An interesting thread appeared on Rip’s forum the other day about someone who started the program but was concerned about his growing belly. My favorite (tongue in cheek) quote by Carlos Daniel is: “You can’t have abs if you have a big fat belly and then chicks won’t fuck you because you’re not ripped and you’d be obligated to become a non-practicing heterosexual.”
Heh. Funny. Because men, if you don’t realize by now that a big, strong belly=big, strong man, you’re missing the point of strength training. It’s true. Chiyonofuji (above) is one of the winningest Sumo wrestlers of all time, despite his (in comparison) small belly v. his opponents. However; the size of his belly would make most current day “males” cringe.
A thick belly=strong. Yes? Are you going to have a 400+ pound Log Press or a 340+ pound strict press without a belly? Nope. Is there muscle in that belly? Yup. Duh.
Kaz had a great belly. So does Kanstaninovs…
Big. Thick. Strong. These men didn’t care about abs, they cared about strong. As for me? I call it a win/win. (Rip calls it Juli porn. Both work for me.)
“A strong body makes the mind strong.”
Thomas Jefferson
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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.
tosabarbell 
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