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Originally Posted by Ketan Thanks for suggestions. I've been working out regularly for last 2 years (6 reps and 4-6 sets as heavy it can get to grow the size) with some small gaps in between though.... |
There is so much of information & misinformation available when it comes to the topic of bodybuilding. As you have noticed yourself and something that I said a few pages earlier -
for every bodybuilding rule that is convincing, an equally convincing but totally contradictory rule exists.
Arnold has always said that 6 hours of sleep is enough. An interviewer asked him, how can I sleep for 6 hours when my body needs 8, Arnold's response and I kid you not, "Sleep faster!!".
He's supposed to be the God of bodybuilding but I'm yet to come across a reputed page or blog that says that 6 hours is enough.
What you've done is the best thing i.e. listen to your body and see how it reacts to a particular lifestyle (workouts, meals, sleeping hours etc.). What works for one might not necessarily work for others.
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Originally Posted by Samurai Body weight calisthenics is nothing but strength training plus more. It creates useful (functional) strength, without over extending yourself, and without injuring your joints regularly. Most of my injuries are related to martial arts and not workout. Have you watched parkour guys? That is ultimate functional strength. We are not talking climbing steps as functional strength. |
As I said, definition & application of functional strength might be different to different people. Parkour is not functional strength to me, rather its more closer to human body motor patterns (complex or not) than strength (not that it doesn't need strength). Anything which is in motor pattern territory (which is the building block for parkour, more than strength & body conditioning) is not really the best example of functional strength.
Some people need strength to even get up. Rehabilitation is also focused on functional strength training and the notion that functional strength training shouldn't involve machines is ruled out because rehab could be done with or without machines.
Picking up a 22kg big suitcase for airport hauls might call for functional strength for some but it might be second nature to me and would rather qualify under motor pattern, just like sitting or getting up. If handling our mobile phone all day isn't functional strength then we need to set a threshold for the weight after which it becomes functional strength.
To conclude, my view of functional strength is to be able to push/pull/pick/drop loads during the load joint (knee, shoulder, hips etc.) movements. How much should that load be, well, that's what every individual finds out through strength training.
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Originally Posted by Samurai I have enjoyed this soon after I started working out in 1984. So I understand the sentiment. Bodyweight calisthenics addresses this need very well. |
I used to swim a lot. By the end of each swimming session my thighs would be dead tired. At times my legs used to shiver as I would go all out in that session. Then there was a time when I used to squat regularly also using very light dumbbells (~8-9 kgs each). However, the 1.5 inch that I gained in my thighs was nowhere to be seen during those 2 years of swimming & light weight squats.
Then the moment I hit the squat rack with relatively heavy weights, boom! Within 3 months I gained it, my glutes got better and the butt which was missing ever since was seen for the first time.
I really really doubt if bodyweight calisthenics would develop the same amout of muscles (by size measurement) even in 5-10 years which a weight bearing strength training program of 2-3 years would.
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Originally Posted by Samurai It depends on the functional workouts you are doing. Mine is aimed towards martial arts and self-defense.... |
I've read your earlier posts as well and can totally relate to what you are saying vs what your goals are. Anything that makes your body look good but your mind go bonkers isn't the right thing in the long run.
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Originally Posted by Samurai All these are nice goals, but nothing to do body building. |
Absolutely, I'm done with the bodybuilding act. Apart from the initial days of excitement when I started with free weights, it was a frustrating attempt overall. What I wish to achieve through strength training is multi-fold (as stated before) but primarily, getting strong.