Training partners

[stupidasso]

You know I have been playing with weights since I was around 12. I started with my dad, and now train with Brett "Tadpole" Rapp. I have been through numerous training partners and styles since then. Though I am new to the modern powerlifting scene, I am no stranger to strength and conditioning.

All to often I see people training with methods that they are compfortable with, and people that in my opinion tell them what they want to hear not what they need to hear. To get right down to it most people do not really give a damn about their buddy's well being as a person. I would far rather suck at something new, or fail to complete a higher number than I would stay the same. Most of you are knodding your heads right now and saying that you agree, but saddly.......many of you are guilty of it.

I trust my partner 100% because he does not waste my time or his with sugar and sunshine. He is honest with me, and has earned my trust. It is important to earn the trust of your partner. In a sport where a simple poor judgement call can shitcan you for a couple of years, or life. ( not to name names) You have got to watch from the outside in of your partner's battle so you can think clearly when they might not be. Do not let your ego get mixed up with their's. Take turns being level headed.

This is a sport that requires passion. You will encounter some aggresion when informing your buddy he is squatting too high, or really does not need another 10 lbs on each side. Do not take it the wrong way because later on when their eyes start connecting the dots halfway through the last rep.......They will thank you. When it is your turn to have tunnel vision and they are the little voice for you....Well you will thank them.

Spott your partner where ever, and how ever they are weak. Give a damn.....but, well don't give an inch.

[Joey Smith]

Nicely written Wade....Chris Cooke told me once (recently) that "Joey I support you and I will teach you but I am no fucking cheerleader, if your doing something wrong I will tell ya!"....thats what I like to hear now thats a true training partner who really cares....Thanks Chris!....Rodney is the same way....he tells me what I am or am not doing and I never get mad but instead listen....he sees me better than I see myself, he knows me whan I am lifting better than me....when he speeks (weightlifting only) about what I am doing wrong I take heed....training partners are a valuable asset at all levels....Its hard to find good dependable ones thats for sure....Mike Scwanke and Rodney Coates have had my back for years and I have theirs....they are my brothers and friends....they are a big reason for any success that I have....they are not cheerleaders for me either nor am I of theirs but motivators, comrade, supporter, that I have amity with....We ride together we die together....

[Breaker]

Joey well said bro and I feel the same way!

[tadpole]

wade is the best training parterns I`ve ever had I hope when I retirer from powerlifting that he know all of my knowledge and more he is a great freind and not just a gym freind like some poeple he is a true freind stand buy you all the time good or bad and I`ve all ways got your back bro you can count on that

[stupidasso]

Thanks Tadpole that means more than you know. I consider it an honor to train with someone on your level. Lifting weights is the fucking shit. I can not stress enough what it means to me that I have a great person to spend my only free time with. I get for free what most lifters would give a paycheck for.

[Barry Williams]

I got to AC late Tues. night (over an hour late) , but there was Mike waiting to spot me. You don't get that type of loyalty or friendship many places.

[maxson]

You have done the same thing for others Barry.