Underground Strength Session 2009 Review
By
Adam Plagens
It was Friday night. I set my alarm for 5:00 a.m. This was nothing new, but
when I woke up in five hours, I would be starting my trek to one of the
strongest gyms in the Midwest—the EliteFTS compound. I was nervous yet
unbelievably excited to lift and be in the presence of some of the best in the
business.
As I pulled in the drive and made my way to the warm-up area, my excitement
to get the day’s lifting underway began to grow. As I stretched and rolled and
moved, I found myself in the presence of the best lifters and coaches in
relation to strength. I said my hellos to Dave Tate, the weekend’s generous
host, as well as Matt K, who made the trip from Michigan. One flight was already
lifting while the rest filed in and started to stretch and warm up.
The EliteFTS gym is the epitome of hardcore. The place is lined with benches,
racks, machines, and weights. The expanse of equipment is focused on the central
area where the free weights are located. This is where strength is grown,
cultured, and refined. Unlike commercial gyms where you might find a few dozen
plates, there was ample weight available to load on every bar several times
over. As lifters hit bigger and bigger numbers, the energy in the room grew. We
were there to test ourselves. We weren’t looking for trophies or medals. We
wanted to get stronger.
The entire facility is Dave’s playground, a testament to the endless pursuit
of strength. People were there from across the country. During warm ups, the
weights became easier and easier. Everyone was focused, and the energy was
unbelievable. Music was pumped into the room to help everyone stay focused and
motivated. Jeremy Frey provided a few, quick tips in between his warm-up sets
that really helped me get prepped for the day. I got out the briefs and got
ready to squat heavy for the first time in months.
My first attempt at 455 lbs was high, and I needed to get the briefs higher
according to everyone. I listened, hiked the briefs up, and worked the
sides to get a better groove. My second attempt was much lower, and I actually
sat back, which is a great improvement. So far, I had a 50-lb PR, so I decided
to try 505 lbs. The set was a grind, but I was able to fire out of the hole and
finish the lift. It wasn’t the greatest, but it went up, and I know where I need
to improve.
In between lifts, I was able to sit and talk with some of the best and
brightest in the strength business. Strength coaches, customers, suppliers, and
lifters were gathered to meet and talk under one roof. There were no forums or
rules—just an opportunity to talk strength. From the multitude of conferences,
meetings, and seminars that I’ve attended, this was one of the best. No one was
trying to sell anything. It was a demonstration of the endless pursuit of the PR
by truly dedicated lifters. As a novice, you got to see what it takes to get
stronger. As an experienced lifter, you could gauge where you were in relation
to others without preparing for a meet. Regardless of your experience, you could
walk away knowing what it takes to get better.
I ate lunch with Vinnie, Leigh Ann, some guy named Peg, and Jim. I realized
that none of these people knew me, but it didn’t matter. We wanted to get
stronger, and we wanted to lift with the best in the area. This was the one
reason we were all there. We knew we would benefit from the day’s physical
training as well as the mental training because we could share ideas. I was able
to network with other strength and conditioning professionals, which is
invaluable in the industry.
In closing, I have to thank Dave for the invite. I was humbled by his
generosity in giving back to the lifters. From the food to the shirts and face
time, Dave and EliteFTS set the bar in terms of giving back and defining what it
means to be the best. I look forward to the next seminar and am motivated to get
strong(er).
Adam Plagens is a personal trainer at the Livonia Family YMCA and the
strength and conditioning coach for Saline High School. He is completing his
masters degree in health education while raising a family of three along with
his three-lift total.
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.
