Soft-Core Critics

I'm going to start out this post with a disclaimer: This might be one of my more childish posts that stems from some internet flaming that goes on between two forums that I frequent from time-to-time. If you look at things like this and think that it's a waste of time, then you might want to skip this one.

That said, I have critics, like just about everyone who puts their thoughts and opinions out on the internet for everyone to see. Personally, I don't like people who talk about fitness, health and strength training who won't prove that they know what they're talking about. So, I throw up pictures and videos with two intentions in mind: to educate or show a move and to prove that I'm in good shape. I think that it's part of the proof that what I'm saying works. So, criticism about my ideas doesn't bother me too much.

When someone degrades my abilities, I have to admit that it does get to me a little. We probably say that we don't care what people think about us but let's face it: most of us do. I don't like being told that I'm that I'm incapable of doing things. I can't stand being cut short. That's one thing that irritates me. It also motivates me too.

Okay, this is where the childish flaming comes in...

T_______ics forum has one dude who thinks that he's awesome at rope climbing, posting videos of his climbs. The funny part is, he exaggerates his climbs in every video, claiming he L-sits during the climb (which he only does part of the climb, and in a very half-assed manner) or claiming the rope is much longer than it really is. His buddy lays down a claim that the members of the WEC forum couldn't possibly do rope climbing and that's why they ridicule.

Well, I guess that includes me. Apparently, I can't climb rope either. Here's what I have to say to that...



Still, my critics weren't done. A lot of you probably know of my Handstand Push-up Video, where I did a set of five HSPU's on my homeade set of T-handles. Just in case you missed it, here it is again...



Well, that wasn't good enough, as far as they were concerned. You see, the owner of the web site hocks a set of T Handles as well. They have a longer stilt than the ones that I used for that video and they feature a "rounded" foot. These same jokers insisted that I couldn't have done HSPU's on their T-Handles (which, I might add, are nothing more than a Carriage bolt, a piece of chain-link fence post-pipe, a couple of electircal knock-out plugs sold for an extremely-overpriced $50.00). Apparently, NOBODY can do HSPU's on their T's.
The blue one is the T-Handle that I used to do the original video. The black one is the all-powerful T that HSPU's can't be done on...

Maybe it shouldn't bother me and I should just disconnect from all of this bullshit but I have pet peeves, just like everyone else. Some things just get under my skin and I have a hard time turning away. When I go to forums to talk strength training and fitness, I want to see encouragement. Positive Attitude. If someone mentions that they want to lift a 50 ton crane, I want to find the best way to make the arms strong enough to do the lift. I don't want to hear that, "it's impossible!" This whole sub-culture revolves around positive attitude and, as Pauline Nordin says, discipling your dedication.

These guys aren't dedicated or discipilined. They're actually in mediocre shape. They're positive to the point where you start exceeding them. I've talked about this in the past: People like this are weak. They can't get past being mediocre and they try to tear down those who do. I know that people who read this blog do frequent that forum. My advice to you would be to find another place to post. Seek out people who push you to be the best you can be, regardless if you becme more awesome then they are. It's not easy to find on the internet but, believe me, it's worth it.