If your out of shape, do not exercise, are morbidly obese (not bmi standards but life standards), you have no credibility whatsoever if you want to debate health costs and healthcare. This topic is never brought up in regards to health care costs.
Regular exercise needs to be given a higher priority in the discussion of health costs and most importantly the implementation of any health preventative programs. More specifically strength training and yes bodybuilding.
Is your ideal view of the future of America is to have everyone be independent, work for their lively hood and not depend on outside aid? In other words, stand on your own two feet, etc. etc.? If this is your belief then you damn well better be working out on a regular basis. The major and most debilitating symptom of aging is sascopenia (muscle loss).
When you you lose enough, you lose mobility, when you lose mobility you lose independence. From that point on you are dependent on someone else in the most intimate sense of the word, like a baby.
The point is with a little effort and discipline this is totally preventable. how many billions or even trillions could we save if seniors were self mobile until the day they passed. Not working out or just moving on a regular basis is a guaranteed road to future immobility and dependability. Thats a loss of freedom at the most basic level. What can be more anti-american and pro socialist than that?
Yes this also goes to those like Michael Moore, although his content is great, his plodding around weezing into the mike is exactly whats wrong with America today. At least he'll be able to afford his own medical care...
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
HIT vs Volume Training
First of all, let me preface this by saying that this essay is based on the following assumptions
1. HIT: brief and infrequent workouts, usually 1 set per exercise. Few total sets <10
2. Volume training: multiple sets per exercise and many total sets, up to 20 and more.
Im not getting into rep speed here.
It amazes me to this day how truth can be plain as day in someones face and yet they continue down the dark path of the masses. It is a sad common occurence in America today. Bodybuilding is of course no exception. Lucky for me as personal trainer, makes the results I achieve seem miraculous by comparison. Mike Mentzers physique was ridiculous for his time, Dorian Yates owned the O and he said if he got to do it all over again he would do even less. Fortunately for me, I got seriously into bodybuilding in '93. I read every muscle magazine every month cover to cover than do it again backwards. Dorian was just beginning his mighty reign, The golden days for me, his logic and approach to training is undeniable, and the results speak for themselves. Then when those black and whites came out with the striped spandex shorts......life changing! I feel like crushing a set of underhand rows just thinking about it! . Actually it changed bodybuilding, we had a new image of mans potential. Who in their right mind could deny this mans program? Well seems like 99% of bodybuilders today. Now with almost two decades under my belt as a trainer I know the reasons why.
Bodybuilding is underrated as craft. Adding muscle is not for the weak minded, it requires an ability to deal with severe, prolonged self afflicted pain and the knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology. HIT requires the intense application of both. I realized that most people dont have the knowledge and will to get a bodypart(s) sore with three sets total. Its brutal, you look at the discipline and hunger for knowledge dorian had and you can see hes one of the few who can pull it off. So of all you volume advocates who badmouth a program thats so logically sound and obviously works, realize that you dont have the special combination of knowledge and controlled insanity necessary to make HIT work. I dont know what it is in a person that enables them to go to true muscular failure, it could be anger, love, vanity, religion, rough childhood or some mental predisposition. When you see it, its a sight to behold. Anyone can get sore doing 30 sets of anything, but do you have the mental and physical capacity to do it in 3? If not stick to your marathon workouts, i'll be home at home with a full belly, growing.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The New Community Gathering Place
I love the travel channel! Being unable to come up with the funds to travel myself I instead live Vicariously through the likes of Andrew Zimmer and my favorite Anthony Bourdain. Recently Anthony was lamenting the loss of local dive bars. Really the loss of that location where you could sit with your neighbors, be depressed and complain about the state of your life or the state of society in general. You will also see many a show or interview on the travel channel are located in a bar to get a "real feel" of location, neighborhood or region. You hear over and over that the best way to learn about a place is to go to the local market and restaurants and learn about the food. I agree that these places are good to gain a more accurate view of a location than a tourist guidebook. Yet interviews, travel shows, magazines, writers, anthropologists, sociologists and the like are missing out on the best location to get a microcosm of the area: the local gym.
A few decades ago this was not the case, back in the 50s and 60s maybe it was the local church, maybe later it was the PTA, gyms were the territory of men back then. Neither the church or the school could approach the wider demographic and encourage the social interactions that occur at the modern gym. The bar scene is not an accurate representation of the community as it leaves out a large segment of society, (youth, non-drinkers, mothers etc.) . Yes local food can tell you something about the area but in the end its just food. In the 21st century you can find pretty much every demographic in a GYM, including the people who frequent the bars and restaurants. The movers and shakers, politicians, church goers, teens, in shape, out of shape, skinny, heavy, musicians, lawyers, law enforcement, criminals all working toward a common cause and indistinguishable from each other in their workout gear. The result of this "even social playing field" is that the gym becomes a unique microcosm of the community as it brings people together in ways no other place does. I have seen former felons and criminals run to spot a police officer on the bench, then agreeing to work out together, in the name of chest day. I have seen ultra conservatives start working out in the same group with self proclaimed communists and getting along along beautifully. I see fathers bonding with their sons and mothers bonding with daughters, pastors working out with atheists, bloods working out with crips and many more relationships develop that would not have happened in any other venue. Where else can you find this wide demographic of people (besides the DMV), much less find them getting along, interacting and enjoying it!
It is a place that does not get its proper respect for the service it provides for the community. If you currently are working out at home or not at all I strongly suggest spending a few dollars a month and joining the local gym, meet your neighbors and actually interact with them! The current political and social climate in America need more interactions like those that occur at the gym.. most importantly it gives me this hope for America- That we can set aside our differences and work together supporting and motivating each other for a common cause.
A few decades ago this was not the case, back in the 50s and 60s maybe it was the local church, maybe later it was the PTA, gyms were the territory of men back then. Neither the church or the school could approach the wider demographic and encourage the social interactions that occur at the modern gym. The bar scene is not an accurate representation of the community as it leaves out a large segment of society, (youth, non-drinkers, mothers etc.) . Yes local food can tell you something about the area but in the end its just food. In the 21st century you can find pretty much every demographic in a GYM, including the people who frequent the bars and restaurants. The movers and shakers, politicians, church goers, teens, in shape, out of shape, skinny, heavy, musicians, lawyers, law enforcement, criminals all working toward a common cause and indistinguishable from each other in their workout gear. The result of this "even social playing field" is that the gym becomes a unique microcosm of the community as it brings people together in ways no other place does. I have seen former felons and criminals run to spot a police officer on the bench, then agreeing to work out together, in the name of chest day. I have seen ultra conservatives start working out in the same group with self proclaimed communists and getting along along beautifully. I see fathers bonding with their sons and mothers bonding with daughters, pastors working out with atheists, bloods working out with crips and many more relationships develop that would not have happened in any other venue. Where else can you find this wide demographic of people (besides the DMV), much less find them getting along, interacting and enjoying it!
It is a place that does not get its proper respect for the service it provides for the community. If you currently are working out at home or not at all I strongly suggest spending a few dollars a month and joining the local gym, meet your neighbors and actually interact with them! The current political and social climate in America need more interactions like those that occur at the gym.. most importantly it gives me this hope for America- That we can set aside our differences and work together supporting and motivating each other for a common cause.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Real Fountain of Youth
I am getting a little frustrated with the lack of respect weightlifting (resistance training) and bodybuilding receives to this day. Not just in society in general, but also in the medical, health and anti-aging communities. Most people when trying to get in shape for the first time or after long periods of inactivity will immediately start on some type of cardio program. I live in Southern California and it seems everyone is running at least a half marathon, mini triathlon (they call it a sprint), or some kind of endurance sport. Those trying to get in shape for the first time like to walk/jog, bike ride or take a group exercise class. If health and appearance are a goal (of course they are) pursuing bodybuilding would be the wisest course of action for anyone. those that start with only cardiovascular training have one thing in common after a few months, that is frustration with their body composition or body fat levels and a nagging pain somewhere. Have you ever been to a marathon and checked out the people? Most of its competitors do not appear to be the picture of optimal health. You don't see proud Greek statues portraying a emaciated, marathon runner, arms raised in all his glory, you see a chiseled (literally), perfectly proportioned low body fat, muscular god who resembles?..Yes a natural bodybuilder! Mans ideal, the picture of ultimate health and function, when did this ideal change? well BMI measurements used by doctors does not help, the statue of David if proportioned d in human form would be considered obese and the statue of Hercules morbidly obese! Doctors and insurance companies to this very day use these measurements to predict health, how logical is that? If you were to see these endurance sport people at a beach you wouldn't look twice usually. Yes appearance and is separate from health, but a healthful appearance will take you a long way in life. lets talk injuries, especially chronic overuse injuries that plague one over a lifetime, hear of runners knee? They have an injury named after them!. Runners have a plethora of injuries from the low back down, ask most veteran marathoners about their lower backs. On the other hand, weight training with a slow controlled tempo and good form is the safest form of exercise there is, check the stats.
Those of you looking to really transform your body and make a long lasting contribution to your overall well being and quality of life should be participating in natural bodybuilding. All that time spent on the road putting mileage on your joints could be much better spent pursuing bodybuilding. Or for females, pursuing figure or bikini competitions, where the emphasis is more on the female form. lets be honest, most of us would not want our wife's or mom to go to those muscular extremes that bodybuilders do..but that's another subject.
There should not even be a question on the benefits of bodybuilding vs running for improving and maintaining health. There are three reasons that I will give here, but there are many more. Lets spread the word and change societies perception of what it takes to be healthy and active now and in our old age!
first are the obvious health benefits of adding muscle and losing fat (bodybuilding), as you shall see the comparison is not even close. Next is the injury factor, and the chronic damage to bones and joints between the two. again bodybuilding is far superior here also. finally my favorite is that natural bodybuilding progress is the ultimate "barometer" of ones quality of life!
If you are training to gain strength, lean body mass your results are reflective of your quality of life.
This person is healthy. To gain muscle all of your bodies systems must be working optimally, especially the endocrine, digestive and immune systems. without these systems functioning optimally, there can be no muscle growth
This person has low stress or knows how to minimize its impact. Again there can be no growth if stress levels are high, the chemicals that are involved when the body is under stress are catabolic. that is they cause tissue breakdown.
This person is well rested. Muscle growth actually occurs when the body is at rest, and a body that is not rested cannot have the optimal workout. success shows this person they are getting enough.
They have a healthy cardiovascular system. to add LBM you need a lot of calories, to burn fat or prevent fat gain this person needs to maintain a consistent cardio regimen and have a strong heart to get through the demanding resistance training workouts.
This person is reversing one of the main components of aging. sarcopenia is muscle loss due to aging, adding muscle is the reverse of this process, providing not only visible results, but increasing function dramatically. Muscle is our engine, bigger engine, better performance.
In contrast the following will have a negative effect on progress and are avoided-high stress, lack of sleep, poor eating habits, illness, excessive partying (alcohol and lack of sleep mainly), dehydration and over training.
Its time we reprogram society with some truth! The ancient images of strength and power in the human form still hold true today. Lets start with the youth and emphasize resistance training over how many laps you can run or sit ups you can do. lets start with the basics in PE, like how to squat properly. I can tell you right now that most Americans cant and its a cause of many non contact and chronic injuries today, but that's another story...
Those of you looking to really transform your body and make a long lasting contribution to your overall well being and quality of life should be participating in natural bodybuilding. All that time spent on the road putting mileage on your joints could be much better spent pursuing bodybuilding. Or for females, pursuing figure or bikini competitions, where the emphasis is more on the female form. lets be honest, most of us would not want our wife's or mom to go to those muscular extremes that bodybuilders do..but that's another subject.
There should not even be a question on the benefits of bodybuilding vs running for improving and maintaining health. There are three reasons that I will give here, but there are many more. Lets spread the word and change societies perception of what it takes to be healthy and active now and in our old age!
first are the obvious health benefits of adding muscle and losing fat (bodybuilding), as you shall see the comparison is not even close. Next is the injury factor, and the chronic damage to bones and joints between the two. again bodybuilding is far superior here also. finally my favorite is that natural bodybuilding progress is the ultimate "barometer" of ones quality of life!
If you are training to gain strength, lean body mass your results are reflective of your quality of life.
This person is healthy. To gain muscle all of your bodies systems must be working optimally, especially the endocrine, digestive and immune systems. without these systems functioning optimally, there can be no muscle growth
This person has low stress or knows how to minimize its impact. Again there can be no growth if stress levels are high, the chemicals that are involved when the body is under stress are catabolic. that is they cause tissue breakdown.
This person is well rested. Muscle growth actually occurs when the body is at rest, and a body that is not rested cannot have the optimal workout. success shows this person they are getting enough.
They have a healthy cardiovascular system. to add LBM you need a lot of calories, to burn fat or prevent fat gain this person needs to maintain a consistent cardio regimen and have a strong heart to get through the demanding resistance training workouts.
This person is reversing one of the main components of aging. sarcopenia is muscle loss due to aging, adding muscle is the reverse of this process, providing not only visible results, but increasing function dramatically. Muscle is our engine, bigger engine, better performance.
In contrast the following will have a negative effect on progress and are avoided-high stress, lack of sleep, poor eating habits, illness, excessive partying (alcohol and lack of sleep mainly), dehydration and over training.
Its time we reprogram society with some truth! The ancient images of strength and power in the human form still hold true today. Lets start with the youth and emphasize resistance training over how many laps you can run or sit ups you can do. lets start with the basics in PE, like how to squat properly. I can tell you right now that most Americans cant and its a cause of many non contact and chronic injuries today, but that's another story...
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A year on Clemens!? Get outta of here!!
Lets see, headlines today are on the budget deficit and the debt ceiling. Yet here we are spending taxpayer dollars, energy, on a baseball player who juiced. How many college scholarships, small business loans, infrastructure repairs could have replaced this farce of an endeavor?? How many hours of research and labor put into this case that could have been spent maybe investigating real criminals, white collar crimes or researching solutions to any number of problems plaguing the country?! How about just saving the money spent? Thats novel. This story illustrates one of the reasons why we are in our financial situation in the first place, how government rarely uses logic to create and implement its laws and the brainwashed state of the average American.
A whole year preparing for the case only to fuck it up in the opening statements?!!
How many frivolous cases like this is our federal government pursuing? Besides going after medical marijuana dispensaries of course. I'm sure there are millions that could be better spent or not spent at all. who's going to be held accountable for this waste of money and resources?
What is the logic behind pursuing the whole steroids in baseball issue at all?
Integrity of a fucking game? This is just asinine given the state of the economy and doesn't deserve a response.
To protect kids? Please research the statistics on teen deaths or ER visits. You'll see steroids waaay down on the list. If the goal is really to protects teens lets spend the money and resources on any of the top 20 causes of death or ER visits for teens. Really save or change some lives.
Despite all of the evidence most Americans just absorb whatever the government or media spouts and actually believe steroids are actually having that big of an impact. I have been around gyms and athletes all my life, and I can tell you this for a fact. Never had I been approached for, or overheard anyone discussing steroids. During and since there is not a month that goes by that I don't get a question or overhear someone talking about a stack. If this happens in my circle be sure it happened around the world. These government idiots did more marketing for steroids than a Superbowl commercial would've. Who could blame people? Look at these ancient and weak looking, hunchbacked politicians questioning these muscular, tanned, healthy looking sports gods. Who would you rather resemble as a man in general? Most men would kill to look and perform like Rafael Palmiero at his age.
Lets see if they continue to pursue this and promote the steroid brand or get smart and save or reallocate our precious resources. Well I already know the answer to that one...
A whole year preparing for the case only to fuck it up in the opening statements?!!
How many frivolous cases like this is our federal government pursuing? Besides going after medical marijuana dispensaries of course. I'm sure there are millions that could be better spent or not spent at all. who's going to be held accountable for this waste of money and resources?
What is the logic behind pursuing the whole steroids in baseball issue at all?
Integrity of a fucking game? This is just asinine given the state of the economy and doesn't deserve a response.
To protect kids? Please research the statistics on teen deaths or ER visits. You'll see steroids waaay down on the list. If the goal is really to protects teens lets spend the money and resources on any of the top 20 causes of death or ER visits for teens. Really save or change some lives.
Despite all of the evidence most Americans just absorb whatever the government or media spouts and actually believe steroids are actually having that big of an impact. I have been around gyms and athletes all my life, and I can tell you this for a fact. Never had I been approached for, or overheard anyone discussing steroids. During and since there is not a month that goes by that I don't get a question or overhear someone talking about a stack. If this happens in my circle be sure it happened around the world. These government idiots did more marketing for steroids than a Superbowl commercial would've. Who could blame people? Look at these ancient and weak looking, hunchbacked politicians questioning these muscular, tanned, healthy looking sports gods. Who would you rather resemble as a man in general? Most men would kill to look and perform like Rafael Palmiero at his age.
Lets see if they continue to pursue this and promote the steroid brand or get smart and save or reallocate our precious resources. Well I already know the answer to that one...
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