A Day with Marty Gallagher

Today Comrades, was probably one of the best days I have ever had. Myself, Senior RKC Will Williams and RKC II Mike Barbato traveled about 2.5 hours to God's country to train with Marty Gallagher www.martygallagher.com/.  For those of you who do not know Marty, he wrote an outstanding book called, "Purposeful Primitive."  It is a must read if you are into any kind of weight lifting. 

We left around 7am this morning not knowing what to expect. All I know was that I was very lucky to have come along and learn from one of the greatest lifters of all time. These chances don't just come along regularly and when they do you take advantage of it.

The ride up was awesome. It was nice to get away from Philly, the traffic and congestion and enter God's country as I like to refer to it as.  Once we arrived we met the man himself and then entered into his shed where PR's happen and bodies get transformed.

Dead lift, Front squat and Bench press was on the menu for the day. Talk about a transformation, my dead lift changed and before I knew it  I was pulling over 315 in no time and Will pulled his PR of 420 as well. The lift felt as it was supposed to feel, solid, strong and with no pain. Barbato pulled close to 400 with no problems.

Bench Press was next. Now, I have not benched in over 2 years.  I had no idea what I was capable of pushing up.  Again, Marty guided us through the path the bar should go and gave us great ques that made the weight feel light.  I ended up pushing 225 without any problems, maybe those bottoms up Kettlebell presses paid off, Thanks Adam.

We ended with the barbell front squat.  This move is awkward for anyone, especially when you are used to doing front squats with 2 KB's.  We started off with an easy 135, just to get our position solid and form down.  Bottom line is that this lift blasts the legs and that's what we needed.  I ended up squatting 185 for 3 I believe. 

Now that i know where my baseline is, I have a ton to work on. Get stronger is the agenda for 2010, learn these lifts and become proficient in each.  I hope to work on these movements for at least 6 weeks before I see Marty again, where I plan on making new PR's. 

Now, for another highlight of our trip, FOOD!!!!  Marty took us around town and brought us to this farm where he gets all his meats, eggs, etc.  I walked out of there with 2 bags of stuff, can't get this shit back home that is for sure. I put up a video on my Utube page that shows what the raw milk looks like, check it out, it's titled Liquid Steroids.

Marty, Thank you for everything. It was an unforgettable day. I will see you in 6 weeks for my follow up.

I would also like  to thank Will Williams for taking me and Mike along, we are "Keystone Hardstyle"