One of my private strength training athletes (a recent university graduate and elite jumper) told me about an experience she had at a recent workout. The university weightroom where she normally works out was closed for spring break, causing her to use the local Gold's Gym.

I'm not sure whether these 2 whimps were lifting for sport strength or just buffing up for a better beach body when summer rolls around.

The fact that I'm not sure is a bit disturbing.

With what I've personally seen in many weightrooms coupled with information I receive from emails and posts on the bearpowered.com forum backs up the experience of my jumper.

Athletes and coaches seem to be intent on using strength training time as a means of increasing "power" first and foremost. Maximal strength seems to be nothing more than an inconsequential after thought.

For those who continue to seek "power" by lifting at sub 85% max you're traveling down a road that ends in a place you may not want to be...like the whimps at Gold's...TO BE CONTINUED