JRE #854 – Louie Simmons

This podcast dives into the world of powerlifting and strength training with Louie Simmons, a legendary figure in the field. Simmons, the owner of Westside Barbell, discusses his unconventional training methods, unique inventions, and unconventional views on steroids and fitness. The podcast touches on provocative and controversial topics, offering a glimpse into the world of elite athletes, extreme training, and the pursuit of strength.

Major Topics in the Podcast:

1. The Reverse Hyper Machine:

• Simmons invented the Reverse Hyper machine in the early 1970s to address lower back issues.
• The machine uses a reverse motion to decompress the spine, unlike traditional back extension exercises.
• Despite its effectiveness, the Reverse Hyper has remained relatively unknown due to limited marketing and Simmons’ preference for a private gym setting.
• Rogan, a user of the Reverse Hyper, praises its benefits and its genius design.

2. Westside Barbell Training Method:

• Simmons developed the Westside Barbell method, which focuses on maximizing strength through various training techniques.
• The method utilizes a variety of exercises, including squats, deadlifts, bench press, and specialized exercises like the Reverse Hyper and belt squats.
• It emphasizes different training phases, such as speed, speed strength, and max effort, designed to push athletes to their limits.
• The Westside Barbell method has achieved widespread success in powerlifting and has been adopted by fighters like Matt Brown.

3. The Importance of Intensity and Variation:

• Simmons believes in constantly varying training intensity and exercises to prevent adaptation and promote continuous progress.
• He rejects traditional schedules, opting for a daily assessment of athletes’ abilities and adjusting workouts accordingly.
• This approach emphasizes pushing athletes beyond their comfort zones, ensuring that training is always harder than competition.
• Simmons draws parallels between varying training intensity and the unpredictable nature of fights, highlighting the need for adaptability.

4. Powerlifting vs. Olympic Weightlifting:

• Simmons emphasizes the difference between powerlifting, a slow-velocity strength sport, and Olympic weightlifting, a speed-strength sport.
• Powerlifting focuses on maximizing strength in squats, deadlifts, and bench press, emphasizing absolute strength.
• Olympic weightlifting focuses on explosive strength, utilizing lifts like the clean and jerk and snatch, which require speed and technique.
• Simmons’ training methods prioritize powerlifting, reflecting his emphasis on maximizing absolute strength.

5. Training for Fighters:

• Simmons has trained several MMA fighters, including Matt Brown and Kevin Randleman.
• His approach focuses on maximizing work output within short intervals, mimicking the demands of 5-minute rounds and 1-minute recovery periods in MMA.
• He emphasizes sled work, upper and lower body exercises, and dumbbell work for time, building endurance and strength for sustained combat.
• Simmons’ training philosophy aligns with the need for fighters to be strong, explosive, and durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of a fight.

6. The Private Gym Philosophy:

• Simmons’ Westside Barbell is a private gym, catering exclusively to a select group of dedicated athletes.
• He prefers this environment, believing it fosters a higher level of intensity and commitment, free from distractions and casual gym-goers.
• The gym’s exclusivity allows Simmons to control the training environment and ensure a focused atmosphere.
• The private gym model has contributed to Westside Barbell’s reputation as a legendary and highly respected training facility.

7. The Role of Steroids in Strength Sports:

• Simmons is open about his use of steroids for over 46 years, challenging the stigma and hypocrisy surrounding performance-enhancing drugs.
• He argues that steroids should be legalized in sports, creating a level playing field for all athletes and eliminating the need for secrecy and deception.
• He believes that steroids are primarily tools for recovery and allowing athletes to train harder, rather than enhancing natural abilities.
• Simmons’ views on steroids spark a heated debate, prompting discussion about ethics, fairness, and the potential for abuse.

8. The Controversy Surrounding Steroid Use:

• The debate over steroid use in sports revolves around issues of fairness, health risks, and the potential for influencing young athletes.
• Simmons argues that the current system of testing and punishing athletes who get caught creates a loophole for those with resources and connections.
• He believes that legalizing steroids would create transparency and allow athletes to make informed decisions about their bodies.
• The debate continues, with proponents of steroid use advocating for a more open and honest approach, while opponents highlight the risks and ethical concerns.

9. The Role of Mental Toughness and Attitude:

• Simmons emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and a relentless attitude in achieving success in strength sports.
• He believes that physical limitations can be overcome with sheer willpower and determination.
• Simmons’ own experiences with severe injuries and persistent training demonstrate the power of mental fortitude.
• His philosophy resonates with fighters and athletes who embrace a ‘no quit’ mentality, pushing themselves beyond perceived limits.

10. The Importance of Testing Character:

• Simmons believes that individuals need to be tested physically and mentally to discover their true nature and potential.
• He sees the value in overcoming adversity and pushing oneself to the breaking point, as it reveals true character.
• He acknowledges the importance of competition and the challenges of fighting, as it provides a testing ground for individuals.
• His perspective on testing character reflects a belief in the transformative power of hardship and the importance of finding one’s limits.

11. The Changing Landscape of Masculinity:

• Simmons criticizes the current cultural climate, perceiving a softening of masculinity and a lack of resilience in society.
• He contrasts the athletes he trains with the perceived fragility of modern men, highlighting a difference in attitude and work ethic.
• His views on masculinity prompt reflection on the evolving roles of men in society and the impact of changing societal expectations.
• The discussion raises questions about the value of traditional masculine traits and the need for resilience in a challenging world.

12. The Power of Determination and Perseverance:

• Simmons’ life story epitomizes determination and perseverance, as he has overcome numerous injuries and setbacks to achieve success.
• He emphasizes the importance of never giving up and constantly striving for improvement.
• His commitment to his craft and his unwavering belief in his methods inspire others to push their limits.
• His message resonates with those who struggle with adversity, offering a compelling example of the power of resilience and unwavering pursuit of goals.

13. The Future of Strength Training:

• Simmons is constantly innovating and developing new training methods and equipment, looking to advance the field of strength training.
• He is particularly excited about his latest invention, the Static Dynamic Developer, which he believes will revolutionize strength training.
• The machine is designed to provide resistance throughout the range of motion, simulating real-world scenarios and enhancing performance.
• Simmons’ commitment to pushing boundaries and developing new technologies reflects his ongoing pursuit of maximizing human strength and potential.

14. The Evolution of Strength Training Methods:

• Simmons has witnessed significant changes in strength training methods throughout his career.
• He has embraced the use of bands, chains, and specialized exercises to improve athletes’ strength and power.
• He challenges conventional wisdom, questioning the need for traditional squats and deadlifts in some cases.
• His approach highlights the ongoing evolution of training methods and the importance of adapting to new scientific discoveries and emerging trends.

15. The Power of the Human Mind:

• Simmons believes in the extraordinary power of the human mind to overcome physical limitations and push beyond perceived boundaries.
• He cites his own experiences with injuries and his ability to continue training at an elite level as evidence of the mind’s potential.
• His philosophy emphasizes mental fortitude and the importance of cultivating a belief system that fuels resilience and pushes individuals to achieve their goals.
• His insights into the power of the mind offer a unique perspective on achieving success, going beyond physical training and emphasizing the role of mental preparation and determination.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Normal people only give you normal results. I don’t need normal people.”
• “It doesn’t matter if you get knocked down. Can you get back up?”
• “You gotta try it. Desperate men do desperate things.”
• “If Kevin Randleman beat my ass, so what? He beat a hundred other people’s ass.”
• “Why are they out there raping people? Why are they killing people with no remorse? Because he got an enormous amount. He said that he he solved. That’s why he probably did it.”