Book Review:
“Under the Bar” by Dave Tate
Jason Price, MS, CSCS, ATC, LAT, CPT, USAW Club Coach
In his book “under the Bar” Dave Tate shares with us twelve lessons he has learned from the world of Powerlifting. But, this book offers so much more than just training advice for the budding Powerlifter. This book is one that will make you take stock in your life. After reading it you will contemplate what is missing in your life and what you need to do to put yourself on the path to success in all aspects of your life. The funny thing about the book is that it is nothing revolutionary or a quick guide to success book. It is just a successful man sharing with you what he knows about life, success, relationships, business, and training and how he applied the lessons he learned and took action and control of his life to build one of the most successful fitness businesses of all time. So what are these twelve lessons that this book covers:
- Aim – Who do you want to be and what do you want to be remembered for?
- Attitude – The key ingredient to determining your success.
- Integrity – Sets the stage of how you will live every aspect of your life.
- Honesty – You must have the courage to be honest in your life.
- Teamwork – Having a strong team around you supports you for success.
- Criticism – Know when to give it and know how to take it.
- Education – You don’t know as much as you think you do.
- Risk management - Life is full of different types of risk knowing how to deal with risk is key.
- Perseverance – You must have the desire to keep moving forward.
- Flexibility – Change is inevitable; you must be open to it.
- Execution – Everyone starts but the ones who finish are the ones who succeed.
- Responsibility – No excuses, take responsibility and get over it.
You look at that list and see the attributes you would love to be described with. The best thing I can tell you is that most people have all of them already. They don’t take the time to learn what they know and apply it to their life.
You will find that “Under the Bar” is full of useful information. Each chapter begins with a list of excellent quotes that are testament that the information that Dave is trying to relay to you was used by histories truly great men and women. The experiences Dave shares with you will inspire you to take on the challenges in your life. I recommend this book for anyone who has spent any time “Under the Bar” but also for those who have not. This book is very valuable even if you have never tried to do a single powerlift. It is full of wise information that any business person, coach or athletes can value. A quick read anyone can read this book cover to cover in a night or two. Dave did an excellent job keeping the book to quick chapters filled with a wealth of valuable information. This book is best read chapter by chapter and taking time in between each chapter to figure out how you can adapt your life to the content it is relaying to you. This is a book that you won’t read just once as it is hard to digest all of the material after just one read. I highly suggest getting yourself a copy and enjoying Dave Tate’s down to earth writing style and awesome life lessons.
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