Big.Jaz is all over the place (in a good way)!
Don't blame you man. Westside is a lot like BP insofar as flexibility built into it's template, always evolving etc..
Mixelflick ribbed big Dave early on and it really irked him, although it amused Jimmy Wendler (somewhat). Here's what ole' Mix posted one day when he was feeling Froggy and Jimmy Wendler's/Big Dave's response!
6/6/2005 - Mixelflick posts this:
"First, let me say that I appreciate Westside's contribution to my training. Bands, chains, the reverse hyper, the concept of speed day and changing max effort exercises have helped tremendously and I can see their value.
This is going to piss you off, but I need to ask it: Do you flat out make some of these exercises up sometimes? I mean, c'mon. The Plyo-Swing? The Grappler? The Land Mine?
How much of this is just you guys making shit up out of boredom and consequently anything works because you're on 2 grams of test a week?
I realize fully that it takes more than drugs to be a champion and there is merit to SOME of this. However, I wouldn't be surprised to log on next week and see Wendler advocating airplane squats (think airplane spin move from pro-wrestling) and the next week Tate chiming in that adding bands to airplane squats is a great idea because if you get enough torque out of the hole you can actually create a helicopter effect and set new PR's. You could create a whole new "max injury" day with these kind of exercises.
I'm sure you're pissed but I've gotta know if any of this is legit before I order some of this stuff.
Thanks"
Jimmy Wendler's Responds:
"This is a funny question but let's touch on some points -
1. We don't just make stuff up or make up an exercise to sell something. There a ton of exercises that can be done and some work for some people, some of the don't.
2. If you read the Training logs, you will see some variety, but for the most part there are basic exercises that are done.
3. I would be VERY suprised if I advocated some exercise variation that smells of "funcitonal" retardedness.
4. I'm assuming you have taken a lot of test to make assumtions about drugs. If not, then I would reserve some judgement. Buying the lastest supplements and visiting supplement forums and asking about post workout shakes does not constitue taking drugs.
5. If you think EFS is about trying to make up exercises and trying to get you spend money then you are VERY off base. I wish you could spend some time with Dave or I (or anyone that works here) and realize that while this is a business, we care a lot about integrity, honesty and getting people stronger.
6. We only advocate things that work and if the exercise is something different, I really could careless. Isn't it my job to report this?
7. I have to go lift now and do some iso-bridge rack pin hydrogen deadlifts w/ a bench shirt for a max set of 4 1/2.
Big Dave calls Mix an "Ass" - OK I guess I deserved it
"Why ask a question is such a way as to say "I know this will piss you off", when there are other ways to ask the same things without being a ass?
In the future if you feel the need to ask crap in this format take it some where else. No problem answering anything you ask but common, we give you all respect. The least you can do is offer the same. I can't believe this question was not deleted".
So, I learned my lesson and I hope Big Dave have since forgiven me. The good news is if you do ever call there with a question they may remember who Mixelflick is. The bad news is this is likely how they'll remember me.
Best to offer up the truth: Mix is a good guy but made a mistake. He learned from it though and has ordered plenty of stuff from Big Dave including the Westside Manual (which I passed on as a present to you, the way Westside would have wanted it), all the VCR tapes (now there was a smart move), bands, weight releasers, a sled and other items.
More importantly, I tried to correct my mistake in the form of giving back. Not only the link to Big Dave's site found in 2.0 (Spud Belt) but by virtue of sending you my Westside manual. I've even gone a step beyond that. I'm not naming names but let's just say I've gone out of my way to help them find the right items in Dave's store. Quite a bit out of my way, in fact..
I hope Big Dave and crew forgive me because I've always followed one simple rule: I listen and RESPECT those that are a lot bigger and stronger than me (and sometimes rib them). I've always listened and respected these guys. Always. I made the mistake though, of sprinkling in some internet ribbing.
By doing that, you run the risk of it being taken the wrong way. Big Dave laid the smack down on me but I'm a better man today for it.
Perhaps I'll share this with him someday. Dunno..
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