Why Jim wendler rules

[tinytraps]

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_art ... ig_weights

I've been on a mission the last few years to get back to the roots of

training; to get back to when training was fun, simple, and most importantly, free of the fluff and crap that has polluted MY WORLD.

When training was about strength, about moving weight, and moving bodies. About being proud of an added rep or 10 more pounds. Where performance and kicking ass are more important than how you look. Where people eat to live, not live to eat. Where trucks are pushed and sleds are pulled. Where reps and weight are counted, calories are not. Where running isn't "cardio, it's part of training and if you're going to walk for your conditioning you best have something on your back or in your hands.

With that in mind, here's a list of some simple rules that we follow:

• Squats are walked out.

• Lift-offs are not given on the bench press.

• If you're going to overhead press, it will be done standing.

• No straps unless you are hurt or doing a hang variation of a lift.

• You don't debate about organic/non-organic, or about milk.

• Squats are done with a barbell on your back; this is assumed and are not called "Back Squats." You don't say you're gong to take a "standing piss" do you?

• No need for music or training partners or "the right atmosphere" to train hard.

• There are no 8-week plans, rather yearlong goals and decade long achievements.

• All you need is a rack, barbell, platform and some weights.

• You realize stretching doesn't make you slow or non-explosive.

• You realize physical strength can develop mental and spiritual strength.

• You never fall for gimmicks; principles last forever.

Now there are quite a few more of these, but you get the picture. The point is this: training has become over run with people telling US how we need to think, how we need to train, and what is acceptable. That is like me telling Fenriz what black metal is: I don't get to decide it, he does.

So in sticking with the reference, there are two kinds of "hardcore" people out there. There are Metallica people and Darkthrone people. Metallica people are fine, but don't come into my Darkthrone world and tell me what is Raw or what is strong or how I need to eat. Don't bring your gimmicky elements onto my platform. And please, don't try to sell us on how hardcore you are or how dedicated to strength you are. Your lifts and your silence do more talking than your Internet chatter and bravado.

Here's a real-world example: Not long after my last meet, I was hit with some criticism over some things that were absolutely ridiculous. I was informed of this several days later from a friend of mine and was stunned. Then I realized that in the last few days since the meet was over, I had traveled over 2000 miles with my son, lifted twice, and ran 50 hills.

So you can choose — do you side with Metallica or are you Darkthrone?

[TonganTerror]

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/blood_amp_chalk_vol_7_jim_wendler_talks_big_weights

I've been on a mission the last few years to get back to the roots of

training; to get back to when training was fun, simple, and most importantly, free of the fluff and crap that has polluted MY WORLD.

When training was about strength, about moving weight, and moving bodies. About being proud of an added rep or 10 more pounds. Where performance and kicking ass are more important than how you look. Where people eat to live, not live to eat. Where trucks are pushed and sleds are pulled. Where reps and weight are counted, calories are not. Where running isn't "cardio, it's part of training and if you're going to walk for your conditioning you best have something on your back or in your hands.

With that in mind, here's a list of some simple rules that we follow:

• Squats are walked out.

• Lift-offs are not given on the bench press.

• If you're going to overhead press, it will be done standing.

• No straps unless you are hurt or doing a hang variation of a lift.

• You don't debate about organic/non-organic, or about milk.

• Squats are done with a barbell on your back; this is assumed and are not called "Back Squats." You don't say you're gong to take a "standing piss" do you?

• No need for music or training partners or "the right atmosphere" to train hard.

• There are no 8-week plans, rather yearlong goals and decade long achievements.

• All you need is a rack, barbell, platform and some weights.

• You realize stretching doesn't make you slow or non-explosive.

• You realize physical strength can develop mental and spiritual strength.

• You never fall for gimmicks; principles last forever.

Now there are quite a few more of these, but you get the picture. The point is this: training has become over run with people telling US how we need to think, how we need to train, and what is acceptable. That is like me telling Fenriz what black metal is: I don't get to decide it, he does.

So in sticking with the reference, there are two kinds of "hardcore" people out there. There are Metallica people and Darkthrone people. Metallica people are fine, but don't come into my Darkthrone world and tell me what is Raw or what is strong or how I need to eat. Don't bring your gimmicky elements onto my platform. And please, don't try to sell us on how hardcore you are or how dedicated to strength you are. Your lifts and your silence do more talking than your Internet chatter and bravado.

Here's a real-world example: Not long after my last meet, I was hit with some criticism over some things that were absolutely ridiculous. I was informed of this several days later from a friend of mine and was stunned. Then I realized that in the last few days since the meet was over, I had traveled over 2000 miles with my son, lifted twice, and ran 50 hills.

So you can choose — do you side with Metallica or are you Darkthrone?

mean TT just mean the highlighted parts are just farrrrken mean!!!!!!!

[Phedder]

If you're going to overhead press, it will be done standing.

Damn straight. How often in the real world do you need to overhead press something while sitting? Almost never. Kinda ties in to 'Principles last forever' one principle I try to follow is training for function, if it's not applicable outside of the gym why bother doing it?

[Jigga]

Does a handstand count as an overhead press while standing? :pfft:

[Draft]

If you can do a handstand press-up it should IMO.

[Phedder]

Handstand press up definitely should, especially if you can balance it yourself without a wall or a partner. Those things are ruthless, I can hold a handstand for probably a solid 20seconds, but trying to balance myself while doing a handstand press up = Phedder in a pile on the ground. :pfft:

[Jigga]

Handstand press up definitely should, especially if you can balance it yourself without a wall or a partner. Those things are ruthless, I can hold a handstand for probably a solid 20seconds, but trying to balance myself while doing a handstand press up = Phedder in a pile on the ground. :pfft:

Yeah I have face-planted a few times, have some nice carpet burns. I just started learning them the other day and I'm progressing pretty quickly.

This dude, who happens to share my name, has some unbelievable power and balls if you check out his recent vids.

Strongly recommend this video is watched to the end it gets better and better

[Phedder]

That was freaking insane!

[Jigga]

That was freaking insane!

He's just the man aye.

[TonganTerror]

If you're going to overhead press, it will be done standing.

Damn straight. How often in the real world do you need to overhead press something while sitting? Almost never. Kinda ties in to 'Principles last forever' one principle I try to follow is training for function, if it's not applicable outside of the gym why bother doing it?

thats bullshit phedd what about the decline bench you subscribe too :shock:

your building mass and strength arent you???there are a lot of exercises you wont ever find applicable in the "real world" this doesnt make them less essential to building mass or strength how about a barbell curl when would you only use your bicep to pick up 50kg ??

[tinytraps]

If you're going to overhead press, it will be done standing.

Damn straight. How often in the real world do you need to overhead press something while sitting? Almost never. Kinda ties in to 'Principles last forever' one principle I try to follow is training for function, if it's not applicable outside of the gym why bother doing it?

thats bullshit phedd what about the decline bench you subscribe too :shock:

your building mass and strength arent you???there are a lot of exercises you wont ever find applicable in the "real world" this doesnt make them less essential to building mass or strength how about a barbell curl when would you only use your bicep to pick up 50kg ??

Got to agree with the TT twin( ) You go to the gym to make your muscles bigger and stronger. doing the functional things in the real world makes your muscles stronger. on a side street people advocate not doing squats bench etc in sports cos its not "sport specific". Bull shit Nuthing will make your team bigger stronger bad ass mutha fuckas than heavy compound moves! The only way to be sport specific is playing your sport. ( A bit off track but it has the same kind of relevance)

[TonganTerror]

Damn straight. How often in the real world do you need to overhead press something while sitting? Almost never. Kinda ties in to 'Principles last forever' one principle I try to follow is training for function, if it's not applicable outside of the gym why bother doing it?

thats bullshit phedd what about the decline bench you subscribe too :shock:

your building mass and strength arent you???there are a lot of exercises you wont ever find applicable in the "real world" this doesnt make them less essential to building mass or strength how about a barbell curl when would you only use your bicep to pick up 50kg ??

Got to agree with the TT twin( ) You go to the gym to make your muscles bigger and stronger. doing the functional things in the real world makes your muscles stronger. on a side street people advocate not doing squats bench etc in sports cos its not "sport specific". Bull shit Nuthing will make your team bigger stronger bad ass mutha fuckas than heavy compound moves! The only way to be sport specific is playing your sport. ( A bit off track but it has the same kind of relevance)

and there goes my new signature for the week :pfft:

[Phedder]

If you're going to overhead press, it will be done standing.

Damn straight. How often in the real world do you need to overhead press something while sitting? Almost never. Kinda ties in to 'Principles last forever' one principle I try to follow is training for function, if it's not applicable outside of the gym why bother doing it?

thats bullshit phedd what about the decline bench you subscribe too :shock:

your building mass and strength arent you???there are a lot of exercises you wont ever find applicable in the "real world" this doesnt make them less essential to building mass or strength how about a barbell curl when would you only use your bicep to pick up 50kg ??

Decline bench I subscribe to? I've used it once in a month, and that was because I'd never seriously given it a go so was trying something new. Go check my journal if you wish. I prefer dips, precisely because they are more functional. Also I hardly ever do bicep curls, again check my journal if you wish. When I do perform them, it's at the end of a workout, and more to get the pump in my biceps because I like the way it feels, not for for any real strength or mass gains. My primary movement that would build and strengthen biceps would be pull ups/chin ups, and guess what? They're a very functional movement. Yes I am building mass and strength, and the majority of movements I use are compound and functional movements which can translate well to the world outside of the gym. Yes there are plenty of movements which will help build mass and strength that don't translate very well to the real world, most machine movements come to mind. Do I use them personally? No.

You seem to have something against me now since I offered you some advice, which is all it was. You didn't have to take it, I didn't even expect you to, I just thought it better to provide you something else to think about. I'm not sorry for it, and I never will be for offering my opinion on something. You could of never given it a second glance or thought but instead somehow it's clearly irritated you. Once again, in this thread I was offering my opinion, take it as you will, but at least accept that it is an opinion.

[thatwaslight]

This will be good! :pfft:

[Dubble_D]

Damn straight. How often in the real world do you need to overhead press something while sitting? Almost never. Kinda ties in to 'Principles last forever' one principle I try to follow is training for function, if it's not applicable outside of the gym why bother doing it?

thats bullshit phedd what about the decline bench you subscribe too :shock:

your building mass and strength arent you???there are a lot of exercises you wont ever find applicable in the "real world" this doesnt make them less essential to building mass or strength how about a barbell curl when would you only use your bicep to pick up 50kg ??

Decline bench I subscribe to? I've used it once in a month, and that was because I'd never seriously given it a go so was trying something new. Go check my journal if you wish. I prefer dips, precisely because they are more functional. Also I hardly ever do bicep curls, again check my journal if you wish. When I do perform them, it's at the end of a workout, and more to get the pump in my biceps because I like the way it feels, not for for any real strength or mass gains. My primary movement that would build and strengthen biceps would be pull ups/chin ups, and guess what? They're a very functional movement. Yes I am building mass and strength, and the majority of movements I use are compound and functional movements which can translate well to the world outside of the gym. Yes there are plenty of movements which will help build mass and strength that don't translate very well to the real world, most machine movements come to mind. Do I use them personally? No.

You seem to have something against me now since I offered you some advice, which is all it was. You didn't have to take it, I didn't even expect you to, I just thought it better to provide you something else to think about. I'm not sorry for it, and I never will be for offering my opinion on something. You could of never given it a second glance or thought but instead somehow it's clearly irritated you. Once again, in this thread I was offering my opinion, take it as you will, but at least accept that it is an opinion.

Just a thing to remember: Don't put your eggs in one basket! Still young, still early days and still allot of experience/resluts to be gained. In a few years or maybe even a few months you will look back and frown upon some of the 'views/beliefs' you had, due to a further increase and gain in both experience and knowledge.

[TonganTerror]

no twl no more from me not waisting my energy on the text book kid especially not now I just realised to grow mass and strength I need to stop barbell benching and use a more "functional"method for growth i.e dips :shock:

[tinytraps]

no twl no more from me not waisting my energy on the text book kid especially not now I just realised to grow mass and strength I need to stop barbell benching and use a more "functional"method for growth i.e dips :shock:

Tongan terror is one big strong bad ass mofo

[Phedder]

Just a thing to remember: Don't put your eggs in one basket! Still young, still early days and still allot of experience/resluts to be gained. In a few years or maybe even a few months you will look back and frown upon some of the 'views/beliefs' you had, due to a further increase and gain in both experience and knowledge.

I have no doubt I'll look back and think "why the hell did I think/do that" many times in my life. As you said, it's all about gaining experience and knowledge. The views and beliefs I have fit my current self, but I'll change, as everyone does, and those changes will no doubt include changes in my views and beliefs. Right now I'm acting upon those views and beliefs, because if I don't I'll never further myself. 'Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction' :nod:

no twl no more from me not waisting my energy on the text book kid especially not now I just realised to grow mass and strength I need to stop barbell benching and use a more "functional"method for growth i.e dips :shock:

Stop putting words in my mouth. I do and have acknowledged that there are a vast number of methods for gaining strength and mass, all I said was how I currently prefer to go about it. You go about it in a different way, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's good to do things differently, how boring would the world be if everyone did everything the same way?

[TonganTerror]

It's good to do things differently, how boring would the world be if everyone did everything the same way?

agreed however there are some basic principles that never change....we are now infecting this thread quite badly but I will say you want strength and mass you need to bench press as your primary compound for chest, heavy barbell bench THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE!!Ill get into your journal and have a yarn with you tomorrow when im not tired and grumpy

[Phedder]

I fully agree. I use Heavy barbell bench as my main compound for chest :nod: I use dips as an accessory to that I suppose, as well as inclines to make sure my chest is strong from all angles.

Back to the original topic, which I also agree with; Jim Wendler rules!

[Grover]

All distractions on techniques aside, surprised that the guys arms weren't bigger!

awesome arm & core strength

[Maximus]

I have the 5/3/1 ebook by Wendler and have been using this with a lot of Ginastica movements and Kettlebell Swings/Snatches and can really see the difference in some of my lifts.

Simple, effective and powerful.

A great principled program to follow.