I workout so I don’t die…

December 9, 2009 on 3:08 am | In Exercise Inspiration And Motivation, Strength Training | 5 Comments

“I workout so I don’t die” stated Jeff at the end of our last workout….and he was serious. 

 

Let me give you a back story.  I was in my friend John’s wedding two weekends ago – a trainer here at Synergy Athletics, and sat next to an old college buddy, Matt. 

Matt is a freak.  No two ways about it.  Absolutely built to be an athlete and dominate weights.  He is currently training MMA out of Syracuse and told some good stories about rolling with Johnny Bones and others, but that’s another story for another time.   

Sitting next to us was Jeff, the bride’s cousin.  Even though I had not met him before,  he was a great guy, and liked to talk training so I invited him to workout with me at Synergy as a lifting partner. 

Jeff, formerly big into bodybuilding, came habitually for the last two weeks – balancing training between working at a local garage and he busy personal life.  At his peak Jeff was repping 405 for 12 on the bench along with other insane feats of strength. 

Unforunatelyhas to battle a more serious issue – diabetes.  Even though diabetes is not rare, it can create some serious health problems if not regulated. Jeff could let  issues get the best of him and just quit, but he won’t….he can’t….

Exercise helps control his diabetes, and he wants to grow old….and strong. 

So Jeff works out.  Like an animal. 

Coming full circle with this story – “I’d rather lift weights than die” he stated at the end of our last session.  How true is that!  That statement is powerful. 

Out of all the reasons to work out – fighting for longevity has got to be near the top. 

Some people workout “to get girls” others train to be good at sports, but its tough to understand the power of training until you have worked out with someone that has to train to live.

Here is the conditioning complex that Jeff and I finished our upper workout with.  

• Band Rope  Rows
• Gorilla Rows
• Burpee to 1/2 Pull Up

Band rows are great for the grip, core, and upper back.  The Gorilla rows are “easier” but really start to tax the conditioning.  It  is important to use a manageable weight so the exercise can be performed quickly (this is cardio – not max strength)!

Finished it up with some burpees to 1/2 pull ups – hitting the back but not spending too much time hanging on the bar which would allow for more cardio recovery. 

5 Rounds with 30 seconds of rest.  I should have video’d Jeff – he was making  it look easy!

- Joe Hashey, CSCS -

PS.  I  have a new article up on Elitefts this week – Get Explosive. Give it a read!

Double PS.  Want to get stronger?  Bull Strength.