I came into work today just like any other day over the past month—with too much
to do and not enough time to do it. However, I get the most important shit done
and that’s all that matters. I made my way into Jim’s office, and he said, “Not
training again today.” Maybe he noticed I was wearing my “good” T-shirt and
sweatpants and took this as a clue.
It took me about two seconds to tell him, “Nope, just not my thing right
now.” He then said that this “was” my thing. I had to think for a minute but
then got what he was saying. This is the problem when you talk to someone with
an IQ of a zillon.5. You have to stop and think sometimes because much it meant
when little is said. What he was saying was that I don’t know how to “workout”
and may never have “worked out” in my life. What I do is “train,” and there is a
difference.
I’m writing this because most of those who read this site “train.” They don’t
“workout.” We who “train” are not like the “others” who just go to the gym and
do their thing. Our rules are pretty damn simple, and we always manage to get
the job done better than the “others.”
We design our programs on torn off pieces of cardboard that we find in the back
of the gym. We know that the golden rule to success is busting our asses into
the ground. We make training such a high priority that life becomes scheduled
around it. We understand that weak points are developed from NOT doing the shit
we don’t like to do so we do it.
We love it when the set gets hard and the weight gets heavy. We don’t watch the
clock. We are done when we get done.
We understand that this shit is supposed to be hard and the road will not be
easy, and we figure so be it.
We may read all the training science and logic, but we always resort back to the
same damn thing that has always worked—busting our asses. Pain is measured by
lack of progress, not injuries.
We think about training when we get up in the morning and when we go to bed at
night. We love the sound of another plate being slapped on the bar or the thud
of dumbbells hitting the ground.
The gym is our place to do what we do, not wish about what we could be.
We know when to turn it on and when...to turn it off.
I’m in one of the “off” phases, and unless I’m going to go in the gym and bust
my ass 100 percent, I’m not going. To me, it’s freaking pointless. I would
rather give 100 percent to something else at this time then give 50 percent in
the gym.
I refuse to give 50 percent in the gym because this is what “others” do, and I
fucking refuse to be like that ever!
I had to give up many things in my training over the years, but I won’t give up
busting my ass and be like every other lazy ass person who goes in the gym and
gives a half ass effort. Worse yet, because I’m in the industry and make my
living in the industry, I refuse to live a lie and train like a half piece of
shit. You can quote me on this one. The day that I can no longer “train” and
bust my ass in the gym with passion will be the same day that I’ll remove myself
from this industry.
Training to me deserves respect, not half ass efforts. I train not so much for
the process as I do for the result. I’ll do what I have to do to get the results
I’m looking for. If it means I have to train four hours a day, so be it. If it
means I have to train every day of the week, so be it. If it means whatever,
then so be it. I will do what I have to do when I have to do it. This is
training to me. Training is about busting your ass for something that others
avoid because the road is too hard. Working out is an activity, a verb. Training
is more than a verb. It’s a way of life.
To give my training the respect it deserves, I recharge. I’ll return when I feel
ready to go all out. To me, working out is not an option. This is what “others”
do, and I will resist this with all I have.
I train and train my ass off because this is what I do. This is the life I chose
and the decision I made. I’m not in this to be like “others.” I’m in this to
push myself to places I’ve never been before, to push the edge. I’ll never get
to see what is over the edge by “working out.” I’ll never find what I seek by
the number of “workouts” I get in or how long I can do cardio for. I’ll never be
satisfied with the same results anyone else can get. I’m not the guy to show you
how to “workout.” I’m not the one who can help you take the first step. I’m not
the one to motivate you to begin.
I could care less about this.
Hell, I haven’t trained people in years. I post this log so you can see what it
takes for me to get the results I do (or not). I post this so you know you’re
not alone in your passion. I know what it is like to be surrounded by “others.”
I know what it feels like when everyone is on your ass about “what you do.” I
know what it feels like when NO ONE understands. I know how it feels to think
life is what happens in the gym and everything else is just intermission. Trust
me. I know. We’re not alone in our passion even though it seems so. So for the
other two people out there—know that I’m with you.
I train because it’s what keeps me from being like the rest. Training is my way
to not be like the “others.” I’m not writing this to try and change the world
but so the world doesn’t change me. It’s that simple.
Okay, I just made a huge post in an attempt to make an excuse for not training.
But I’ve never hidden the fact that I have two speeds—blast and dust. That’s it
and that’s the way I am. In time’ you’ll see me blasting again, just not yet.
Dave Tate is the founder and CEO of Elite Fitness Systems, staffed by
experienced professionals dedicated to providing strength coaches, athletes and
trainers with the highest-quality equipment, personalized service and extensive
knowledge needed to advance their training programs. Dave has been involved with
powerlifting for more than two and a half decades as a world-class participant,
coach and consultant. He has logged more than 10,000 hours of personal training
and strength consulting sessions with professional, elite and novice athletes,
as well as with professional and university strength coaches. He holds Elite
status in powerlifting (in three weight classes) with best lifts of a 935 squat,
740 deadlift, 610 bench press and 2,205 total. In addition to remaining active
as a participant who still pushes himself to excel, Dave contributes insights
and inspiration to the sport that has shaped him. Through Elite Fitness Systems,
he has conducted hundreds of influential seminars and clinics nationwide for
gyms, training centers, schools and universities. He has written more than 100
articles on strength training for magazines and web sites, including
Powerlifting USA, Men’s Fitness, Men’s Health and T-Nation.com. This
athlete-entrepreneur earned a Lifetime Achievement award in 2005 from the
Society for Weight Training Specialists. Dave Tate’s impact also extends beyond
training techniques and beyond his sport. As a business adviser, motivational
speaker and author, he shows how athletic disciplines teach valuable lessons for
overall achievement. “We each have all we need to achieve success in anything we
choose to do,” says Tate, describing the theme of his 2005 book, Under the Bar /
Twelve Lessons of Life from the World of Powerlifting. He lives with his family
in London, Ohio.
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.