Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Join me in the Lawnmower Challenge! - By Jeff Bankens ... (Try this out next summer!)


If you are like me, then you may find it challenging to get everything done around your house. During the spring and summer, that includes weightlifting, cardio/endurance training, and taking care of my lawn. One day, as I was getting ready to mow my lawn, it occurred to me that I could combine each of these tasks into one full body workout! I call it “The Lawnmower Challenge”. As you will soon find out, one of the great things about this challenge is that it can be changed / adapted to almost any season, climate, or landscape. To complete “The Lawnmower Challenge”, you will need the following pieces of equipment: 1) A walk-behind lawnmower ( “Self-Propelled” mode is Disengaged) 2) A lawn to mow 3) An O2 Trainer (I tend to use a lower setting on this exercise, going no higher than Level 6) 4) 5 – 10 Odd Objects (Rocks, boulders, Atlas Stones, Kegs, Sandbags, etc.) 5) A stopwatch (optional) 6) **Don’t forget your Water** I will now give an overview of the “challenge”, before explaining it in more detail: Step 1) I mow my lawn with a small push mower, while utilizing the O2 Trainer and nose clip. This usually takes me about an hour to complete (At this point I mow the entire yard, except for the small strip surrounding my odd objects). I recommend that you start with setting 1 on the O2 trainer, and gradually work your way up. This is especially important in the summer months, when heat and humidity are at peak levels. 
Step 2) I park the mower near the odd objects so that I can mow the grass under them, once they are moved out of the way.
Step 3) Begin timing yourself with the stopwatch. Next, move the odd objects from their resting place to a spot near the fence, using a combination of bear hugs, push jerks, and carries. This allows me to mow the grass that they rest on. I do this while still wearing the nose clip and O2 Trainer. I have intentionally stacked these objects in such a way that they must be moved in order for me to be able to mow the lawn.  
Step 4) I restart the mower and finish my lawn mowing task.
Step 5) I have finished mowing and each object is carried back to its original resting place, utilizing the same techniques described in Step 3. Stop the stopwatch. Keep a record of your times so that you can try to beat your personal best each time you take on the challenge.
Step 6) I remove the O2 Trainer and nose clip, and then store the lawn mower in my shed.
Step 7) I rest, rehydrate, and enjoy the rest of my day. There are several reasons why I like to do “The Lawnmower Challenge”. First, it is a great test of your fitness and strength level. After all, you’re following up an hour of fairly hard cardio with heavy lifting. I know that if I can get through the challenge on a hot, humid day, my strength will not fail me in real life situations. This also lets me know that I have still “got it”. Secondly, the challenge allows me to incorporate a great full body workout into my weekly yard work. This results in a huge time savings. With the schedule I have, it is important that I squeeze in a workout whenever I get the chance to do so. Lastly, taking on the challenge builds mental toughness. That is, if you allow it to. What I mean is that you are already tired from the heat, the mowing, and the use of the O2 Trainer. Now you are expected to do some heavy, awkward lifting without the benefit of a proper warm up. If you approach the challenge knowing that quitting is not an option and that you must complete it, you will strengthen your mind every time you take it on. Now that we have established how the challenge works and what it does for you, I will show you how to setup a challenge for yourself, using mine as an example. As you will see in the photos, I have my implements (odd objects) setup in an easily accessible area of my yard. This allows for consistency and ease of use. I have them set in a certain order that I do not change. The order is as follows: 2 stones (50 – 60lbs. (22.7 – 27.2kg) each) 1 Stone (127lbs. /57.6 kg) 1 Stone (149lbs. /67.6 kg) 1 Granite Ball (100lbs. /45.3 kg) 1 Keg (160lbs. /72.6 kg) *This Keg is filled with a combination of sand, water, and bent 60 Penny Nails* 1 Keg (132lbs. /59.9 kg) *This Keg is filled with a combination of sand and water * 1 Concrete Atlas Stone (240lbs. /108.9 kg) *O2 Trainer is set at level 5 for mowing and lifting. Do not be “too tough” to take breathing breaks and water breaks during the challenge. This is very taxing, even on the fittest bodies / minds* Once you establish the setup of your challenge, you must have a way to gauge progression in your performance. This can be done in several of ways: First, you can time yourself, trying to accomplish the same amount of work in a shorter period of time than the last session. Second, you can add implements into your challenge every so often. Lastly, you can do the same amount of work for each challenge, while slowly raising the level used on your O2 trainer. Using any of these methods (or a combination of all 3) will give your body a challenge for many weeks, months, and years to come. When you setup your own challenge, remember this: We do not all live in Louisiana, USA. We also do not all have the same type of yard or training implements. We all do have the opportunity to transform our daily or weekly outdoor chores into an amazing workout. Take this into consideration as you begin taking on the Lawnmower Challenge. Before I leave you to setup your own challenge, I want to say thank you for taking the time to read this article, and I pray God blesses your fitness endeavors.

Jeff's Website
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Saturday, December 26, 2015

Strongman Christian Ministry, Dinosaur Training, Dennis Rogers, A Unique Odd Object & Lawn Mowing Workout

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Bruno’s Health Club Powerlifting Team Tribute - By Chris Newins


Bruno's Dinner Photo: L-R Carl Calleca, Mike Duschette, Bob Sailor, Chris Newins, Dr Rich Siebert, Tommy Tedesco, Jimmy Duggan
  
Let me start off by introducing myself as this is my first article for Bob. My name is Chris Newins and I am a lifetime drug free powerlifter, strongman and weightlifter. Fans of Bob’s Mind Force Radio pod casts might recognize my name as Jim Duggan mentions me, as well as other lifters from our old “Bruno’s Health Club” powerlifting team during his interviews. We also had a thread on Bob’s old Natural Strength Inner Circle website about the old Bruno’s gym.

I first met Larry “Bruno” Licandro on June 1, 1979 when I joined my first gym, the old Olympic Health Club in Hicksville LI NY. I was 14 years old and weighed in at about 132 pounds. Bruno worked at the gym. Back in those days, employees at the gyms would actually instruct new members in proper lifting technique and set up a program for them. Now, all they seem to be interested in is getting a commission for signing up new members and selling “Personal Training” packages.

Every time I went to the gym (which was everyday) Bruno would say, ”Hey kid, where is your membership card?”, and I would have to show him my card to get in. Even though he knew who I was and that I was a member, he would ask for my card every day. On Friday and Saturday nights, he worked a local bar and would go straight to the gym after closing the bar to get few hours of sleep since he had to open the gym in the mornings. He would be sleeping on the couch in the lounge and I would wake him up to “show him my card”. This was the beginning of a friendship that would last until he was killed in a car accident in January of 1995.

Bruno became my mentor at the gym. He set up a program for me to follow and helped me every day. The basic concept was 5 sets of 5 of multi joint, basic exercises. Squats, dead lifts, bent rows, bench press (both flat and incline), shoulder presses, shrugs, close grip bench, and pull ups. He would also have me do ab work and yes, even curls. This was broken down as chest, shoulders and triceps on day 1, back and biceps day 2 and squats day 3. I would not take any days off, and would just repeat the sequence. Since I was only 14, and the gym was about 5 mile from my house, my cardio work consisted of me riding my bicycle to and from the gym every day, with the idea of doing it faster each day. The ride home after squat day was usually very difficult. All reps were to be done with strict form. Squats were to be done to proper depth (top of the thigh at the hip below the knee) and all benches, shoulder presses and close grips were paused. Dead lifts were not hitched and the weight was to be controlled all of the way to the floor. If the reps were sloppy, the set didn’t count and had to be repeated. I worked with Bruno every day that summer and by following his advice, on August 15, the first day of 10th grade football practice, I was 168 pounds. I had put on 36 pounds in roughly 10 weeks. Granted, my body chemistry was naturally changing at the time, but the program that he had me follow had an awful lot to do with it. The program was, on paper, simple, but it was a lot of hard work. For the most part, it consisted of several basic exercises. And it worked then, and still does today. One of the philosophies he taught me was “You can work out hard, or you can work out long, but you cannot work out hard for long”.
In October of 1980, Olympic Health Club changed hands and Bruno was always banging heads with the new owner, so he opened his own gym and Bruno’s Health Club was born.

As mentioned above, Larry “Bruno” was tragically killed in an auto accident almost 20 years ago. He was a true driving force in the world of Drug Free powerlifting on Long Island. Every year a group of us from our old team get together and celebrate Larry. This year was no exception. This past Sunday seven of us met up at Larry’s favorite restaurant. We still talk about numbers, but only now instead of squats and totals, the numbers we talk about are triglycerides and blood pressure. This year, Carl “Blowfish” Calleca, Mike “Wookie” Duschette, Bob Sailor, myself Chris “Natch” Newins, Dr. Rich Siebert, Tommy “the Thunder” Tedesco and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan were there. All of the nicknames were given by Bruno and most of them “stuck”.

One of the stories we rehashed was took place at a meet in 1985 or so. As a team, we were never much into the supportive squat suits, but some of us did wear them in the meets. Not crazy tight and we could get the straps up without help. Around this time is when we first got wind of this new bench press shirt that was supposed to add up to 15 pounds on your bench. Larry was a light 220 and I had to suck down to make 198, so we were about the same size across the shoulders, with Larry being a little bit bigger. We both chipped in to buy 1 shirt for the meet. Back in those days, the meets were run by “weight on the bar” like an Olympic style meet, not the rounds system that is popular today. We figured that we could both wear the same shirt, just switching off between attempts. Larry went first and missed his opener because the shirt threw him off. Since we both were opening with the same weight, I was next. Larry got up off of the bench, stepped off of the platform facing me. We both bent over at the waist and interlocked hands. Jimmy and Tommy, each on one side of Larry, grabbed the bottom of the shirt and pulled it off of him and right onto me. I then proceeded to miss my opener. Since the meet was run “weight on the bar” Larry was up right after me, so the shirt swap routine took place again, and again Larry missed the lift. I was then up for my second attempt, and yes, another shirt swap, and of course I missed my attempt. For our third attempt at what was our opener, we both went without the shirt and easily made the attempt. That was the last time we tried to use the shirt.

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

Caught Dead Deadlifting - By Burt Gam

About 10 years ago I happened to meet a cocky young kid who fancied himself a body builder. A rather chunky individual, this character was doing some sort of 6 day split routine just like an IFBB pro might do. Chest/Back on Monday, Legs on Tuesday and shoulders/arms Wedensday and all over again on Friday. It was exhausting just listening to him describe his work out. I guess he had unlimited time and energy. Not me. I had spent countless years learning about what works for me and what does not. Split routines, multi-angular training, drop sets, pre-exhaust systems, nautilus routines and countless other methods. I asked him if he had ever done deadlifts and he said no he had not. I asked him why not try them in his routine instead of the countless other exercises he was doing. He responded by saying "I don't see much point in them. That was the end of the conversation because I could see it was a dead end and a waste of energy and time.

If I had cared to expend the effort I would have told him that by deadlifting alone he could accomplish as much or more benefit than all the lateral raises, leg extensions and arm curls combined he was doing. Technically, I suppose the deadlift would be considered a lower back exercise but that description alone would not do it justice. In reality, the deadlift is a most complete exercise because it incorporates so many different muscles either directly or indirectly, perhaps as much as 70% of the entire body's musculature. The quadriceps, hamstrings, lats, and traps are all significantly activated, as are a multitude of stabilizer muscles almost too numerous to count. Much like the squat, the glandular release of testosterone, growth hormone. and insulin like growth factors combine to produce a potent anabolic effect. Perhaps no other exercise barring the squat is nearly as effective in this regard. Muscular growth and overall useful bodily strength are accelerated to a point where one becomes stronger in other exercises as well. Useful and practical strength with significant core strengthening are promoted. Even grip and forearm strength is significantly improved. All I know is if I knew I was going to prison in 3 months and could only do one exercise to put slabs of muscle on my frame, this is the exercise I would pick! And perhaps a few well placed tattoos to boot!

As old as humans have been roaming the earth, the deadlift may be the most practical and functional lift in existence. From the beginning of time, humans have had to squat down and lift heavy objects from the ground. The lift itself has a stark and primitive nature that is both gratifying and relatively easy to learn as far as technique is concerned. Deadlifts can be quite taxing. After performing deadlifts, one has the feeling that they have truly accomplished something productive. As basic a lift as it is, there is still a need to learn the techniques applicable to the lift, not just for the sake of efficiency but for safety as well. While it may be true that poor technique in the deadlift can put the discs of the lower back at risk, it is just as certain that proper performance can go a long way to prevent lower back injury. Powerful spinal erectors and strong abdominal muscles will act like a girdle to protect the lumbar discs, which when weak are responsible for a large incidence of back pain and problems. 

Rather than try and discuss proper technique for the deadlift which can be practiced and learned, what follows here is a discussion of basic principles on how to incorporate the lift into a routine. First and foremost, the deadlift should be performed early in a routine because of the taxing nature of the lift. If your passion is powerlifting or strength training, perhaps deadlifting one day a week is all that is needed. Sometimes less is better, as it may take some individuals a full week to recover from an intense deadlift work out. The other work outs will focus on some other types of lifts such as squats and bench presses. In fact, since squats incorporate so many similar muscles, it could actually prove to be detrimental to deadlift more often. Squat day would perhaps best be devoted to that lift itself. As far as repetition schemes are concerned, this lift seems to lend itself to low or moderate repetitions to focus on technique, although a few hardcore individuals have used higher reps which can be extremely effective in developing hypertrophy or cardiovascular endurance. This method can be extremely taxing and seems to be the exception rather than the rule. For bodybuilders who seem to prefer devoting each workout to a different area of the body, deadlifting on leg or back day can work just fine. Again, it would be prudent to prioritize the deadlift as the first exercise of the day or performance is likely to suffer due to fatigue. Also, some workouts incorporate the squat and deadlift on the same day, but in this instance one or the other is likely to suffer. In this case, if one is performing both exercises twice a week on the same day, train each lift heavy on one day and light on the other day to avoid overtraining. There are many different ways to train and no single right way, just general principles. Everyone is different so by trial and error see what works for you. The main thing is to make steady progress by gradually increasing the poundage. When progress stalls, some kind of change is in order or perhaps a layoff is required. Try and incorporate the deadlift into a 12-14 week cycle and take a much needed and deserved rest. Also, due to the compressive forces on the spine while performing squats and deadlifts, it is wise to perform some flexibility work after lifting to help prevent muscle pulls and tears and relax the muscles for overall back health.

To summarize, whether your passion is bodybuilding , strength training, or general fitness, consider making deadlifts a part of your program. It is truly an all around exercise with all around benefits.
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Friday, December 11, 2015

High Rep Stone Workouts and El Nino - By Jim Duggan

The Northeast part of the country has been experiencing unusually high temperatures lately. While many meteorologists have attributed this to the powerful El Nino that is taking place in the Pacific Ocean, some weather experts are simply explaining the unexpected warm weather to the random nature of weather patterns. Whatever the reason, El Nino or just the fickle nature of Mother Nature, it has given many a strength athlete in the New York area reason to say "Thank You" for the opportunity to train outdoors well in the Christmas season. To anybody reading this in the Southwest, and who is bearing the brunt of El Nino, I am sorry if it seems like I am rejoicing at your bad fortune. I am not, of course. I am simply happy to be able to continue with some high-rep stone workouts withoutt having to bundle up in layers.

The last month or so, I have tried to take at least one stone workout a week. I would work out at the gym on my second training day. I would not usually lift more than twice per week if I am doing the stones. Lifting heavy stones taxes your entire body, and doing them for high reps leaves your sore for days. Of course, everybody is different, and one of the most important things that any trainee has to determine is the right amount of work that he/she is capable of doing without overtraining. Whether you train using free weights, machines, or a combination of modalities, the second-to-last thing you want to do is overtrain. The LAST thing you want to do is injure yourself. If you are a hard gainer, you might want to limit yourself to two full-body workouts per week. If you are able to handle more, than proceed cautiously and add a third workout to you weekly routine. You know yourself better than anybody else. Don't try to copy someone else's program. In lifting, or in life itself, if you try to imitate someone else you will be a poor imitation. Also, by all means, do NOT buy the latest muscle mags and attempt to follow one of the bogus routines offered by some steroid bloated so-called champion. Train hard, but intelligently.

Anyway, back to the stones. I have five spherical stones. Atlas, or McGlashen, type stones if you will. They are spherical. However, if you have access to natural stones, then by all means you can train with them using the same ideas in this article. My five stones range in weight from 145 Lbs. up to 300 Lbs.. I've used all five at various times, however, for the high-rep stuff, I usually stick to the 145, 180, and 220 pounders. When I say high reps, that can vary as well. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I took out my 145 Lb. stone and did a total of 100 reps. The actual workout consisted of lifting the stone and shouldering it for a number of reps ( usually 10-12) then going inside and doing 15 Hindu Push-ups. I would rest one minute then go outside and do another set of stones. I continued in this manner until I completed 100 reps of each movement.

My most recent workout took place on Tuesday, December 8. This time I decided to use the 180 Lb. stone. I wanted to do as many reps possible in an hour. I did not do any other exercise that day. I felt really good and was able to shoulder it 73 times. The actual time was slightly over an hour, but I felt strong during the set and was not getting overly fatigued. There was on drawback. Since it was warm, and I was not wearing a long-sleeve shirt, my forearms were taking a beating. The granite was tearing into my skin and by the end of the workout, my forearms were raw.

I would like to say a few words about torn skin and stone lifting. I do not wear sleeves, gauntlets, or tacky. I don't even like using chalk, and of course I do not wear a belt. I realize that this an individual choice, and there may be some people reading this who adamantly disagree with me. Again, you know yourself better than anybody. It is simply my choice to not wear any of those things. And while I would never criticize anybody wearing sleeves to protect their arms, I do have some questions about why anybody would opt to use tacky. Afterall, the whole idea behind tacky is to help your arms adhere to the stone. I realize that if you're competing in a strongman event, you would use whatever is available to assist in lifting the stone, but if you are using the stones to train, then it would be a smart idea to make the movement as difficult as possible. I have always felt the same way about powerlifting. If you are competing, then a supersuit, belt, and wraps are a must. But if you are training, you will build more strength by training without any of that stuff. Squatting and deadlifting without a belt will build tremendous strength, and will actually strengthen your back.

Hopefully, the warm weather will last a bit longer. I have always enjoyed lifting stones, and this favorable weather has only added to the enjoyment. And while a little cold weather will not deter me from attacking the stones, it is always more enjoyable to be able to wear shorts and a t-shirt. Forearms be damned. 
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Sunday, December 6, 2015

The Mighty Atom Documentary, Mind Over Matter, Harry Houdini, You Dig Your Grave With Your Knife and Fork - Steve Greenstein interview with Bob Whelan

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Saturday, December 5, 2015

Please Support "The Mighty Atom" Documentary - By Steve Greenstein, Grandson of "The Mighty Atom,” Joseph Greenstein

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Sunday, November 29, 2015

How To Transform Your Physique #245

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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Belts and Straps, Birthday Stone Workout, 3 or 2 Days Per Week, High Rep Deadlifts, Good Mornings, Full Range of Motion

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Friday, November 20, 2015

Your Name is Brave Heart! - By Russell Smith, (aka Brave Heart)


In 2002, I told a colleague I wanted to start exercising. He couldn’t remember the name, only that the publisher lived in Crete…no, wait, Cyprus. “Russ, I got the strongest when I read that guy’s book and followed it.”  Of course, I tracked down Brawn by Stuart McRobert. To the best of my ability – or the best as I then understood it -- I began exercising. And I subscribed to Hardgainer. After a couple issues, a gym ad attracted my attention. It had a strange sounding slogan: “If you train here, you are not normal!” I noted this gym was located in Washington, DC – at that time, my home. Further, I noticed that the gym’s owner wrote an article in most issues of Hardgainer. Without looking back, I recall articles like “John Grimek Was The Man” and “Training and Eating in The Big Apple.”

These articles told tough tales about tough men and women. They espoused a no-holds-barred, kick-ass attitude; incredibly hard work; perfect form; and competing mostly with yourself and your mind. They exuded energy, enthusiasm, self-reliance, and swagger.  For many months, I pondered calling this author, “Maximum Bob” Whelan. A couple times, I chickened out. I called, then hung up before anyone could answer. The ads, the articles, the attitude intimidated me. I didn’t think I could train with the intensity Bob seemed to demand. That view came mostly from an inner feeling of weakness and a lack of confidence. But it had grounding in fact. 

Shortly after my birth, doctors diagnosed me with a heart problem called tricuspid atresia. The American Heart Association classifies it as a serious heart defect. In 1985, at age 10, I underwent open heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. It has and will always have a significant impact on my life. Notably, I have far less strength and cardiovascular ability than normal people my age. However, compared to patients with this condition, I live an extraordinarily active and independent life. And my parents never allowed me to become consumed with self-pity. They pushed me to participate in activities as much as possible, and attend summer camp far from home each year.

After a time, I realized that not calling Bob was a manifestation of self-pity. And so, in July 2003, I called him, setting up the new client orientation. We went through his usual briefing and Q&A. I explained my heart problem to him, but said within my limits, I would do my best. And Bob gave that Bob laugh saying, “We’ll take it SLOW, Russell. DEATHS are not good for business.”

         We did take it slowly. It takes normal clients three or four workouts to make it through the entire routine; it took me ten or a dozen. But I exercised twice per week, like Bob asked; and I started eating more and better food, like Bob asked. Before every workout, I prepared mentally, like Bob asked. I tried to do a tad better this time than I’d done last time. I attacked the iron. I channeled my anger – from whatever source – constructively in the battle with the iron. But still, I accepted limits: if I didn’t have a great workout, for whatever reason, I shook it off and determined to do better next time.

          As months drifted by, I noticed small but telling differences. I gained some weight, hitting 140 for the first time in my life. Bob would add a pound or two or five to a couple exercises whenever I earned it by my performance. It’d take a workout or two, but I’d lift that new weight to the max reps, demonstrating my new strength.  Perhaps most importantly, I noted an attitude change. I felt tougher – far in excess to the strength gains. I felt more confident and able – in the gym and in life.

          Toward the end of 2003, I came into the gym at 7am one morning. Bob held up his hand, stopping me at the door. He raised his voice above his usual volume and stated, half-laughingly, half-solemnly, “In this gym, your name is no longer Russell. In this gym, your NEW name is BRAVE HEART!”  Dumbfounded, I asked what he meant. “BRAVE HEART! You have a serious heart problem, and yet you work harder than most people, even most of my clients. You come in here each time, and you assault the workout. You have a great, positive attitude. You take this seriously. You do whatever I ask you – no questions asked. You do your best. THAT’S why your name is now BRAVE HEART!”

          So it was, from that moment until Bob and I both departed Washington in 2012. As a postscript, in 2014, my doctors recommended another open heart surgery. In pre-surgery tests, the docs noted the strength of my heart and my active lifestyle. (I went to Chicago myself for the tests; very few patients require no assistance.) In the months leading up to the surgery, I began exercising every day – not quite as intensely as with Bob – but regularly and conscientiously. I also worked harder at my cardiovascular exercise than ever before – in this case, walking longer and farther than ever before. And I also called on the master of mental motivation, “Maximum Bob” Whelan, to put me in the proper mental attitude. Tough but calm. Focused but immersed in life. The couple talks we had brought the old Brave Heart attitude to the fore, and I entered the surgery incredibly well-prepared, mentally and physically.

          The surgery went very well. In nine days, I left the hospital (it was 21 days in 1985, when far different technology and approaches to care prevailed). In about three weeks, I went home. I attacked cardio rehab aggressively and by the end, in March of this year, I felt back to normal. But then, Bob has always told me that I am “NOT NORMAL!”




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Friday, November 13, 2015

Assessing Your Potential - By Burt Gam

There is an old saying regarding lifting; "Champions are born and not made". While this does hold a good deal of truth, it by no means diminishes the need for hard work and sound training principles to make it to the top. But what does having good genetics actually mean? It really depends on what type of a trainer a person is. While we cannot control what DNA we are given by our parents, just about anyone can achieve remarkable progress with enough knowledge and fortitude.

Lets look at bodybuilding first. For bodybuilding, the variables to be considered are degrees of or propensity to develop overall mass and muscle density, definition, vascularity, symmetry and proportion. Mass development is dependent upon such things as length of muscle bellies in different groups with associated short tendon insertions, number of muscle cells, as well as circulating anabolic hormone levels such as Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Testosterone, and Insulin Like Growth Factors(IGF). A long muscle belly has the potential to grow larger by virtue of the potential for greater cross sectional area achievement. Short muscle attachments can greatly affect the appearance of a muscle. The ability to put on muscular size with little gains in fat are determined by heredity as well as dietary factors. The ability to  store low amounts of subcutaneous fat while achieving muscle growth greatly affect the definition and vascular appearance of an individual. Overall body proportions, relatively narrow joints and height/weight ratios, and body frame size also contribute to appearance to a large degree.

As an example, two individuals may both claim to have 18" arms which by most standards is quite large when accurately measured. But the visual affect can be worlds apart. In certain cases it will look huge, and in other cases appear a little above average. In general, a person with a higher amount of definition(BF%) may present a much more imposing arm. If one person has a large frame, be tall, or have higher bodyweight the arm may look smaller by comparison. A legitimate and defined 18" arm on most people would certainly appear quite large, but perhaps even more so on a shorter small framed person. A person with longer than average muscle belly lengths in the biceps and particularly the triceps may excel in arm development .Other favorable genetic factors include narrow hips, joints, a tapered waist, even head size. Skin color can affect and produce a leaner look as well.

For a weight lifter, good genetics means possesing above average neuromuscular efficiency or the ability to recruit a larger percentage of muscle fibers in a given muscle group or overall. Coding is the rate of firing of the motor units. The more synchronious   the muscle fibers are firing, the greater the force produced. This would be synonomous with powerlifting or strength training. An Olympic lifter excels because they exhibit great power or the ability to produce force rapidly. These factors are affected by genetics as well as the type of training that these athletes do. A bodybuilder by comparison may appear quite massive but not be capable of producing the same amount of strength or power as power lifters or weight lifters. A weight lifter or a power lifter will be able to produce a relatively higher force or exhibit greater power than a bodybuilder relative to their size. As stated, all of this has to do in large part to genetics and to good solid training principles for each type of weight training.

So what is the point of this information? There was a day many years or even generations ago where weight lifting and bodybuilding went hand in hand. It was typical for an individual to compete in body building and weight lifting competitions on the same night! The names which come to my mind from the distant past are the likes of John Grimek, Reg Park and Marvin Eder. All these individuals excelled in both body building and were exceptionally strong by virtue of the heavy weights that they trained with. Since then, weight trainers have drifted apart and become much more specialized in their training methods. . Today it is rare to find an individual who can successfully compete in both, at least at the higher levels. The ironic truth is that the body proportions which favor one do not seem to favor the other. There have been former weight lifter converts to bodybuilding who by virtue of their small waist size,and large upper arms were not able to achieve the highest poundages, rack the weights easily or show high levels of demonstrable strength. And there are many large framed power lifters and weight lifters who could not achieve the leanness and body proportions necessary to succeed as top body builders. 

A body builder in their most "ripped to the bone condition" will likely be at their physically weakest from dieting and dehydration. While there may exist ways to evaluate potential early on through anthropometric measures, it is at best an inexact science. Most of the time, an individual will learn through trial and error. A person who is genetically gifted to be big and muscular or strong will soon be aware of this regardless of how they train. And because a person may not ever have a chance to get to the top in their chosen sport, they should never be discouraged from trying or make a conscious decision to not train hard. Certainly a stronger body builder and a more athletic physique for a weight lifter would not be a bad thing. Superior strength, health, and physique are all worthwhile goals. By educating ourselves to all aspects of training and working hard and smart we can come as close to approaching our potential as possible. We cannot be the best at everything. But we can be the best that WE can be at anything we set our minds to do!
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Thursday, November 5, 2015

West Virginia Basketball Leg Training with Andy Kettler

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Choosing The Right Gym - Jim Duggan


For the readers who have the good fortune to be able to train at home, this article might not carry any great significance.  However, for those of us who do not have the option of training at home, hopefully this article will provide some sort of assistance.  Afterall, having the right place to train is vitally important.  The right place will inspire you to train consistently, avoiding the pitfalls of skipped workouts and irregular training. 
     
Over the years, I've trained at numerous gyms.  The first gym I ever joined was Bruno's Health Club.  I've often spoken-and written- about my experiences at Bruno's.  It's something I never get tired of talking about because it gives me the opportunity to revisit an enjoyable time of my life.  The fact that I keep in touch with the main players of Bruno's Powerlifting Team makes it even more fun to travel down memory lane.  I trained at Bruno's for six years, and while we didn't have fancy equipment or machines, we had the best free weights available.  York equipment to be specific.  What we also had was a great environment in which to train.  Iron Island Gym, on the other hand, had the most extensive array of equipment available, along with a large variety of top-quality bars and unique strength-building items.  In addition, the atmosphere there was positive, supportive, and inspiring.  If you couldn't get inspired at Iron Island, then you should have been embalmed.
     
When trying to determine the best place to train, there are several important factors to consider.  Probably the most important consideration is the equipment itself.  While it is not necessary to have the latest and newest equipment, you want to have access to quality weights and bars that are adequately maintained.  And, let's face it, it all starts and ends with the bar itself.  While I'm not going to get into an argument about who made or makes the best bars, I will simply say that I started out with York and have maintained a loyalty to York Barbell since the first time I wrapped my fingers around a York bar over thirty years ago.
     
As important as barbells and free weights are to training, it's surprising to see just how many places skimp on this all-too-important piece of training equipment.  I could never figure out why a gym would have bars that are bent, or bars with non-revolving sleeves, or bars with non-existent knurling.  It's ridiculous to have an otherwise well-equipped gym with quality benches, modern machines, heavy-duty power racks, etc., yet the bars themselves are garbage.  I realize that I was spoiled by training at Bruno's and Iron Island where the quality of the free weights was unsurpassed.  I will devote more time to free weights in a subsequent article.  For now, though, suffice it to say that the idea of having a training facility that utilizes low-quality free weights is misguided at best. 
     
After equipment, the atmosphere of the gym plays an important role in determining the quality of your workouts, and the satisfaction you derive from training.  At Bruno's, we had a core group of lifters who trained on the same days.  As a contest approached, we'd arrange our workouts so we'd be able to train together at the same time.  I can't begin to describe how much more you can accomplish when you have a group of people working together and supporting each other.  Of course, supporting each other does NOT mean yelling, cursing, screaming and acting like a mad banshee.  You don't get stronger from noise.  You build strength with hard work and consistent training.  Being considerate of others is a desirable trait both in and out of the gym.  We've all seen- and heard- the screamers.  Every gym has them.  They'll scream and yell during every rep of every set. You would think that they are being tortured. What a joke!  What's even funnier is that they usually use baby weights. Which only reinforces the old saying that "empty barrels make the most noise."  Sadly, these yo-yos are unavoidable.  In additions to the screamers, you will also undoubtedly encounter the toners, pumpers, and posers.  These are easily recognizable.  The so-called experts who will expound on everything and spend most of their time pumping the arms and pecs.  They don't train for strength, they just want to pump and tone.  What a colossal waste of training time.  Ignore the toners.  Surround yourself with others who want to train for Strength and Health.

An important aspect of surrounding yourself with the right people is the central theme of this website.  Natural strength.  Not just getting stronger, but doing it the right way.  No drugs.  Unfortunately, many gyms that bill themselves as "hard core" are really places where steroids are prevalent.  I won't beat this to death in this article, I will simply refer to a quote from the legendary strength coach Kim Wood:  " If you take steroids, you are admitting to yourself, deep down, that you don't have enough of what it takes to be a man."  Train hard, consistently, and progressively and the gains will come.  The right way.

Finally, there is one method that I used to determine if a gym was a right fit for me.  I'd walk in, listen to the spiel given by the sales rep, and when he/she was finished I would simply ask two questions.  First I would ask if there was a power rack in the gym.  If they asked what a power rack was, then I knew it was the wrong place for me.  Secondly, I would ask if the use of chalk was permitted.  If the answer was no, then it was time to move on to another place. 
    
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Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Big Lew's Gym in Modesto, California - "Where Champions Are Made!"

This is my good buddy Russ Lewis's gym ...aka "Big Lew" -or- Lewnatic!
Me and Big Lew were good friends, training partners and competed together in Powerlifting. We did some serious training (and eating) while in the USAF stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany about 35 years ago!! His name is in my IRON NATION chapter.

In this video, one of Lews Lifters, DEVON WOODALL with 605.
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What makes muscles grow? - Jeffrey Siegel

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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

How to Transform Your Physique #244

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Monday, November 2, 2015

Training Middle and High School Athletes, Intensity and Good Form, Recovery for Natural Lifters, Steroid Dangers - Dick Conner Interview with Bob Whelan - NATURAL STRENGTH NIGHT podcast - (episode 25) - 02 June 15

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How To Transform Your Physique #243

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Saturday, October 31, 2015

Thick Bar Training & What Makes It Awesome For Realistic Muscular Power - By Ben Bergman

Normally I do mostly bodyweight plus cable and hammer work but once in a blue moon I like to hit the Iron just to play around with and see where my strength is at. I love doing basic lifts and partials, partials are super fun and you get to move around more weight than in full ROM. One thing that makes it even more awesome is when you challenge yourself on a thick bar. Thick bars aren't generally around most gyms these days which can be a pain in the you know what and some of the weights you want to tackle with a thick bar like presses, deadlifts and curls may not always be possible; That's why I love using Fat Gripz. Just attach one of these suckers to a bar or a dumbbell and get ready for the ride of your life.

The thing is, the challenge of Thick Bar training is not what you can physically lift but how you create so much force internally just to pick up the freaking thing is astounding and adventurous to me. One of my favorite lifts is Deadlifting, pick up a weight and put it down, it is that simple. My best in a full lift is just over 400 lbs which to most in powerlifting is like 10 pounds to them but you have to remember, I rarely ever lift weights so don't put me down just yet lol. With the Fat Gripz they're much more challenging in a partial lift because with heavier weight you have to grip so freaking hard it can crush coconuts. My best at the hand/thigh lift is a bit over 425-435 lbs. if I remember correctly but with these things attached, 315 was a chore. 

I've also used them for putting on the machines but since most machines suck, putting them on a dumbbell o bar is a hell of a lot more fun. I train my tendons mostly and thick bar training is very prominent in building tendon strength because let's face it, most people with the right method can build muscle but it's the tendons that are the true key. When you have mastered heavy weight on the thick bar or dumbbell, everything else seems like a cake walk. Thick bar training has helped me in my bending feats, tearing phonebooks, levering hammers and even in Arm Wrestling; taking down guys as big as 6'3 and over 260 lbs. One kid I challenged that was in his mid 20's had a reputation at work for arm wrestling matches and couldn't even budge me. Besides Arm Wrestling it doesn't matter what sport you're in, thick bar training will catapult your skills within the power of your grip. 

It's brutal, tough and will make even some of the toughest men feel weak. The strongest drug-free lifters believe Thick bars give them that extra edge. The power in your hands can make you or break you in your training and if you truly want to look as powerful and just as strong; go for thick bar training; imagine shooting up your bench press, having a grip that can crush most men's hands, save a person's life with the power of your grip, crush the competition whether you're in MMA, Football, Pro Wrestling, Basketball and other sports. 

Because of Thick Bar Training it has carried over for me like in the last time I was in the gym and haven't lifted in a while and was picking Hundred Pound DB's for giggles to play with in the deadlift. Power up your tendons and that muscular hypertrophy will come in with a vengeance. Be sure to train on days where you can tackle some good weight and only do thick bar training less than a few days a week because it takes serious strength and advanced power to move big weight with these things and you'll be hungry like a mother afterwards trust me. If anyone of you has seen the show Dragon Ball Z, Super Sayian characters eat like monsters after training and it happens the same way in lifting heavy weight because you need fuel son and you eat according to your needs, not what pampas gym trainer tells you about eating this or that; eat when you're hungry and sleep well. Before you know it, muscles will come in like clockwork and you'll be crazy strong in the process.

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Why the S.A.I.D Principle Should Govern Your Direction in Training - By Paul Marsland

The S.A.I.D principle, what is it, you may well ask? It stands for SPECIFIC ADAPTATION TO
IMPOSED DEMANDS. What that means is that your training should be geared towards a specific goal or outcome. While I'm all for keeping things as simple as possible when it comes to training , there is also a lot to be said for having a clear understanding of the objective and direction you want your training and results to go in. Its no good simply saying “ I want to be bigger” you need to understand the how and why. And this is where the S.A.I.D principle comes into play.

As it states its a response in our case larger muscles ( if that's your goal) to a specific demand, ie resistance training or more precisely anaerobic stress , but its not simply a matter of lifting weights and hoping for the best. Your training and workouts need to be specifically tailored towards the goal of larger muscles. So the focus ( once beyond the beginners phase) becomes more about HOW you lift the weight, with the goal of targeting the working muscles and trying not too involve the outlying muscles too much. The focus is on squeezing and contracting the muscle, not simply lifting it from point A to point B with no real thought. We also need to be training with sufficient volume in order to fatigue the muscles and obtain a good muscular pump.

Lets look at these points in a bit more detail.

Sufficient Volume, just how much is enough? Well there exists no steadfast rules but what I will do is pick two to three exercise which work the muscles from various angles and then perform 2-4 sets depending on the feel I get from each exercise. If I obtain a good pump and my muscles feel sufficiently fatigued I'll call it a day and move onto the next exercise. The idea is to perform just enough work to stimulate your muscles too grow but without over taxing your system. To this point you should train hard but not to the point of total fatigue or exhaustion. Why the need for a pump? You may ask. While there is no solid evidence that a muscular pump is an indication that muscular growth will occur, what it serves as is a psychological indication that we have done “something” positive, it gives us a visual indicator that we are training in a productive manner and
it makes us look temporary bigger, which is no bad thing.

Why not simply train for strength as surely a stronger muscle is a bigger muscle, right? Well yes and No. While an increase in the cross sectional contractile fibers in the muscle may well result in a stronger muscle, as its ability to produce more force is increased this does not mean it will also increase in size. If our training is geared specifically towards simply getting stronger and with minimal frequency and volume, you may well see an increase in workout poundage’s on a regular basis but without a corresponding increase in size. Understand that muscle is very expensive in terms of the metabolic (energy) costs your body has to use to maintain it and if you add muscle these costs increase in proportion. The body by its very evolutionary nature will resist this as much as possible, hence we need to literally force it into making these costly metabolic changes. By means of sufficient, volume, frequency and intensity.

If for example we simply train for strength whilst also using a low volume and frequency approach to training, the body will look for the least metabolically taxing way too adapt, and this is usually in the form of skill acquisition ( ie, you simply get more skilled at lifting heavier weights, think of pure strength athletes such as Power Lifters and Olympic Lifters as examples of this) or via the neurological system, so your body becomes more efficient at recruiting the available muscle fibers. Hence what happens is you continue to get stronger but not any bigger. This is very much a common complaint of those who train in a High Intensity manner. Again remember we are stressing the body anaerobically.

Your body does not know its lifting weights or it understands is that its being exposed to a specific type of stress to which it must adapt specifically. However if that stress is of such an infrequent nature, again it will see no need to adapt in the form of bigger muscles but choose the least metabolically demanding method. Muscle is simply a protective barrier against a specific type of stress, once that stress is ceased, ie you stop training, your muscles begin to atrophy due to the body no longer needing them.

Remember in this instance we are Bodybuilding, I'm not talking of the 300lb steroid using freaks we see today, but Bodybuilding in the sense we are training to look better. So make sure your training is geared towards this. Its OK to want to lift heavier weights and your training will and should involve progressive overload but not at the cost of everything else. You are in charge of your training and the direction it should go in, don't be like the captain of a ship without a sail, aimlessly floating on the sea with no land in sight.
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Monday, October 26, 2015

Open Your Mind and Expand Your Horizons - By Burt Gam

People can be funny sometimes. We are taught from childhood that there is a right way and a wrong way of doing things. That factual knowledge is undisputable. In weight training, like so many other endeavors, has its proponents, rebels and heretics. We have theories, principles and but a handful of facts to guide us. Look for example how body builders, power lifters and weight lifters have drifted apart. Much like the polarization of people for religious and political beliefs. 

As inflexible creatures as we are we adamantly live and die by these belief. We have become self focused and narrow minded. Instead of focusing on our similarities we focus on our differences. Learning can only take place with an open mind. While each area of focus has distinct goals, objectives and theories, it does not necessarily follow that our training methods are 100% exclusive nor should they be. The truth of the matter is that all three camps have useful things to offer each other. All three train with weights to achieve their goals. They even disagree amongst each other. Without getting into the strength or size issues, it might only be fair to point out that some of the strongest bodybuilders in history have been among the best bodybuilders of their eras. It is just as true that there are some pretty strong power lifters who carry an enormous amount of muscle density. And as for sheer power, and overall athleticism we have our Olympic lifters.

A case can be made for many different theories and training principles that each has its own merit. Why not take the best of all three and incorporate them in designing your program for a stronger, leaner and healthier you? Power cleans and push presses for power development. The "Big Three" Powerlifting Programs, and some attention to a few small muscle groups that need attention can all work together! By developing strength, power and flexibility and size you become a much more well rounded person. You have opened your mind to different ways of doing things.

Here is just one of many examples of a mixed program.

Monday                                        Wednesday                             Friday
1.Deadlifts                                    1. Power Cleans                     1. Push Press  
2 Presses                                      2. Bench Press                      2. Squat
3. Chins                                        3. Dumbbell Row                    3.Good Mornings
4. Narrow bench press                   4. Leg Press                          4. Dips or Incline Press
5. Leg extensions                           5. Pullovers                           5. EZ Curl                         
6. Lateral raises                             6. Leg Curls                          6. Calf Raise

Very basic and simple. The sets and reps can be tweaked for different emphasis of strength, power or size. Or perhaps the basic exercises (not assistance exercises) can be modulated on a linear periodization program with a cycles for each. The possible variations are nearly endless.

Remember above all, there are no one size fits all programs. Use your creativity, open your mind to new horizons.


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Sunday, October 25, 2015

Stones and Anvils - Jim Duggan

     The New York area has been experiencing unusually warm weather for the last few days.  Because of this, and especially since cold weather is just around the corner, I decided to take advantage of the favorable temperatures and take my workout outside.  Now just to prove that I am not adverse to training outside under less than ideal conditions, some of my most memorable workouts have been in brutally cold  or extremely hot weather.  In years past, when I was training with Drew Israel, we'd train outside, regardless of the weather.  The first time I did a twenty-rep Deadlift workout was a week before Christmas one year.  The temperature was in the teens, with a nice gusty wind.  My biggest concern was not completing the reps, but having my hands freeze to the bar ( something that Drew said had happened to him once!).

     Enough cold talk.  For now, anyway.  This article is about an enjoyable workout under pleasant weather conditions.  The sun was out, the temperature was in the low seventies.  What better way to say good-bye to the nice weather than with an afternoon of lifting granite stones?  Throw in a little anvil work, and you've got the makings of an enjoyable day of training. My plan was to challenge myself with the stones to gauge my progress, and to see how whether the stones would come up easily or not.  I began by doing a couple of warm-ups with my smallest stone ( 145 Lbs.)  Then I did a single each with the 180, 220, and 260. Each time I would pick up the stone, then lift it to my shoulder.  I simply wanted to get an idea what my strength level was, then I began the actual training.

     The workout itself was a variation of a "pyramid rep scheme." 
     Stones
          145 x 5
          180 x 3
          220 x 2
     Anvil Curl 115 x 10
     Headstrap  115 x 20

     After I did the two reps with the 220 Lb. stone, I would do a set of curls with the anvil.  The anvil I used weighs 100 Lbs., in addition I wrapped a heavy chain around the anvil bringing the weight up to 115 Lbs..  I did ten reps, then I attached my Ironmind Headstrap to the anvil and did twenty reps.  I then rested five minutes before beginning the cycle again.  I repeated this four times.  By the time I wa finished I was feeling pretty beat up.   But I think most people reading this will attest to the fact that a hard workout- whether it be twenty-rep squats, high-rep deadlifts,- will leave you with a feeling of accomplishment.  This is a simple, yet brutally effective workout. Three movements.  It's not something that might be advertised in the muscle comics.  This type of training probably won't give you a pump.  It won't make you "jacked," whatever  "jacked" means.  But it will build real strength.  Strength that will carry over to other areas of your training. 

     A few interesting observations:  As much as I tried to arrange the stones close to each other in order to perform the reps with as little rest as possible, it is very important to take a few seconds to make sure that there is no chance of slipping or tripping.  I must confess that I am not exactly balletic under the most favorable conditions.  Now throw in some uneven terrain ( heavy stones will create small craters when they are dropped) and you can see why maintaining balance is very important.  Also, I never use tacky, gauntlets, or other "aids."  Yes, lifting large granite shperes will tear up your forearms.  But torn skin, and a little pain are small prices to pay for getting stronger.  To quote Friedrich Nietzche, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger."

     One final note, is that up until the other day, I hadn't done my stones in over six weeks.  However, they felt good and I had no problems getting them on my shoulder.  I felt fresh and strong.  I attribute this to the concentrated back work that I have been doing for the last four months.  When I say back work I do NOT mean endless sets of Lat Pulldowns or Seated Cable Rows.  I was doing Stiff-Leg Deadlifts, Good Mornings, and One-Arm Dumbbell Rows.  I worked the Good Mornings particularly hard.  I remember reading about Bruce Randall and the massive poundages he used in the movement, so I really tried to push the weights.  I eventually got to the point where I did 335 x 6 reps.  I didn't train the Good Mornings heavy every week.  In fact, I settled on a heavy/light program which saw me going heavy one week, then the other week I would perform one all-out set of thirty reps.  I was able to build up to 235 x 30 about a month ago.  I firmly believe that this concentrated work was a big factor in giving me the strength to lift the stones with authority.  If only most trainees would incorporate heavy pulling movements, as part of a total body program, they would build impressive strength, make themselves less susceptible to injury, and increase their muscle mass. 

     With the cold weather coming, I will still attempt to keep up with my stone lifting.  For those of us residing in the North, we really have no choice.  But I don't think I would swap my training conditions with the snow birds, even if I could.  At least, not yet.

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Friday, October 23, 2015

ROUND-UP - John McKean

Surprisingly, the fabled super human did not squash me like a bug, spit in my direction, or merely ignore an insignificant little nobody like me! At the time I was a wide-eyed college student witnessing the parade of Iron Game icons who were milling about at one of the famous York Barbell Club picnics at Hoffman's wooded Brookside Park. Brushing my right shoulder, John Grimek and his wife casually strolled by, causing an instant, massive lump to clog my throat! Best I could think to do was croak out a meek "Hi, John!" The mighty Grimek, huge arms in full display in a cut sleeve t-shirt, merely extended his hand in warm greeting and genuinely replied " Hey, great to see you! How's your training coming along?" Then he started gabbing as if we'd been long time buddies and avid training partners! Naturally a crowd quickly built around our discussion, amid other queries from the group, when it occurred to me to ask about a point made in a recent issue of John's MD magazine.

Questioning him about a very interesting, unique arm building article (written by Mr. Universe, Tom Sansone), where the major premise was always to keep training time short by constantly CHANGING bi/tri exercises every workout, I was wondering if John himself shared that author's conviction." OH, yes, ABSOLUTELY" emphasized John, "especially if you desire to greatly increase STRENGTH as well!" That statement shocked and puzzled me, as I'd assumed that one had to labor through a movement for quite a while in order to reach decent poundage. Only much later in life did I come to realize that this all-knowing lifting guru had provided the quintessential KEY to much of his own fabled super strength, and gave a glimpse to the brilliance he acquired from instinctual power work during his youth.

Of course, VARIETY is also the essence of ALL-ROUND competition, which I've been involved with exclusively for the past 3 decades. (In fact, John Grimek was our first inductee to the USAWA Hall of Fame!) However, for most of that time it's been a struggle to include a fairly good range of official lifts (we have nearly 200 events!) into workouts without spending entire days in the gym. So, to chase Grimek's lead , I read "between the lines" in accounts of his earliest training ; seems he followed a basic, constant pattern in standard, heavy exercises, but usually ended with a single massive effort on some odd strength feat. Never much in favor of "sets/reps", he'd just extend one big all-out push, pull, partial, or hold. And, of course, ALWAYS experimenting with something new, unusual, or different.

Now, it occurred to me, some 50 years since I first marveled over Grimek's sage advice, that I can save time in the gym, yet train a bigger variety of lifts more effectively if I only tweek John's essential power building KEY a bit. Simply, I needed to start with a moderately loaded barbell, build up weight in increments (such as 20 pounds each set), and perform a semi-challenging LIFT that will "FIT" each different poundage. For example, the other day I began with a fairly heavy curl, added 2 ten-pound plates, did a single bent arm pullover off the floor, then an increment up for a row. Twenty more pounds for an easy one- arm deadlift. And on up (lots of ten-pound plates laying there!) through subsequent singles for a hack lift, Ciavattone pull, heels together deadlift, Jefferson (or straddle), 12" base deadlift, 2 bars deadlift, and finish with our heavy Kennedy lift. Yep, an eleven "event" total, great variety, decent strength output (mostly along similar "off the floor" lines), and, most importantly, no multiple set drudgery or boredom at all! Heck, I thought I was competing in one of the USAWA's exciting "record day" events (in itself, a form of this training system)! At the rather fast termination to the workout, in fact, my mind & mood were as "pumped" as my legs and back were!

Next workout, if I don't decide to change the list completely, I'll merely add 5 pounds to the initial lift in that sequence, which, of course, puts an additional nickel on EVERY lift. Advancement will continue until some weak link in the chain becomes a "partial"; there's never such a thing as a "miss" - max effort is always a BUILDER! Besides, no lift stays stuck for long, as each in the series tends to boost and strengthen all others!

My training partner, 88-year-old (!!) USAWA patriarch Art Montini, has been following his own version (Art's well thought out plans feature 28 lifts, not done all at once, but 7 lifts per session, alternating each workout) of this "Round-Up" for years with considerable success. Art recently won (again!) the IAWA World Championships in Scotland, and is second all time on our national record list with over 400 current marks in various age and weight divisions. His brief, variety-enhanced workouts begin at 4 AM EVERY morning, finish quickly before 5, then has him bounding through the day with unbelievable vigor!

Want the strength of Grimek and the longevity of Montini? Forget all useless, time-robbing set/rep systems and "Round-Up" for an instant power surge, vastly increased energy, and all-round versatility!
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Monday, October 19, 2015

The Truth Will Set You Free - By Dick Conner

What most people need as far as help in weight training, is the constant reminder: do the hardest Exercises in the hardest way possible.

When I was young in the year of 1952 every coach I knew believed in calisthenics as the best way to exercise. Everyone I knew believed that you would get "muscle bound", which would make you slow not only in running but in thinking! None of the above bothered me, as I was already slow and dumb. I had no direction and even though I had a set of weights I desperately needed help, as what to do with them.

However if the truth had been put before me, I would not have understood – worse yet I would not have believed.

It has been said “the truth will set you free”. Give much thought to the above “the truth will set you free”, because the easiest thing to sell is a lie.

Lie #1 Train more – no – If you train more than 5 to 8 sets in a workout you are not training hard.

Lie #2 The strongest and best built in the gym know more – no – in almost every case they know less.

Lie #3 Train 4 to 6 days a week – no- Never train over twice a week. If that doesn’t work, go to 6 times a month, and yes, some can even train one time a week.

Lie #4 Jerk and yank on weights to get stronger – no- move very slow and controlled, which is harder. This will save your joints and make you stronger.

Lie #5 Last and easiest to sell lie – to get faster you must move the weight fast – no- to get faster move the weight until you can’t move it – doing no more than 8-12 reps.

Remember: “the truth will set you free" ... and, the truth is: ... a lie is easy to sell!

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Sunday, October 11, 2015

Cyberpump's How to Transform Your Physique #242

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Saturday, October 10, 2015

The Weak Link - By Burt Gam

Back in 1993 when I was working in a mail processing facility I landed my dream job in a small post office. No more working nights and weekends! When I got there, naturally I was pre-occupied with learning my new job. I was not expecting to be the victim of a work place bully. Being the new kid on the block I might have anticipated a bit of "friendly razzing", but not the kind of wise-a-- remarks being directed towards me by this jerk. Now to most people I do not appear a likely target at 5'11 and 215 solid pounds. This mail carrier went about a buck 65 and looked like a one punch knock-out. What was he thinking? After a week or two I expected it to blow over. It did not. Now being generally good natured, I decided one day that today will be the last time I would be dealing with this pain in the a--!

Outside, I confronted my nemesis and extended my hand in a friendly manner to say good morning. He looked at me strange and took my hand to shake it. Big Mistake. Tears of pain filled his eyes. After I decided he had enough and released his hand, all he could do was slither into the bathroom to run cold water on his hand and yell for a supervisor. Now assaulting an employee can certainly get you fired, but shaking someone's hand too hard? I honestly believe that management was secretly happy that this problematic individual finally got his just rewards! Not my proudest moment, but needless to say I didn't hear any more crap!

Someone once told me that the true measure of a man's strength is in his grip. Certainly a lot can be gleaned from a handshake, even strength of character. Having a strong grip certainly has its advantages beyond dispatching wise-guys. For a weight trainer, having a strong grip has a lot of carry over to training. Yet after shaking hands with a good many people through the years and some pretty big dudes to boot, I am hear to tell you that grip work is probably the most neglected aspect of training. To me, nothing is more disappointing than a big guy with huge body parts and a weak grip. Back in the day, lifters and strongmen had tremendous strength in their hands and forearms. They were every bit as strong as they looked. Manual laborers too.

As a lifter, a strong grip has many advantages. Exercises such as deadlifts, shrugs, chins, and various forearm exercises with fat bars certainly will work. But sometimes something more is needed.

What can a powerful grip do for you? For one thing, it will help many of your lifts increase. Try doing deadlifts with a weak grip. I have actually missed lifts because of grip failure, which is why I never use straps. Even presses and rowing exercises will benefit. There are very few lifts indeed that do not incorporate the hands. In every day life too. The carry over is obvious. I realized this when I lifted heavy mail all day, carried grocery bags up the stairs, stripped the heads off of nuts and bolts, and opened pickle jars for my wife. Your hands are your most important tool in the box!

But if you are desiring a truly powerful grip of epic proportions, you need to invest in a hand gripper. Not just any hand gripper mind you. I am talking about a variable resistance fully adjustable hand gripper with heavy duty springs. Not the kind you find in typical sporting goods store. I am talking about a real man toy.

While I am not here to endorse any products, I do have a favorite. There are a few on the market that fit the bill. At least one comes in a set with each gripper being progressively stiffer to promote strength gains. My choice is known as "Super Gripper" manufactured by Ivanko. It kind of resembles a closed horse shoe with two thick high tension springs. It is fully adjustable in what ever increments are comfortable for you. I have personally used it for years and believe me it works! My lifts are better, in particular my deadlifts. It can be ordered out of some muscle magazines or online. As stated, there are other products out there and I am not endorsing. As long as they meet the criteria of progressive resistance and fit your hand size you will not go wrong.

As for programming, I train on it 2-3 times per week pretty much like other body parts. I prefer a higher volume work-out using something like 15-12-10-8-6-4-and sometimes 2 with increasing tension, but straight sets work too if that is your preference. Just about any set and rep scheme will work. Just remember to warm up first. It is entirely possible to injure your hand, wrist and forearms just like any other muscles. The wrist and forearm flexors and extensors are worked thoroughly. You will notice a difference fairly quickly, just take it slow and steady in the beginning. In addition, you will notice a difference in your forearms as far as size and vascularity, especially if this is a problem area for you. Remember, the body is mechanically a kinetic chain.What ever type of lifting you do, bodybuilding, powerlifting, or just want to teach wise guys a lesson, don't let your grip be your weak link! 
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Monday, October 5, 2015

Three Workouts Per Week: Is It Enough? - By Burt Gam

First off, let's This is not an article for muscle heads, steroid users or genetic freaks. This is about good sensible training for the average person and life-long weight trainer. By average I mean genetically typical drug free everyday people who work, go, to school, raise families and otherwise have a life outside of lifting. In other words, 98% of the population. The question is; Is it possible to make progress or even maintain size and strength on a three day a week program to make it worthwhile? The answer is your damn right it is! Let me state my case for the skeptics out there who think split routines are the way to go.

The average bodybuilder on a split routine is probably over trained. For some reason, many trainees are brain washed into thinking what works for the champs will work for them. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Those impressive on paper high volume routines published in magazines generally work only for a select few gifted trainees who are juicing. What they also do is sell magazine subscriptions and supplements which are being endorsed.

Lets say for the sake of the argument that these routines do work. Questions and issues arise such as " Is training two hours a day six days a week worth it from a benefit versus effort perspective? How does my training affect my personal life as far as work and spending time with the family? Do I have the genetic capability to make it all the way to the top of my field to compete? How will my health be affected? Can my body take the strain?

For most people, extended split routines result in over training and staleness. Progress begins to wane. Gains come slow or not at all. Injuries become more likely. The central nervous system becomes frazzled. Workouts become an exercise in futility and simply going through the motions. Important aspects of life become neglected.

When I was young, I spent a lot of time in the gym. I did make progress, not as much from the training but because I was young. I was on my first tour of duty in the Air Force stationed in Anchorage Alaska. Our daughter was born. Time to maintain that training schedule became difficult. My wife needed help and pleaded with me to work-out less. On top of that, I spent and entire Alaskan summer (so short you could close your eyes and miss it) inside a gym instead of seeing some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.

The solution was to train three times a week. The advantages are tremendous. Most people today do not realize that many years ago this was the norm . The day or two of rest between work outs allowed for a more complete recovery. This is necessary especially for strength gains and probably for mass as well.

Beginners too seem to thrive on this type of training as well as athletes. Off days were devoted to other aspects of training such as cardio, flexibility, agility and skill development for sports. This type of program fits well into recreational training and sports performance improvement. Even NFL players train this way, at least during the season because they need the time and energy to be expended elsewhere. Try to find one who is not incredibly big and strong!

You might be thinking; "How can I fit all of the exercises I do in a split routine for all body parts into three days? How can I manage the training volume?

The answer is you can't nor should you. People generally do far to many exercises and sets. By sticking to the basic compound exercises and increasing intensity, the three day program becomes extremely effective. Instead of multiple exercises for, chest, back, shoulders, legs, arms, etc. we concentrate the program into the fewest basic exercises that give the most bang for the buck! At the same time we reduce or eliminate single joint exercises . These are fine for bringing up lagging body parts or correcting muscular strength imbalances, but even then they are used sparingly. Basic routines coupled with sufficient intensity is the key to success! Constructing the program itself is not rocket science. Instead of pulling featured programs out of my favorite magazine I learned how to design my own program tailor made!

Here is how to do it.

Your program will be centered around the best exercises for each major muscle group. Once you determine the best compound exercises you simply organize them into a workable three day a week training schedule. The way I start is with the "Big Three"; Deadlift, Bench Press and Squat. These three exercises alone are the cornerstone of a solid program. All that remains to do is pick the other best exercises. Here are my choices.

1. Chest-Bench press and Incline Bench Press.
2. Thighs- Squats and Front Squats.
3. Shoulders- Standing Barbell and Dumbbell Presses.
4. Back(upper)- Pull-ups for width, Barbell/Dumbbell Rows for thickness.
5. Back(lower)- All forms of Deadlifts(Also for total body).
6. Trapezius- Hang Cleans and Shrugs.
7. Hamstrings- Good mornings and Stiff Leg Deadlifts.
8. Biceps- Chins with a supinated grip.
9. Triceps- Narrow Bench Press and Dips (awesome chest builder too!)
10.Calf- Single Leg Calf Raise with dumbbell.

Here is a sample program. The sets and repetitions can be adjusted as needed for either strength or hypertrophy emphasis.


Monday                                    Wednesday                                          Friday
Deadlifts 5x5                            Bench Press 5x5, 1x10                    Squat 5x5 1x10
Barbell Press 5x5                     Leg Press 3x10                                Good Morning 3x8-10
Pronated Chins 3x6-10            Single Arm Dumbbell Row 3x6-8      Dips 3x8-12
Narrow Bench Press 3x6-8      Alternate Dumbbell Press 3x6-8       Supinated Chins 3x6-10
Leg Extension 3x10-15             Leg Curl 3x10-15                              Calf Raise 3x15
Ab Work                                    Ab Work                                            Ab Work


There it is. For those skeptics out there who feel that this type of work-out is too simple, I can only say TRY IT! Remember the emphasis is on intensity, not volume. Volume is the enemy of intensity. Just try to make progress in weight, especially on the "Big Three". For those people who need a bit more variety or need extra work in certain weak areas, single joint work can be used sparingly. These can be rotated in and out as needed. For those interested in power work (Power Cleans/Push Presses), these can be added as first exercises for each day. There is room for flexibility. Give the three day program your best effort for three months. Focus on intensity and steadily increasing weight while using good technique and form. You will be rewarded with increased strength and size.
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Sunday, September 27, 2015

The Importance of Concentration - By Jim Duggan

One of the most prolific- and talented- writers ever to grace the pages of any muscle magazine was John McCallum. His "Keys to Progress" series appeared in "Strength and Health" magazine from 1965 to 1972. It was an extremely popular feature, and his articles had a positive influence on countless thousands of trainees. Although I was too young to be able to enjoy his writing during its original run- I was born in 1964- I have been able to benefit from John's words, thanks to the foresight of Ironmind Enterprises, Inc., which compiled his articles in a book. "The Complete Keys to Progress" is one of the finest books on training ever published. If you have not done so already, do yourself a tremendous favor and order a copy today.

Of course, when I refer to training, I mean sensible, productive, no-nonsense training. Certainly not the type of useless misinformation found in any of the "muscle comics" available at most newsstands. Common sense is timeless. It is also, I am sad to say, not very common at all. If you have the opportunity to take advantage of some of the best training articles ever written, you can't let it slip away.

There were about one hundred articles in the original Keys to Progress. The series covered everything from diet, to building bulk and power, to training for definition, and the all-time classic: Heavy breathing Squats. And while some articles may have become somewhat archaic (P.H.A. training, high protein-high set training), most of the information presented is as relevant today as it was nearly fifty years ago.

One of my favorite pieces was dedicated to the importance of concentration. Actually, he devoted three articles to the topic of concentration. One of his best quotes is as follows: " If you're not going to concentrate on your training, you may as well forget it." Which leads me to an amusing- or sad- incident that I had the pleasure of witnessing at the gym about a month ago. I was working out during the middle of the day. Now, the gym where I train has a Power Rack and two Squat Racks, all three are lined up side by side. On this particular day, all three pieces of equipment were being used at the same time. One trainee was doing standing Presses in the Power Rack, another was doing standing Presses in one of the Squat Racks, while the third guy was Squatting. The three trainees in question were all about twenty years-old or so. They were each about 5'10" - 6' tall, and they each looked to be around 200 Lbs..They were definitely not beginners. Which makes what I'm about to relate even more pathetic.

The guy who was doing standing presses in the Power Rack had the bar loaded to 95 Lbs.. The guy who was Squatting was using 135 Lbs..And last- and definitely least- the guy doing standing presses on the Squat Rack was using 75 Lbs.. Of course, they all used lifting belts to assist them in their massive poundages. But the other thing that they had in common, was that each one of them would pull out a cell phone and proceed to text after each and every set. Who or what they were texting is not important. How could they possibly be concentrating on their training? They were more concerned with playing with the phones than they were about lifting. And it showed. It's too bad that someone else couldn't take a picture of the distracted trio. The perfect caption would be: "This is why you are using baby weights!"

Now, in fairness, maybe all three of them are ER surgeons on call. But I doubt it. And the sad part is that they were not the only ones engaged in such nonsense. Go to any commercial gym and you will see the same sort of behavior. You'll be amazed. You will also become envious of every person who is lucky enough to lift in a garage or basement gym and thereby not have to be subjected to this sort of thing.

One of my favorite old quotes about lifting came from an old Soviet weightlifter from the 1970s. In response to a question about how he psyched himself up to lift heavy weights, he replied: "The weight must not be feared. It must fear you." Well, how is the weight ever going to fear you if you are not even paying attention to it?
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Does modern bodybuilding make you sick? You should write for Natural Strength! I always need good articles about drug-free weight training. It only has to be at least a page and nothing fancy. Just write it strong and truthful with passion! Send your articles directly to me: bobwhelan@naturalstrength.com
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