Roughin' it

Consistency be the Devil. Being able to execute a lift-- everytime, whenever, wherever-- that can be a challenge.

Last week, we trained at a small school in Bello, Colombia for a few sessions. Alongside youngsters, we trained on worn bars, in the 80 degree, humid weather, at high altitude, on warped rubbermat platforms that had seams about every square foot. And, when it rained, we moved the bars into the hallway (think open, covered walkway outside a hotel).

Even in these conditions, the kids showed-up to train, on time, everyday. Ivan had a chance to work with some of the new lifters (yes, the girl to the left is wearing our shoes).

On one hand, lifting was harder in these conditions. Perhaps, it gives incentives to the younger lifters. I think the training did help mental preparation, keeping technique and timing consistent from good conditions, to poor equipment, back to good conditions...ehh not so sure. If you have access to good equipment or can help lifters get access to good equipment, by all means do so. Short term roughing it out may do some good; however, simulating competition environment (especially depending on the part of your training cycle) when possible is best.