Not too long ago a classically trained pianist with a skinny build came to me and asked if I could help him come about some strength—In particular, he wanted to be able to do pull-ups, five of them, to be precise. I told him I could but first inquired into how many he could currently do. He informed me he couldn’t do any. Said he’s never been “strong”. I told him not to sweat it because strength is no different than piano. I told him that he must practice pull ups the same way he practices chords, scales, arpeggios—through focused, consistent, and diligent efforts. And I told him that if he wants to get really good—really strong, that is—then he should practice every single day (this needs to be worked up to, of course). “Keep the reps low”, I said, “just practice the pull-up as often as you can.” He was doubtful at first, as many are when I tell them that strength is learned, and not congenital. But I got him to commit to sticking it out for three months. I even made a bet with myself that when he got his five pull-ups, I would then take my own prescription and learn a Bach piece for him on the guitar. He followed my advice, got his five pull-ups, and then some—having never before been able to do even just one. So, fair is fair. This one’s for you, Gary. youtube/watch?v=6CntqYWYlDQ
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 21:40:38 +0000