I’ve had many discussions with veteran strength coaches on the phenomena of the elite NooB. It’s my highest complaint of many of the CF folks. Bring someone in the gym; put a barbell in their hands for the first time; teach them idiotic form and habits; call them Elite. Boom! You’re awesome. Or not.
Many people come to different forms of exercise or sport with little to no experience of competition. They hear the fact that Tiger Woods was three (or whatever) the first time he held a golf club but fail to understand how those first 15 years of work carry over to his present day results. Or if you’re a Tiger hater, use Adam Scott. Or Serena’s first tennis racket. Or…well you get the picture.
Being a NooB is fun. You’re learning. You’re years away from knowing. I ran across a thread in the NASGA forum the other day on how long it takes to know what you’re doing at the Highland Games here. Kel Mulrey shares the answer he was given, “a track and field guy would take about 2 to 3 years everyone else 5yr’s and over.” Five years?! That’s too long, I want to be tops NOW. Heh. Not really.
This desire to be the best NOW is all over the place. I’ve read some powerlifter’s logs who are patting themselves on the back about a 20# meet PR on a lift when it’s their SECOND meet! Of COURSE you’ll hit big PR’s on your second meet, especially when they’re over a year apart! Let me read about your 20# PR’s in ten years and then we’ll be impressed. How long did Andy Bolton train for his 5 pound PR on his 1008# deadlift? A while. Duh.
Being a NooB means you have to learn; you have to listen; and you get to have fun with no pressure for excellence. Respect the people who have been in your sport for years, listen to them, appreciate them. Be patient and enjoy the ride.
I managed to beat Michael Phelps’ 400 meter IM time. And not only did I beat his time, but I did it in exactly 200 meters.
Jarod Kintz
Training Log
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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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