[quote]waylanderxx wrote:
Hey CT, kind of a random question but the left side of my body is just weird. My left calf is 1/2 inch smaller than the right and same with the upper leg. My left lat is also noticeably smaller than my right, just seems odd that the left side is uniformly smaller. I have trouble getting that mind muscle connection with the left side and can’t seem to fix it, it’s bugging the hell out of me.
Have any of your trainees had this issue? If so, how did you work to correct it? Anything other than unilateral training?[/quote]
That’s not that odd actually. Most people are this way, in some it’s just more noticeable than others and it is amplified the bigger you get… so gwt back down to 165 and you wont have a problem
The problem could be neural inefficiency. But it could also come from a postural problem (one hip higher than the other, one foot flatter than the other, slight scoliosis, etc.) or a nerve ‘entrapment’ (more muscular inflamation that reduces neural activation of the muscles on one side of your body).
So a postural and muscular tightness assessment by a specialist might be a good idea.
If the problem is CNS related I would suggest adding isometric exercises for the weaker side of the body on top of your regular lifting (performed as a ‘warm-up’ or activation) since you can recruit up to 10% more muscle fibers during isometric actions. If you are simply not good at recruiting the muscles of one side of your body, isometrics might ‘teach’ you how to improve that.
[quote]waylanderxx wrote:
Hey CT, kind of a random question but the left side of my body is just weird. My left calf is 1/2 inch smaller than the right and same with the upper leg. My left lat is also noticeably smaller than my right, just seems odd that the left side is uniformly smaller. I have trouble getting that mind muscle connection with the left side and can’t seem to fix it, it’s bugging the hell out of me.
Have any of your trainees had this issue? If so, how did you work to correct it? Anything other than unilateral training?[/quote]
That’s not that odd actually. Most people are this way, in some it’s just more noticeable than others and it is amplified the bigger you get… so get back down to 165 and you wont have a problem
The problem could be neural inefficiency. But it could also come from a postural problem (one hip higher than the other, one foot flatter than the other, slight scoliosis, etc.) or a nerve ‘entrapment’ (more muscular inflamation that reduces neural activation of the muscles on one side of your body).
So a postural and muscular tightness assessment by a specialist might be a good idea.
If the problem is CNS related I would suggest adding isometric exercises for the weaker side of the body on top of your regular lifting (performed as a ‘warm-up’ or activation) since you can recruit up to 10% more muscle fibers during isometric actions. If you are simply not good at recruiting the muscles of one side of your body, isometrics might ‘teach’ you how to improve that.[/quote]
Thibs,
Would you happen to know of any posture specialists in the Toronto/Mississauga area?
[quote]XXLSXX wrote:
Coach,
Is it a good idea to do both cluster reps and the “perfect reps” in the same sets?? Thanks.[/quote]
The ‘perfect rep’ is a repetition style, clusters are a training method. YES both can be used at the same time. The perfect rep, a STYLE of performing each rep, is applicable to most training methods.
When you work off pins do you always do either clusters or at least a 2 second pause between each rep, or you might touch-n-go the pins as well ?[/quote]
[quote]denisined wrote:
What is your preferred squat technique for size and strength.Mark Rippetoe says low bar with hip drive.Do you prefer olympic atg or another style?[/quote]
PERSONALLY I prefer the olympic-style squat. But that could be because of my olympic lifting background. I personally can squat more this way than by using a powerlifting style, which is unusual.
But it actually depends on the body structure of the individual and what you are trying to accomplish.
[quote]denisined wrote:
What is your preferred squat technique for size and strength.Mark Rippetoe says low bar with hip drive.Do you prefer olympic atg or another style?[/quote]
PERSONALLY I prefer the olympic-style squat. But that could be because of my olympic lifting background. I personally can squat more this way than by using a powerlifting style, which is unusual.
But it actually depends on the body structure of the individual and what you are trying to accomplish. [/quote]
i too can squat more olympic style
Sorry if somebody already asked, but I have a question. I’ve been a big fan of density training for quite some time. I know you said basically any training style should apply the philosophy of perfect rep training, but if it were used with density training what rep range and percentages would you recommend?
Im in a gym with only DB, no BB. When using the perfect rep idea, are these excersizes good?
DB bent over row
Smith machine military press
smith machine close grip press for triceps.
[/quote]
I don’t really like the smith machine. Not saying it wont work, but with a system aimed at maximizing neural activation, this apparatus is vastly inferior.
Is there a way to figure out if someone should add activation exercises to a workout, or is the ramping method usually sufficient to get the CNS activated? I’m sure it depends on the individual, but generally speaking do you recommend them?
Re autoregulation, when training twice a day(same muscle in the AM and PM), do you also suggest autoregulating these workouts, or following the “typical” back off plan - doing only AM workouts every 3rd cycle.
I have found, that from reading Poliquins 5 Elements article, that I am mostly a WOOD TYPE and following planned back offs every 3rd cycle seemed to work well, but interested to see if I could go longer, following more autoregulation.
thanks for you time…especially during this time of year,
GJ[/quote]
Autoregulation can also account for not training in the PM if your body is not ready for it. If the AM session was performed properly, 90-120 minutes later you should actually REALLY want to train again.
If you have no motivation to do so, you quite possibly overloaded the CNS during that first session (or you have accumulated too much CNS fatigue over the previous days) and should take the afternoon off.[/quote]
coach,is ketogenic diet ideal diet for a lifter who trains for relative strength and specialy for weightlifters?which exercise is best for long head of bicep and why,with your opinion?
After reading Jim Wendler’s recent article blood and chalk I decided to train my free squat more often than my box squat. One of the difficulties im running into when free squatting though is my back is leaning way far to forward along with lower back slightly rounding. It is much harder to get out of hole when I am free squatting and i’m using a substantial less amount of weight than I would box squatting, about 100 pounds. Do you have any advice or tips that might help me in this situation? Thanks Coach Have good new years.
Thib,
im not sure if you have already adressed this. but for abs and arms would you follow the whole concept of the perfect rep?
doing reps of 3? or would i increase the reps at all?
thanks.
