By Rhi Reynolds
I’m not sure about everyone else this week, but I’m starting off freshly inspired. I had the great opportunity to watch the 2014 Northeast Regionals this past Saturday. I went last year as well, and I’m looking forward to next year already. Due to work constraints, I was only able to stay and watch until Saturday afternoon. That’s all I needed though: it was a breath of fresh air. More than that; it was another reminder that I’m on the right path. I was surrounded by those who are all training towards something. Whether that goal is general fitness, to obtain a muscle up, get better at Olympic lifting, or get to the 2015 regionals, every supporter there was watching with passion. I may not have been surrounded by just weightlifters, but I was amidst those who crave the same thing I do: to be better.
It was amazing to watch: every competitor there was a machine. And every spectator was supportive. Even the athletes that aren’t well known: you better believe people were screaming when that competitor was struggling to get that last rep before the time ran out. It’s similar during weightlifting meets. I can’t even count how many times I walked up to the platform and heard anonymous spectators yell, “Let’s go, Rhi” or “You’ve got this, Rhi.” It’s a beautiful thing: watching people band together through sport. That familiar feeling made me want to train like crazy this week, the next week, and every week to come.
And I’ve been training like crazy this past month. So crazy that I fight a mental battle every time I put weight on the bar. I’ve been seeing steady, consistent progress, and with that, I constantly want more. The weights that were once heavy are feeling lighter. I tweaked my pull to clear my knees away better, allowing me to use more leg drive instead of pulling with my back. I just want to throw on plate, after plate, after plate. I find myself putting weights on, talking myself out of using them, and then taking them off. So, to all of the people out there who have this same neurosis: is going as hard as you can all the time the best idea?
The answer is no. That’s what periodization is for: to allow the athlete to grow stronger at a slower pace, and peak at the appropriate time. Having a proper program will also help you avoid injury pre-competition. Although injuries can happen at any time, it is to ensure you don’t feel like general crap by the time the competition rolls around. Now, this isn’t to say I don’t go as hard as I can each training session. What I actually mean is that I put 100% effort each time, but not necessarily going to max 4 days a week. Firstly, I would probably be in about 50 different pieces if I did. Secondly, how are you supposed to accrue strength if you go max effort every time you train? You need to stick to the program and listen to your body…AND YOUR COACH. They know what’s best for you. If you build up the right way, you will feel excellent during the process. That’s the stage I’m in now: crushing weights and feeling great. I have to physically stop myself from putting more weight on than what is written down. But I know there’s a goal ahead; I can’t come out of the gates too fast. I look at this mindset as a good thing: I’m constantly engaged. I’m “all in”.
If you’re constantly fatigued or injured, having bad training sessions, or are losing focus, maybe you should take your foot off the gas. The slow and steady route is the better one, I promise. Listen to what your body is telling you. Even if your mind wants more. This is the time to practice self-control. This is the time to work on speed, technique, and flawless consistency. Trust me, when the program finally calls for heavy percentages, you won’t feel like you’re 100 years old. You will attack it… and be standing with the weight above your head.
See you at the squat rack.