Checklists and Brain Farts

Checklists are gold. They are gold in many instances, including lifting weights. There are a million things to talk about when you move a barbell. Ideally we can condense down a whole bunch of cues and positions into a couple actionable steps that will lead you home once you get your hands on the iron.

Let’s take a deadlift for example. Here are some actionable steps:

-Feet set under hips
-Grip shoulder width
-Tension the bar
-Breathe
-Stand

In this example, “feet set under hips” encompasses talking about externally rotating at the hip. It includes how far apart to put your feet. It also includes placement of the bar against your shins. All of these things are associated in your mind with one actionable step. Yet, when you hear the step/cue, you perform all of the actions included. Then, we go to step two and so on.

The idea here is that you can move through the steps and check each off as you move to the next. So, you don’t have to remember everything at the same time. You can just move through the steps. It makes it a bit simpler and palatable to complete a lift, especially if it’s a bit unfamiliar.

There are just so many distractions these days. Simplicity is where it’s at. Know that things happen, you will have a brain fart now and then. If you have a checklist, whether written down old school style or in your mind while lifting, continue to cross things off and you know you are moving. I think you will find much more success in your pursuits.

 

Danny Lesslie

@dannylesslie