The downside of competition; we must abide by the “rules” of the competition. Rules, conventions, and what is standard and proper hold us back.

For example, the only reason I don’t see more people using a trap bar for deadlift is because of powerlifting competitions. I believe if strong guys would just use the trap bar, or hex bar, men would be able to deadlift a lot more.

Also, competition encourages cheating. It encourages people to start using strange hormones, and drugs, in order to enhance performance. This is bad.

What is the successful “we lifting anyways? To me, simply muscular activation, increased blood flow, and hype.