Back in 2012, I had a pretty major back episode that required disc decompression therapy to allow me to get back to some semblance of normal. There was a combination of events that led to the episode, but one of them was a very high-intensity plyometric workout. After that episode, I realized a lot of things I had been taught about lifting, working out, and fundamental strength, as well as many of the underlying assumptions in my lifting, were incorrect which had led to a relatively speaking weak core. As I was laying on the decompression table day after day, I resolved to challenge all of my assumptions which resulted in me searching out websites like T-Nation where they post a lot of content for seasoned lifters who are looking to up their workout game. I already mentioned Lee Boyce last week, this week I want to introduce you to Paul Carter. When you first see his pictures, you realize this dude is JACKED and after watching a few of his lifts on Instagram, you realize it’s not all show, the man is a BEAST. But what I feel really sets Paul apart is he is not afraid to shy away from taboo subjects like emotional & mental health. Subjects that you typically don’t find talked about much and he’s not afraid to call anyone out. For example, a little over a month ago, he posted this little gem.
But he’ll also post these as well!
These have been some of my favorite posts of his lately. If I have learned anything the last few years (since Michael died) it is that strength looks a lot different than what I thought it looked like. Loving so deeply you get emotional is strength, real men do cry, and I’m worth loving.
Finally, I also appreciate posts like these two, they’ve really gotten me thinking recently.
On the last one, he said something in the caption that really struck home for me (relevant parts pasted below).
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Words are incredibly important and play a huge role in allowing us to connect and communicate and get to know each other.–
But if you want to cut through the bullshit about what’s really important to someone then simply look at their behavior. And see if the words and actions consistently line up.
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If someone gets up at 4 a.m. to train, and runs off to work two jobs then as you can imagine, training is important to them.
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If someone tells you that it’s important to them to lose fat, and get in shape, but won’t stay on plan with their diet, training, sleep, etc, then what are they really saying?
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I don’t know how many times I’ve said, “I’m trying to lose weight.” when let’s be honest, if I was really trying to lose weight, my behavior would be different. So there it is, one of the things I respect about Paul is he challenges me to be a better me and I need to be hungry for awhile…
P.S. – the dude has EPIC cheat meals, but he’s earned them 😁.
Follow Paul Carter: Yoke Squad | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Follow Friday posts are posts where I highlight someone I follow as a way to promote and encourage other people.