Never Enough: Squat and Deadlift Edition 2007 DVD Review
By Jim Wendler
For www.EliteFTS.com
I first met Mark “Jackass” Bell at a seminar in Tucson, Arizona. I never noticed him during the lecture portion of the seminar, probably because he was about 65lbs. But as Dave and I were teaching the bench press, I asked Mark what sport he competed in.
He answered wrestling.
Now my first thought was Olympic style wrestling. Not because I was unfamiliar with the body slams and drama of Professional Wrestling. No, it was because Mark Bell was a twig. And when I think of Pro Wrestlers I never think of a character named Emaciated Man. He smiled his gnarly teeth at me and did some patented phantom moves of his trade. I held back the laughter…kind of.
A couple years later, Dave created an EFS personality called JackAss. At this time, that character could have been anyone on the Elite staff that wanted to act like an idiot and remain anonymous. It was our version of an internet troll. At this time, Mark Bell had migrated to Columbus, Ohio and began training for his wrestling career at Westside Barbell. Dave gave Mark Bell the green light to become the full time JackAss for one reason; to screw with Bob Youngs.
Bob is legendary for his smack talking abilities. He runs his mouth without prejudice or discretion. Dave and Bob were preparing for the same meet and it was getting out of hand on the Q/A. Dave knew that he couldn’t keep up with Bob so he let Mark do the talking for him. And then it got ugly. But we’ll leave all that to the internet historians.
Mark Bell left wrestling and eventually moved to California and began his quest to build a powerlifting team. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical. So how did it turn out?
I think this video, Never Enough, says it all.
First, this training DVD is entertaining. This is rare in this industry as some experts feel as if it is their job to remain stoic and academic. Mark’s voiceovers are both insightful and funny. He pokes fun at some of his lifters (and Dave Tate) but you can tell that he truly cares about the guys in his gym. I didn’t even fast forward through the DVD, something I cannot even say about porn.
Second, it is educational. Chad Aichs makes an appearance to help with the squat and Mark teaches the deadlift. There is tons of training footage that Mark critiques and lets you see different squat styles and techniques. It goes over a ton of different dynamic squat cycles that the guys have used including bands, chains, bands and chains, squatting off of foam, safety squat bar, buffalo bar, cambered bar, reverse band etc. All of the lifters in his gym are represented. Not just the fat guys like Mark and Scott Cartwright.
It goes over max effort training and again is peppered with actual workout footage. You can see how hard these guys train and what their attitudes are like. Mark again goes over technique and his thoughts on the training. There are even several attempts in full gear when the lifter is getting ready for the meet. It captures all the comfort and ease of a fully suited lift.
Last, the DVD is inspirational. I don’t know if I should say this but Dave handed me the copy last week and told me to watch it. I asked him what he thought and he remarked, “It made me miss the gym.” This is a huge statement from Dave, especially if you know him like I do. This is something you could put on before you start training to give you a boot to the ass. There is also meet footage of Cartwright’s single ply meet (he totaled 2204) in which he narrates his thoughts. This is unique stuff and something very different.
The work ethic and dedication to helping others is apparent and should be seen by every coach and lifter. We have long championed training with a group and this video shows you why it’s so important. Mark has gone above and beyond my expectations for this video. He recently told me that they are working on a bench press video and if it’s anything like this one we are in for another great production.
Jim Wendler is a Senior Editor and Sales Manager of Elite Fitness Systems. He worked as a Strength and Conditioning coach at the University of Kentucky where he worked with several different teams including football and baseball. He played football and graduated from the University of Arizona where he earned three letters. Jim’s best lifts include a 1000lbs squat, a 675 bench press, 700lbs deadlift and a 2375 total in the 275lbs class.
Elite Fitness Systems strives to be a recognized leader in the strength training industry by providing the highest quality strength training products and services while providing the highest level of customer service in the industry. For the best training equipment, information, and accessories, visit us at www.EliteFTS.com