Being Hardcore Is Dangerous

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about goals, both physical and cerebral, and I’m considering breaking into the magazine writing industry. I took some time to explore the flavor, tone and subjects covered in popular fitness periodicals, both of the print and Internet variety. What I’ve noticed, besides the lack of sound advice, is the multitude of workout programs designed for mass, power, ripped abs, bulging biceps and bigger benches that are free of risk. The programs include bands and body bags, TRX straps and tires, physioballs and balance boards, push-ups, pull-ups and even, on occasion, a dumbbell or two. The routine is branded as So-And-So’s MMA style workout or the secret to gaining muscle while losing fat; they promise elite performance with mundane, safe routines.

Do You think George St Pierre got his physique jumping rope with a 24 Hr Fitness trainer?

I work with elite-level athletes and their routines are anything but safe. MMA fighters—who train nothing like MMA-style magazine workouts written in their stead—get split noses, dislocated shoulders and broken collar bones during training. Power lifters tear pecs and slip discs; body-builders blow biceps and pop hernias; pro cyclists get carpel-tunnel syndrome and pinched nerves; and the list goes on. Athletes at the top suffer serious injuries, and most of these occur during training. Any program producing serious results also carries the risk of serious injury.

Please note that danger also accompanies stupidity. Be aware of the difference because the simple converse is not true: dangerous training is not always elite training. Balancing on a physioball while performing alternating dumb bell curls is dangerous, not elite. Getting pinned to the bench by 365 lbs after failing to bench 300 lbs is painful, but also not elite. Attempting to push-press 225 is dangerous, but with proper training and preparation, achieves huge, powerful, rounded shoulders. All the preparation in the world cannot make the push-press safe, but the push-press creates greatness. If you want safe, do the MMA-certified side laterals using bands and end up looking like the actor on the cover of this month’s men’s magazine—choose any—whose picture has likely been digitally tweaked, yet he still looks scrawny. No amount of image enhancement can fix a pathetic workout routine.

Dorian Yates did not tear his tricep using a Bosu ball.

Don’t be foolish and assume as I did, “Oh, I’ll never get injured.” If you train serious, you will. I have a torn pec, torn oblique, dislocated elbow and wrist, pinched nerves and subluxated tendons and degeneration of the cervical spine. With each new injury, I return slowly, strengthen the area and ensure my training works around the issue, not worsening it, but compensating for it. With each new injury, I continue to excel, but I never forget that something unexpected may be lurking around the corner.

What’s your training like? Have you always piddled around in the gym, jumping from easy routine to easy routine? Do you strap on a weight vest, run stairs, do a few push-ups and tell everyone you’re training like an MMA fighter? Or do you continue, after years of experience, the battle against iron and time, knowing that casualties happen every day and today it might be you?

It’s gut check time. Are you accepting of the danger that accompanies achievement? Only mediocrity guarantees safety. Being hardcore is dangerous.