In this series of articles, I will give myself 30min to write about a topic – a rough draft to published. It will be harsh and straight to the point. Let’s see how a few of these go and if I have any friends left after this period of time. The truth is out; these really aren’t rants; they are to help people avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made. Maybe a rant or two will come about.

What is your goal?

You might not be doing the right exercises for your goal, which can be bad for longevity. Is your goal general health, or ultimate performance part 1:

We see so many people that lift now (barbell lifts) heavy, and as the big lifts have become mainstream, so many people are getting hurt.

Everyone can be a coach, and everyone can teach the squat bench and deadlift, right? No.

Everyone can be a lifter, and everyone should do the power lifts, right? NO.

These are two of the biggest reasons why so many people are getting hurt these days unnecessarily, who aren’t even competitive lifters but people who aren’t training for the long haul and taking lifting advice from the wrong people.

I’M NOT SAYING THAT YOU SHOULDN’T GET HURT IF YOU LIFT; IT’S INEVITABLE. BUT SOME MOVEMENTS ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE. 

A year or two ago, Robert Oberst (sp) was on Joe Rogan and discussed deadlifts from the floor. He really ticked many people off when he said that most people should not pull from the floor (paraphrased). He may have also said that most people should probably not deadlift AT ALL. OH NO. Even if he didn’t say the last part, I 100% agree.

Every exercise is a TOOL. Please keep it simple. Not every tool is the correct one for your path.

When applied correctly, a specific exercise, i.e., a deadlift, can provide a huge potential benefit; just as when incorrectly applied, it can be catastrophic. Let me give you a quick example: in the NFL, most of the SC’s opt to have their athletes pull from blocks with a trap bar. Why? Do the players play low (ground level) or up high?

Also, the risk-reward is highly factored in too. Deadlifts with a straight deadlift bar from the floor can be quite risky for some people. It tends to take an occasional biceps with it. It’s a very high demand, with low room for error exercise.

Multi-million dollar athletes must be treated differently, as do children, the elderly, special needs, and sometimes most importantly, those new to lifting that have not built a base for lifting.

Speaking of those new to weights, they have little to no core, mind-muscle connection, the needed bone development, muscle-tendon-ligament strength, and adaptations to jump in and start lifting.

How should you start someone off new to training?

I will get into this next week – stay tuned. Until then, stop doing exercises you see your favorite person do and focus on what will make you better for your specific goal. If you’re a St. Bernard, stay away from the Racetrack and leave that to the greyhounds!