Strength and Physique

"Hey James,
"I should just say thanks. You put out good work that’s easy to understand and follow. But I do have a dilemma: I’ve always wanted to join MMA at this local place, and I was planning on doing it this summer. But I’m gonna end up saving to study abroad in Australia in the spring 2009 semester. Other than the hand-to-hand combat, I know the physical benefits of the training are second to none. So do you have any suggestions for MMA style workouts that I can supplement my current workouts with. I’m still interested in the bodybuilding techniques outlined in your book, but I’d also like to be just one hella fit guy. I kind of came to you first so if there’s any resources I should look up I’d be more than happy to. Also, can I preorder your next book? I’m definitely interested.”

Thanks a million!
- M.C., Chicago

My Answer: Thanks for the praise. When it comes down to MMA training, you can’t substitute actually going to class, learning the techniques and training with a partner.

What I suggest you do is take some classes just to learn some basic techniques and then practice on your own and with a partner here at home and when you’re in Australia. That way, you can invest a little money on the skills, but still strength train and go on your study abroad.

In other words, sign up for a short contract just to test the waters. Let me know how it works dude.

P.S. I’ll definitely give you a heads up when Strength and Physique V2 hits the market.

Here’s one topic in bodybuilding that gets overlooked: tempo. How quickly or slowly are you supposed to lift the weight? To answer this question or any question, I always come back to this: what’s your goal? What’s your goal in lifting in the first place? Are you lifting to look good, or to perform athletically?

The other thing I always assess is "How are your muscles wired?" Are you geared for slow strength and neural endurance? Or are you designed for speed and explosiveness? Of course, it’s much more complicated than this. Although people can be categorized as either fast or slow, each muscle group has it’s individual characteristics. This is why Strength and Physique, V1 has a chapter devoted to each body part, discussing each muscle group’s peculiar way of training. Some muscles respond to explosive lifting, some respond to constant tension. To further complicate things, different exercises require different tempos. Olympic lifts obviously require explosive movement while many bodybuilding exercises (not all) require constant tension.

To make things simple for you, just go with the goal you have in mind. In other words, your goal dictates your method, genetics be damned. If you want to look good for the beach, then steady constant tension in your lifting is the best thing for you. If you want to perform athletically, then speed is king.

I will say this though: I have found speed and explosiveness to be largely a genetic thing. You can teach somebody to slow down a lift, BUT teaching someone to be fast is difficult. Either you’re fast or your not. Most people are not. But if you discover that you’re built for speed (a martial arts striker, Olympic weightlifter or track athlete), then maximize that advantage and train accordingly.

For more insights into strength training and bodybuilding, visit http://strengthandphysique.blogspot.com
 
Preview and purchase the book “Strength and Physique, Volume One” at Lulu.com