It is inevitable, that when someone (mostly bro’s) hears that I strength train or compete in a strength sport will ask, “What’s your bench?” It’s nauseating. Of course I lie. Why? Because it’s a bullshit question. Ask me what my squat is; or where my PR deadlift occurred; or my worst Highlander event. Ask me ANYTHING worthwhile to show me that you know your way around the strength training world. But if all you know is a partial bench press, then my answer is usually, “5# more than you dude.”
Bench lies aside, I’ve been curious for quite some time why folks play make believe on the internet with their numbers. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m naive on the subject. Years ago, I whined to Stef how a girl who weighs about 30 pounds less than me, with less athletic talent, can post numbers bigger than mine on her training log. Her answer? “She’s lying dude!” (BTW, don’t call me dude. I’m not a dude. I’m a chick.)
Anyways.
My response? “Huh? People lie on their logs about their weights? Why?” Which got an eye roll and that was the end of the conversation. News to me. I don’t get it. I have literally been on the competition floor with people who’ve later lied about the amount of weight they moved. It boggles my mind. Telling some douchebag bro that I bench more than him is one thing, lying to others in the strength world makes you this:
People, you own your training. Numbers are only as important as you make them out to be. My PR squat is the warm up of many other women. Do I care? No. It’s my PR. Is it humbling to bench 100# less than a local Strongwoman who trains at the gym while I rehab my back? Yup. Will I EVER catch her (real this time) bench? Nope. But my numbers are my own and I’ll own them. They may not be as impressive as I’d want them to be, but lying just makes me a douche AND weak. Unacceptable.
Deadwood quote of the day:
“Ya, glad I taught you THAT fucking word.”
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About tosabarbell
For training opportunities at tosabarbell, call or text Juli at 320-296-9313. e-mail to jep6095@gmail.com
At tosabarbell, I build relationships cultivated in a strength and learning environment. There is no 12 week magic pill program to strength but rather a lifetime commitment to be the very best and most useful human you can be.
tosabarbell is a private, home grown gym with three lifting platforms; squat rack; prowlers; throwing implements; bars, bumpers and everything else needed for an effective strength and conditioning program. Straightforward barbell programming including the Olympic lifts; sound (read: not fancy bullshit) diet advance for weight gain or loss; and strong coaching will ensure you will meet your goals such as becoming stronger, more explosive, and better conditioned.
I have been coaching teams and athletes for over 30 years. I grew up participating in various sports at various levels but was always drawn to those that require strength training. I have multiple local, national, and world records in the sports of Weightlifting and Highland Games Heavy Events as well as a combined total of 5 World Championships. My 5 years of training and coaching under Mark Rippetoe provided a wide range of influence from some of the top strength & conditioning and throwing coaches in the country. I will strongly encourage tosabarbell athletes to compete (and prepare you to do so.) However, tosabarbell is also for those who wish to be stronger and go through life feeling better.
Matt WanAt is a retired Professional Strongman who competed frequently with Strongman Champions League in Europe. He played a year of D1 football with Iowa before concentrating on his Chemical Engineering degree in Iowa City. He is a native of Wauwatosa and still remains a staunch supporter of Tosa East.
This blog will be a mixture of strength notes, coaching and nutrition tips, personal shit; bacon delicacies, and a whole lot of fun.
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