[quote]Brain Monster wrote:
Plates always facing in. A la Ronnie I say “Lightweight” when squating heavy.[/quote]
Dude Ronnie was on to something with that. I don’t yell “lightweight” (mostly because I don’t think I’m big enough to yell out random shit while lifting), but I always whisper “this is light” or “no problem” or “easy weight” or something like that before a heavy set. Definitly helps.
As far as a superstition goes, if I’m going for an important max, I usually just stand near the clock and look at nothing but the second hand going around, counting my rest period. I try not to be obnoxious about it, but I find it helps me focus if I just think “okay, 50 more seconds until a PR… 20 more seconds until a PR.”
[quote]John S. wrote:
I have to have the plates facing in. If im putting up something like 205 I cant have it like 45,25,10 i have to have it 45,35.[/quote]
I feel so normal and non-compulsive after reading these responses. It’s never even occurred to me to notice if the plates are facing in or out or the direction of the #s.
I think I’ll use this info to flush out the OCD-people next time I go to the gym. I’ll purposely use different weights on the two sides and mess up which way they’re facing, and see how many people look like they’re ready to freak out.
[quote]John S. wrote:
I have to have the plates facing in. If im putting up something like 205 I cant have it like 45,25,10 i have to have it 45,35.[/quote]
I find the opposite to be true for me, but only when going for a new PR with squats (so far, maybe with deads too). Anyway, I get intimidated with seeing 4, 45lb plates on the bar, so last time I maxed, I used 3 45s, then a 35, and a 25 and a 10.
It looked lighter/less intimidating to me than if I used 4 45s…even though it stuck out further (and probably looked goofy to others).
[quote]dragonmamma wrote:
I feel so normal and non-compulsive after reading these responses. It’s never even occurred to me to notice if the plates are facing in or out or the direction of the #s.
I think I’ll use this info to flush out the OCD-people next time I go to the gym. I’ll purposely use different weights on the two sides and mess up which way they’re facing, and see how many people look like they’re ready to freak out.[/quote]
LOL
Put 10s, then 25s, then some 5s and then some more 10s on one side, then on the other side use 2.5s, then 35’s then some 10s, and maybe even it out with a few more 2.5s.
That will probably get you some looks.
I should try that, maybe when I add about 260 more pounds to my total.
[quote]MikiB wrote:
John S. wrote:
I have to have the plates facing in. If im putting up something like 205 I cant have it like 45,25,10 i have to have it 45,35.
I too am guilty of these.[/quote]
Just thought of another one. I HATE 35lb plates. I think it’s because the first gym I ever didn’t have them. The gym had 100s, 45s, 25s, 10s, 5s, & 2.5s. I asked the owner why no 35’s and he said “35’s are for guys who want you to THINK they are doing 45’s, they’re a bunch of posers”
I have to agree, I’ve actually seen people at the gym load up the bar with FOUR 35’s a side and it just seems like they’re trying to make everyone think they just benched/squatted 405. I’ll stick to my quarters and dimes.
[quote]TheSicilian wrote:
MikiB wrote:
John S. wrote:
I have to have the plates facing in. If im putting up something like 205 I cant have it like 45,25,10 i have to have it 45,35.
I too am guilty of these.
Just thought of another one. I HATE 35lb plates. I think it’s because the first gym I ever didn’t have them. The gym had 100s, 45s, 25s, 10s, 5s, & 2.5s. I asked the owner why no 35’s and he said “35’s are for guys who want you to THINK they are doing 45’s, they’re a bunch of posers”
I have to agree, I’ve actually seen people at the gym load up the bar with FOUR 35’s a side and it just seems like they’re trying to make everyone think they just benched/squatted 405. I’ll stick to my quarters and dimes.
[/quote]
[quote]John S. wrote:
I have to have the plates facing in. If im putting up something like 205 I cant have it like 45,25,10 i have to have it 45,35.[/quote]
When I bench, I have to do 2 45’s on one side and 8 10’s and 4 2.5’s on the other side, just because I know somewhere in Iowa, John S. is foaming at the mouth.
Also, whenever I attempt a new P.R, I have to play the dialogue from “Pickle Surprise” on my headphones.