Casey and I did a seminar after my meet. His college buddy just opened up a badass gym in Augusta, GA.

Although I've done a few learn to train seminars, this would be my first "real" seminar that didn't include the whole team. I didn't know what to really expect or how to be myself and provide "quality" information. Casey did such an awesome job - if anything I learned a few things (despite how tired I was from my meet). Even if I'm considered a 'teacher' in a situation like this, I always put myself in a student perspective. You can ALWAYS learn something.

We had a good handful of people that attended. Mostly guys. I stayed mostly with the 2 girls that attended - I just felt comfortable teaching them versus guys who could probably relate more to Casey. So you can say he took the lead on most things. I helped with technique and cues and just observed as they lifted. Sometimes too much does more damage.

I learned this from Uncle Harry: give 1 to 2 effective cues or tips when helping with technique. Those will tend to stick. Avoid giving 100 tips - the probability of retaining that much information and effectively learning is slim to none. Focus on that one issue, fix it, then move on to the next one.

Attending Seminars

People attend seminars to gain knowledge:

I encourage people to have an open mind so that they are receptive to the experience. How will you ever learn with tunnel vision (and if so, why are you here?) I understand you follow a program, but what all programs have in common is the end goal - to get stronger.

Plan your questions ahead of time. Almost every seminar has a Q&A. You're there to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask! Not only are you getting the information you want (and paid for), you're helping the coach give a better seminar experience.

Don't expect to apply EVERYTHING you've learned. Usually out of hundred things, you will probably only apply a handful of those tips, and that's okay! What may work for one, may not work for others.

Highlights on how to get strong(er)

  • Pick a program and stick with it. You won't know if it works if you're program hopping. The recommended is up to a year to know if something truly works for you.
  • Technique is crucial in your training. Master it. It can reduce injury and you will get stronger in the long run. Be patient with it.
  • Dynamic means dynamic. For those of you who cycle in dynamic or speed days into your training, make sure you actually are. If you're grinding out weights on these days, you should re-evaluate your life.
  • Avoid over-training. There are many opinions about this subject but what it simply means to me - do not fail in the gym. I understand that this can happen 1-2 times during a training cycle, but for it to occur every week should tell you something.
  • Accommodating resistance. For beginners, it is usually not recommended BUT there are positives and correct ways to utilize bands and chains (two sides to every story). It could help with stability, force the lifter to "get tight" at the setup, and enforce proper technique (bar path, etc.). But, the training effect is different depending on the level of the athlete. So, taking percentage increases into account, a 100lb squatter using bands or chains versus a 400lb squatter could be counterproductive if not done or calculated properly. There is more to it than just throwing bands and chains and having at it.