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Reflections of a new Lifter
By Art Fisher
As a relatively new lifter, I have read and listened to and talked to a number
of experienced powerlifters. I have seen some arguments and opinions slip past the point of logic and humor to
straight insult. Sometimes it seems that some people are in this for entirely the wrong reason, at least in my
opinion. I am posting my views here and on a couple of other boards...why? Maybe because it's Sunday, it's hot
outside, and I'm bored. Maybe I just would like to vent. But take it in the spirit in which it is written.
I recently went to see my third powerlifting match ever. The APA match in Charlotte,
NC. I loved meeting some new people, including but not restricted to, Scott Taylor. (I personally think this thing
about his having surgery is a sham...he looked good enough to enter). I have entered one tournament, the IronBoy
Push Pull in Winston-Salem, NC, last January that was run by a group of folks who just love the sport and the people
involved. I have not met one person I didn't like (even though I strained a few times with a whiner or two), and
have had great times. Even won a trophy - this really impressed my friends. There I was, benching, the only one
wearing gloves (HEY, stop before you start...they're my security blanket, OK?).
I have found each and every lifter had some great and useful advice. Some I took,
and some I felt I couldn't use, but everyone was free with their time. I even had Chris Confessore scold me for
wearing gloves....that finally made me embarrassed enough so now I will start getting used to not wearing them.
Its tough giving up the bottle...ask any 2 year old.
I bench. I do squats and deadlift too but only for their muscle and power building
traits. I do not do those for competition. For one thing, I am too wide to fit my hands on the bar with the squat...I
have to drape them across the last plate. For deadlifts, when I get down I look like a caveman about to give birth.
All my lower body fat seems to congregate and compress into a small area...kinda like what happens when there is
a tidal wave.
I do not wear a bench shirt. I have this personal thing going where I want to see
for myself how far I can go with no equipment help other than wrist supports (yes, even without gloves!). I understand
why guys wear them, and have absolutely no opinion good or bad regarding their use by other lifters. It does not
make me feel their achievements are diminished whatsoever by their use. I have heard arguments adnausium about
equipment be it shirts, belts, monolifts, etc, etc, etc. Heck, why not ban the lift off in bench pressing? Now,
there's a good idea for another federation. My opinion boils down to this...Hey, do what your heart and soul and
good conscience lead you to do. If you don't want to lift with a shirt, DON'T. If you do compete without a shirt
against those that do wear one, don't bellyache if you get beat. Simple?
By the same token, I would like recognition for doing raw lifts, regardless of when
that word was first used in powerlifting. But, hey, like I've always said, if you don't like the rules, don't compete.
I had a good time at Charlotte even though I didn't compete. Since APA doesn't recognize raw lifts on their own,
I may or may not ever compete with them, at least at this time. Does that mean I don't like the APA? No, of course
not. I would still attend and support and I would help with their meets.
I was never well gifted in sports. This seems to be the one thing I may be able to
do reasonably well, and it took me till I was 50 to find out. So, leave me be with my cool trophy, and don't mind
me if I enter a contest or two where there is little or no competition so I can get another trophy. You don't like
my philosophy? You really must have me confused with someone who gives a sh**.
Guys and gals, it has been great getting to know you all, and I mean all. Have fun,
train safe but hard, and don't worry about the other guy. I know that's what I'm going to do. If I see one of you
that benches big, please do not get offended if I bug you for hints. I met one guy who is 9 years older than me
and can bench bigger than me. Am I jealous? You bet! Makes me want to train harder. Did I talk to him? You bet
- he's a hell of a nice guy and had some great things to say. Wish I could remember his name. Had the opportunity
to lift off for a 600 lb bencher (no, that's not what HE weighed). I think I may not have done such a good job,
but I sure learned a lot. I was real nervous the first time, but have confidence I can do a great job next time.
He and his twin brother and the lady from their gym who also competed were super people. Wish I remembered their
names too. This is what happens when you get old, see.
Let's have a great time. Any federation with lousy people running it will soon be
the victim of supply and demand. The word will get out and the demand will dry up
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