Accessories SHOULD NOT Be Heavy

I find people go really, unnecessarily heavy with their accessory work. This is common amongst both strength athletes and sport athletes. I hypothesis this is due to a misconception that using higher weights in accessories will directly transfer to higher weights in the main lifts. To some extent, this is true, but is highly overplayed.

The reality is that number-chasing on accessory exercises is counter-productive. One, you risk yourself injury, which is bad. Two, you get less bank for your buck.

The first point goes without saying. Use more weight with shitty technique, get injured. I've heard of people getting injured whilst doing fucking dumbbell skull crushers. I can understand getting injured on a back squat or heavy deadlift, but a skullcrusher? Pathetic.

Second. Quality over quantity. Many top powerlifters will use weights that normies would consider 'light' because they are getting the MOST out of the weight! They are going through a full range of motion, using higher reps, pausing, and using a slightly slower eccentric. I've had some of the fattest pumps of my life whilst using relatively light weights.

Moral of the story: If you are doing an accessory exercise that is NOT your main lift that you compete in, don't start number chasing just because you want to look cool or feel like you're doing something. It is always better to use slightly lower weights and focus on quality.

ALL HAIL THE UNITED CREATES