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Training an old dog new tricks.
You know that old myth that just won’t die? The one about lifting weights making athletes bulky, stiff, and slow? Yeah, I bet you’ve heard it at some point.
When I first started lifting, my dad always brought up that he never really got into lifting. Even back when he wrestled, his coaches believed strength was built on the mat, not in the weight room. That mindset seemed to also carry over into his military days.
But here’s the thing, that idea is way off. Honestly, it probably came from a time when people didn’t know how to train properly or manage their workload. The reality? If you’re lifting the right way, it won’t slow you down. In fact, it’s one of the best tools to actually make you faster.
“That which is used develops, that which is not used wastes away.”
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The best athletes in the world enhance their sport performance with weight training. In speed, power, and even injury prevention.
Here’s The Truth
Speed isn’t some secret elixir. It comes down to force production. The stronger you are, the more force you can put into the ground, into an opponent, or into whatever explosive move you’re making. More strength equals more speed and power.
The trick is balancing that strength with mobility and power work. Heavy squats paired with: sprints, jumps, and rotational drills. That’s how you move sharper, hit harder, and stay athletic.
Where athletes mess up is treating the weight room like a bodybuilding show. If all you ever do is pump curls and presses without moving dynamically, yeah… you’ll end up feeling like the Tin Man. Strength without movement is just stiffness.
Strength + mobility = speed. That’s the formula. Don’t just lift heavy, move heavy.
Thanks for reading this week’s edition of Unmasked by The Weekly Standard!
If you found value in these insights, share it with a training buddy or post it on your social feed; let’s spread the knowledge and push each other to new levels. See you next time!
MINDSET
If you want to move better, hit harder, and perform at a higher level, stop blaming or fearing the barbell. It’s not what’s holding you back. Avoiding it is.
Build real strength, layer in mobility and explosive work, and you’ll unlock a level of speed most athletes never even get close to.
Train Smart, but never forget to Train Hard.