I just had to post some comments on a Dan John book I just finished skimming, and will, no doubt, devour over the next few days. Dan John, for those who haven't heard me rave previously, is an Olympic Lifter/Highland Games competitor/Discus thrower/Strength Coach/Very Funny sonofagun. "From The Ground Up" is a free e-book covering pretty much everything about Dan's take on getting stronger and faster. One thing you'll constantly be reminded is that he's an Olympic Lifter; There's a recurring emphasis on the Oly lifts, not that that's a bad thing, just remember that it's not necessarily the be all end all of training (but it is pretty dang good for anyone). Some stand-out quotes: "Machines are not the answer to your fat loss or muscle building questions." No surprise there, but it's always good to hear it from one of the top guys. On training with a busy schedule: "...If all you did was the Clean and Press, you could be awesome." Hell yeah bro. "Squat right. Clean right. Put the bar overhead. Repeat. That is usually my little formula for teaching people the basics of getting strong." You've heard of Keep It Simple, Stupid, right? Well, Dan John is the stupidest. (I mean that in the most positive, loving way. I'm sure he'd understand) Case in point, something he calls "The Rapid Ascent Program": 3 days a week: Power Clean 3x8,6,4 Military Press 3x8,6,4 Clean and Front Squat 3x8,6,4 When you can get all 18 reps of an exercise, increase the weight. It looks easy now, but, well...I'll find out next week. Anywho, just thought I'd share some free info. Free education is always better.
Wow, I've scored some nice stuff recently! Somebody linked me to online versions of Pavels books, which of course I took the liberty of saving before deleting the illegal link This is another great addition to my e-library, thanks mate.
*makes hurried off-stage negotiations with his old co-mod* Yeah, really good stuff. What I especially like, though, is the idea of an organised weight training program at a school. Awesome.
Hmmmm, you may remember that I posted a thread about joining a gym this summer, and what exercises/reps/sets to do in order to gain mass. Is this sort of program good for a beginner looking to achieve these aims (i.e. me)? It's just that I was looking at going 3 days a week so it kinda seems ideal really, lol.
Right back at'cha sweetness. I'm just trying to spread the good iron word. I'd start with it. Give it a fair run, consistent for 6-8 weeks. After that, you'll be ready for anything. I plan on giving it a test run next week. Should be interesting.
Errrr.... You wouldn't want to send me a PM containing the link "accidentally" within the PM, would ya? (I won't tell if I receive it or not, I promise!!!!!)
Alright, I managed to sneak into instructional media class early and print off both "From the Ground Up" and "Contrarian Coaching." I'm kinda obsessive about the whole strength coaching reading stuff and ended up reading both of them while at work (let's say we were slow and I hid out). They are awesome reads! Two thumbs up on passing along the link!
