Equipment and Intestinal Fortitude

I read a post by Amy Wattles about how her kids and their friends have a huge advantage in their training lives because they have access to nice equipment. I somewhat agree with this, but I don't really think what equipment you have means a whole lot, and this is definitely not a crack at her or the manufacturer of her equipment. Of course there are some essential things, and some accessories that are very helpful to have especially if you are involved in a specific strength sport like Strongman. What I don't agree with is that you need to spend a lot of money and have "name brand" equipment to be successful. Am I at a disadvantage because I have a bunch of homemade equipment that cost me very little money compared to buying all of it?

The answer is no. I have access to everything I need and nothing I don't, including a group of great training partners, but that's a whole different topic. Plus I know if there is something I actually need, or just want that I can probably make it for about 1/2 of what I would get charged for shipping from some companies.

Is it nice to have a whole gym full of nice shiny equipment and anything you could desire? Yes it is. I've been there and had access to one of the nicest and best equipped facilities in the country. Did it make me a better lifter. Not one bit. Did having coaches watch over and tell me exactly what to do in the gym make me better? Nope. There is only one thing that really matters in the weight room and athletic development in general and that's your internal drive to meet or surpass your potential.

When I played football I didn't realize what I had and I let it slip through my fingers. I didn't give a shit about getting stronger or better really. I just went through the motions and got in and out and did what I had to. I actually thought that just because I was in a nice facility with knowledgeable coaches I would automatically get stronger and more athletic. I had no real drive to get better or take responsibility for my training, I was just waiting for results without working for them. Now I lift in my basement and a garage and I'm stronger and developing better than ever. The difference is that I am motivated and want to get better.

Inner drive is what makes someone the athlete they are, not equipment.