The concept of training volume is important to understanding how to properly design and adapt a program to an individual based on their goals and their body’s response to exercise. Unfortunately, most have an overly simplistic view of this which can lead to misunderstanding and confusion, especially when comparing different protocols and training programs. The…
Tag Archive: repetition speed
The Style Repetition
In grade school my favorite teacher was our science teacher Mr. Weitzel, who we nick-named “Jungle Bob” after learning of his time in Africa with the Peace Corps. I have stayed in contact with him over the years, writing or calling on occasion, and have recently been keeping up with him through Facebook. As long…
More Confusion About Repetition Speed
A reader recently sent me a link to a post on a HIT blog recommending fast repetition speeds and claiming they were necessary to recruit the high threshold, fast twitch motor units. Although I just posted a Q&A on repetition speed, motor unit recruitment and stimulation last week and am probably just repeating myself I…
Q&A: High Intensity Training for Seniors
This Q&A is a general response to several specific questions I’ve received through e-mail and comments on other posts regarding high intensity training for seniors. Question: Is high intensity strength training safe for seniors? Answer: Whether high intensity training is safe for any particular individual depends on their current health and physical condition. Certain conditions may…
Q&A: Repetition Speed, Recruitment and Stimulation
This Q&A is a response to several questions I’ve recently received. Since they’re all related I’m going to answer them together. Since intentionally moving slowly during exercise involves less than a maximum effort wouldn’t it reduce motor unit recruitment and the effectiveness of the exercise? No. Motor unit recruitment is determined by the amount of force…
Personal Trainers are Confused
“Bodybuilders are Confused” is the title of the first chapter in Mike Mentzer’s book Heavy Duty which describes the nonsense and conflicting information most bodybuilders must sort through in their quest for valid information on building bigger muscles. In it, Mike explains how commercial interests, tradition, and a lack of critical thinking skills and understanding…
Exercises, Equipment Modes and Rep Duration: The Question of Superiority
I just received the following article from Ken Mannie, head strength and conditioning coach at Michigan State University, with permission to post it here. Exercises, Equipment Modes and Rep Duration: The Question of Superiority by Ken Mannie The training landscape is in a state of continual flux, and the ongoing changes, updates, and emergence of…
Explosive Training
The following article is published here with the permission of the author, Ken Mannie, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Michigan State University The subject of explosive weight training is one that has been in the center of a maelstrom among strength and conditioning practitioners for quite some time. Many individuals and some associations advocate…
Drew Baye Interview on SuperSlow in Muscular Development Magazine, May 2001
In May of 2001, Muscular Development magazine ran a feature on SuperSlow® training , in which contributing editor Bob Lefavi, PhD. interviewed Dr. Wayne Westcott, Dr. William Kraemer, Dr. Robert Newton, and myself. The following is the portion of the article with my interview, followed by my current thoughts on the subject. Drew Baye May…
