Getting a friend onboard the strength train

[Mark Rippetoe]

I have bought so many copies of books for people over the years only to later find them covered in dust and barely opened except to look at the pictures. I have come to believe that Lifters are born, not made.

I hate it too, but you're right.

[m_sporkboy]

The most I offer these days is "heavy deadlifts can be good for sorting out bad backs". If they pick up on it and want to know more, then fine, if they don't, equally fine.

My experience is that people look at me like I'm a total loon and slowly edge away towards the door whenever I try this.

[Frankie]

The less strong people the better. Who needs the competition...

[CommanderFun]

The only person I have successfully gotten into strength training was my girlfriend, and I think that's mostly because I'm in the gym those three days anyway, whether she's there or not, and she likes to spend time with me. Getting stronger was more of a side benefit. She's nowhere near as engrossed in the subject as I am. All other friends and family are either plain uninterested, or prefer some other means of exercise.

[Nockian]

My experience is that people look at me like I'm a total loon and slowly edge away towards the door whenever I try this.

I just toss it in like a hand-grenade and move on to another subject. After all, I really don't need to spend half an hour discussing someone else's ailments unless I'm being paid to do so. I've recently found that uploading a video of me pulling a heavy deadlift can often provide inspiration to the infirm and doubtful on the basis 'if you can, I can'.

The less strong people the better. Who needs the competition...

Good point.