Iron radio with Jen Bates

[Phil Stevens]

Were having Jen bates on iron radio tomorrow. we will talk about making the switch from PLing to Strongman as well as women in strenght sports etc.

Let us know if you have any questions for her

Phil

[Sean and Gaby Fairbanks]

Hi I have one question for Jen. My name is Gaby, and I'm 5' and 1 centimeter and I weigh 133lb. I have been starting to lift heavier (my husband tells me I am strong for my age, weight and hight). My question is, when do you know if you are strong enough? Like when do you know if you have competitive numbers? I can squat 205x10, I can deadlift 215x2 and bench 115x10. When did you know you had bragging rights and competitive numbers?

[JBGator95]

Hi I have one question for Jen. My name is Gaby, and I'm 5' and 1 centimeter and I weigh 133lb. I have been starting to lift heavier (my husband tells me I am strong for my age, weight and hight). My question is, when do you know if you are strong enough? Like when do you know if you have competitive numbers? I can squat 205x10, I can deadlift 215x2 and bench 115x10. When did you know you had bragging rights and competitive numbers?

Hey Gaby! I answered your question in the pod, but wanted to drop a note here, too. First off your husband is right, you ARE strong! Often we try to compare ourselves to others to see what's 'competitive' without realizing we are already strong. Take a step out of the strength bubble to realize 97% of the world's population cannot do what you do.

THEN step back inside our bubble and STAY CONSISTENT. I train 3-4 days a week and have been doing that for 9 years. I'm not still at a point where I think I'm strong enough and I never will be. The bar is always moving higher. Used to be that the standard for 'strong' for a female deadlift was 315. Now? It's 405 and going higher quickly. I just hit 415 DL in the last couple of months so we shall see where my strength progresses, but remember the competition always has to be with yourself first. Screw everyone else. Always compete to beat YOUR best and that's how you gauge progression in strength. Most of us aren't going to be the freaks, the world champions, and that's totally fine. You will find a new level of self confidence and determination you never knew you had in you. Keep doing this and thinking long term and you can be healthy, strong and confident. For me that's always the goal, doing something I haven't done before or previously thought impossible.

Right now I'm chasing a 200lb overhead press. I'm around 170 ish, but 200 is the goal. Once I get there, well, the goal will be moved to 225 and so on. Now my deadlift goal is 450 and I spent 9 YEARS trying to get to 415. Be as patient as you can, make sure your technique is solid to help avoid injury and just know you're playing an infinite game of progress over perfection,

[Sean and Gaby Fairbanks]

Thank you so much for taking time to respond to my question. Me and my husband listened to the podcast and really enjoyed getting to know you better. Thank for being so inspiring and all around amazing.

[Hormuz Barnia]

Great episode. Phil talking about the weight disparity between powerlifting and strongman really resonated with me. I placed first at my first powerlifting meet by a significant margin just by doing what I do in training, but in the same weight class (198) the poundage in my past strongman comps have kicked my ass. It's true that it's more challenging to get the implements and train for those events but the first time I yoke walked with 700 lbs I felt like I was being crucified. Instantly tore my bicep within 1 second of lifting an 800 lb tire too. I've never complained because I took that on myself to step-up and just get better, but Phil said what I've been thinking for years and I never thought about how that creates a barrier to entry for the sport.

Also thanks for your time and perspective during the episode Jen, I learned a lot. You're badass!

[Robert Fabsik]

Another great podcast. Jen was really informative. Keep up the good work guys and gal!