Wow, he’s really puffed-out since his retirement. I mean no disrespect. Fact is, he’s probably much healthier being less “tight”.
I wish Derek the best. Never heard a bad word spoken about him.
There’s no question he was a superhero when it comes to functional strength. But as another Getbigger says, these guys propel their performance dramatically beyond what their bodies have adequately adapted to with the use of what amounts to rocket fuel.
With good response to gear, a 500-pound squatter can be using over 700 within a year. For example. This kind of strength bump in such a short time cannot he equaled by all the supporting structures.
Injuries are bound to happen.
We’re seeing dramatically shortened careers in strength sports for this very reason. The performance increases are insane and the bodies can’t keep pace as whole machines.