In a recent elitefts poll, 88% of lifters responded that they train alone. I used to train alone (when I was weak). Then I found a team and turned elite.

I could’ve easily stopped lifting after leaving the Army, especially after the birth of my two daughters, but I’m an athlete.

Beyond the obvious benefits of camaraderie and mutual encouragement, there are some definite positives to having a good training partner.

Here’s what my crew abides by in setting up our team training. The process starts with tryouts.

Unlike amusement parks, this FastPass isn’t something you buy with your credit card. This transaction takes effort and time, but when you make the choice, it’ll greatly improve your lifts and ranking,

Based on my brief observations of the garage training crew (and conversations with my son), these are a few of their Keys to Progress. These macro components (“the Keys”) have contributed to their above-average gains in size and strength.

Purchase some quality equipment and find some good spotters or your next rep could be your last.

Should a training program be altered based on a lifter’s personality?

At the age of 45, after well over a decade of competing, and after just eight months back with a good crew, my total jumped 114 pounds.

Caring about someone doesn’t always mean agreeing with them — sometimes it means telling them they’re making a stupid-ass decision.

JL Holdsworth joins Dave for a look back at the years they spent training at Westside and everything they learned there.