This is the continuation of my series on using deloads/tapers/intro cycles in your training. The initial blog was the reason why we deload. Hence the title, “Why do we deload.” In it I outlined the fitness fatigue model and the physiological reasons why you can’t always train at your true, full capabilities. The predecessor to this entry was “How do we deload? Part 1 of 2.” In that blog, if you did not find a sample deload that fit your context of training, I have good news. In this blog, I give you 7 more “plug and play” deloads that perhaps will fit your particular needs. [Read more…]
How Do We Deload? Part 1
In my last blog, I covered the “whys” of deloading. I hope I made it as easy as pie to understand in layman terms. Performing and being able to train at your absolute potential is the goal. However, that only happens a handful of times a year for most advanced athletes; thus, deloads become a must for all of us eventually. [Read more…]
Are You Really Dedicated?
Are you really dedicated?
There was a time, over a decade ago, where I was an incredibly “hardcore”, focused, and silently judgmental young bodybuilder. I was completely intent on winning my pro card and one day winning a natural bodybuilding pro world title. [Read more…]
The Bodybuilders War Against RIR/RPE Consciousness
Just like many of you, it was love at first rep for me. I goofed around with weights once or twice in my early teens, but it wasn’t until I got my first gym membership that I really found something in strength training that no sport had ever done for me. To start, I was about as strong as the group of friends I got my gym membership with, but it was obvious right away that I had a certain unique edge when I hit the weights. My friends were more reserved than I, and when it was my turn to hop on the chest press machine, I attacked the weights as if it were something personal. Just when you thought I was done, I found the will to squeeze out an extra rep or two. It would annoy my teenage counter parts, but I paid them no mind. I enjoyed the thrill of fighting the weights, and after a few weeks it was obvious my hard work was paying off, as I progressed much faster than them. The formula was working, so I had no plans of changing my approach. [Read more…]
Why Do We Deload?
It seems everyone who trains seriously with weights knows you should deload. Most folks hate deloads and only begrudgingly do them. Others don’t deload at all because they either feel they don’t need them, or that they will lose their “gainz” if they do. I think this is mostly because people don’t know what deloads do and why they should be incorporated. My intent in this article is to set the record straight on how deloads work and the physiological reasons they are helpful. [Read more…]
Just Because Your Program Isn’t Working Doesn’t Mean Your Program Is The Problem
Some people live a life that imposes more stress on them than their training. Some people are the opposite. They have a program that is the largest stressor in their life when it comes to the physiological disruption it causes. However, most people proceed as though they are in the latter category, changing their training program often trying to find something that works as well as they expect, when in fact, the problem is high levels of life stress. [Read more…]
Rational Calves
We all have those genetically weak body part body parts that leave us stumped and frustrated. In my case, it was my high calf insertions. Now before I go on, this isn’t going to be another tutorial on how you should be pausing at the bottom of your calf raises. [Read more…]
Bodybuilding Periodization Made Simple
Brad the powerlifter has had to take a back seat as of late. A lingering rib issue in my right posterior rib cage sidelined me from doing my competition squat and deadlift for quite some time. As a result, I’ve had to revamp my training into what I feel is its simplest form. Being at this for 20+ years now, I know I cannot program a linear progression plan like I could 15 years ago. Progression has to be more “observed” and I have to pick my shots when programming. I also can’t train as heavy as I would like and need to build-in “fail safes” that allow me to mentally train lighter and to a definitive stopping point, so as to not dig a hole so deep I can’t get back out. The result is what I would call an “auto-regulated bodybuilding periodization with observed progression”. [Read more…]
Emotional Lifting
My intent with every training session is to better my previous session, whether it’s with a singular action of increasing load, sets, reps or a combination of them all. However, the goal is to never sacrifice my form for the sake of doing more volume, as that elevates my risk of injury and diminishes intent on the muscle I’m targeting. When form breaks down, that’s where intent on the targeted muscle gets lost as well and the risk of injury heightens, as no doubt momentum or body English step in to assist in completing the work. The combination of these two factors can surely be counterproductive.
Life Isn’t Always Fun; Commitment Makes It Better
com-mit-ted
feeling dedication and loyalty to a cause, activity, or job; wholeheartedly dedicated.
mo-ti-vate
provide with a motive for doing something.
mo-ti-vated
past tense for mo-ti-vate
Is it common to use these terms interchangeably? All too common if you ask me. However, once you see the actual definition of these terms you can tell they are quite different. Especially when it comes to the application of these terms to our programs or heck, even our lives. [Read more…]
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