Jamie Harris: Life is much better away from powerlifting. The pressure is gone. My Elvis shows have been a full time interest. There is no pressure. I train to be in shape, I do more bodybuilding, and work on flexibility
WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR A BIGGER BENCH?
Jamie Harris: You must come to the conclusion this is what you want to do. You must be so dedicated for it that you have to sacrifice everything for it, this includes your health. Learn the history and the culture of powerlifting. Always keep an open mind. Get a good mentor. Someone who has been to places and done things.
BEING MORE THAN JUST A TECHNICIAN AND ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL BENCHERS EVER- WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR BEST ASSISTANCE EXERCISES?
Jamie Harris: No shirt- 660x2, 610x5, and 710x1! 750x2 with a shirt. Inclines- 550x5, 600x1, close grip 625x3, 405x5, bent rows 500 for reps. Strict Lateral raises with 60s for reps, Strict Curls with 225 for 8, Lat Pulldowns with 400. Floor press with 600 thumbs out.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR ROUTINE?
Jamie Harris: I do tons of delt work. My first 15 weeks, I do sets of 5. Feet up (on bench) 500 for 5 and I jump up 10lbs every week. Then I put my shirt on and do doubles until the end.
WHAT'S THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU SEE BEGINNERS MAKE?
Jamie Harris: The biggest mistake beginners make is they believe everything people tell them. Some of the others are overtraining, lack of discipline. If you don't show up for one bench workout then you don't show up for 3. Powerlifting is a lifestyle and not a fad.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY?
Jamie Harris: In powerlifting you must train to be great not mediocre. In your mind its what you want to do. In powerlifting is all about you it has nothing to do with a team. You have to give something up. It's all you- discipline. It takes balls pushing yourself all the time to keep getting stronger and stronger. Tell me one thing that takes more dedication than powerlifting? If you succeed in powerlifting you can be good at anything.
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Jamie Harris: Life is much better away from powerlifting. The pressure is gone. My Elvis shows have been a full time interest. There is no pressure. I train to be in shape, I do more bodybuilding, and work on flexibility
