My New Experiment

Image courtesy of blog.mitchcommgroup.com

Okay so here's my new idea:

• My understanding of physiology and how it relates to exercise is poor.
• My understanding of force and mechanics and how they relate to exercise and motion is better than my understanding of physiology.
• Most exercise programs found online and in books and magazines are promoted because of the alleged physiological adaptations/body composition changes that are created when somebody follows them (gain muscle, lose fat, etc).
• Most exercise programs tend to stick to dumbbell this and barbell that with some kettle bell sprinkled in.  From a mechanics and force perspective, this often presents similar challenges in regards to where the movement is most difficult and where it is easiest to perform in the range, despite the variations in exercises.  Additionally, there can be other issues regarding whether someone's body can actually handle any/all of the jumping/lunging/hopping/etc that may be prescribed.

So, in light of all this, I'm going to follow the framework and general themes (the conditions) of some of programs that are more interesting to me, but alter the mechanics of the exercises.

For example, if a program calls for "Barbell Rows x 5", I'll perform some type of rowing exercise for about 5 or so reps but use a machine or cables or something other than a barbell in order to provide a more appropriate challenge throughout a greater portion of the range of motion performed instead of at the very top of rep.

Also, if a program calls for "Plyo Pushups" I can tell you right now my shoulders will not be happy.  So, I will instead substitute that request for something like faster presses on a Keiser or with tubing.

I'll try to keep any specified rest times the same as what the program calls for and stick to the general reps, sets, and relative intensity prescribed.

Since most programs hardly ever specify why they are actually wanting you to do an exercise (what the specific goal is) or how to do it (what they want you thinking about, how they want your pushing/pulling/etc), I will take the liberty of deciding this for myself.  My guess is most programs are prescribing movements to create sensations and adaptations in the tissues that are causing the motion as opposed to the tissues that are holding other parts still, so that is often where my focus will be.

Also, if for some reason the prescribed theme of the program for a specific day just isn't working for my body that day, adjustments will be made to make that day's workout more appropriate.

If all goes well, I'll get some cool body composition results without beating up my structure and not wasting the majority of my movements with little to no challenge.

I'll probably be discussing the adaptations that occurred after completing different programs or anything I'm noticing throughout, but no, there will not be any before and after pictures posted.  Nobody wants to see that.

Your body.  Your training.

Want to follow right along with me as I go through this process?  Follow me on Twitter at @CharlieCates!

Want to use this article in your blog, newsletter, or other platform?  You may, but be sure to include all of the biographical info found in the yellow box below!