RossTraining.com Blog

I’ve had several emails come through questioning ”fitness standards” in regards to elite athletes.  This topic has also become popular on the message board.  For example, one individual asked how many pull-ups an “elite” athlete should be able to perform. 

Clearly, the individual was looking to challenge himself by striving to achieve a certain status.  I respect his dedication, but feel the need to clarify what appears to be some confusion in terminology.

Athletes don’t compete on a pull-up bar.  Whatever you do in the gym should contribute to success in your specific event.  As a New Englander, I can use a few local examples… 

Tom Brady is the quarterback for the New England Patriots.  He has led his team to three Super Bowl championships.  Tom Brady is an elite athlete due to his success on the football field.  I’m sure that Bill Belichick (head coach for the Patriots) doesn’t care how many pull-ups Brady can perform. 

Another local example comes from the Boston Red Sox.  Pitcher Josh Beckett was dominant on the mound this year. 

Beckett is an elite athlete.  He isn’t elite however because he can bench press the most weight or crank off the most pushups.   Beckett is elite because of his pitching dominance.  He has a tremendous fastball, among other tools.  He is paid to pitch, so everything that he does should contribute to his success on the mound.  There is no fitness standard that he must achieve. 

The same can be said of a professional fighter.  The fighter is paid to fight.  He isn’t paid to lift the heaviest loads or run the fastest mile.  Sure, his work in the gym is designed to improve his performance, but gym work is not the actual event. 

In summary, don’t get lost in the gym.  Use the gym to better yourself as an athlete. 

Train hard, but also train smart… 

Ross

Also see - Part II