Years ago, I sought the knowledge of a stranger; an older powerlifting legend from Ohio named Louie Simmons. That knowledge and advice would go on to change my life in ways I could never imagine. Success, strength, and physical achievements all beyond my wildest expectations. All I did was listen to Louie Simmons. I read his books and articles and those he recommended. I used the equipment he invented and applied his methods. He allowed me to visit Westside and asked nothing in return. Over the years he answered all my stupid questions and helped me out any time I asked by sharing his knowledge and advice. Louie Simmons is the single greatest influence on my gym, its success and the extraordinary results our members achieve.
When I first visited Westside, Louie knew I had done a little boxing. He asked me “you think I’m fat, don’t you?” I awkwardly replied “no”. He then insisted that I hit him as hard as I could with a body shot. When I hit him, he literally repelled my fist like I had hit hard rubber. Louie laughed. This is when I understood firsthand about the “hypertrophied abdominal muscles” of powerlifters.
I never visited Westside without breaking a PR. It was usually beyond what I ever believed I could lift. The place just has that effect on visitors. I had just started lifting correctly and my deadlift had been stuck for months. I felt good and worked up to my max. I then added 25 lbs. for a PR but I missed. Louie saw that and yelled out “Wait at least 5 minutes. Go back and try it again. This time drop and pull. Don’t hesitate or hang around at the bottom!” Although demoralized by my first attempt, I was not going to say “no” to Louie Simmons. I did exactly what he told me to do. This time, when the bar left the floor something odd happened. There were probably about 20 lifters at Westside that day and as far as I could tell, every one of them yelled “PULL!” as loud as they could. The bar went up and I locked it out for a new PR. None of those people knew my name; they all immediately went right back to lifting. I knew I was in a very special gym and that I was incredibly lucky to be there.
I was but a token acquaintance in this man’s life. Barely a minor footnote. Yet, his advice, lessons and guidance changed my life in ways that I could never have imagined. I thank God for my very brief exposure to Louie and Westside. I am only one of thousands of people who Louie so selflessly helped, taught and inspired. I can only wonder how many lives he changed in extremely profound ways.
It’s been said that the value of one’s life can be judged by how many people that person helped. In this respect, Louie Simmons was a giant. RIP Louie, your spirit and influence will continue to change peoples’ lives for the better. We will do our best to keep your name, work, lessons, kindness and power alive and growing. In this way, you will never really leave us.
#FortisFitness #FortisWest #OneOfTheGreats #Legend #Ohio #Fitness #Strength