I've just about had it with trying to get the word out regarding the efficacy of MedX spinal exercise to the media. A few publications have allowed me to mention MedX in particular (one regarding police officer back pain, and the other dealing with back pain in nurses), but mostly I'm asked to remove any/all vendor names. It's a bit difficult to explain why MedX is the best at what it does without actually mentioning the name. That would be like discussing the merits of an excavation company that has the only backhoe in the region - with everyone else limited to shovels - by saying the company uses 'tools'. Could mean shovels, bare hands, or a backhoe - the reader/listener will never know.
WCVB-5's Chronicle television show was approached via a connection within, but they would only consider doing a story on reducing back/neck pain if other options besides MedX were considered as well. In other words, the story would have to present multiple approaches, and all purportedly of equal value.
No thanks. You can keep your shovel - I've got my backhoe...
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
As Expected...
After last week's 'off' chest workout, yesterday's session for that body part was ideal. Great mind-muscle connection, crisp contractions, and (perhaps resulting from the lackluster previous workout) excellent arousal during the session led to a fantastic pump and deep fatigue. 24 hours later and my pecs are sore and full. Unless future chest workouts are a struggle, and not simply the odd session here and there, there is no concern (i.e., overtraining, injury, etc.).
It's also interesting to note, although no surprise to this author, that one bad workout didn't ruin the appearance of the muscle in question. Often times trainees treat their sessions in a do-or-die fashion, which is good for arousal and motivation, but if things don't work as planned, that doesn't mean one's physique will fall apart. Most people that train hard, and have at least a few months of such training behind them could stop completely and notice little loss of 'appearance' over at least a few weeks.
It's also interesting to note, although no surprise to this author, that one bad workout didn't ruin the appearance of the muscle in question. Often times trainees treat their sessions in a do-or-die fashion, which is good for arousal and motivation, but if things don't work as planned, that doesn't mean one's physique will fall apart. Most people that train hard, and have at least a few months of such training behind them could stop completely and notice little loss of 'appearance' over at least a few weeks.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Reasons for Bad Workout
Surprisingly, I had a bad chest workout today. This is usually the easiest body part to pump and fatigue, and rarely do I suffer from the muscular 'disconnect' that occurred this afternoon.
As strange as it may sound, I almost felt non-recovered from a full body session last Thursday. Only two exercises were attempted on that day, performed in modified Monster Zone fashion (i.e., not as strenuous due to longer rests between mini-sets, and less regard for completely even fatigue throughout exercise range of motion). Decent pump that day, but nothing fantastic.
Today, three exercises were chosen that usually lead to what I like to call a 'crisp' connection, where its easy to really groove each repetition and dig deep into the target area. In other words, everything usually seems to click. But today, everything felt off; coordination, connection, and then frustration when the first two were noted to be off.
About a minute after each set, a decent pump was noted, but not the usually full and round pectorals that I've noted since implementing the Zone Training method first 3 years ago. About 7 hours later at the time of this writing, some of the usual post-workout fullness is still there, but again not as much as typical. Following chest, shoulders were a little better, but things didn't really click until triceps at the end of session. Appearance immediately after was of somewhat deflated pecs and shoulders, and nicely pumped and hard triceps.
Curious to see what happens with next two days' workouts (different body parts). Will those also suffer as chest (and to a lesser degree delts) did today? Also, due to unusual split, these body parts won't be trained again for 9 days (vs. usual every 7th day). Finally, I haven't been super hungry last 2 days after eating a lot Saturday afternoon/evening (social event). Doubtful that lack of calories in last few days had much to do with things, but interesting to note nonetheless.
As strange as it may sound, I almost felt non-recovered from a full body session last Thursday. Only two exercises were attempted on that day, performed in modified Monster Zone fashion (i.e., not as strenuous due to longer rests between mini-sets, and less regard for completely even fatigue throughout exercise range of motion). Decent pump that day, but nothing fantastic.
Today, three exercises were chosen that usually lead to what I like to call a 'crisp' connection, where its easy to really groove each repetition and dig deep into the target area. In other words, everything usually seems to click. But today, everything felt off; coordination, connection, and then frustration when the first two were noted to be off.
About a minute after each set, a decent pump was noted, but not the usually full and round pectorals that I've noted since implementing the Zone Training method first 3 years ago. About 7 hours later at the time of this writing, some of the usual post-workout fullness is still there, but again not as much as typical. Following chest, shoulders were a little better, but things didn't really click until triceps at the end of session. Appearance immediately after was of somewhat deflated pecs and shoulders, and nicely pumped and hard triceps.
Curious to see what happens with next two days' workouts (different body parts). Will those also suffer as chest (and to a lesser degree delts) did today? Also, due to unusual split, these body parts won't be trained again for 9 days (vs. usual every 7th day). Finally, I haven't been super hungry last 2 days after eating a lot Saturday afternoon/evening (social event). Doubtful that lack of calories in last few days had much to do with things, but interesting to note nonetheless.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Hunger
Something I've noticed in years past, and already noticing this year is that by paying close attention to hunger I can manipulate appearance for the better. By that, I mean that in cases such as currently where I'm eating clean and with moderate caloric intake - but then note being ravenously hungry on certain days - it is actually beneficial to eat a bit more food on those days. In the past, and so far this year, this has occurred on workout days, particularly where 2-3 consecutive days' workouts have occurred - or the day after my 3rd workout.
In every case where I have noticed this pattern emerging, I've looked better (fuller, harder, and leaner) in the days following such an increase in caloric intake.
In every case where I have noticed this pattern emerging, I've looked better (fuller, harder, and leaner) in the days following such an increase in caloric intake.
The Body Dynamic
Strange how dynamic the body is. Last night after dinner, I felt and looked as tight as I have since last summer. In fact, I almost felt beach ready, i.e., plenty of abdominal definition, not much to pinch around love handles, and a hardness of muscularity that I haven't noted yet this spring. This afternoon, immediately after workout, I felt less lean - and 'flat' even though pretty well pumped from workout.
I suspect, that in the next 24-48 hours much of what I'm noticing in a negative light will reverse. But it is interesting that one can look and feel great one day and then like crap the next, particularly when diet and exercise remain pretty much constant.
I suspect, that in the next 24-48 hours much of what I'm noticing in a negative light will reverse. But it is interesting that one can look and feel great one day and then like crap the next, particularly when diet and exercise remain pretty much constant.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Diet
In a similar 'step up' fashion to my workouts, my diet is coming around as well. 3-4 feedings per day have consisted of the Nano products made by BioPharma Scientific , along with a breakfast and a dinner of whatever I feel like consuming as bookends around the Nano shakes. Without focusing on appearance, this has allowed room for pancakes and waffles in the morning, and pizza/beer/etc. at night. Certainly not every day has included these food choices, but perhaps half. And even though those aren't ideal food choices for health or appearance, the Nano products are so nutritious and low in calories that I haven't added as much body fat as in recent winters.
Because the meals between breakfast and dinner are ideal, there isn't much to focus on besides cleaning up those two feedings. Instead of going all out at first, I've removed some junk foods (beer, pizza), while still including some others (pancakes, pasta). One could look at this as though there are various 'grades' of food quality - carbs specifically - and I'm gradually bringing up my individual grades and subsequent GPA.
Keeping in mind this 'GPA' concept, one could look at each meal individually and say that pancakes 4 mornings per week would lead to a higher grade for meal #1 than eating them 7 days per week - all other meals being equal. Old fashioned oatmeal is certainly a better choice than the refined carbs in pancakes/waffles, so again this would bring my grade up. At the moment, oatmeal is probably ingested 3-4 days per week, while eventually it will be consumed most likely every day. I suppose this GPA concept is similar to Weight Watchers, where points are attached to individual food choices and the sum is then viewed as being ideal or not. However I have no experience with this method, so I cannot say for sure.
A note on carbs: they aren't all bad and if one wants to look one's best they need to be included in some manner - particularly those that take a while to digest (oatmeal, sweet potato). Bodybuilders seem to get this better than those low carb advocates that are simply focusing on weight loss. The quantity/quality of them, i.e., Whether carbs are included in the first one or two meals of each day and/or after an intense workout (I think this is absolutely necessary) is up to the individual to decide; not from a book, not from this blog, etc.
To quote Brian D. Johnston, president of the International Association of Resistance Trainers (IART): You will find, as a result of the Principle of Individualism, that few people will be able to direct you properly... if at all. This is what you want to consider when it comes to training or nutrition: take the idea of what is proposed and play around with it. Do NOT try to follow the idea specifically unless you want to do so for a short time. Manipulate it and watch how your body responds. Do NOT wait for someone to give you an answer as to how to manipulate it since that person cannot know your body and its reactions anywhere near what you can. (1)
Moving back on track, my progress has been noticeable, but nothing dramatic. More delineation in the upper and middle abdominal region, while the lower ab area and ring around my waist still allow me to pinch more than I would like to see in a bathing suit. That is always the last spot to go, and to reiterate my goals, I'm hoping I can work around it this year without looking too stringy - but to do so will take some ingenuity to 'trick' my body into dropping body fat and not muscle.
(1) http://discussionboard.teamhitonline.com/user/Discussion.aspx?id=158129
Because the meals between breakfast and dinner are ideal, there isn't much to focus on besides cleaning up those two feedings. Instead of going all out at first, I've removed some junk foods (beer, pizza), while still including some others (pancakes, pasta). One could look at this as though there are various 'grades' of food quality - carbs specifically - and I'm gradually bringing up my individual grades and subsequent GPA.
Keeping in mind this 'GPA' concept, one could look at each meal individually and say that pancakes 4 mornings per week would lead to a higher grade for meal #1 than eating them 7 days per week - all other meals being equal. Old fashioned oatmeal is certainly a better choice than the refined carbs in pancakes/waffles, so again this would bring my grade up. At the moment, oatmeal is probably ingested 3-4 days per week, while eventually it will be consumed most likely every day. I suppose this GPA concept is similar to Weight Watchers, where points are attached to individual food choices and the sum is then viewed as being ideal or not. However I have no experience with this method, so I cannot say for sure.
A note on carbs: they aren't all bad and if one wants to look one's best they need to be included in some manner - particularly those that take a while to digest (oatmeal, sweet potato). Bodybuilders seem to get this better than those low carb advocates that are simply focusing on weight loss. The quantity/quality of them, i.e., Whether carbs are included in the first one or two meals of each day and/or after an intense workout (I think this is absolutely necessary) is up to the individual to decide; not from a book, not from this blog, etc.
To quote Brian D. Johnston, president of the International Association of Resistance Trainers (IART): You will find, as a result of the Principle of Individualism, that few people will be able to direct you properly... if at all. This is what you want to consider when it comes to training or nutrition: take the idea of what is proposed and play around with it. Do NOT try to follow the idea specifically unless you want to do so for a short time. Manipulate it and watch how your body responds. Do NOT wait for someone to give you an answer as to how to manipulate it since that person cannot know your body and its reactions anywhere near what you can. (1)
Moving back on track, my progress has been noticeable, but nothing dramatic. More delineation in the upper and middle abdominal region, while the lower ab area and ring around my waist still allow me to pinch more than I would like to see in a bathing suit. That is always the last spot to go, and to reiterate my goals, I'm hoping I can work around it this year without looking too stringy - but to do so will take some ingenuity to 'trick' my body into dropping body fat and not muscle.
(1) http://discussionboard.teamhitonline.com/user/Discussion.aspx?id=158129
Thursday, March 5, 2009
A little background on my workouts
For the past 2.5 months (since Xmas, really) I've been alternating one week consisting of one full body workout, with another week consisting of a three-way split. Part of this was due to the lack of desire to train hard around the holidays, while also seeing this as a way to back off the demands somewhat and ideally not lose much in the appearance department. So far so good, but there is absolutely a difference in fullness/hardness during the weekends following the higher volume weeks.
The single session usually occurs on Thursday simply due to scheduling ease, while the three weekly workouts are performed on Tues/Wed/Thurs. In years past I've always left a day between each session (i.e., Mon/Wed/Fri) for 'recovery', but in talking with a few others that have attempted training three days in a row, the metabolic effect seems to be better. That is, there's not an 'up-down-up-down' effect, instead a continual climb ('up-up-up') before dropping off. I'm still getting four days off each week - certainly enough for optimal recovery, and particularly with an 'easier' schedule every other week.
Moving toward my goals outlined in the previous post, total workout volume will increase - but not via more exercise during each session. Instead, two consecutive weeks of three workouts will be incoroporated for every week of one workout. This will last approximately 6 weeks (2 cycles of 2:1), followed by another increase to three consecutive weeks of three workouts for every week of one workout (2 cycles of 3:1). Unless something goes wrong, I expect that I will be able to then move to three workouts each week through mid-July (6+ continuous weeks).
The goal with each workout within the three-way split is maximum pump of the target area in minimal time. At this point I have a good idea of what that will entail, but of course things don't go as planned every time so adjustments can be made on the fly. For example, 3 exercises performed Zone Monster Set style for chest pump that area maximally 90% of the time. If during the other 10% something doesn't click, and an additional exercise needs to be added, so be it. But each body part of each workout needs to reach that goal before terminating the session. During full body workouts, one set per body part (9-10 exercises) will suffice.
The single session usually occurs on Thursday simply due to scheduling ease, while the three weekly workouts are performed on Tues/Wed/Thurs. In years past I've always left a day between each session (i.e., Mon/Wed/Fri) for 'recovery', but in talking with a few others that have attempted training three days in a row, the metabolic effect seems to be better. That is, there's not an 'up-down-up-down' effect, instead a continual climb ('up-up-up') before dropping off. I'm still getting four days off each week - certainly enough for optimal recovery, and particularly with an 'easier' schedule every other week.
Moving toward my goals outlined in the previous post, total workout volume will increase - but not via more exercise during each session. Instead, two consecutive weeks of three workouts will be incoroporated for every week of one workout. This will last approximately 6 weeks (2 cycles of 2:1), followed by another increase to three consecutive weeks of three workouts for every week of one workout (2 cycles of 3:1). Unless something goes wrong, I expect that I will be able to then move to three workouts each week through mid-July (6+ continuous weeks).
The goal with each workout within the three-way split is maximum pump of the target area in minimal time. At this point I have a good idea of what that will entail, but of course things don't go as planned every time so adjustments can be made on the fly. For example, 3 exercises performed Zone Monster Set style for chest pump that area maximally 90% of the time. If during the other 10% something doesn't click, and an additional exercise needs to be added, so be it. But each body part of each workout needs to reach that goal before terminating the session. During full body workouts, one set per body part (9-10 exercises) will suffice.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
