"Lifting, it's easier posted on reddit than actually done." -bogeyd6

Picking a Gym

When everyone first starts to think about MRP and what they need to do. The first thought should always be which gym will you join. More importantly you will think about how much of a fat slob you are and the judgement that comes with going to said gym. Going to a gym and in front of at least 100 people will make you feel stupid starting with an empty bar on SL5x5. I was there, can still remember how dumb it looked and how I couldn't walk straight for a week. The reality of the matter is, and prepare yourself, no one cares. You think the world revolves around you and in your beta kingdom you have trussed up a reality in which you are the center. Could not be further from the truth. My gains and videos were posted on MRP years ago, there is nothing left to prove. If you have a few minutes continue reading and maybe you can begin to fix your life.

Everyone, and you will have to wrap your mind around this, everyone starts at the beginning. Picking the gym that makes you feel comfortable to at least get started is paramount. Many people choose the wrong gyms like LA Fitness and Lifetime Fitness. They are cheap, available, and pretty much have everything you could want. They are also cheap. The problem is, and if you are like me, you don't have three hours to work out. Get in, Lift, Get out. These mc'gyms cater to a larger audience, and could very well be a good choice for the beginner. Who doesn't like a dip in the hot tub to help the muscles relax. Many of us are very busy in our lives and that kind of time doesn't exist. Yet, we tell everyone to make time. The best part is most people are willing to help new people and those who aren't will continue to be idiots. If you find yourself in a busy gym, ask to work your sets in and you would be surprised how helpful most people will be.

Where do you make time? That part is the easiest. Find a power lifting gym somewhere near your house or your work. When I was stateside I lifted in a gym that was very close to my work so I could get in and out. The cost was, well, prohibitive to most poeple. We spend the money where we expect improvement and I needed to lift. Inspect what you expect and the results were pleasing. Time to finish was about 45 mintues and I got to read NMMNG and WISNIFG during my rests. That was about 4 years ago next month.

How to find the right gym for you? That's no easy decision. Maybe you live next door to an independent gym and the decision is easy. Perhaps, you go to to powerliftingwatch dot com and search for a gym in your area but none exist around you. For sure I can tell you that the YMCA will always be better than a mc'gym. You need to find a gym that has a squat rack with safety bars and a bench press that doesnt reuiqre a spotter. Bonus points if the gym is mostly empty so the wait times do not take long. The most important part to consider is the availability of free weights. Showing up to smith machines and calling it a good work out doesn't quite cut is. Doing cardio or cross training for an hour doesn't count.

Common mistakes people make in the beginning that lasts a lifetime.

  • Find a gym that fits your schedule and has the equipment to do power lifting.
  • Start at the lowest possible weight and start your gains.
  • Stop thinking other people are judging your 65lb dead lift.
  • Fix your diet.
  • Fix your sleep.
  • Make the time.

If you think you can do MRP without Lifting and without Reading. Go ahead and leave as there is nothing left for you here. There is a reason this is the first of several weeks. I will promise that if you lift, read, and stfu you will have the same stories like BPP, SK, Perseaus, RZD, STSK, Stone, and all the other men who put in the work. You know who you are. Perhaps in four years time you are still hanging around to offer guidance and share your war stories.

P.S.

Shout out to Stoney, Comment dit-on lifting en français? Think lifting is hard? Try finding a power lifting gym in Europe.