The Original Endurance/Aerobic Circuit-How It Works

The field of exercise science continues to be dynamic and it has in the past 30  years evolved into a much more precise discipline. Flaws in the original aerobic model sent researchers looking for answers. So what were the questions? First, how to make aerobics sessions less boring than running, cycling or rowing. Then, how to have continued success with fat burning and endurance. How does one keep from losing muscle tissue? How does one keep from over-training? What if I hate running, swimming, rowing and cycling? These questions and other important considerations were addressed with the advent of my discovery of The Endurance/Aerobic Circuit.

The Aerobic Circuit is a circuit of 4 compound exercises, which work all the major muscle groups of the body. A compound exercise means that it is an exercise that uses more than one joint and as a result involves more muscles each time the movement is performed, and thereby more energy is expended. In this case each exercise involves three joints. This means that while performing each movement, you are working the maximum number of muscles each time you perform a movement. The 4 exercises are: (1) Squat (2) Lat Machine Pull downs (3) Dead lift (4) Bench Press, and they are performed in that sequence. Doing all 4 constitutes 1 circuit. It is recommended that the trainee performs three circuits.

Heart Rate – By using compound movements with a high rep range (20-25) the trainee will elevate his heart rate by muscular contraction.

Erratic – Working the lower body then the upper body causes the heart rate to vary within the heart rate range of aerobic activity. For example while exercising the legs the heart rate will spike, then when the upper body is worked the heart rate lowers, but not below the aerobic range. This zigzag heart rate meets the highest protocol for fat burning.

Fat Burning – As a direct result of using muscle contractions to produce an aerobic effect you are maximizing the fat burning process, because the demands placed on the body is communicated to the brain by sending a signal to 1) use fat as the energy source for this activity, and 2) do not cannibalize but rather spare the muscle tissue. With other models, those losing weight by lowering their calorie intake and performing dance-type aerobics experienced an approximate 50-50-weight loss. That is, 50% was body fat and 50% was important lean muscle tissue!

A Composition Change- Is usually what occurs when body fat is lost and lean muscle is gained. Because it happens simultaneously there is usually not as much of a change in body weight as there is in a loss body fat and inches.

Energy Producing – Placing this type of (positive) stress on the body causes chemical reactions. The first is a release of glycogen from the liver. The liver can store 300-400 calories of glycogen, with the stress of exercise this glycogen is released and converted into Adenosine Tryphosphate (ATP) and ATP causes energy to form in the cells, which is why sometimes even if your not feeling so good going into exercise, you can feel great after a proper exercise session. This exercise-induced stress can also release endorphins in the brain causing a heightened sense of well-being, sometimes referred to as the runners “high”. This is the secondary chemical response to this type of  exercise.

Mastery of exercise- Is what occurs when the body completely adjusts to exercise. At this point those using the old model in aerobics at first didn’t know what to do because they were unable to experience fat burning or continued endurance from their exercise program. It was at this point that they began to increase the length of time of their aerobic exercise to facilitate continued fat loss. Some were willing to ride a bike for an hour at a time. This problem is not present with The Aerobic Circuit because once the trainee is able to perform three full circuits of 25 reps for each exercise (with good form), the weight is then increased. Eliminating both stagnation and the need to increase the time factor of the exercise session.

Warm Up- To“prime the pump” and get off to a running start advance trainees are encouraged to warm up on a stationary bike such as an ergometer where arms and legs are used and do the all out warm up. After a warm in of 1 minute of regular pedaling immediately switch to pushing with arms and pedaling with legs as fast as possible for 20 seconds, then coast for 10 seconds, approx 60 rpm’s for the coast. Do this for 3-5 minutes prior to doing the aerobic circuits, all out- coast, all out- coast. Make sure you set the weights so that you can complete 3 aerobic circuits of 4 exercises. When you have mastered the weight with good form, increase the weight in the smallest increments.

Dr. Carlos DeJesus Medical Exer-Therapist

Understanding Pain

(The original essay to myself as a Journal entry)

-To understand pain is to have a fuller appreciation of its purpose

-To feel pain is not to understand pain

-To feel pain is only to know about pain

-What is important in understanding pain is what it accomplishes

-Ache, agony, discomfort, misery, torment, torture, suffering all describe what pain can be

-Pain can be defined as a disturbing sensation from which nature revolts

-Pain is the sacrifice or price we pay for perfection, it’s not free

-To reach newer and higher levels of perfection, we must be willing to pay the price; sometimes that price is enduring more suffering, more agony, more pain

-No one can force us into this, we must want to

-We should not attempt to avoid pain, pain is our friend not our enemy

-To consciously avoid pain is to deprive oneself of a deeper and higher understanding of pain

-Realizing that we can reach new heights in perfection is what will give us ecstasy in the midst of our agony, gladness in the midst of misery and suffering

-You can feel good about feeling bad

-Pain that is not the injurious type; the burn in the muscles, the misery, the ache in our souls is the type of pain that is a friend to us

-So if the body is racked with this type of pain, be happy, you are on the right track

-To go beyond mediocrity, to depart from what is average, to be better

-The higher the accomplishment, the greater the sacrifice

-Accept this and pain during this time will take on a new and different meaning

-The toil will be rewarded by the results it produces

-Pain is a friend, his company to be expected and welcomed if we are to press into the beyond

-To go where no one else has ever gone, to accomplish what no one else has ever accomplished is to sacrifice more than anyone   else has ever sacrificed

-To understand pain is to understand discipline, to understand discipline is to understand pain

-Are you willing to hurt? You must if you are to achieve

-If it was easy, then anyone could do it, and it would have little value, if any

-It takes no effort to be ordinary

-This is a sport of discipline, and pain is part of that discipline

The Interpretation of the Pain Essay

By Dr. Carlos Dejesus 1984

 

In my early writings, I shared the essay “Understanding Pain” with very few, and even that small number did not completely understand what I was saying because I wrote it to myself, and I fully understood what I was paraphrasing.

This is an area where there has been the most amount of confusion, so for this book I will interpret each line of thought under the heading “Understanding Pain”.

 

To understand pain is to have a fuller appreciation of its purpose.

To know that we sometimes will experience discomfort in the pursuit of excellence is to be prepared to do whatever it takes to accomplish a goal or task, even if it means that part of the process is to accept the muscular discomfort that comes along with the type of training that produces these kinds of results.

 

To feel pain is not understanding pain. 

To experience discomfort does not necessarily ensure that it is understood what this process is accomplishing.

 

To feel pain is only to know about pain. 

Experiencing pain to some is merely to experience some type of discomfort. It does not ensure that an individual is deliberately allowing this process to bring about the desired results, which is what happens, sometimes only when we are willing to experience discomfort.

 

What is important in understanding pain is to know what is being accomplished. 

Without knowing what discomfort will accomplish, we have no reason to want to endure it. Why are we willing to suffer? Why should we suffer? What’s the purpose?

 

Ache, agony, discomfort, misery, torment, torture, suffering, all describes what pain can be.

Very early in the essay I offer definable terms for what pain can represent, as a reminder to myself as I would read the things I wrote to myself- and now for others who might read my thoughts.

 

Pain can be defined as a disturbing sensation from which nature revolts.

Again, I am reminding myself as I dive headlong into severe competition training that what I am experiencing and feeling should be “normal” for me and I am reminding myself that I should fully embrace the process of getting there, and that this is what it takes.

 

Pain is the sacrifice that we pay for *perfection. It’s not free.

Underscoring the above thought, I have already come to realize and accept that there is a price to pay for what I am seeking and striving for. I know that it won’t come easy so I brace myself through how I speak into my own thinking. (*Personal best)

 

To reach newer and higher levels of perfection, we must be willing to pay the price; sometimes that price is enduring more suffering, more agony, more pain.

At this point I have already made a commitment to my goal, the question now would be, “What’s it going to take to get there?” “What do I have to do?”, There is no turning back now, turning back is not an option anymore at this point.

 

No one can force us into this, we must want to.

These choices are personal, this commitment is personal, this dedication is personal, I have to want this for all the right reasons or at some point I will give up, I will quit, I will not complete the journey. No one can make me do this, and once I am committed, no one should be able to keep me from it.

 

We should not attempt to avoid pain, pain is our friend not our enemy. 

At this point I am not trying to convince myself that the acceptance of discomfort is important, I am now attempting to construct a philosophy based on the premise that hard, honest work yields results, “How do I make this easier to understand?” I asked myself.

 

To consciously avoid pain is to deprive oneself of a deeper and higher understanding of pain. 

Bear in mind that I am writing to myself. Here I am affirming that to shrink away from what it takes to complete the journey will only end up in failure. This type of failure is twofold. First, I would not have finished the course. Second, the effort that was applied up to this point would fall short of success even though I would have put forth more effort than the “average” person usually puts forth for any endeavor. I was making myself accountable because there was no one else that I would allow to make me do this.

 

Realizing that we can reach new heights in perfection is what will give us ecstasy in the midst of our agony, gladness in the midst of misery and suffering. 

The present discomfort is made bearable by what the future can bring. I am projecting here and verbalizing that even though at the present it’s tough, this process can only end with success. I am not promising myself that I will win the World Championships, I am promising myself that at the very least I will have accomplished a personal best, and it’s possible that this personal best could result in a victory. But before I can have victory, I must be willing to fight and complete the battle, this is the process of achievement, my willingness to give whatever it takes, and not give up. So I am telling myself to take heart and complete the course, and not to let discomfort become a sidetrack.

 

You can feel good about feeling bad.

In spite of how things are now, if you look to the possibilities of the future, and the possible gains, this won’t feel nearly as bad. Compare the possibilities of the future to the discomfort of the present and the present will be pale in comparison.

 

Pain that is not the injurious type, the burn in the muscles, the misery, the ache in our souls is the type of pain that is a friend to us. 

Again I define the type of “pain” that I am referring to. I never expected anyone to inflict discomfort on themselves for the sole purpose of experiencing pain. Pain or an acceptable level of muscular discomfort seems to be an essential component in the process of personal perfection.

 

So if the body is racked with this type of pain, be happy, you are on the right track. 

Another reminder of what this commitment requires, an encouragement to stay on track so that, like a sure arrow, I will hit my target.

 

To go beyond mediocrity, to depart from what is average, to be better.

A statement of my goals, and a reminder to myself of where I came from to where I want to go, and again- what it’s going to take to get there- I must do my part.

 

The higher the accomplishment, the greater the sacrifice.

Another reminder of the effort that is required and an encouragement to gladly pay the price. At this point there should no longer be a struggle, only an acceptance of what is required and the encouragement to follow though.

 

Accept this and pain during this time will take on a new and different meaning.

A more complete acceptance of the process that is in progress. More bricks in the structure of this philosophy. Discomfort will have and serve its purpose, so I am neither confused about it nor will I attempt to avoid it.

 

The toil will be rewarded by the results it produces.

Telling myself to take full responsibility for my actions. And that the results I get are in direct proportion to my efforts. (Or as Daryl Scott would say, “The harder I work, the luckier I get!”).

 

Pain is a friend, his company to be expected and welcomed if we are to press into the beyond.

Reaffirming the acceptance. No longer offering an explanation (or an excuse) for its presence or existence it has now come to the place where I am expecting it or looking for it, so as to make sure I am on the right track, or in the right place. A shift from explaining and finding ways to accept this reality, to using it as a barometer or as a measurement of whether or not I am on target.

 

To go where no one else has ever gone, to accomplish what no one else has ever accomplished- is to sacrifice more than anyone else has ever sacrificed.

Obviously (to me) I could only be referring to myself when I use the term “no one” or “anyone”. I am confirming to myself that to accomplish something I have never done before will require that I do things differently than I ever have before. Having never done it, I still somehow knew that this is what needed to be done. So I was attempting to prepare myself to accept new and different ways of doing things so that I could succeed. I was very aware that I didn’t know everything, and at this point I became willing to abandon all that I thought I knew if it meant that I could learn more especially if that translated into success (I only knew what I knew, could there be more? of course, but I wasn’t sure where or who the information would come from so I decided to stay open and teachable as possible. I only knew where I wanted to go, I wasn’t sure how to get there but I was willing to do whatever it took).

 

To understand pain is to understand discipline, to understand discipline is to understand pain. 

I knew that a philosophy that has no structure has no direction. To me discipline is action or training that corrects molds or perfects. Factored in that plan of action is the commitment to getting the results, and the willingness to pay the price in full. Paying the price in full is to accept the process required, did I say accept? No rather embrace the process and make it a part of my life, hold it close to me and understand its nature, rather than avoid and shrink from it.

 

Are you willing to hurt, you must if you are to achieve.

Further confirmation of what I now embrace, while reminding myself of the accountability and responsibility required.

 

If it was easy, then anyone could do it, and it would have little value- if any. 

I offer no apology that I motivate myself with an up-in-your face (in this case my face) type reality check. I am prepared to do something that is not easy. It won’t be easy, it will just be possible, so get off your butt and on your feet and do something about your success today, because if you don’t no one else will, in the absence of a coach or a trainer, this is how I spoke to myself, kept myself motivated and on target.

 

It takes no effort to be ordinary.

Again, the in-your-face approach that works so well for me, as well as a stern warning and reminder that I am responsible for my success through my actions and thoughts.

 

This is a sport of discipline, and pain is part of that discipline.

In other words, you don’t have to like it, just do it—get over it, this is how you get what you want, it’s not easy, it’s not pleasant, So what! This isn’t for everyone, but if you want it this is what you will have to do to get it. Now, do you still want it? Well then, why are you still sitting on your butt? Go out there and create your own reality. That’s how I spoke to myself.

 

This concludes my interpretation of this essay. I hope that the explanation has offered some clarity, because just reading the essay the way it was originally written (to myself) with only the bold words I am sure it would seem contradictory and self destructive. At the time that I wrote this essay I was looking for a way to motivate myself, as I never really had a personal coach so I decided to let all the positive influences in my experience base to teach me.

 

 

Discipline Defined

So what is discipline, anyway? Discipline is the difference between winning and losing.

Discipline is a daily recommitment, because it is daily that I can get off course. By keeping myself on a “short leash ”, I can better maintain a steady course. It is when I relax and allow myself to become indulgent that I get off track.

Discipline is doing what ever it takes especially when you don’t want to! And doing it well and without an attitude!

In designing my commitment, I need to factor in not only a daily inventory of my direction, I also need to have the proper attitude regardless of how I am “feeling”.

Discipline is to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

Putting off making an important decision could be to plan for failure. The philosophy of an achiever includes margins for error (being human) and the “mid-course direction change” required to get back on track as quickly as the error is identified.

Whether you like it or not, whether you want to or not. (Commitment)

I need to resolve that it doesn’t have to be pleasant or the “right timing” I don’t have to like it or want to do it, I just need to do it! This, of course does not include training to the point of over training, training with a legitimate injury, or training with an illness. In other words this is not intended to allow for overdoing anything. I should not take this as an occasion to find fault with this philosophy, rather I should factor in fail-safes to help me avoid laziness, knowing our human condition.

Discipline is not eating when you want to, and only because you want to.

Here is where I address any excuse to eat for pleasure (could be anything). This is an area that has to be dealt with to help me ensure success. (Is this food really nourishing? can I really ask God to bless it?) Just because I want it (whatever, food etc.) doesn’t mean that I should have it-especially if it will take me away from my goal. So I ask myself, will this get me closer to my goal or take me further away from my goal? The answer to that question should determine the action that I take.

Discipline is not drinking when you want to and only because you want to.

Drinking (could be anything, 8oz of grape juice is 165 calories!) for pleasure also needs to be identified, or else I will fool myself into indulging in some indiscretion that I did not make myself aware of. (Aren’t we tricky?) Then I would convince myself that, “for the life of me, I can’t figure out what went wrong!”   I need to be honest and committed even when there is no one else around watching.

 

It’s not for everyone — just those who want to win! (Succeed)

To require excellence for myself means that I need to have a working philosophy that identifies all of (that I know of) the pitfalls that I may encounter and an idea of how I would attempt to remedy them. And certainly this isn’t for everyone; it’s only for those who are striving for excellence. And yet excellence is not unrealistic. Excellence is not perfectionism. Excellence is doing my best each and every time I try. And I have learned that each “best” can be different, and I have learned to accept that. The outcome of such a pursuit that involves responsibility and accountability will without doubt bring me closer to a different level of maturity.

 

As an athlete I’m not looking for excuses why I can’t – I’m looking for reasons why I can.

– Carlos DeJesus, 1985 “Natural For Life” Professional World Bodybuilding Champion

 

“Ring Rust” & 32/32

How goes the Eclipse?

What a great question.

One that also came up in a session with a client that also knows about the Eclipse- just this week.

As Saul was warming up for his 7 am Friday workout he calls out:

S. Carlos how goes the Eclipse? When is it going to happen?

(To answer this I think I should include a back story to this conversation. I had been telling Saul about the preparation for the Eclipse and that I would need to have the best “color” possible to get the best pictures possible- but I had one set back which was a mistake and a miscalculation on my part. I had sent off for a skin bronzer to ensure that I could display the best color possible but after waiting for it for 35 days I called to enquire about the order. I was told that it had somehow got lost in Oklahoma- but that didn’t help me or my target date. And so the date that I had set for a professional photographer to take the Eclipse pictures came and went without event. I gave myself 3 weeks to get the product and test it on my skin. But for some reason it didn’t happen. I did not realize at the time that so much should not have hinged on getting the product- even if it was the “best” and used by all the professionals. I had shared this with Saul previous to this conversation.)

C. It can happen any time. But what you might want to know is that The Eclipse was not my idea- it was Destiny’s idea. I just get do it.

S. (silence)

C. But this week I had a chat with Destiny, and Destiny told me 32/32.

S. 32/32?

Yes. That’s what I saw.

S. (silence)

C. I saw 32/32.

S. (more silence)

C. Meaning I was 32 when I won the State Championships in 1980. And this November it will be 32 years from that date. Add them together (32 and 32) and that will be my age now. Twice the years- twice the age.

I know this language- this is how Destiny speaks to me. So my target date for the final landing of the Eclipse will be this November.

S. You know what the Eclipse has working against it….. don’t you.

C. You would say time.

S. (laughter) That’s right- my friend……. time. Time may not be on your side!

C. We’ll see. Watch.

I still feel like I’m supposed to do this. I am supposed to beat the unbeatable, the undefeated. (The guy who was known to be ferocious in the gym. The guy who was willing to do what ever it took to win. La Maquina, The Extreme)  The only thing (or one) that could prevent that is me.

I will be blogging from time to time, and even put up pics but I will be ready on 32/32.

That Got Me Thinking

The whole month of June Sue has been competing in a series of races in preparation for the National Championships this August.

June 3^rd was at Naylor’s Beach VA, an Olympic Distance Triathlon.

June 10^th was in Maryland, The Eagleman Aqua Velo (swim/bike) ½  Ironman distance- The Mid Atlantic Championships.

June 26^th was the Peluso 1500 meter open water swim race (which actually turned out to be 1800 meters) and a PB for Sue!

In All of these she won in her age group and sometimes a few age groups younger.

Two weeks ago she won a swim/bike- the USAT  National Championships. which put her in a national champion status for the second time that month.

This past weekend she won the triathlon at Colonial Beach Va in her age group- second place came in 48 minutes after her.

She will be ready for the nationals.

She seems to get better with each race and that got me thinking about the fact that I have not competed for 32 years and could possibly have a little “ring rust”. When I was competing I would sometimes compete several times a year- and in the process of “Peaking Out” that often I developed a competitive edge- an appearance that reflected the cumulative effect of staying in competition shape that would be difficult to otherwise reproduce.

Is this an excuse? Actually it’s a realization, and one that I really need to take in consideration to make the  Eclipse possible.

I will factor this into my preparation as I approach 32/32.

Eclipse Update

The following are email correspondence with friends. Their questions or comments are in bold.
4/5/12
Hello Friend,
I just finished with my most recent project. It has been on the back burner for too long- so I now have almost finalized the new plans for the Wooden Gym.

If body weight is any barometer- when I was discharged from the Military in November of 1970 I weighed 205 pounds at 21 years of age. This morning at 7 am April 5, 2012, I weighed 200 pounds down about 16-18 since last year.

I am ……maybe 5 pounds from my competition weight at the World Championships in 1985. Of course- you and I know that its the composition not the scale weight that counts. I would say I am close.

3/24/12
Just checking in with you Carlos.
Training working as planned?

Yes and No.
This week (Monday) began with me “suiting up” and warming up in my studio with my normal 5 minute ride on my ergometer. My normal warm up and stretch ritual.

After this (for some reason) I took an inventory of how my muscles and joints were feeling. The thought that came to mind was to take a week off from training (but not from proper nutrition). Tuesday was the same, and so was Wednesday. (I did ride the ergometer for 25 minutes on Tuesday and Wednesday) Thursday I was wondering if I should train or not and after the warm up- my body said the same thing as Monday.

I was just telling one of my clients on Friday that this has been a tough week.
Not because of the training- but because I wasn’t training!
I can’t remember the last time I took a whole week off, and I am so looking forward to Monday’s workout!

At one point we think of discipline as consistency in training.
Yet there is a point (after exercise has become a regular habit) that it is as great a discipline and challenge to not train when the body needs rest.          (not out of distraction or laziness)
In my head (cerebrally) I knew I needed the rest- but my body had to make adjustments to come into acceptance and in agreement and conformity with what my spirit and brain had already come to realize and understand.

I know I have done the right thing because I am feeling refreshed overall- but for a disciplined athlete it was almost an ordeal!

I think where most go wrong when the body needs time out is that they do not continue with proper nutritional practices. I have not gained or lost weight but I do feel better and I am looking forward to getting into the gym.

I will have to “ask more questions” as to how I should structure my workouts. I am not assuming anything from this point forward.
So I guess yes and no makes sense now— right?

(I) Watched a video of me hiking up a small mountain in the area (Mount Tabor-about 600 feet or so)
with our son on my back in a backpack. Was very motivating and reminded me how
much I can do, when I set my mind to it.

Yes. I remind my clients constantly that they are much stronger than they think.
I have an 80 year old that started working with me about 5 years ago and at that time he was bench pressing with 35 pounds. This week (to his great surprise) he completed 12 reps with 90 pounds!
I reminded him how he is breaking all the rules and the mentalities of all the wise men who talk of decline with age. If aging means that we lose function and strength- not only has he arrested what we sometimes define as aging, he has actually reversed it!

Hello Carlos,
I was just looking at your blog and it appears you haven’t posted in quite some time. I hope you are healthy, all is well, and that you are still working at or have achieved your goal.

I have been very busy getting ready for the next photo shoot. I was going to post some thoughts I had made notes of over the past few weeks, but its just like getting ready for a contest (which is really what it is) so energy is low. I will have a professional photographer coming over to my studio to take the Eclipse pictures. I am still totally in and working hard at it. I will post something soon.

Hope you are having a great morning!

Interesting.
This morning as I was heading out for my first walk I began to think about the Eclipse.
And the fact that I had set a goal, and that goal had a time frame. Suddenly I began to feel pressure, and I realized that I was not in a place of my default, which for me is peace.
I began to pray and become thankful for all that I had and all that can happen,and I began to feel better then it occurred to me that this is probably what happened to a friend back in 2008 when he thought he failed because he had set a goal with a time frame and realized he would not achieve it within that space of time.

It is a powerful practice to set goals. Especially if they are realistic. Then we can tell others about our dreams and aspirations and that can introduce a type of accountability, and that can be good and helpful as well. But if what starts out as a voluntary positive pressure measure becomes a negative stress- then for me that’s not good. How about you, reader?

Comment & “Life’s 6 Rules”

Keith, on November 27, 2011 at 1:20 am said:

“I think that you set a very lofty goal.

There is nothing wrong with that as long as you can use the results achieved to motivate you to continue to work toward it.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger – Life’s 6 Rules

Quote:

“…Which brings me to rule number 4 which is; Don’t Listen To The Nay Sayers.

I mean how many times have you heard “You can’t do this- you can’t do that and it’s never been done before?”

I love it when someone says, that never- no one has ever done that before, because when I do it that means that I’m the first one that has done it.

So pay no attention to the people that say it can’t be done.

I never listen that you can’t.

I always listened to myself and said yes you can”

I like what Keith said and I like what Arnold said.  Now having said that- its back to the gym!

Check out all of Arnold’s 6 Rules:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuJ4hbkLiY0

Major Sources of Influence

“A coach tells you what to do- The Thought Mentor teaches you how to think”

 

So who or what influences those who tell you what to do?

Some coaches say they rely on science.

Science

The word science comes from the Latin “scientia,” meaning knowledge.

How do we define science?

sci-ence 1 orig., the state or fact of knowledge; knowledge   2 systematized knowledge derived from observation, study, and experimentation carried on in order to determine the nature or principles of what is being studied   3 a branch of knowledge or study, esp. one concerned with establishing and systematizing facts, principles, and methods, as by experiments and hypotheses [the science  of mathematics]   4 a) the systematized knowledge of nature and the physical world   b) any branch of this: see NATURAL SCIENCE   5 skill based upon systematized training [the science  of cooking]

Simply stated- scientists are searching for the truth!

 

Some Coaches Incorporate Anecdotal information

1 a: of, relating to, or consisting of anecdotes <an anecdotal biography> b: anecdotic 2 <my anecdotal uncle>

2: based on or consisting of reports or observations of usually unscientific observers <anecdotal evidence>

3: of, relating to, or being the depiction of a scene suggesting a story <anecdotal details>

 

 Yet Because of drug use some studies have become-

“Junk science”

Is a term used in U.S. political and legal disputes that brands an advocate’s claims about scientific data, research, or analyses as spurious. The term may convey a pejorative connotation that the advocate is driven by political, ideological, financial, or other unscientific motives.

Therefore what the majority of (drug using) professional Bodybuilders are doing “scientifically” may be of no value to you at all.

Discovering Error

Question the premise not the “belief/evidence”:

prem-ise   1 a) a previous statement or assertion that serves as the basis for an argument

Over a period of time- I have discovered what works for me. It is not anyone’s system- it is as I have said- a discovery.

So how did I arrive at my truth?

It wasn’t by asking someone else questions that only I could eventually answer!

How do I know that? I tried it for many years.

I ended up discovering that I was a completely unique individual with my own “finger prints”. My own unique metabolism, recovery rate, muscular insertion, structure, energy levels and genetic potential. And after lots of years of practice I learned how to think for myself. And when it comes to training and I see a “new” system I ask myself a few qualifying questions-

1. Where did it come from?
2. When did this belief begin and why?
3. Who taught this?
4. What was their “success” rate?
5. Did they use it themselves?
6. What is believed (claims)  about this method (or system) and why?
7. Was it true (fact/science) when it was first introduced/believed?
8. Is it true today?

If the system in question can survive this scrutiny, then it can make it to the next level.

It is almost always fruitless to argue with someone else about what is best for them or for everyone. Once someone believes something it is hard work to convince them of anything otherwise.

Why?

Because they are usually invested and have “evidence” ,  “confirmations”, testimonials or are otherwise convinced about what they believe- yet they may not know why they believe it except that this is what their coach told them what do and they did realize some measure of progress.

And even if I know the truth about what works (produces desirable results) for me- does that mean that it “works” for everyone else?

If you are reading this- you already know the answer to that.

For me there is yet another source of information.

Not a popular one because it assumes that we know how to think, and that we apply this ability into processing our methods and conclusions.

Yes, it is the Experiment. And whether you want to believe it or not- that is what your coach is doing right now. He or she is trying to figure out what works for you!

So you try different things. Oh sure, there is a “blanket” philosophy- and there are “recommended” sets and reps- but if they are smart and want to keep you as a client they are paying very close attention to what is happening in your body and mind as they make their recommendations- because they want to find out what works best so that they can recommend that!

So …you can help your coach become an even better coach by giving them detailed feedback because you live in your body and are aware of how you feel more than anyone else.

Still trying to get the angle of the Black & White

 

“More-Mentum?”

momentum

Plural momenta or momentums

A vector quantity that expresses the relation of the velocity of a body, wave, field, or other physical system, to its energy. The direction of the momentum of a single object indicates the direction of its motion. Momentum is a conserved quantity (it remains constant unless acted upon by an outside force), and is related by Noether’s theorem to translational invariance. In classical mechanics, momentum is defined as mass times velocity. The theory of Special Relativity uses the concept of relativistic mass. The momentum of photons, which are massless, is equal to their energy divided by the speed of light. In quantum mechanics, momentum more generally refers to a mathematical operator applied to the wave equation describing a physical system and corresponding to an observable; solutions to the equation using this operator provide the vector quantity traditionally called momentum. In all of these applications, momentum is sometimes called linear momentum.

So what if?

When it comes to exercise, fat loss, muscle gain—or the Eclipse what if what has already been set into motion is influenced by some outside force such as exercise intensity or calorie control, or a change in macronutrient percentages. Can what has already been set in motion increase speed? If so can momentum morph into “More-mentum”?

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/momentum

Frank Ridgway is a friend, client, and colleague. He is a quantum thinker, and it is while exercising and during the course of our conversations that he comes up with some of his witticisms- this is one of them.

So I thought I would run with it and use it in my own thinking. Can something good become better? I think so. Can we add to what we already have and increase efficiency? Yes and I think that this is what has happened. As I continue with what was working without forcing things to happen I have actually generated more-mentum! Instead of losing ground. A very important point to ponder.

If we continue our behaviors they, in time, will become habits- then they are almost automatic. And as we continue to build we not only compound our efforts we also compound our results. But if we do it all at once or too quick we can overdo it. We first need to have the proper conditioning.

One of the critical components of the Eclipse is that it is something that has happened over a period of time- for me that means over 30 years. By continuing, by not giving up we can, (if we don’t do it too quick or all at once) actually increase. Each day I am more encouraged that the Eclipse is possible even though it seems impossible.

To Thine Own Self Be True

During my “cardio” time I almost always listen to my thoughts. And this past week the thought that came to me over and over was, “To thine own self be true”.

As I meditated on what this message might be- more thoughts came. I knew this was Hamlet but I pondered if there was  another application to this old quote.

Polonius:
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!

Shakespeare’s Hamlet Act 1, scene 3, 78–82

Then a few days ago I was reading an interesting article about Serge Nubret who was one of the bodybuilders of the “Golden Age”. He was being interviewed about his training and his workout methods.

http://www.ironaddicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14998

 

I think the writer understood that Serge was saying that his methods worked for him but could this high volume training work for everyone to the extent that it worked for Serge?

To me- a similar question would be, would Serge Nubret’s shoes fit everyone’s feet?

Probably not- but could I learn something from this as I continue to conduct my personal experiment?

Yes, I may find out that this high volume may not allow me to recover from one workout to another.

But his physique is so amazing and inspiring.

Have you been inspired by something or someone?

I have.

Then let what they have done and the results they got inspire you to do what you need to do to get what you want.

You don’t have to necessarily do what they did. Ask me how I know this!

So what was my message? I think it was a confirmation.

I must be true to my personal energy levels, my personal energy out put, and above all I must be true to my own personal rate of recovery. Because if I don’t I  will go from training and producing results to over training and setting myself up for either diminishing returns or an injury that could put me out of the running.  And so will you.

What’s important to me particularly right now is what works for me. I am not attempting a Transformation- I am attempting The Eclipse– 31 years after the fact which means I need to lose what ever fat and water necessary to keep and display the muscle gained to be able to surpass my condition of over three decades ago.

I need to keep the delicate balance between training and over training. I know I can lose weight- but in an all-out effort to lose weight quickly will I also lose muscle? That is exactly what I am trying to avoid so this process is taking a little longer than I expected.

OK this thought goes in my Journal.

November 19th Picture Day

The motto used by the U.S. Army

“The difficult we do immediately. The impossible takes a little longer.”

November 19^th was official “picture day.” It was a good experience and a new application of some things I already knew. And what was that? one might ask.

Several things have come to my mind and I think they are lessons worth sharing.

Since my body is not yet where I want it to be, to fully eclipse, I decided not to take official pictures. My intention and plan to peak on the 19^th was a “man-made” deadline. I can see that my eclipse, the “impossible,” will take a “little longer” than I originally planned.  I remain committed to the outcome.

We can plan for an outcome and I think that’s good. We can attempt to force things to happen and that may not be good.

Things we decide to do, or deadlines we impose are all man-made. Deadlines like a contest, cosmetic nutrition, training, a certain condition or appearance, are all man-made, or “man” determined.

Can we fit our recovery neatly into a 7 day man made week?

Can we make pin point accurate predictions about variables that we didn’t know exist or things that are out of our control?

The muscles recover when the system has been restored. Period.

Competition- whether its figure, bikini, or bodybuilding- it’s all man-made and even when you don’t use drugs the condition one achieves is not normal. In many instances this can mean that this low fat muscular condition may not be healthy or safe- but it does look good to the eyes- even though it will usually only last for one day!

How long does it take to achieve this condition and still feel healthy?

Each one of us will have to discover that for ourselves.

Yes- I know that we can “Transform” our appearance in a matter of weeks- and even then there doesn’t seem to be any guarantee that this Transformation condition can be maintained– unless we know how to.

I believe what I am expecting from my body is possible, it will just be a question of time.

I am reminded of the motto used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Seabees”) during World War II:

“The difficult we do immediately. The impossible takes a little longer.”

If we force ourselves to respond to someone else’s program we may experience an injury that will set us back and completely discourage us- which can take us completely “out of the game”. Ask me how I know this.

I believe I need to practice “Regret Prevention” by giving my body whatever time it needs to fully recover while I hold in my mind the image of what I want to accomplish.

I’m going to have to travel at the speed of Carlos if I am to remain healthy and avoid over training or injury.

So I didn’t make my “deadline.” Now what? Have I “failed”? Do I give up? NO! Think about Thomas Edison’s 10,000 experiments to find the perfect incandescent light bulb that would eventually be sold to the consumer and provide light to every household. He never gave up and never considered a “failed” experiment a “failure”!

He made many discoveries about what did not work! What if he would have given up? So…No. It’s not a place to be discouraged, or give up. To take a cue from Edison, we now know what did not work. Or took longer to work based on body recovery time. That’s all! He remained committed to the outcome because he didn’t give up on his desire, and neither should we!

You too will have to “Stay in your own lane”.

So dear reader this quest you are on- it’s really about you. Not what others have done, (whether possible or impossible). It’s not what others have accomplished, how they accomplished it or even how much time it took to accomplish! That information can give us motivation and inspiration. At the end of the day- your quest is about you finding what works for you.

Your Experiment Of One.

I remain committed to the outcome, however long that will take. I hold firmly in my mind the outcome I desire….it is only a matter of time for the “impossible” to be made possible. Watch me!

I maintain my current momentum and shoot for my next picture goal date of December 30^th for my next attempt. I’m on course, working with my body, and fully committed to the outcome I hold clearly in my mind.

We must remember that our man-made deadlines must factor in elements of the unknown and may need adjustment when our goal date comes and goes without having realized our desire. Do we use this as an excuse to not be 100% committed to our current goal date? Do we use it as an “out” for not trying as hard as we can? NO! We do this with integrity. Full throttle, as if there were no other option!