Originally Posted by
Kundahli
Win for me today at the gym...
I walk in and all the racks are taken. I see a not-too-scrawny young chap deadlifting on a platform in front of, and connected to, one of racks, indicating that his rack may NOT in fact be being used. I inquire about the rack's status:
KUNDAHLI: "Good day, sir. Perchance are you making use of that rack behind you?"
FUCKSTICK: "Indeed I am."
Fuckstick continues to deadlift and, after the final rep, walk the 120kg loaded bar forward two steps to place on the pins. He then proceeds to unload the weights from the elevated bar, load more on, pick the beast up, step back two paces, and perform another set. This pattern continues for some time.
KUNDAHLI: (to himself) "By God, what in the seven hells is going on here. This fucker does not need the rack for what he is doing. This is truly a pet peeve of mine."
Kundahli steps back and continues his warm-up without a rack, patiently waiting for one to open up. After some time the rack next to the one Fuckstick is making "use" of opens up. Kundahli begins his workout. In between sets Kundahli glances over at Fuckstick. His interest is piqued after noticing that Fuckstick is performing standing press, a rare movement in most YMCA's. Kundahli decides to investigate.
KUNDAHLI: "Good Sir, are you following a program of sorts. I've noticed you are performing many of the same movements I am. Perhaps we are following the same routine?"
FUCKSTICK: "Yes and No. I was doing 5/3/1 but now I am a bit lost. My lifts stalled ages ago and I have been messing about ever since"
KUNDAHLI: "Hmmm, this is most disconcerting. We shan't let your efforts go to waste! Have you heard of the book Starting Strength"
FUCKSTICK: "Indeed, I have. Is the program any good?"
KUNDAHLI: "Good? By God, good sir, dare I say it is great!"
FUCKSTICK: "Do go on."
Kundahli goes on to explain the Novice and Advanced Novice progressions outlined in the book. Using his own progress as an example, Kundahli describes just how well the program works. Fuckstick is clearly quite interested and thanks Kundahli for his insight. Kundahli continues lifting, but after his next set he is approached by Fuckstick.
FRIEND (formerly "FUCKSTICK"): "Hey man, thanks for the advice. My name is Jeff. I'm certainly going to look into SS and Mark Rippetoe's writings"
KUNDAHLI: "No problem at all, old chap. Hope to see you soon"