Mark Rippetoe is an American strength training coach, author, and gym owner. He is former powerlifter, and is the author of Starting Strength. In short, Mark’s training revolves around simplicity and pragmatism, and returning to old-school basics with maximum effectiveness.
For example, there is no need to balance on one leg while holding up a kettlebell and counting to ten. The reason why personal trainers do this type of Instagram nonsense is because it’s profitable. Same goes for gym machines; they simply offer a false sense of progress.
Starting Strength focuses primarily on full-body movements like deadlifting, pressing, squatting, and pulling. Because, the truth is that simply picking up – and pushing – heavy things is what builds muscle and strength.
And masculinity. (And, yes, femininity too.)
Of course, using proper form to avoid getting injured, is important. Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, women who do strength training don’t get bulky (unless they’re eating too much or taking juice).
Something else that Mark said, which has stuck with me for years, is that muscular strength becomes critical in old age. Nobody wants to end up weak and frail and in a wheelchair.
Combine old-school training with a diet low in carbohydrates and high in saturated fats, and you’ve got a winning result. Throw in some sunshine and nature, and a good life becomes unstoppable.
Welcome to the white pill.
Our conversation
Technical gremlins got in the way of a decent video recording, but the audio was fine. Apologies.
