Sep
8
Written by:
Ali Herreygers
9/8/2008 10:32 AM
I'm a lucky guy. I had the privilege of hitting the iron dungeon with one of my idols. When a colleague asked me what I did over the weekend and I said that I trained with an ex-Mr Olympia competitor, all I got was "oh OK". I had to use the parallel of "it was like kicking the footy around with Darren Lockyer". Then I was returned with a big smile and bright eyes "wow really?" I was totally geeking out. I made sure I became a sponge and soaked up every little bit of information I could. You don't get to compete in the Olympia on any one talent alone. You have to be a genetic freak, you have to know how to eat and how to train and have the guts to put it to practice and stick to it, year in and year out. I must admit that I have developed a shallow quality in my training life. I try my best to surround myself by people who can take me further. People I can learn from and inspire me. That doesn't always mean that they are bigger or even more experienced than I am, but if I feel that they are unmotivated or cannot bring anything to contribute to the partnership, I distance myself from them. Even though they may be fantastic people otherwise. I do feel a little shallow because of this, but in my training life, its the only way to get ahead.
Back to the issue at hand, training style. My previous full time training partner was an ex powerlifter, so needless to say we did alot of powerlifting movements in our training. Lots of speed work, 1rm lifts and barbells galore. I've gotten great results from heavy lifting and I'd recommend it to anyone to needs to thicken their physique. However, I feel like a need a change, both mentally and physically. I usually take big breaks between sets, have a fair amount of volume and shy 1 or 2 reps away from failure. The training style I was introduced to was the total opposite. Fast and explosive. Only enough rest between sets to be able to recover enough to do the next one. 1-2 warm up sets, 1 prep set (with a moderate weight, usually only around 4-6 reps, enough for a neural warm up but not enough to promote any kind of fatigue), then 1-3 all out work sets. The workout should never take longer than 1hr 15min, including your warm up. Much like the style made famous by Dorian Yates. I must admit I have my doubts. I have had great results from lifting heavy and getting the most recovery between sets. I have seen the benefit of heavy training and I am a little sceptical about letting it go. I'm also a little worried that I may not be doing enough volume for each bodypart. However, nothing ventured, nothing gained. The guy I trained with is massive and intelligent. I've heard great things about this training style, time to take a leap.
So far I'm going through a teething process. My training style has become a hybrid. I'm not moving through the sets quick enough, and I may still be doing too many. Also, I need to get a reliable spot for every set, to really make every working set count. I'll work with this style for a few months, do my research on how to make it better and see how I go with the results. I'm 108kgs now, I'll aim for a lean 2kgs, to bring me up to 110. I still plan to train heavy. I love it. However, no more regular 1rm lifts for a while. I'll keep ya'll posted
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4 comments so far...
Re: Out with the old, in with the Nucleus
Good work hun, it takes guts to try something different when the old approach has given you such great results! I'm sure your efforts to mix up your training will take you even further.
By stephmd85 on
9/9/2008 1:09 PM
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Re: Out with the old, in with the Nucleus
I just completed 8 weeks of heavy kick ass strength training, and could have continued but felt like I needed to mix things up a little, that and the fact I have to look good in a dress for a function in a few weeks time lol. So now I am going from 6-8 reps to 15 + reps and I hate it! But I made the choice to make this change for a few weeks so I will stick it out.
I have to say that in that 8 weeks I built up a good base, I have thickened out! I believe in this kind of training and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of size.
After the Melbourne Cup (another function I am attending) I will revert back to strength training for another 8 weeks, rest for 1-2 weeks, then start prepping for my comp :-)
As much as I like strength training I still think it's good to mix things up a little and i'm sure you will really benefit from your changes too :-)
Good luck with the extra 2kg gain.
Deb
By Splice on
9/9/2008 1:54 PM
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Re: Out with the old, in with the Nucleus
GREAT Work Ali, I know how hard this is for you to swallow, but take it from the big fella, he knows his shit and has the Olympia debut to back him up... he did it all in his blinken garage, not a gym in site! Now THAT's inspiring! :)
By lindy on
9/13/2008 3:01 PM
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Re: Out with the old, in with the Nucleus
Oh, and REMEMBER..... Quality NOT quantity is what matters MOST! You remember last year when we used to chat quite a bit at work! I couldnt belive how light my weights were but how much more lean muscle I had gained! Even though Im a chick, it just tells me that you should go even better having more testosterone to play with! LMAO xx
By lindy on
9/13/2008 3:02 PM
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