Dear Dino Man
by Al Myers
I get HUNDREDS of questions per month from individuals pertaining to weight lifting or other matters since I have been webmaster of the USAWA Website. I guess that goes along with making your email address publicly known on a website. People are always looking for free advice and the internet provides plenty of it – some good and some not so good. I try to respond to most questions, but there are lots I don’t get around to. I hate to deprive the USAWA Daily News readers of these “email exchanges” so I’ve decided to start an advice column to share some of these questions and my responses. Maybe it will answer a few questions that I repeatedly receive, and cut out having to answer the same question over and over again. I have decided to name this column Dear Dino Man. I am leaving off the names of the email senders – to insure confidentially and possible embarrassment.
Dear Dino Man,
How do I go about learning these all round lifts?
The best place to start is by reading the USAWA Rulebook, located in its entirety on the website. The USAWA Rulebook contains not only the rules of the lifts, but also descriptions in how they are performed. Several of the lifts have been highlighted on the website in the past that give more details. This information can be found by doing a search on the website. We also have a YouTube account that has videos of many of the lifts. It is also linked to the website. However, the best way to learn about the USAWA is to just go to a competition and meet lifters who have experience in all-round weightlifting. All the members of the USAWA are more than willing to help someone new. Of course, if you have specific questions I would be happy to answer them!
Dear Dino Man,
What types of bows are allowed in the USAWA?
You have the wrong USAWA. The one you’re interested in is the United States Association of Wingshooting Archers located at usawa.org. We are All-Round Weightlifters and that is why, at the top of our website, we have a logo of a weightlifter instead of an archer. I just want to mention that in case that was confusing you.
Dear Dino Man,
Sorry my check for my membership dues bounced. The next one is in the mail and it’s good.
Sure it is and I’m planning on deadlifting 1000 pounds tonight.
Dear Dino Man,
When I look at the pictures of some of the lifts on your website, I can’t believe they are real. Is it possible some were done with fake plates? Those pictures of Steve Schmidt lifting all that weight can’t be real.
All lifts in the USAWA are done with real plates by real lifters. There is nothing fake about Steve’s 2000 plus pound Hip Lifts or his 3000 pound plus Harness Lifts – just hard to believe. I have seen Steve Schmidt lift first hand and he’s the “real deal”. And trust me, I’m a doctor.
Dear Dino Man,
Why can’t we wear knee wraps and super suits in the USAWA?
Because the USAWA is about REAL STRENGTH and not FAKE STRENGTH! Plus wearing that gear makes you look like a goofball instead of a weightlifter.
Dear Dino Man,
How do all the guys in your gym get so big and strong? I weigh 150 pounds and can’t seem to gain weight. Someday I hope to weigh 300 pounds of solid muscle.
Because we are on the Seefood Diet. If we see it – we eat it. Add in an extra helping of daily heavy weight training and someday you will reach your goal.
Dear Dino Man,
Does your dino gym ever get tired of whooping it up on the JWC?
And does a kid ever get tired of eating ice cream??? NO – CAUSE IT TASTES GOOD!!
Dear Dino Man,
I just love it when you put pictures of the Champ on the website. He is so good looking and sexy!! I would love to meet him and hopefully date him cause he’s built like a real man. Do you know if he is single?
Sorry, I’m afraid not. STUDS like THE CHAMP don’t stay on the market long. But if you are interested, I could send you the details about joining his fan club. He is a real All-Round Weightlifting celebrity and has the ego to match it – which you should have been able to guess by the fact that he calls himself “The Champ”.
(WEBMASTER COMMENT: All these are real questions with real answers. The rumor that the Dino Man makes up stories and stretches the truth is incorrect, and is probably being propagated by jealous rivals who lack the witty repertoire of humor that bestows the Dino Man. )