Goals are the curse of weightlifters. Us amateur lifters who simply enjoy moving heavy weight and the occasional compliment from a stranger fare much better. I’m 53 and still going strong despite a job that has me working 12+ hours a day 200+ days a year, while flying all over the world. The secret, workouts that last no longer than 30-minutes, and no ego. I’ve never power lifted, never posed on stage, but I’m still here years after many of my childhood idols (80s bodybuilders) have given up.
On a side note, I also tried CrossFit for a brief spell, and also got zero satisfaction.
My lifting experience was different. In high school I was an around athlete, football, basketball and exceptional track and field thrower, I succeeded on technique. High school state champion and record holder. I received a full ride to a DI university. Throwers were required to lift heavy and run year round. I was 6-5, 220, graduated at 245, and set school records. I really never enjoyed lifting, it was a means to keep my scholarship and receive a college education. Although. I would have improved greatly if I lifted seriously, my goal was to be the first in my family to receive a college education, not the best athlete. I succeeded, graduated in four years with a double major and never looked back. Eventually, I became a long time high school track & field coach, during one period going eight years without losing a conference meet. Oliver, if you were from the Washington PA area we competed against your school in regional meets. I stayed with the same theory, technique. In the short time you have to coach students, the most improvement comes from the development of event technique. The desire to lift must come inside the student, not imposed. I encouraged students to participate in three sports. Athletic skills were transferred between sports, most coaches wanted high school students to specialize and lift. After 74 years of life and 40 some as an athlete and coach, I still believe first technique, conditioning then strength. Thank you for your work. Mitch
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
Goals are the curse of weightlifters. Us amateur lifters who simply enjoy moving heavy weight and the occasional compliment from a stranger fare much better. I’m 53 and still going strong despite a job that has me working 12+ hours a day 200+ days a year, while flying all over the world. The secret, workouts that last no longer than 30-minutes, and no ego. I’ve never power lifted, never posed on stage, but I’m still here years after many of my childhood idols (80s bodybuilders) have given up.
On a side note, I also tried CrossFit for a brief spell, and also got zero satisfaction.
My lifting experience was different. In high school I was an around athlete, football, basketball and exceptional track and field thrower, I succeeded on technique. High school state champion and record holder. I received a full ride to a DI university. Throwers were required to lift heavy and run year round. I was 6-5, 220, graduated at 245, and set school records. I really never enjoyed lifting, it was a means to keep my scholarship and receive a college education. Although. I would have improved greatly if I lifted seriously, my goal was to be the first in my family to receive a college education, not the best athlete. I succeeded, graduated in four years with a double major and never looked back. Eventually, I became a long time high school track & field coach, during one period going eight years without losing a conference meet. Oliver, if you were from the Washington PA area we competed against your school in regional meets. I stayed with the same theory, technique. In the short time you have to coach students, the most improvement comes from the development of event technique. The desire to lift must come inside the student, not imposed. I encouraged students to participate in three sports. Athletic skills were transferred between sports, most coaches wanted high school students to specialize and lift. After 74 years of life and 40 some as an athlete and coach, I still believe first technique, conditioning then strength. Thank you for your work. Mitch
Fine writer and reader of Substack—we are starting a movement to get a poetry section added to the platform. Can I ask, are you with us?
https://substack.com/profile/10309929-david/note/c-15579327
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
Thank you for your time and support.
Love and appreciation,
David