Here’s my two cents
If you strive to be exceptionally strong by weightlifting standards sooner or later you’re going to get hurt
I’m almost 70 and I’m at the point in my life I want to be able to do normal things with ease.
When I was younger Benching 400 lbs or squatting 500 was something I just “had” to do.
That level of strength is not something I care about anymore,
My point I guess is IMO you can get very strong by normal Human standards and not be pushing the limits that a competitive lifter would be attempting to achieve, and drastically reduce injury potential.
I can bench 225, squat 375 and pull 405 and I’m just in a “holding pattern” .
I’m not trying to get stronger, it’s kind of boring but I Warm up carefully and only lift twice a week to maintain this strength level.
I don’t hurt all the time, it’s good enough for my needs.
I believe it was rip who wrote something along the lines of: injuries are the price you pay for not sitting on your ass your entire life. If you’re afraid to get some minor injuries then stay on the couch and struggle to get off the toilet when you’re old fat and weak. It’s not like riding a damn motorcycle where you could get killed or paralyzed, and most old people have injuries from doing everyday mundane shit, which mostly will not happen to someone who is strong.
I apologize for what can easily be construed as a personal attack. I am humbly hoping to learn.
You're incredible. Thank you for this sensible reply. This thoroughly answers my question.
FWIW, I think the general public are afraid of injuries. Of course this is addressed in SS and PP (I recall the section on how soccer was more injurious than weightlifting), but I do think the stigma still exists. For that reason, for the sake of growth of this superb and important product, it may be worth addressing the issue. Especially as it pertains to Mr. Rippetoe himself: the method was developed to prevent injuries (Good Technique discovered), and injuries experienced had nothing to do with weightlifting to begin with.