I agree with you that Doug McGuff’s conditioning recommendations are only part of the story. Stretching can be beneficial (but it can also be detrimental if not performed correctly). Convict Conditioning is one of my favorites. I’ve been thinking about doing a piece on Wade’s book, because it fits quite well with my overall philosophy of gradualism and natural, whole-body approaches to strengthening. Another favorite of mine is rock climbing. A great whole body workout that strengthens the whole body in a practical way, and is fun and energizing to boot!

Todd

Nutrition quest still continues…i have read body by science, there are tons of information inside, however i surely find great benefit in stretching which Mr. McGuff rejects.

Have a look at convict conditioning by Paul Wade, it ended my quest on resistance training. Bodyweight training is the way to go. I have never been to the gym ever since and i can practice anywhere.

HIIT/Tabata Protocol running barefoot on the beach along with convict is the recipe for my body.

Thank you once more.

George

It seems like the term “intensity” is getting tossed around with a few different meanings.

If you’re discussing the training effect and all the positive physiological benefits that come along with intense training, then you’re talking about the power equation, work/time – something that Dr McGuff’s program lacks. You can’t say in one statement that intense training is the way to go, and evidence sprinting as a good example of how to increase capacity (which it is), and then claim that one needs to decrease velocity in order to prevent injury. Sprinting is clearly an increase in velocity.

What slow cadence training is is a step above isometric training – working the muscle without increasing power production. It may work for local muscular physiological adaptation, but does little for the whole organism. Calling this type of training “intense” is what has had everybody confused and and training improperly since the 70′s bodybuilding rage.

I like your your way of thinking, but please don’t mix definitions.

-Al

I’ve been doing a lot of research on the two sides of variation vs repetition, and am coming to some interesting conclusions. I haven’t mapped out a perfect plan yet, but I’d love to collaborate at some point on this matter. I think we both would really enjoy this.

Something else I’ve been thinking about is the hormetic response to endurance training. Obviously aerobic/ lactate producing training isn’t generally best for longevity, but I’m sure there must be some adaptions the human body goes through after training in this manner.

Love to hear your thoughts and get in touch sometime!

-Armi

I thoroughly agree with much of what I see here and am a huge advocate of HIIT training. I do think that a little recovery work here and there at lower intensities is fine, but the real training should be at high intensity.

I think CrossFit endurance and general CrossFit are some great resources as well.

Weight training is essential for almost any sport, and I’m glad you touched on it.

I’d love to see some more research on plyometric training and how it relates to endurance performance too:)

thanks man:D

-Armi