RIP Louie Simmons

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baffled
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RIP Louie Simmons

Post by baffled »

Just saw in the last hour or so that Westside Barbell put out that Louie passed away today. No other information attached, but he was 74 and said on Rogan that he was on AAS more or less from 1970 to 2016, so who knows.
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motherjuggs&speed
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RIP Louie Simmons

Post by motherjuggs&speed »

Louie Simmons was an innovator. He was always looking for ways to improve, and he was tireless in passing on knowledge to others. He understood what it is we've all seeking, which is more than a bigger total; he understood and expressed the overcoming of weakness. He lived it as well, sustaining multiple major injuries and continuing to put up huge weights.

There are those who say that his ideas only work with geared lifters who are on rocket fuel. That's missing a big part of his contribution, which I see as the true spirit of overcoming yourself, not with self reflection or a trip to an ashram or guru, but right there in the gym. You don't feel up to it? So what, life won't wait for you to feel up to it. You're hurt? Everyone's hurt. He wrote of leaving the gym one day having completed a limit workout, only to be told they were having a deadlift contest. Right then. Step up or lose all respect and credibility. He went back in and pulled a PR. After being beat to shit already. He lived it like he spoke and wrote it, and the way he wanted to. He was a giant in the iron game and I'll miss his ideas and unique perspective.


Luke
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RIP Louie Simmons

Post by Luke »

motherjuggs&speed wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 3:34 am Louie Simmons was an innovator. He was always looking for ways to improve, and he was tireless in passing on knowledge to others. He understood what it is we've all seeking, which is more than a bigger total; he understood and expressed the overcoming of weakness. He lived it as well, sustaining multiple major injuries and continuing to put up huge weights.

There are those who say that his ideas only work with geared lifters who are on rocket fuel. That's missing a big part of his contribution, which I see as the true spirit of overcoming yourself, not with self reflection or a trip to an ashram or guru, but right there in the gym. You don't feel up to it? So what, life won't wait for you to feel up to it. You're hurt? Everyone's hurt. He wrote of leaving the gym one day having completed a limit workout, only to be told they were having a deadlift contest. Right then. Step up or lose all respect and credibility. He went back in and pulled a PR. After being beat to shit already. He lived it like he spoke and wrote it, and the way he wanted to. He was a giant in the iron game and I'll miss his ideas and unique perspective.
Well said. I'm sad about this.

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baffled
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RIP Louie Simmons

Post by baffled »

Very well said.

Louie was one of a kind and when he talked you could tell he was speaking from a place and base of knowledge that you have to earn.
"Gentle in what you do, Firm in how you do it"
- Buck Brannaman

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Bram
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RIP Louie Simmons

Post by Bram »

Nicely said, Mother Juggs

About 15 years ago, I combed through a bunch of his writing and used the ideas to help my squat grow from 235 x 1 to 315 x 1. While this might not be much for many lifters, for me, this was tough and his efforts, words, and ideas led the way forwards.

Rest in peace, Louie

Not many minds in the fitness world made my training journey better, but yours was one.
Do not think that
This is all there is
More and more
Wonderful teachings exist—
The sword is unfathomable


Luke
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RIP Louie Simmons

Post by Luke »

Chucked on some briefs and smashed box squats tonight in honour of the great man.

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baffled
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RIP Louie Simmons

Post by baffled »

He had a ton of great messages. One is that you're only as good as your training partners, which is especially impactful for me because I train alone.

He didn't get along with everyone, but he had an effect on nearly everyone. Even those who thought Westside was a dirty word would have to admit that his thinking very likely impacted theirs. Even if you went in a different direction, you likely did so because Louie made you think.
"Gentle in what you do, Firm in how you do it"
- Buck Brannaman

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