Elitefts.com - Dave Tate's 11-22-09 Training Log pt.1

[DawgHepburn]

No matter how advanced someone is supposed to be it always make me think "newbie" when I see the use of a false grip in a pressing exercise. Using a false grip on a fat-bar is just plain stupid. I mean, come on guys! You are supposed to be the elite right?

[EliteFitnessSystems]

I you were to have asked "why are you using a false grip?" or "what are the advantages of a false grip?" I would have been more than happy to tell you how most people do it wrong, how I've never seen a dropped bar doing it right (and have trained with many of the bench bencher's in the world), that I was told to change it after some pec injuries by Louie Simmons (my bench went up over 100 pounds and never hurt my pec again). more....

[EliteFitnessSystems]

I would have explained how to hold the bar and the joint advantages this can have and how to do it so the bar will not slip. BUT, you post was a statement of fact describing my intelligence so I will answer your one question. Yes, we are elite. NOTE: this is a 3 inch fat bar. It may be safer using a false grip unless you want your thumb broken.

[DawgHepburn]

I realize my perspective was wrong. Being elite by default means doing a lot of things that should not even be touched upon by mere mortals.

I was not referring to your intelligence as, from what I have understood and assumed by your writings, you are far from the dullest tool in the shed. I apologize if that is how I came out as my comment was on a general level. By no means do I consider myself as experienced nor as advanced as you.

[DawgHepburn]

I have however experienced a few really nasty incidents due to the use of the false grip and at least one of them was a very advanced guy who had all the right answers when questioned about why he did his benching thumbless. Somehow, those answers did not apply after the accident...

[DawgHepburn]

Anyway, I would be more than interested in your elaboration of what you mentioned in your response. If not for me, do it for the ones who are inspired by you and are likely to do whatever you do in order to be the best they can be. I am especially interested in how to make a false grip safe.

[EliteFitnessSystems]

I will add this to my list and try to do a video on it. Video will be much more effective than writing. A final note on this is a false grip should never be used with a bench shirt. Years ago this was ok but the shirts today are far to radical for this to work. It should also not be used be those who have a tendency to open their fingers while pressing. I'll cover all this.

[EliteFitnessSystems]

Thanks for explaining your side of this. We are deleting more and more posts with people criticizing without any support or reasons why. I actually love the criticism when supported because it changes my thinking, gives me article ideas, shows an education gap, or shows others that what is being done could be totally wrong for them.

[bobbyponthemic]

ive always wanted to do this... first view and first post! more importantly though.. I just thought I would throw a huge shout from the UK powerlifting scene over at you guys! the EFS lot know their stuff! as far as im aware Dave is now the industry leader in Powerlifting and strength development equipment! good job on creating such a huge business from a $500 start way back when! how things have grown!