I've been reading this thread with great interest, and now I have some questions.

I've thought about competing in the masters class, but I'm not sure how to go about doing it. I'm almost 42 so I better get going before I'm TOO old. Lately, I've been hitting the iron pretty hard and I'm lifting more than I ever have. I'm close to 300lbs one rep max on my bench. But there's a lot of fat that I want to lose. Like the spare monster truck tire I'm carrying around my middle. I do have knee and ankle problems, but those are improving. So, now to the questions.

From reading this thread, it sounds like I should work on technique, but what weightlifting exercises help? Are there some explosive workouts that help? Where or how should I get some stones and weights to work with? Any advice on how to make my own? Sorry if I've overwelmed anyone. Thanks