I was going over Clint Darden's  "All In" speech and was remembering another phrase that I heard when I was a Strength Coach at Axis Personal Trainers in Menlo Park, California.

I was working with a crew of REALLY smart people all of whom were very creative and according to the owner of the gym, Scott Norton, the "Best in the Business" as well.

We had a very upscale clientele base as well.  The "Movers and Shakers" of the tech world, along with professional athletes from around the San Francisco Bay area.

One guy in particular stands out when I think about the "All In" speech.  He was in his mid 90's (closer to 100) years old and I remember his name as "Boppa".  He wasn't a particular recipient of my diatribes, but was a gym favorite for many reasons.  Along with him being John Steinbecks cousin, he always had a tremendous attitude.  When ever asked, "Hey Boppa, how are you doing today?"  He would return with an answer and a wonderful smile..."I'm 100%"  How perfect a response.  You see, even if you aren't 100%, by saying it over and over, you BECOME 100%.  Speak things as if they are, and they will become.

The 100% phrase became a gym motto that was sign over the door as one would exit the gym.

Clint referred to the "all in" to lifting and the strength sports he has come to know and love.  Boppa referred to the 100% rule as a way of  his entire existence.

Both men should be followed for the passion they bring.  Both should be plagiarized to the FULL extent of their passion.

Being "All In" is akin to being "100%, 100% of the Time"   That is going to be my response when asked..."How ya doing'?"

 

Today's Training:

Suspended Knee Ups: 4x15

Super Set with

GHR's: 4x15

Box Squat: 10x5x315 with the Mastodon Bar

Sumo Dead Lift:  It's been about two years since my last sumo.  I had some fairly banged up shins from the lift when I did them.  I had switched to Conventional because I really blew monkey butt doing it that way.  Since I couldn't for the longest time sumo because of the Sciatica issue, today I thought I'd give it a go, since I'm feeling MUCH better.

The first lift...the VERY FIRST LIFT at deuce and a quarter, I tear the crap out of my shin and bleed like I never left the stance.

Oh well, "skin in the gym for the win" is a mantra.  100%, 100% of the time.

10x1x315 very fast lifts