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Book Review: Never Let Go

August 6, 2011 By Michael Mahony, ISSA CPT 3 Comments

Never Let Go by Dan John is an account of the life and training philosophies of Dan John, an Olympic weight lifter and discus throw champion. His book is subtitled “A Philosophy of Lifting, Living and Learning.” It is a very appropriate subtitle indeed. Dan John has alot to say and he says it in this book.

He covers a variety of interesting topics. His discussions are all centered around selecting the best training methods for you. There are several things about this book that have stuck in my mind and I discuss those below.

I have always wondered about “cookie cutter” exercise programs. Dan seems to say that you should try different things. Utilize the items around you to do different things. He talks about a guy who wanted to lean up and get stronger, so he took a barbell, 2 45 lb. plates and himself to a track. He set up the barbell and plates on the grass at one end of the track. He then proceeded to do a simple workout that consisted of sprinting a lap, then doing 10 deadlifts. He repeated this 10 times.

Dan then relates how he has done workouts using a hillside and a boulder. He'd roll the boulder up the hill and then let it roll back down. He used this for fat loss.

In this book, Dan makes the case that we should be trying different things to see what works best for our given situation. Everybody is different and they require different stimuli to get the job done. He promotes the exact philosophy I do when I speak about the Experiment of One (thank you, Carlos DeJesus).

I highly recommend that you read this book. It is not a long list of different exercise routines to try. Instead, it is a philosophy of training that you can apply to your own situation in order to achieve fantastic results. This book gets a thumbs up from me!

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Filed Under: Featured, Reviews

Lat Pull Downs for Back Growth

August 5, 2011 By Michael Mahony, ISSA CPT Leave a Comment

Lat Pull Downs are an excellent exercise for building up the size of your back. They can be used in conjunction with a rowing movement to really push the back to grow faster. While some people recommend using these to improve their chin ups, I would disagree at their effectiveness in that task.

The lat pull downs are what cause that classic V-shape in your back. However, most people execute the movement incorrectly. There are many things people do wrong when using this exercise. Some examples of issues:

  • The use of momentum
  • Going far too heavy
  • Not squeezing at the bottom of the movement
The idea is to do the movement under complete control. Have good control on the way down and the way back up. Be sure to get a full stretch at the top of the movement. This will help stimulate your lats even more. Hold the movement for a second at the bottom. Just squeeze your shoulder blades together tightly. 
For those of you interested in some instructions, please check out the slideshow below.

I hope you've enjoyed this description of a lat pull down and how to properly execute that movement.

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Filed Under: Featured, Training

The Gym of the Future

August 4, 2011 By Michael Mahony, ISSA CPT Leave a Comment

I wonder what would happen to the world of fitness if people were willing to hep others? What would happen if there were people at every gym who kept an eye out for bad form and corrected it for you? What if gyms had their staff walk the floor and actually answer questions? Do you think your progress would get better? Do you think you'd deal with less injuries?

I can tell you from personal experience, that a place like this exists. Yes, there is a gym where you are more than just a number in their system. There is a gym where you can ask questions and get a detailed answer. There is a gym that has people who will help you learn to squat or deadlift and they won't expect you to do personal training in order to receive that help. There is a gym where they provide a learning experience rather than just collect your dues.

I am sure you are wondering where this gym is. Finding a gym like this is a goldmine and something everyone who is serious about their training wants to do. Before I reveal the name and location of this gym, I want to talk more about the programs they have going on.

At this gym, there is a giant whiteboard with a bunch of “teams” listed. Yes, the list includes “Strongman”, “Powerlifting”, “Bodybuilding”, “Cross-fit”, etc. Members are encouraged to add themselves to one of the “teams”. Why? These teams meet on certain days during the week to workout together! They help each other out by encouraging one another to have an intense workout. They become friends based upon their shared goals.

I define innovation as “giving people something they didn't know they needed” and that's exactly what this gym does on a regular basis. They come up with innovative ways to train. They come up with innovative ways to use the equipment. They provide innovative events that create a learning environment.

Alright, so it is time to reveal where this gym is located. The gym I am referring to is Metroflex Gym in Long Beach, California. The two guys who own the place, Eddie Avakoff and Chris Albert, are very passionate about the fitness lifestyle. Let me tell you about my experience with these two guys.

Upon my first trip into the gym when it opened, I was greeted by first name by Chris. He and I had exchanged a few emails prior to the gym opening and so he knew exactly who I was. The next time I was in the gym I met Eddie. He spent 30 minutes chatting with my son and I about the unique ways in which we could use the equipment to get a different kind of workout. He talked to my son about the importance of eating right and even showed him a bunch of small books he had on the subject.

After some time, I approached Chris about some issues I was having. He agreed to help me out and his fee was extremely reasonable. What I noticed more than the low fee was the detailed nature Chris brought to the problem (my nutrition). In addition, the follow through was tremendous. He has me check in with him 3 times a week. He is always asking how my energy is. He is truly concerned with the results I get.

These guys are the real deal. The pricing of the membership is cheap. You owe it yourself to look these guys up. All contact information is located at http://metroflexlbc.com.

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Filed Under: Featured, Fitness

Elements of Training: Frequency

August 2, 2011 By Michael Mahony, ISSA CPT 1 Comment

We have discussed the Elements of Training and how they work together to make your training better. The first variable in the Elements of Training is training frequency.

Defining Training Frequency

In its simplest form, training frequency refers to the number of times a muscle group is trained each week. It is one of the important variables in your training routine. Changes to the frequency variable have a profound effect on your training results. Even frequency itself depends upon other variables in order to work at the best level possible.

Recovery and Frequency

When planning a training program it is not enough to layout the exercises and in what order they will be performed. You also need to know how often to do these exercises over a given time period. Optimal recovery time is necessary to maximize your growth potential. Taking enough time in between sessions is one key element to the frequency variable.

At one point in time I was doing a 3 day a week program. I got to a certain point where I could tell I was not recovering. I took the advice of a mentor and lowered the frequency to just 2 times a week. While my brain was screaming that it didn't make sense, my body responded. This additional recovery time enabled me to make some fantastic gains.

How much is right?

There are really 3 schools of thought on frequency:

  1. Train three times per week
  2. Train six times per week
  3. Train hard and return when you can lift more

Train Three Times Per Week

The proponents of this type of frequency would generally point you in one of two directions. You will either use a full-body routine or you will do a split, but rotate through the upper and lower during the week. I personally subscribe to the 3 days a week, full-body frequency method. That does not mean I don't change it up at different times of the year, but my overall preference is for this frequency.

Train Six Times Per Week

Mel Hennessey prescribes to the idea that if you want to improve on a certain lift, execute it 6 days a week. The Bulgarian strength athletes also subscribe to this method. Absent other stimulus, this is probably an effective way to train if, for instance, you wanted to increase your bench press numbers.

Train Hard and Return When You Can Lift More

This method leaves you training a given muscle group every 3 to 10 days. Fred Hatfield was a major proponent of this method. This method is essentially “play it by ear.”

My Thoughts

I believe training frequency is the one variable that is very much related to your genetics. Each individual is going to work best with a different frequency. This variable increases in importance the longer a person has been lifting. Frequency is also dictated by how much time you can devote to training. Most people are definitely able to train once every five days.

Frequency is a variable that will change depending upon your needs and what you are trying to accomplish. Some very successful programs work on varying the frequency of the training. You have to conduct your own experiments and see what is best for you. Once you find it, stick to it. Your training success will skyrocket!

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Filed Under: Featured, Training

Mission Accountability Update: Week 4

July 31, 2011 By Michael Mahony, ISSA CPT 1 Comment

This was quite a week for me. My feelings from last week that I am going to see a major transformation are definitely looking true. It has just been one of those weeks where I see a huge light appearing at the end of the tunnel.

Nutrition Momentum

I built a lot more momentum this week with my nutrition. As mentioned in another article, I have something I will eventually share with all of you that is driving this momentum. I cannot complain about how that is going.

With some minor changes, the momentum I had previously has just totally sped up. Things are happening rapidly. I see and feel differences. My outlook is very positive as a result of all this momentum. Once I make my revelation to you, understanding will happen. Everything will be clear.

Training

I am about to embark on several weeks of flexibility improvement and core training. My core needs to be stronger. I am not flexible enough either. I know that I have gotten to a point where I need to incorporate these things into my training if I wish to progress any further. While I am not fond of this type of training, it is exactly that reason that tells me I must do it. I can't avoid an essential element like that.

Effort

I am giving alot of effort and expecting definite results. I feel that the plan I am using right now is a winner and that I will make major progress using it. However, I also realize that effort is essential for good progress to happen. You should remember that as well. The effort you give is directly proportionate to the results you will get in the end.

Family

At times my family complains about how I eat, claiming it restricts them and their choices. I always push back with the fact that I don't ask them to do anything differently. I just ask them to let me do what I need to do to accomplish my goals. Never put your family in an uncomfortable position. Arrange your stuff so they don't have to get involved directly and you will find that they support you better. I am looking forward to the rest of thsi week.

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Filed Under: Experiment of One, Featured

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