hi every1
I have to agree with the big guy here.
as being acoach my self, i Learned that the
most importent thing is to take the most complex thing-
idea or an exerice and to be able to explain it to AMONKEY IF YOU NEED TOO!
agood coach shuld be able to explain sqaut or dedalift techninq to the most averege joe
and MAKE IT SIMPLE FOR HIM!!
just my 2 cents
amit
Hey Thib,
I’m coming off a weight loss phase where i’ve lost about 25 pounds. I’m looking to now shift gears and to put on some muscle. Should i slowly raise my calories to maintenance and stay at that level for awhile so my body becomes used to this body weight before i begin to increase my calories? If so, how long? I’m like you and i put on fat easy, so i don’t want to undo what i’ve accomplished.
Thanks!
Intramuscular coordination
Intermuscular coordination
Reciprocal inhibition
Post-tetanic potentiation (or facilitation)
Myotatic reflex
Golgi tendon organs inhibition
Motor unit (especially high-threshold motor units) recruitment
Rate coding
Rate of force development
This is actually a short list, but it is a good start.
Force levers
Muscle attachment position
Muscle length
Muscle fiber ratio
Bone density
Tendon thickness
Muscle mass/cross-sectional area
Again just a good starting point.
Way too complex to discuss in a simple reply, much less in as a list.
[quote]Christian Thibaudeau wrote:
I was wondering if you could provide a list of the following things
Intramuscular coordination
Intermuscular coordination
Reciprocal inhibition
Post-tetanic potentiation (or facilitation)
Myotatic reflex
Golgi tendon organs inhibition
Motor unit (especially high-threshold motor units) recruitment
Rate coding
Rate of force development
This is actually a short list, but it is a good start.
Force levers
Muscle attachment position
Muscle length
Muscle fiber ratio
Bone density
Tendon thickness
Muscle mass/cross-sectional area
Again just a good starting point.
Way too complex to discuss in a simple reply, much less in as a list.
[/quote]
Thib,
I appreciate all of the info. Regarding what I asked in #3, I suppose I was wondering what accounts for “non-functional” hypertrophy…Would that be things like glycogen, creatine, water, intramuscular triglycerides, etc?
[quote]Diomede wrote:
Hey Thib,
I’m coming off a weight loss phase where i’ve lost about 25 pounds. I’m looking to now shift gears and to put on some muscle. Should i slowly raise my calories to maintenance and stay at that level for awhile so my body becomes used to this body weight before i begin to increase my calories? If so, how long? I’m like you and i put on fat easy, so i don’t want to undo what i’ve accomplished.
Thanks![/quote]
Yes, it’s always best to stay at a certain point for some time before switching gear. In fact the longer you stay at a certain body fat percentage, the better your body becomes at ‘‘not gaining fat’’.
I USED to gain fat easily. But not anymore. I can actually eat a pretty loose diet and maintain 8% body fat now. Not that I do that, but there were periods (last year when I first arrived in St-Louis) were my diet was less than stellar and I stayed lean.
That’s because I stayed at 6% body fat for about 18-24 months straight and my body accepted that as ‘‘normal’’ and was less likely to rebound back up to its perceived normalcy.
I know that you are probably eager to start gaining some muscle. When I stayed at 6% I didn’t gain muscle for 18 months (or very little) but that was not a problem (I gave the reason earlier in this thread). But still try to maintain for awhile, then when you decide to start a muscle gaining phase GRADUALLY increase your nutrients intake every 2 weeks or so.
[quote]ThorsHammer wrote:
I appreciate all of the info. Regarding what I asked in #3, I suppose I was wondering what accounts for “non-functional” hypertrophy…Would that be things like glycogen, creatine, water, intramuscular triglycerides, etc?[/quote]
Anything that is not actual tissue growth. Sarcoplasmic fluid, glycogen, water, creatine, triglyceride, collagen, satellite cells (although these can be used for growth), adhesions, inflammation/swelling, etc.
Coach,
I have one more question for you.
Since you’re so generous with your time here and spend quite a bit of time typing very thorough replies to so many of us, how do you manage to avoid “computer guy” issues such as repetitive stress injuries and postural distortion?
I realize your level of strength and the rest of your daily life would contribute significantly to avoiding problems, but I was just curious, since you do spend plenty of time online as well.
p.s. I offer you my sincere thanks for being so dedicated to all of us here at T-Nation. We’re beyond fortunate to have such a phenomenal resource.
coach for lean individuals who are consuming carbs in their diet, how do you feel about the following carb choices and which would be best to use in the first few meals (5-6 hours) after a workout?
I think that perhaps beans would result in the lowest possible insulin surge, but wanted to get your opinion. Also, how do you feel about ezekiel bread? Is it inferior or superior to the other choices because it is processed?
thanks coach.
CT,
Would it be possible to perform a sort of limited-range machine pullover that would target the pec minor and add any additional development to this muscle?
Coach Thibaudeau,
Are you at all familiar with a concept called “100-Rep Exhaustion Sets”?
If so, do you see a particular circumstance where these would warrant inclusion in a trainee’s program and be of benefit toward achieving a particular goal?
And is it true that these types of sets would be able to open up high-threshold nerve pathways and increase mitochondrial density in fast-twitch muscle fibers?
Have a great day, Thib!
~Declan
[quote]ThorsHammer wrote:
Coach,
I have one more question for you.
Since you’re so generous with your time here and spend quite a bit of time typing very thorough replies to so many of us, how do you manage to avoid “computer guy” issues such as repetitive stress injuries and postural distortion?
I realize your level of strength and the rest of your daily life would contribute significantly to avoiding problems, but I was just curious, since you do spend plenty of time online as well.
p.s. I offer you my sincere thanks for being so dedicated to all of us here at T-Nation. We’re beyond fortunate to have such a phenomenal resource.[/quote]
CT employs a team of dedicated staff…15 computer nerds that do ALL his computer work for him.
ha.
but ya… i wondered how he manages to fit it in between clients and more.
you must have time management down to a T Thib!!!
Thanks Thib!
[quote]Christian Thibaudeau wrote:
I was wondering if you could provide a list of the following things
Intramuscular coordination
Intermuscular coordination
Reciprocal inhibition
Post-tetanic potentiation (or facilitation)
Myotatic reflex
Golgi tendon organs inhibition
Motor unit (especially high-threshold motor units) recruitment
Rate coding
Rate of force development
This is actually a short list, but it is a good start.
Force levers
Muscle attachment position
Muscle length
Muscle fiber ratio
Bone density
Tendon thickness
Muscle mass/cross-sectional area
Again just a good starting point.
Way too complex to discuss in a simple reply, much less in as a list.
[/quote]
CT-
just curious, do u really learn all what u wrote up there from just reading around? You said the degree doesnt provide that much of a grasp. If so u guys should rly be getting paid more then doctors. 
also, this is a kinda basic question. Whats the proper grip to take on the bar when doing a general flat bench press? I use to take a wider grip with my pinky’s on the outside rings and at the bottom position my forearm would be at like a 70 deg. angle from the floor. I’ve heard u want your forearms to be perpendicular to the ground at the bottom position…true?
[quote]delux0 wrote:
Christian Thibaudeau wrote:
I was wondering if you could provide a list of the following things
Intramuscular coordination
Intermuscular coordination
Reciprocal inhibition
Post-tetanic potentiation (or facilitation)
Myotatic reflex
Golgi tendon organs inhibition
Motor unit (especially high-threshold motor units) recruitment
Rate coding
Rate of force development
This is actually a short list, but it is a good start.
Force levers
Muscle attachment position
Muscle length
Muscle fiber ratio
Bone density
Tendon thickness
Muscle mass/cross-sectional area
Again just a good starting point.
Way too complex to discuss in a simple reply, much less in as a list.
CT-
just curious, do u really learn all what u wrote up there from just reading around? You said the degree doesnt provide that much of a grasp. If so u guys should rly be getting paid more then doctors.
also, this is a kinda basic question. Whats the proper grip to take on the bar when doing a general flat bench press? I use to take a wider grip with my pinky’s on the outside rings and at the bottom position my forearm would be at like a 70 deg. angle from the floor. I’ve heard u want your forearms to be perpendicular to the ground at the bottom position…true?[/quote]
i know a couple of trainers that get paid more than doctors.
Coach,
I’ve noticed a slight size imbalance between my left bicep, tricep, and shoulder (3 primary heads) and my right. I didn’t think much of it at the time because the imbalance wasn’t very noticeable. However, over the years as I’ve gotten undoubtedly bigger and stronger, this imbalance is becoming more noticeable. I was wondering if you had any insight or suggestions as to how to correct this problem. I have a backround in physiology, so don’t be afraid to get technical with me if you have any advice. Much appreciated. Thank you.
Perhaps you have already done this but maybe not (or at least I don’t know where to look). As it appears you have your head in the books a lot, I think it would be helpful to list some good books you’ve read not only on training, but also on the physiology behind the training. Even stuff like good physiology or biochemistry textbooks that you’ve found indispensable. This might be a great ongoing thing to post if you come across some good material. Thanks for keeping this area up. Very helpful!
[quote]delux0 wrote:
CT-
just curious, do u really learn all what u wrote up there from just reading around? [/quote]
I learned MUCH more than that. People read our articles and think that they ‘‘get’’ how much knowledge we have… they are not even close!
I honestly spend at least 15-20 hours per week researching resistance training, supplements or nutrition. Either by reading studies or books. I have been doing so for at least 15 years now… it piles up! Not to mention the 40 hours per week that we spend in the trenches working with clients which is the best way to accumulate practical knowledge. Truth be told, I don’t have much of a life outside of the field right now, but most top coaches don’t.
Even myself I sometimes underestimate the amount of knowledge that some coaches have. For example, the first time I spent a week with Charles Poliquin I was humbled by the depth of the man’s knowledge. And not just about training either.
Obviously the vast majority of trainers are not like that, but you’d be surprised by how much the top guns actually know.
[quote]delux0 wrote:
You said the degree doesnt provide that much of a grasp. If so u guys should rly be getting paid more then doctors. :p[/quote]
The top guys are. My brother is a doctor and I would have no problem comparing what I make with what he makes. And I am not even among the highest paid trainers out there. But it really isn’t about money. Never has been for me.
[quote]delux0 wrote:
also, this is a kinda basic question. Whats the proper grip to take on the bar when doing a general flat bench press? I use to take a wider grip with my pinky’s on the outside rings and at the bottom position my forearm would be at like a 70 deg. angle from the floor. I’ve heard u want your forearms to be perpendicular to the ground at the bottom position…true? [/quote]
The forearms should be perpendicular to the floor and the elbows directly beneath the bar. As far as the other factors, grip width, elbows position, bar position, it depends on what you are trying to emphasize.
[quote]ThorsHammer wrote:
Coach,
I have one more question for you.
Since you’re so generous with your time here and spend quite a bit of time typing very thorough replies to so many of us, how do you manage to avoid “computer guy” issues such as repetitive stress injuries and postural distortion?
I realize your level of strength and the rest of your daily life would contribute significantly to avoiding problems, but I was just curious, since you do spend plenty of time online as well.
p.s. I offer you my sincere thanks for being so dedicated to all of us here at T-Nation. We’re beyond fortunate to have such a phenomenal resource.[/quote]
Never did anything specific to avoid those problems. But I never spend a lot of consecutive time in front of the computer. I basically answer questions between clients or during short periods of my free time (e.g. halftime of a football game). So by never being ‘‘on’’ for a long period of time I can avoid any complications.
[quote]NiallC wrote:
you must have time management down to a T Thib!!![/quote]
Been doing it for a relatively long time (7 years) so it’s a lot like a second nature by now.
Hey CT…
For the past 18 months i have been working hard and focusing everything around reaching my goals in the gym and its been great break from my normal training in the pool…the only problem now is soon im heading off for uni and it looks as tho i am going to have to make my way back into the pool.
Im not going to stop going to the gym but i was just wondering can someone still make good progress and achieve goals in the gym (my goals are more focused around looks than strength) whilst doing a high level of cv training? my training will be about 6/7 1.5 hour/2hour sessions a week and are quite demanding?
regards
Alex