Source: BroBible
Summary
Texas Tech’s football team has a unique approach to strength training, led by head strength and conditioning coach Lance Barilow. The team has a ban on dumbbells weighing less than 40 pounds, forcing players to lift heavy weights to build strength. This approach has been met with backlash, as lighter weights have benefits such as strengthening smaller stabilizing muscles, building functional strength, and increasing muscular endurance. The team’s approach has been successful, leading them to a 12-2 season and a quarterfinal appearance in the College Football Playoff.
Our Reading
The habit gets a new name. Texas Tech’s strength training program is all about heavy lifting, with a ban on dumbbells under 40 pounds. The goal is to force players to work hard and lift heavy, with no shortcuts. But is this approach good for strength training? Lighter weights have their benefits, and the team’s approach has been met with criticism. The Red Raiders are willing to make the trade-off, but at what cost?
Heavy lifting is the new normal.
Strength training just got a whole lot heavier.
No more light weights for the Red Raiders.
Is this the future of strength training?
Who needs functional strength when you can lift heavy?
Author: Evan Null
