Originally Posted by
Bryan Bulmann
This article really resonated with me. Last year, I too, attended a seminar. Beforehand, I pored over the material in all related books and articles suggested by various coaches; I watched videos of form checks until my eyes bled; I had been working the program for over two years; and finally, I had coached a few people in the lifts. I had five crisp $20's fresh out of the ATM just ready to be handed over to Nick at the seminar. I oozed confidence...until I didn't.
I don't remember the exact verbiage; but it was ultimately a paraphrase of the "we don't make coaches during this seminar...we identify them". The "few" people I had coached was exactly '3'. I watched as the line to pay for the platform evaluation dwindled, and as it did, so too did my confidence. As the last guy stepped up to pay; I had my Woody Harrelson Zombieland moment....It was time to "nut up, or shut up".
Those five $20 bills came home with me that weekend. I realized that although I learned the Basic Barbell movement through intense study of the books; two years of practice; and a couple of visits with a nearby SSC (shoutout to Karl Schudt)....I was the smart 'new guy' that shows up at every job. The one that is really educated about the job but has virtually no practical experience "doing it". As such, I poured myself a hot steaming cup of "sit-the-fuck-down" and enjoyed a two day weekend without the pressure of having to pass the platform exam.
And, after reading this article, I know I would've easily doubled Mr. Lee's list. Thank you for your time in writing this article Robert, and thank you, Rip, for posting it.