One of the best parts of our job is helping our clientele reach a new milestone (be it a particular weight lifted, weight loss/gain goal, etc.). An achievement that definitely ranks toward the top of the list is doing a full-range, bodyweight pullup for the first time. I was perusing the archives of the old SAPT website and I stumbled across a poem Chris had written a couple years ago. He became inspired by one of the SAPT girls hitting her first pullup that he busted out a poem that day. It was too good not to share. Little did you all know you trained under the watchful eye of a modern-day Robert Frost...
"My performance coach said to me as I entered SAPT;
“Miss, can you do a pull-up;”
“HAHA, ya rite, NO,” says me.
He asks me “why;”
I tell him that;
“Pull-ups are impossible; why even try.”
That’s gonna’ change he says with a smirk;
You will do pull-up;
Are you afraid of hard-work?
When “hell freezes over I say in my head;”
It’s been 7 years of gym class and still no luck;
Each test I fail; I should just put this one to bed.
“HAHA,” he laughs “The funny thing about pull-ups,
You’ve got to work at’um for weeks;
Pull for every inch until your head erupts.
He says, “I’ll help you map the way;
Are you onboard?”
Aye Captain; I’ll have my day!
Weeks went by, and work we did;
We ran the gambit;
Partials; ISO’s, Ecc’s; Assisted.
Most of time I just wanted to cry;
“Press he on,” he said; “A quitting attitude won’t cut it;
It simply won’t fly.”
So I fought tooth and nail, through the arm numbing burn;
Pull-ups I will own you;
This I will earn.
Finally, the day came, it was time to test;
“I’m nervous,” I said;
“Don’t be,” he said, “just try your best.”
So I chalked-up my hands, and pulled with all my might;
My chin….CLEARED THE BAR;
OH, WHAT A FIGHT!”
I triumphantly dropped from the bar;
Pull-ups, I defeated;
Coach said, “You should be proud, you’ve come so far.”
It wasn’t the pull-up that meant so much;
It was what I had learned;
All the planning, fighting, and such.
This I will remember for the rest of my time;
Nothing is owed to me; plan, fight, execute, then fight some more;
Extract from for this rhyme.
Failing to do the above only will mar;
Anything worth doing in life;
Lift your chin above the bar.
-Coach Romo"
It's all about appreciating the little things....
Have a great weekend!