cosiderations for strength training

[PL456]

TweetSome thoughts regarding strength training. There are many, many programs out here on the web that promise big gains. It is true that with consistent training, and no overtraining, plus correct diet and rest protocols you will get stronger. However, one should remember that the body does not follow a protocol, per se, protocols and nice, written out programs only appeal to the nice, logical left side of your brain.

The body works as a single functional unit, built to perform the task at hand in the most effecient manner possible, using the fewest and strongest muscles possible in kinisiologically-strongest manner. Simply put, your body will try and lift what you place upon it using the fewest, strongest (efficient) muscles in a way that will maximize these muscles' function (kinisiologically best effort). An example would be the new lifter, the 130 pound 9th grader squatting. Note the rounded back, half squat at the knees, head looking down. In this case, his body is using his strongest muscles--his low back muscles are actually where the movement is coming from--in its "best" kinisiological format to lift the weight. Obviously this is an extreme example, but weaknesses such as these glare to those that have any substantial lifting experience.

To gain strength, IMO, there is no true protocol per se, you only need to understand how the body moves, then work to strengthen the synergistic muscle groups to thus improve your lift.
The body uses muscle groups to move. The triceps, for example, will never fire in isolation in the real world. The quads will never be isolated. Isolation does little to gain strength. IMO, the worst program one can do is the typical back/bi's, chest/tri's, legs/shoulders routine. This program was no doubt created by lazy and undereducated high school football coaches to provide a simplistic "workout program" to their 15 and 16 year olds that will grow just by walking into a gym.

Consider this, find yourself a good physiology book and note the "actions" of the muscles. Work muscles with similar "actions" together on days. With sane workout practices, you should be able to work the same muscles with varying actions during different lifts.

A prime example would be the bench press. Everyone knows chest and tris--and moreso the lats are considered. Lats should receive the same intensity as pecs. Why?

Muscle---------Action
Pec Major Adduct and internally rotate the humerus, some flexion
Lat dorsi Adduct and internally rotate the humerus, plus extension
Interesting, yes? So, to raise the bench--adduction and internal rotation of the humerus must be strengthened--this is the concentric portion of the bench press. The natural syngergistic parallel at the humerus of adduction and internal rotation? Elbow extension--triceps.

The body is an amazing machine. One that only a intelligent designer could create. Look at your body as it is--look within, not how some guru on the web thinks a program can work for you, and I guarantee you'll get stronger.

[tattoojr]

TweetYou are correct , most powerlifting routines employ what your talking about. But those wishing to sculpt their muscles would do an isolation exercise to shape that specific muscle. BB is more of an aesthetic sport. J.R.

[Dzone]

Tweetthats good

[Doink the clown]

Tweet...............good read and point, now go try westside methods