the people I work with when my next contest is going to be, and they are sincerely interested.
The other day at work this guy brought in some kind of heating unit (I think). He came in the kitchen and asked if some people would help him lift it into his truck and right after he finished asking he looks at me and says "oh wait the stations strongest man can do it by himself, can't he?" I went back there and I didn't care if I had to shoot a disk out of my spine I was going to get this thing in there. Lucky for me it was only a couple hundred lbs and odd shaped so it wasn't that tough. It still impressed the guys and that was cool.
Another day at work I showed up and this guy told me he watched the entire 2006 WSM marathon and just wanted to talk all about it. He had a lots of questions about who's who and how well they have done before. While we were talking about another guy came over and started talking about how awesome the strongmen were. It was really a cool day.

[Justin Stratton]

The other day at work this guy brought in some kind of heating unit (I think). He came in the kitchen and asked if some people would help him lift it into his truck and right after he finished asking he looks at me and says "oh wait the stations strongest man can do it by himself, can't he?" I went back there and I didn't care if I had to shoot a disk out of my spine I was going to get this thing in there. Lucky for me it was only a couple hundred lbs and odd shaped so it wasn't that tough. It still impressed the guys and that was cool.
Another day at work I showed up and this guy told me he watched the entire 2006 WSM marathon and just wanted to talk all about it. He had a lots of questions about who's who and how well they have done before. While we were talking about another guy came over and started talking about how awesome the strongmen were. It was really a cool day.

Me and my english teacher, she's a female, chat like this all the time. she's soooo interested in the fact that human can have such great feats of strength. she has since asked me how to teach her lifts and getting more toned/defined for her husband.

i aggree'd to help :LOL:

[Scott Markowitz]

I ifnd it amazing how intimidated people are by strongman. Whenever I'm in the gym and I see some reasonably strong people who look like they could handle themselves at strongman, I approach them. Inevitably, they all think there's no way they could do it. Today, I talked to a guy who's maybe 5'4 and 200# - one of the thickest guys on campus. Even after I assured him that there are weight classes, he still seemed scared.

Maybe Kaz's somewhat over the top descriptions of "the unberable pain the competitors feel wrenchign through his entire being" on nearly every event contributes to this? :confused:

[Jim Glassman]

I ifnd it amazing how intimidated people are by strongman. Whenever I'm in the gym and I see some reasonably strong people who look like they could handle themselves at strongman, I approach them. Inevitably, they all think there's no way they could do it. Today, I talked to a guy who's maybe 5'4 and 200# - one of the thickest guys on campus. Even after I assured him that there are weight classes, he still seemed scared.

Maybe Kaz's somewhat over the top descriptions of "the unberable pain the competitors feel wrenchign through his entire being" on nearly every event contributes to this? :confused:

Most people of are weak mind, especially when it comes to pushing their body. At least these people you speak to know their limits.

[ShanePetrelli]

I still havent had an actual strongman comp... jan. 20th in Wisconsin will be my first, but it's more of a training day... March 3rd is my real comp in IL. I have been a fan of WSM and the Arnold strongman classic for years... I found NAS and This forum. I played D3 football and track and field in college. After i graduated i was kind of depressed that i was done playing football and competing. I know i was stupid because there were a ton of things i could have done. Instead i didnt lift or do anything for a little over six months. Then i started coaching football and track at a high school by my house... it's awesome i love coaching and helping the kids reach their goals. my first year of coaching my freshman team won the conference which is a tough one here in IL, and i helped send 3 throwers downstate, two of them were only sophmores, and one of them it was only his first year. I had alot to be happy about. i still needed more i had to compete. i started lifting again inconsistantly had some injuries, currently i'm 3 1/2 months into my program and i havent missed a day i train 5 days a week. I started entering a few bench press comps to reach a goal i had since high school to bench 400lbs. i entered a comp at my school where i'm going for my masters in human performance. i took first overall weight of 375 at a BW of 336, i was happy at the moment... i then entered a bench comp at my gym and took 2nd but i hit 405 easily and it was only two weeks after the first comp. i like to bench but i dont think of it as a good predictor of strength. there are too many ways to cheat: i like to watch the people at the gym do i think 8 in press where they dont touch their chest or lock out their arms. and everyone has seen the bouncer , it really looks like it hurts. i always loved squats and presses. but i still have a long way to go until i reach some of my goals, it's weird because even if i reach my goal i'll want more; after all you can never be too strong. i'm really dragging this out... i wanted to add to the venting. Once i found NAS i signed up for several IL strongman contest. i train better if i know i already payed for the event and i cant afford to waste money. i told my family and friends about my upcoming contest. and everyone said that i'll get injured or why do you want to lift those "balls" The Atlas Stones obviously. They dont usually like my answer, i tell them because i have fun doing it... although i havent actually done the stones yet. i enjoy lifting heavy weights. i have moved alot and recently my gf got her dads desk it weighs approx 150-200lbs of akward weight. i found my grip and carried it in the house myself. her dad yelled at me but my gf didnt probably because she didnt have to help. i just want to do really well and maybe make it to nationals at some point, to prove that i can do it and it's not stupid to train hard. Some of my old teammates told me to give it up when i told them i still DL, squat , power clean, they think because i dont play ball anymore that being strong isnt important. But it is and i'm so happy that i found people who think the same way as i do. also a guy saw me Deadlifting and told me i was wrong, then he walked over to a bench and did a few curls and then answered his phone in the middle of his lift, which really drives me crazy. people go to the gym for 30-45 minutes because their dr. told them too. they think being there is enough, not if you only do 5 minutes of exercise, leave your phone in your locker and call them when your done. I could see if you have a sick family member or if its an emergency, but talk about your weekend later because someone might need that bench to actually get stronger...

I feel better... sorry if it drags on and about the grammatical errors, i probably have run-ons, spelling errors, etc. i'm not a good typer. Thanks Shane

[Corey DuCharme]

I still havent had an actual strongman comp... jan. 20th in Wisconsin will be my first, but it's more of a training day... March 3rd is my real comp in IL. I have been a fan of WSM and the Arnold strongman classic for years... I found NAS and This forum. I played D3 football and track and field in college. After i graduated i was kind of depressed that i was done playing football and competing. I know i was stupid because there were a ton of things i could have done. Instead i didnt lift or do anything for a little over six months. Then i started coaching football and track at a high school by my house... it's awesome i love coaching and helping the kids reach their goals. my first year of coaching my freshman team won the conference which is a tough one here in IL, and i helped send 3 throwers downstate, two of them were only sophmores, and one of them it was only his first year. I had alot to be happy about. i still needed more i had to compete. i started lifting again inconsistantly had some injuries, currently i'm 3 1/2 months into my program and i havent missed a day i train 5 days a week. I started entering a few bench press comps to reach a goal i had since high school to bench 400lbs. i entered a comp at my school where i'm going for my masters in human performance. i took first overall weight of 375 at a BW of 336, i was happy at the moment... i then entered a bench comp at my gym and took 2nd but i hit 405 easily and it was only two weeks after the first comp. i like to bench but i dont think of it as a good predictor of strength. there are too many ways to cheat: i like to watch the people at the gym do i think 8 in press where they dont touch their chest or lock out their arms. and everyone has seen the bouncer , it really looks like it hurts. i always loved squats and presses. but i still have a long way to go until i reach some of my goals, it's weird because even if i reach my goal i'll want more; after all you can never be too strong. i'm really dragging this out... i wanted to add to the venting. Once i found NAS i signed up for several IL strongman contest. i train better if i know i already payed for the event and i cant afford to waste money. i told my family and friends about my upcoming contest. and everyone said that i'll get injured or why do you want to lift those "balls" The Atlas Stones obviously. They dont usually like my answer, i tell them because i have fun doing it... although i havent actually done the stones yet. i enjoy lifting heavy weights. i have moved alot and recently my gf got her dads desk it weighs approx 150-200lbs of akward weight. i found my grip and carried it in the house myself. her dad yelled at me but my gf didnt probably because she didnt have to help. i just want to do really well and maybe make it to nationals at some point, to prove that i can do it and it's not stupid to train hard. Some of my old teammates told me to give it up when i told them i still DL, squat , power clean, they think because i dont play ball anymore that being strong isnt important. But it is and i'm so happy that i found people who think the same way as i do. also a guy saw me Deadlifting and told me i was wrong, then he walked over to a bench and did a few curls and then answered his phone in the middle of his lift, which really drives me crazy. people go to the gym for 30-45 minutes because their dr. told them too. they think being there is enough, not if you only do 5 minutes of exercise, leave your phone in your locker and call them when your done. I could see if you have a sick family member or if its an emergency, but talk about your weekend later because someone might need that bench to actually get stronger...

I feel better... sorry if it drags on and about the grammatical errors, i probably have run-ons, spelling errors, etc. i'm not a good typer. Thanks Shane


That was an awesome post!! You like to stay physically fit because your body was designed to be used that way.

Your freinds and family don't see the appeal of lifting "those balls" because they don't understand the value of pushing yourself to the limit physically. (Oh, you will love the stones!)

Your old teamates are probably a little jealous of your desire to stay strong because their physical abilities slip away a little more every day.

The guy at the gym probably read Men's Health while on the treamill and think that qualifies him as an expert on all things related to physical fitness. He is also threatened by the fact that you could kill him with your bare hands and eat him.

Spelling errors, run ons and the like are totally allowed in vents!!

Welcome to strongman!!

[ShanePetrelli]

Thanks Corey, i know that i'm going to compete and train and just be a part of strongman competitions and the people in them for many reasons... i'll list a few, by only using message boards so far i feel like i have already made some new friends. This sport unlike many other sports has great sportsmanship... i watch contests on you tube and on TV all of the competitors cheer for you more than anyone else. they want you to pull that weight because they know what it's like to train for it and to achieve it. I also believe that strongman training is going to put me in the best shape of my life. I probably will not look like Pudge or Nee but i'll settle for the Current WSM physique Good ole philly. Also everyone in gyms are looking for lifetime activities look at Odd he's like 56. Maybe i'm going to far with that one Odd is really rare; what i mean is he's a physiological freak and i know he loves it because i love watching him compete. Alright that should do for now... Thanks Again Shane

[ADAMBAUER]

Best of luck on your first comp. Mine is in March. That was a great post BTW. I identified with so much in that article. Best of luck and Keep lifting those wieghts.
:BP: