I Was Thinking...
Jays Thought Of The Day
by Aharon Jay Sailor
The guys here at RawGrip refer to me as the “spiritual guru” of lifting. I take weightlifting and discuss it from a philosophical point of view. I am usually very gregarious when it comes to lifting – except when I am at work. For those of you who don’t know, I am an assistant teacher as well as an after-school tutor. I usual keep the kids that I work with on task and I don’t talk about lifting.
Recently, while the older children were lining up out in the hallway for their next class, one of the young men called me over to ask me a question. I though it was either about his paper that he was working on or some random question that was inappropriate. So, when I approached him, he randomly asked “Mr. Aharon, how much do you bench?” That question at that particular moment COMPLETELY threw me off. I wasn’t prepared to really talk about lifting right then and there. However, I answered the question and walked away. Ever since that moment, the young men ask me random questions about lifting and I answer them. This incident has really inspired me to write this article.
Society has this preconceived notion that all serious lifters are supposed to look a certain way and act a certain way. They tend to use the term “meathead.” A meathead is defined as “a large muscular young stupid male, especially an athlete. A brute.” As you can see, they think that any male that lifts weights is stupid and brutish, which is NOT the case. Another part of this stereotype is that society believes that the only thing that serious lifters are concerned about is lifting and showing off their muscles to everyone.
Now, a true serious lifter does not fit this stereotype. They do not need to parade around showing off to others about his lifting or tell others about how much he lifts. A true serious lifter is one who really does not talk about lifting unless he is specifically asked about it. Most people know that he lifts weights just by looking at him. I know I have gotten mistaken for a professional football player, a professional rugby player, a professional wrestler, a mixed martial arts fighter, and a professional boxer. I barely talk about lifting unless I’m at the gym, I’m talking to my other lifting friends, or I’m writing something for RawGrip or someone who needs helps.
I think that it is the way that a true serious lifter carries himself that separates him from the other asshole wannabe lifters. These wannabes are the types that wear extra small shirts that show off the outline of their muscles or constantly flex for no apparent reason. Basically, they are more concerned about how they look for other people and will do anything and everything possible to look good for other people’s approval.
For a true lifter, this is not the case. I will use myself as an example since I can’t speak for anyone else. When I go out in public, I wear what makes me feel good and what makes me look nice and presentable. I don’t dress to show off what my body looks like. With me being 5’10” and 295 lbs., it’s really hard for me to hide my size but I don’t try to flaunt it. People usually look at me and can tell that I lift and if they are not sure, they will come up to me and ask. I don’t go out with a megaphone screaming at the top of my lungs that I lift weights. There is no reason to be so boastful about your lifting. Let the results from your training do the talking. Let the success from the competitions that you compete in be your mouthpiece.
5’10” and 295 lbs of pure "Genius"
I know that I mention this quote in my interview conducted by RawGrip but it’s relevant on so many levels. The quote states “Arrogance is THINKING you are the best and telling everyone about it. Confidence is KNOWING you are the best and not saying a word.” Now, are you going to be arrogant and boastful or are you going to be confident and let your actions speak for you?
Until next time…
...Talk and Discuss but be warned…No BS..
