The Riddle of Iron

The Riddle of Iron:

"As Conan slashes his way to revenge, we learn two universal truths via his character arc/journey—a man is in complete control of the weapons he commands and a man’s spirit is far more powerful than any weapons he stands against. That’s why two were able to stand against many in the final battle scene. Conan didn’t need Crom. He only needed his sword, some personal accountability for making his own destiny, and belief in himself. With that realization, he fearlessly jumps into battle and conquers his enemies with a warrior’s fury, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds. This lesson can be applied to all things.

Yes, I have seen that movie a hundred times. And yes, my wife does complain whenever it is on TV and I have to watch it again. Do I understand that others may potentially find it sad or pathetic that I’ve learned important life lessons from fictional characters? Yes. Do I care? Not really.

Whatever can motivate you and help you become a better athlete—or man/woman in general—is valuable regardless of the source. And Red Sonja motivated me for other reasons, but that is another story for another time…"

Bench Warmers

We all know that guy who brags about being in the gym for two hours five days a week.  Well maybe he's a Bench Warmer.   You know a person who always talking to buddies about nothing while sitting on a bench in front of the heavy dumbbells.

Well today a bench warmer, in 1970's short and tank top was in my way.  No I didn't yell or do anything  rude,  even though he was being inconsiderate to my workout.   I decided to improvise by doing my dumb bell flies in the same area I was bench pressing.  Carrying my dumbbell (heavy dumbbell) past his conversation letting him know he had not ruined my workout.  45 minute and out, that's it.  And yes he was still on  the bench talking as I was leaving.  I actually felt sorry for the guys he was talking too, maybe they are tired of looking wimpy and one day would like to workout before they get cold...

To all you  Bench Warmers,  There are chairs in the  lobby for social hour.

Safety Supplies

"The Workers We Protect !

Imagine yourself slowly climbing to repair a tower on top of the John Hancock Building in 40 knot winds - 130 stories above Chicago...

Imagine balancing on an eighteen-inch walkway as you inspect the structure of the Mackinaw Island Bridge, a half-mile over the Straights of Mackinaw...

Or being an ironworker on the leading edge of a new 60 story office tower or two mile suspension bridge...

Imagine crawling through tunnels under the streets of New York City, darkness and moisture surrounding you, as you try to locate a break in miles of electrical cable...

There are no margins for error!"

Falling of the Roof.

It has been almost a decade since I had my ankle surgery, thank you Dr. Taylor you rock.  I see people every day not using the proper safety equipement i.e fall-protection.   The funny thing about my ankle injury was I did not fall more that three feet and I snapped my ankle.  My foot was facing the other direction.  As a power lifter,  I was told I had stiff ankle joints that did not give to the impact.  But if I had been using the proper safety equipment like a DBI harness I would have not  have had an injury.   

When I’m in the gym I use wraps and a back support belt, sometimes even a Titan bench shirt.  But when I work on the roof, nothing.   Well I think the lesson  I learned a decade ago was to always use the proper safety equipment in what ever you do.    I found a DBI/SALA harness on ProSafetySupplies.com for less that $200.  DBI/SALA  fall protection has been discounted for the remainder of the month at ProSafetySupplies.com with at shock absorbing lanyard.  That’s right no more falling off the roof for me.  Check it out before they are all gone.

Big Elzy WABDL Meet march 28 2009

WABDL is one of the best federation to compete in. All there lifter are drug tested. I like to Bench in a Shirt and Dead lift raw. If a meet from WABDL ever come to your area check it out. Real men real powerlifters.

dead lifting @ 42 year old

After a year rest for competitive Power lifting, I have decided to get back into the game. Bench Shirt or Raw I can not be beat (in my age and weight class). Stay tune for more posting of my return to the Gladiator sport of Power Lifting.