The most important element, and one largely and foolishly neglected, in any given strength program, is safety.
What good is a triple bodyweight deadlift with a double herniation?
Not very.
Strength and safety do not compete, and are only at odds if you put them at odds. Otherwise, where you are the safest, you are the strongest.
The order of importance, in the strength equation, is this:
1. Quality
2. Load
3. Sets
4. Reps
So…
Cut reps before sets, cut sets before load, and cut load before quality.
Observe it well.
– = +
Question: What has been the worst mistake you’ve ever made in your training? What did you learn from it?
Mine was ignoring my own advice. I went for “just one more rep”, and busted my back on the deadlift. Pain is a great teacher, as they say, but nobody wants to go to his class…
PS – The Becoming Minimalist Master Class is full. So the case study group can no longer be participated in, but if you’d still like the the first phase of the program, then CLICK HERE. It will be sent to all Inner Circle members on January 1st (you must register before then to get it).
Short and to the point. Love it. Most of the time you know when enough is enough, tough part is not letting the ego get in the way.
The Ego: Without a doubt one of the hardest things to overcome in the gym. Hope all is well with you my friend, thanks for chiming in.
Ignoring mobility work & stretching pre-work out. Which I’m still guilty of on occasion, but I’m doing a lot more mobility work these days & I notice a huge difference in the fact my muscles don’t hurt as much afterwards.
Good prep work–prehab/rehab/mobility/flexibility–is essential in any routine. Make it minimalist, but make it count. Keep strong Jamie, thanks for chiming in.
Mr Pat…spot on post sir. Sit ye down and I shall spin a tale of my worst mistake. In the cauldron mix place a 16 year old ego, an Olympic barbell and a severe misunderstanding of the bench press. Balance was out of the window as I strained to get that last rep. Bugger, I thought, as I realised I didn’t have that last rep in me. Thusly, I dropped the bar on my chest, had to throw it off one side and knackered my shoulder. 16 year old ego – 0 understanding good technique – 1.
LOL! Always good to be able to look back with a smile. Sometimes the best lessons, the ones that stick, are learned in the hardest way. Cheers Johnny