He Will Be Missed: Celebrating The Life Of A Friend And Mentor
TAKU • August 16, 2022
Today I wanted to take a moment to honor a friend and mentor of TNT Strength Mr. Gary Bannister.
Gary Bannister attended McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English and Physical Education, and UNC-Greensboro where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education (1972). He taught four years at Averett College in Danville, Virginia and Colegio Internacional de Caracas in Venezuela, where he opened a Nautilus gym (1980) and MedX rehabilitation center (1988). He was highly influenced by Arthur Jones’ concepts of “Proper Strength Training” and “Specific Testing and Rehabilitative Exercise”. Gary resided in Tequesta, Florida where he enjoyed reading, exercise and golf.
Gary has written some of our favorite books (some of which are required reading for our TNT Strength Coaches). One of my all time favorites of is:
..." What They Won't Tell You.
GOLF Performance Training
"
.
If you've been golfing for any stretch of time, you've probably been exposed to the myth that movement-based functional training and sport-specific exercise can make you a better golfer.
In his book Gary Bannister reveals a proven muscle-based alternative that gets better results: proper strength training.
A longtime golfer, Bannister played with some of the world's greatest champions. He established and coached the men's and women's varsity golf teams at Averett College, and opened South America's first Nautilus gym, which led him to prepare Venezuela's male and female golf teams for the World Team Amateur Championship in 1986.
Another one of our favorites is " If You Like Exercise Chances Are You're Doing It Wrong
". In this book Gary tells us that the power-to-be have all but destroyed the value of muscle isolation, discredited the use of machines in general, ignored everything related to the work of Arthur Jones and replaced it with a ten-cent solution. He claims that until the field of exercise defines what is true and what is not, it will never have the impact that it could.
Muscle strength, the only factor that can produce human movement and the only factor that performs work, is disappearing from today's training regimens. This study and guide analyzes current concepts and training systems-such as Pilates, functional training TRX, cross-training, kettlebells, and more-and compares their benefits to those of proper strength training to provide a clear picture for everyone.
If You Like Exercise. Chances Are You're Doing It Wrong rekindles the high intensity strength-training principles of Arthur Jones, the founder of Nautilus. Bannister focuses on the concepts of intensity, form, frequency, duration, number of repetition, speed of movement, and training to local muscle fatigue, supporting them with current research.
Logically applied, proper strength training is the only system capable of satisfying all five potential benefits of exercise-an increase in strength, flexibility, cardiovascular condition, body-composition, and injury prevention.
We were very fortunate to have Gary as an early guest on our Truth Not Trends Podcast way back in episode #18. Gary was smart funny and a pleasure to speak with. I enjoyed calling him for a chat on all things Arthur Jones and Brief Intense Effective Strength Training.
He will be missed...
Gary F. Bannister
, age 74, of Tequesta, Florida passed away on Friday, August 12, 2022. Gary was born February 26, 1948.
TAKU
Experience the TNT Strength difference with a free workout.
START YOUR FITNESS TRANSFORMATION WITH A
FREE WORKOUT
Complete the form and we'll set up an appointment for you.
Recent Articles
When it comes to strength training, few concepts are as misunderstood—and blindly worshipped—as range of motion (ROM). If you've been told that full ROM is always better, I’m here to challenge that dogma. At TNT Strength, we’re not here to chase trends—we’re here to pursue truth, even if it means ruffling a few feathers. So let’s dig in.
When it comes to women and strength training—especially women over 50—the myths run deep and wide. As a coach with decades of experience helping people of all ages and abilities get stronger, I’ve seen firsthand how damaging these outdated ideas can be. But here’s the truth: strength training is not just for young athletes or men who want to get "jacked." In fact, if you’re a woman over 50, strength training might be the most powerful tool you have to reclaim your health, boost your confidence, and age with strength and grace.
Let’s set the record straight: losing your balance as you age is not inevitable. Despite what many believe, balance isn’t something you just “lose” over time like your hairline or your car keys. The truth is, most balance issues that show up later in life stem from something far more preventable—loss of strength and muscle mass.
Let me ask you something… If I told you that you could build strength, enhance performance, and reduce your risk of injury in less than one hour a week, would you believe me? No gimmicks. No magic pills. Just science-backed, time-tested strength training that works. Welcome to the world of High Intensity Training, or H.I.T. — the TNT Strength way.
At TNT Strength, we coach you to train safely and effectively, one controlled repetition at a time — from the very first to the very last.
When people think about injury risk during strength training, they often imagine something going wrong during the last rep of a hard set. That’s when you’re exhausted, your muscles are screaming, and the weight feels impossible. It seems like the danger would be highest right there, right?... Wrong.
In Part 1 and Part 2 , we discussed why everyone needs strength training and how to do it efficiently. Now let’s talk about making it stick.
In Part 1 , we established that strength is foundational to living a healthier, more functional life. But let’s face it: time is tight, and not everyone wants to spend hours in the gym. The good news? You don’t have to.
Part 1: The Foundation – Strength is the Root of All Physical Ability
