Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Ain't no shortage of information these days. I guess there's never really been a shortage of information...just that we've become accustomed to the access to information. And, yes, the Internet...it can be helpful and it can be a hindrance. It's a hindrance to me 'cuz I tend to get caught up in all the information relating to strength and stamina. And, occasionally sufferance. When I say all the information, I mean ALL...I love reading about techniques in particular, but the opinions are fun too.
The one qualifier I have for putting any stock into a website is whether or not the site is focused on simply presenting information or attempting to sell me something. The person or organization that is presenting you their products, books, or programs as something to spend money on cannot be faulted...that's just business. But take a look at what the overall goal of the website is before you invest alot of time in the presentation of "information".
A case in point: CrossFit.com. It started as a simple "workout of the day" and has evolved beyond that to offer much, much more, but it's basically the same template. Each day a different workout, complimented by instruction, education and community involvement. Does CrossFit make money from it's site? OH HELL YEAH. Just check it out every Monday morning to see how many folks have paid a grand to attend their level one training seminar. Not to mention all their specialty certs. But what you see on the main page is all about training. Nothing (or very little) says "buy me!" or "spend money on this". You get your workout, and some supplemental info (and some occasional bullshit), and very little marketing.
Now look at Lou Schuler's website. (www.louschuler.com) I have no idea what Lou's claim to fame might be, but apparently he's figured out the "new rules of lifting". And, according to him, there's new rules that apply to life in general, for women, for abs, etc., etc. If you want to know these "new" rules, you'll have to buy the book(s). My guess is that it's the same information you can find elsewhere for free, repackaged into Lou's "new" methods.
There's really no "new rules of lifting"...just the application of what we already know: strength is paramount, stamina is preferred and willingness to suffer is the most reliable predictor of success.
So, do I have the corner on the market as it relates to "fitness". Is the triad of "strength, stamina and sufferance" the be-all/end-all of human performance? Well, yeah, I think it is. It's the starting point at a very minimum. And if you forget that, it's easy to get mired down in the BS presented by the "fitness" industry. I don't need a to write a book to tell you that the Three S's will guide you on your fitness journey. The books/articles/blogs have already been written, you just need to wade thru the bullshit to find the right ones.
Hopefully I've done that...guided you to find the basic info that can take you 95% of the way to your goals. I owe my fitness "awakening" to CrossFit, and I'll continue to use "constantly-varied, functional movements executed at high intensity" as the guiding principle for our programming. But I'm gonna search for that 5% that eludes me. And I bet I won't have to pay a dime for it.
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Prep:
Strength and Stamina:
Begin with a 0.2 mile ride then alternate until all man-makers complete:
The one qualifier I have for putting any stock into a website is whether or not the site is focused on simply presenting information or attempting to sell me something. The person or organization that is presenting you their products, books, or programs as something to spend money on cannot be faulted...that's just business. But take a look at what the overall goal of the website is before you invest alot of time in the presentation of "information".
A case in point: CrossFit.com. It started as a simple "workout of the day" and has evolved beyond that to offer much, much more, but it's basically the same template. Each day a different workout, complimented by instruction, education and community involvement. Does CrossFit make money from it's site? OH HELL YEAH. Just check it out every Monday morning to see how many folks have paid a grand to attend their level one training seminar. Not to mention all their specialty certs. But what you see on the main page is all about training. Nothing (or very little) says "buy me!" or "spend money on this". You get your workout, and some supplemental info (and some occasional bullshit), and very little marketing.
Now look at Lou Schuler's website. (www.louschuler.com) I have no idea what Lou's claim to fame might be, but apparently he's figured out the "new rules of lifting". And, according to him, there's new rules that apply to life in general, for women, for abs, etc., etc. If you want to know these "new" rules, you'll have to buy the book(s). My guess is that it's the same information you can find elsewhere for free, repackaged into Lou's "new" methods.
There's really no "new rules of lifting"...just the application of what we already know: strength is paramount, stamina is preferred and willingness to suffer is the most reliable predictor of success.
So, do I have the corner on the market as it relates to "fitness". Is the triad of "strength, stamina and sufferance" the be-all/end-all of human performance? Well, yeah, I think it is. It's the starting point at a very minimum. And if you forget that, it's easy to get mired down in the BS presented by the "fitness" industry. I don't need a to write a book to tell you that the Three S's will guide you on your fitness journey. The books/articles/blogs have already been written, you just need to wade thru the bullshit to find the right ones.
Hopefully I've done that...guided you to find the basic info that can take you 95% of the way to your goals. I owe my fitness "awakening" to CrossFit, and I'll continue to use "constantly-varied, functional movements executed at high intensity" as the guiding principle for our programming. But I'm gonna search for that 5% that eludes me. And I bet I won't have to pay a dime for it.
-----------------------------------
Prep:
- Partner pistols (coordinate!)
- Partner resistance band movements
- Tabata:
- Mountain hoppers
Strength and Stamina:
Begin with a 0.2 mile ride then alternate until all man-makers complete:
- Thruster x3 (95/65)
- Man-maker x3 (10-45#)
End with a 1000m row.
NOTE: do not drop the weights! They must be placed on the ground!
Oh the joy.
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