Hi Dave!  Thanks for doing this interview.  I have known you for a while, but our readers may not.  Please introduce yourself.

Hello, my name is Dave Bates My "real job" is I work as a manager at Sweetbay Supermarket in Florida.

 

How long have you been picking up heavy stuff?

Since about 15-16 years of age.

 

You’ve become rather well known around the Powerlifting world as a resident US expert on Russian training.  How did this transpire?

It's Eric [Talmant]'s fault. He asked me to work on some translations of Russian training programs many years ago. Then it grew into a appreciation for the science behind the programs. Once you understand why the programs are written the way they are. Then you get a real understanding of thought process. Everything is in there for a reason.

 

You don’t compete, but many of your athletes do.

All of them.

 

Can you tell me why you’ve decided to hold out?

I'm a "weak American". (A quote from my Russian friend) I enjoy the journey of trying to build strength and test out new ideas more than competing against others. I compete against myself every 13 weeks.

 

You and I are a lot alike.  We both think a lot and like to tinker with stuff.  Would you care to share with us something you’ve been working on lately?

For myself, I am unable to strain against max weights, It's all or nothing no in between. The question for myself is: how do I teach myself to strain? Some lifters such as yourself and Eric have the ability to really grind out a lift. I want to be able to do the same thing. So with some slight modifications to my current program, I'm starting to slowly be able to strain longer. My last test date showed some promise. I am doing the program again to see if I am able to strain even better.

 

I hear you have started your own super-secret training facility. 

Can you tell us about it?

I call it the "Physical Cultural Institute" it is where all of my beatings take place. They last anywhere from 2-3 hrs a day 3 times a week. It is very hot in the summer (90+ degrees and 70% plus humidity) and it's "cold" in the winter. Heat or air conditioning is not allowed. It's a very simple gym, you have a bar, some weights and a power rack.  You are here to work, not be comfortable. Want to be comfortable? Join a "health club".

 

Is it true that membership costs are measured in pints of blood, sweat, and tears?

That is true. in addition, you must listen to the old Soviet national anthem before training! The "Physical Cultural Institute" is a tribute to the science behind the Russian strength training system. In this place, I use the same principles that Russian lifters used 50 years ago.

 

You also write training for elite 165-er Eric Talmant, correct?

Correct.  Building Eric's strength has been a work in progress for a very long time. We are slowly understanding what type of training he needs.

 

 What has his training been like lately?

It has been an interesting journey. Lately, I have had him squat, bench and deadlift 3 times a week using weights in the higher zones of intensity. 90%+

If it were not for the tendo unit, accurate assessment of this type of training would not be possible.

 

Of course, this isn’t for everyone.  Who would benefit from this kind of training?

A lifter of higher classifications (cms or above)

One experiment I have in mind for lower classification lifters is trying Squatting, benching and deadlifting 3 times a week using 90%+ weights for a short period of time. Say the last 4 weeks before a meet. Instead of the normal competition phase.

 

What inspired the addition of RTS-modifications to your training program?

It has been a combination of TRAC and  tendo unit. These tools allow me to see if I'm fully recovered from the previous training session. In addition, these tools allow me to see objectively if I am achieving the desired training effects.

 

 

Have you done any RTS-mods to your own training?

Some, thanks to TRAC I am able to see what the real effect of a training session are on my body vs. what I think they are. In addition, TRAC shows how different foods I eat really affect my recovery too. It's a really great tool.

 

 How is it affecting your results?

TRAC has taught me how hard to push my GPP sessions. What I have learned is I was pushing too hard on GPP days. By easing up on the GPP sessions a little bit, I am more prepared for the main training session.

 

  Are you building strength?

I believe so. I will know more in the end of June. The same weights are moving faster and feeling easier. I will know soon enough.

 

Let’s change gears for a minute – what advice would you give to someone who had been Powerlifting for a couple years, had competed a few times, and wanted to take it to the next level?

Hmmm it really depends on the lifter what their classification is. Most lifters that contact me understand the type of training that I am familiar with. (Russian)

Another good program is Reactive Training. It's more flexible and goes by how your body is reacting to the current training.

 

What about older lifters?  Any advice specifically for them?

Sure.. as well as any lifter. The real key is to find the correct amount of work (volume) that builds their strength. Everyone is different, that is the interesting part for me.

What does it take to build "X" lifter’s strength?

 

 

If you were Emperor of Powerlifting, what would be your first course of action?

Unify the sport. I would have 3 qualifying meets for equipment, and 3 qualifying meets of no equipment. Then, two winner takes all meets once a year, One for the equipment guys and one for the guys without equipment. Then put the whole thing on TV.

 

Are there any books that you would recommend to folks out there who wanted to improve their understanding of the training process?

Sure there are many books you can read. It depends on what you are looking for.

Starting Strength

Reactive training Manual

The Westside Barbell Book of methods

Super training

Science and Practice of Strength Training

Assess & Correct breaking barriers to unlock performance

 

Anything else you’d like to say?

Uh... quit thinking and get to work!

Leave the thinking to me :)

 

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