Archive for March, 2009
There are no simple answers to what are the best exercises, routines and fitness equipment. The subject is just too complicated and individual needs are too varied to allow for such absolutes. However, that doesn’t stop the mass media, internet gurus and product marketers from trying to convince the public otherwise. The answer, “It depends”, is not as dismissive as it first sounds. It is truly the most honest answer that can be given. However, there are some ideas and products that just beg to be “whacked” for being logically and intellectually offensive. Just watch cable TV long enough and you’ll know what I mean. FYI, Tony Little is the Fitness Satan.
The questions my clients ask are sincere. They truly want to know the real value of concepts like; Crossfit, P90X, Kettlebells, the latest diet and the current workout in Men’s Health magazine. They are confused by conflicting claims, the speed of “amazing” results and by programs that appear to be diametrically opposed to each other. Most of my clients know that my answer does not end with, “It depends”, it merely begins there. We explore the journalistic “who, how, what, where and when”. The concept is placed in a historical context and then compared with other current approaches. Exercise physiology, functional anatomy and biomechanics are discussed to determine if the concept makes sense when considered in the glare of that unforgiving spotlight. If the concept survives that process (and very few do), we then ask if the concept meets the needs of the client in general and more specifically, is the timing right.
Naturally, you want to be successful and reach your goals. You want to be rewarded for your investment of time, money and effort. No one wants to feel that they had been had by some stupid idea or mislead by a compelling fitness guru who is more interested in your money that in your success. Well Spunky, you have to take responsibility for your own success. No one is going to hand it to you. You have to earn it. Just the fact that you’re reading this, you obviously put out intense, consistent muscular effort. Now, it is time to match it with the same level of intellectual intensity. That means going beyond the most recent issue of some pseudo science muscle rag and actually exploring, in depth, the science of exercise.
Knowledge is power. Literally, exercise knowledge is power, strength, weight loss, weight gain, joint mobility, joint stability, athletic performance, sexual attraction and higher self-esteem. You owe it to yourself to become a gym rat with a brain. But the question now is where to begin. Here are a few suggestions to get you on your way.
The New Rules of Lifting by Lou Shuler and Alwyn Cosgrove. Lou and Alwyn destroy the common gym myths and offer a powerful new vision for program design. The book entertains and educates at the same time.
Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe. Mark provides the best description of the “big lifts” I have ever come across. To give you an idea of the depth and scope of the information, the Squat chapter is 30 pages long. You will learn the proper architectural skeletal setup and technique guidance for the squat, deadlift, bench press, standing press and power clean. It is a must read for any serious weight lifter, personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach.
The Essentials of Strength and Conditioning, National Strength & Conditioning Association is the textbook for their CSCS exam. The reason for this recommendation is for the foundation section which covers exercise physiology from the cellular level outward. The intent of this study is to know the acute and chronic adaptations the body will make to a particular exercise choice, rep/rest scheme, exercise order, frequency and loading. In other words, you have a well thought out rational for what you’re doing.
These three books will keep you busy for awhile and you will be well on your way to becoming a true gym rat with a brain, which of course, is better than being a brainless gym rat. “Stupid is as stupid does.” – Forrest Gump