|
|
Articles of Interest to Those New To Powerlifting,
As Well as Sport Veterans. |
|
Are You Ready For Powerlifting Training Camp?
By Donna Marts, Idaho Falls, ID
Several weeks ago I was enjoying one of my favorite pastimes, shopping on the Internet, and among the gear and accessories on Priscilla Ribic's web page I noticed there was a heading called Training Camp. This sounded interesting so I did the point and click thing and to my surprise there was a training camp scheduled for September 23-25 in Denver. I read over the information on the Training Camp and immediately those two conflicting voices went off in my head. Ms. Reserve (a.k.a. old poop) was shocked that I was even considering such a thing. I have been lifting less than 2 years and at age 45 I don't just pick up new things at the drop of a hat. Ms. Just Do It said just that. Since I am new to the sport what better time then now to learn about Powerlifting from two of the most accomplished and knowledgeable lifters (Larry Maile and Priscilla Ribic). So, I packed up my rather large bag of Powerlifting gear and headed for Denver and my first Powerlifting Training Camp.
The Camp consisted of three days and four sessions. There were in the gym hands on training sessions for the deadlift, the bench press, and the squat, and then a classroom seminar which provided a comprehensive look into the sport including training cycle development, competition preparation, diet, etc.
Friday afternoon got the Camp started with the deadlift. Larry discussed the different styles of deadlift, their advantages and disadvantages and then demonstrated proper technique. He identified the key factors (plane of the bar, back and hip position, speed, etc.) to a successful lift and then gave us each our chance to demonstrate our technique. It would be an exaggeration to say my deadlift is poor but after a few "adjustments" to my technique and some suggestions on what I needed to work on I came away with the feeling that I just might be able to get this lift figured out sometime soon.
Next was gear time. We all put on our deadlifting suits and Larry and Priscilla spent time with each of us showing us how to get efficiency out of our gear. Our gear was evaluated and recommendations made to those needing alterations on their gear to get better performance. The icing on the cake was when a seamstress appeared and we had the opportunity to get our gear altered and returned the next day. What a bonus!
Day two had a similar hands on session dedicated to the Bench Press. I was absolutely amazed when Larry demonstrated that it is very possible to have your bench shirt put on in less than two minutes and without exhausting both the lifter and the helper.
We then learned about using our shirts properly and adjusting them during a competition for progressively heavier lifts. Tips on how to lockout a lift, how to get a bigger arch, foot position strategy, bar position on the chest were especially helpful.
The Seminar was held after the bench press session and it was absolutely wonderful. For the first time I became aware that you could and should develop a training cycle to target specific goals for a competition. All aspects of a meet were discussed including dieting to make weight, what to eat after you weigh in, what equipment to have and in what condition, and how to select warm-up sets and reps and attempt selections. "Off season" training was also covered and how it differs from competition training cycles. The topic that shook me the most was when Larry discussed overtraining. He identified eight signs or symptoms of overtraining and I had to admit that I identified with five out of the eight. I was sabotaging my chances at a great competition by not recognize that my training volume and heavy weights were exceeding my body's ability to recuperate adequately thus depleting my resources long before the competition ever began
Sunday was the final session dedicated to the squat.
Again technique, individual critique, gear work and trusting your gear were all covered in depth. It was so nice to not only see how to do the lift properly but to have someone there spend the time and the energy to ensure that each of us "felt" doing the lift properly. Priscilla showed us how to set up underneath the bar to ensure a straight up and down line and Larry gave us each a taste of what a tight knee wrap really feels like.
All I can say is yikes!
What really made the Camp a phenomenal experience were Larry and Priscilla. I don't think you could find two individuals more knowledgeable or more passionate about Powerlifting. You couldn't help but absorb energy from them. They both made you feel like they had all the time and patience in the world to deal with each and everyone of our questions and confusions. At the end of the camp when Larry had to have been beat he still took time to go over and adjust training cycles that two of us "analytical" Campers had prepared using the Seminar information. That support did not stop with that last day either. I had been home less than 24 hours when a few more questions popped into my head so I E-mailed Priscilla my questions and within an hour she responded.
One of the most meaningful statements Larry made during the Camp was that Powerlifting should be fun for you and this was the common thread that tied all of us together. We were different ages, different sexes, and different ability levels but we all share a sense of excitement and joy participating in this sport.
I'm not ready for the big time yet but I will be more prepared then I have ever been for my next competition. This may have been my first Powerlifting Training Camp but it will not be my last.
|
|
