[Abe Smith]

I would want to know when will someone let me do the inman mile with a safety bar or a bar with significant enough sweep to make it easier to hold on to for longer distances. LOL. When my arms go cold and numb it gets mighty scary to leave them there.

All good discussions since these are the same discussions that have been around since globe fixed weights/disc loaded plates/rotating bars.

[Abe Smith]

I agree with the article and will back it up with the following. You cannot beat raw strength. Many coaches have said that if you did only the olympic lifts you would be best served to use powerlifting modes or bodybuilding as ways of increasing your olympic lifts. I still think for my size a 308 clean jerk/242 snatch is respectable number. However, that is just a small percentage of maximum weight you would need to stimulate a maximum squat or maximum deadlift. Plus olympic lifts are quick and done with plenty of rest between and done within one plane of lifting. Pretty limiting in a 3D space. The great tommy kono was not only an olympic lifter but AAU bodybuilding icon as well that sported crazy feats of strength.

I think that strongman competitions would be right up there. Just look at the basics…farmer walks, stone/keg lifting, carrying a stone, all done with heavy weights. Pretty brutal way to train and then you take that on a mat…seems like a good match up to me.

[Abe Smith]

I second that Chad, thanks Johnny!

[Abe Smith]

As the 4th Quarter Postal nears and things look tight, it appears it will come down to the Habecker lift to take center stage. As this lift has already claimed one victim at the OSTM I think we all either be romancing Denny or cursing him shortly!

[Abe Smith]

If we were to say, relax, the rules for the Inman Mile to allow for a safety bar to be used instead of a straight olympic bar, I think I can get the full mile. The weight never bothered me as much as how my arms feel numb and cold the longer the arms stay above my heart. I always felt like at any time the bar would just fall.

[Abe Smith]

I support Wrestler’s Neck Bridge Press….I want to see someone break 275 lbs.

[Abe Smith]

Hey ET – you are correct. The reverse snatch is just the snatch with a reverse grip. It was apart of the other group postal that shall not be named. Probably the last year I will be doing those postal competitions. Seems like too much to do on a monthly basis. I hope your hammy heals up well big guy.

Oh boy Dan…you are right there there are some lifts I would love to see go away. I really enjoyed reading Al’s post some years ago about lifts that should vanish. But in the future, I will be smarter on things I know I have limitations…use my mind over matter is becoming the name of the game for me – and something I know you know very well!

[Abe Smith]

I can see where Dan is coming from. I never thought about it when I was in the Open group – now officially in the 40+ age. I just felt like if someone had enough time and wanted 100 records you could find those attempts in the USAWA out of all the lifts available. There are still lifts with very little records attached to them or lifts with very little records that could be easily reached. If interest persists I can see this change passing a vote of the executive council.

On a tangent note, I think growth of the USAWA will be helped by the virtual official training. Also added social media presence will also benefit the group. I mean if we see videos/pics of Eric’s neck lift with Dan’s middle finger Jefferson Lift it just reflects really well on the group because it is so awesome to see. I will begin to record myself and various others doing all around lifts going forward and post them to both IG and Facebook sites.

[Abe Smith]

ET, any time a lifter has a Guinness Book World Record that is a big feather in the hat. Then on top of that the rest of your IAWA/USAWA records you are definitely up there. I still remember the crucifix you did at Clark’s many moons ago. Great strength feat.

Chad has a great deal of records as well one being of the Ziegler Clean fame. LOL…still do not know how anyone would want to do that lift.

Al for sure has the quantity and quality of records to be on the list.

Dan and Bob Hirsh have put up some amazing numbers.

I think what makes the USAWA entertaining is seeing people excelling in certain feats of strength while being lopsided weak in others. It makes the Gold Cups or Record Days fun and helps even out the actual lifting meets.

[Abe Smith]

Postals are always an easy way to get a little work in as well as participate. Look foward to do the 3rd Quarter.

[Abe Smith]

Thanks everyone. I am working on getting my 100 question judge test taken care of here shortly. There are some tricky questions in here.

[Abe Smith]

Dan brought it up…..but Denny refreshed it. Competing in IAWA Postals seems like a fine idea. I knew Denny was president for a reason. I remember doing those world postals and getting beat badly by Steve Angell and others.

[Abe Smith]

I really enjoyed myself at the meet. Very special thanks to Al and Chad of course as well as to Thom and other who helped out. It was a great venue and a humbling experience.

I really enjoyed seeing Pheobe and Leroy lift. I have tried to get my kids to lift and has gone sideways several times.

Al has a great gym. Shame it has taken me so long to visit this strength Mecca.

[Abe Smith]

Dan – I like the variation you are proposing. So much to do in USAWA! As for the repetitions, you are right. However, in my defense, I have always have been a few bricks short from a full load!

As for the numbers of lifts and such, to be honest I am just grateful to be given the chance to use these days to gather round with friends and make excuses to lift weights with others.

[Abe Smith]

We have a good time. Lots of laughs all around and sometimes good lifting. Clark has lots of stories to share and I like to listen.

[Author]

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