Training at Habeckers Gym
by Al Myers
Habeckers Gym (left to right): Al Myers, Denny Habecker
I had the opportunity to train at Habeckers Gym following my trip to York, PA a couple of months ago. I always like to train in other gyms which are set up to have the same training focus as my gym. All Round lifting is quite different than general weight training, and unique equipment is needed to be able to practice the lifts that we have in our competitions. Most big commercial gyms are not geared to provide this. These big gyms may have LOTS OF STUFF – fancy machines, shiny bars, and ergonomic designed plates – but when it comes to doing lifts like the heavy lifts or even a common All-Round lift like a Zercher Lift, they can not be done. For the Heavy Lifts it is because of lack of this special equipment (heavy bar and belts) and for the Zercher Lift it is because of liability issues! (Try doing a Steinborn in a Commercial Gym and you will soon be showed the door!). Denny’s gym is not a large gym, but has everything I would need to get in a good workout. He didn’t even mind me using chalk! (which ALSO is often not allowed in commercial gyms).
I had a very good workout doing some heavy floor presses off a couple of old tires!
I also really enjoyed the opportunity to train with Denny. I have been to many meets with Denny, but when you train with someone it is different altogether. I hope to get the chance to train at all the USAWA Clubs someday. I learn something new every time when I am in another gym training with other lifters. And how many lifters get to say, “I got to train at the gym that was the USAWA Club of the Year!”