Originally published in this issue, Aug. 58.
The concept developed and later went on to become
"The Attack of the 50 Foot Woman"
It is now common knowledge that humans differ to a certain extent in bone structure, muscular development and fat distribution. In 1940 Sheldon devised a system of grouping individuals into different physical types which are known as somatotypes. There are three main somatotypes which are endomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph, or, in general terms they refer to the natural fat, muscular, and thin men in that order.
I do not propose to go into this subject more deeply as this was done in our July 1957 issue by my very capable physiotherapist friend, Edward Truscott. I merely referred to somatotyping because at present there is a tendency for many to believe that weight-training should be slanted differently for each of the physical types mentioned. This I believe to be wrong.
It is my belief that the first six to nine months of weight training should be used purely and simply to condition the new weight trainer and also to correct extreme weaknesses in any part of this physique which he may have. This can best be achieved by placing the new weight trainer on a simple but progressive all round weight-training schedule. With this in mind I compiled my now famous Mr. Universe course which will train a beginner for nine months by which time he will be ready for more advanced weight training such as power training.
Paul Anderson at Muscle Beach, 1957
The subject of power training is a vast and interesting one and even today I consider that the full benefits and potentials of this form of training are not fully appreciated. Bodybuilders and weightlifters alike can use this principle of training to their own ends.
Bodybuilders are those who for the most part are concerned purely with improving their physical appearances with increased strength being a secondary consideration. They build up their muscles by performing a series of repetitions for a certain muscle group until the muscles feel "pumped up." The generally accepted number of repetitions to achieve this feeling can be anything from 10-15.
Weightlifters are concerned mainly with becoming as strong as possible and in order to do this they perform less repetitions than bodybuilders -- normally no more than 5 reps in a movement, but of which, like the bodybuilders, they perform several sets. Reference to weightlifting usually means the three Olympic lifts.
The author, strict benching 435 with a 2-second pause
When bodybuilders perform power training they are almost assured of increases in weight and body size apart from increased strength as they will be exercising the larger muscle groups with progressively heavier poundages which bring more muscle fibers into play. Since the sole aim of weightlifters is to handle more heavier poundages it can be seen how proper training will beneift them -- apart from the fact that this form of training will give greater all round body power and unite the various muscle groups more closely so that should a particular lift not be "in the groove" or correct technically, muscle groups other than those normally used can be relied on to come into play and in doing so very often ensure that the lift is completed successfully. The old saying, "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link," also applies to weightlifters and bodybuilders; therefore, I'm sure you can appreciate just how important all round body power is.
In reply to the growing demand I have just completed a booklet on the subject of Power Training entitled "Strength and Bulk Training for Body-builders and Weight-lifters" and in it I have outlined more fully what this form of weight training is and how it can assist both sections of weight trainers and I have also suggested how it can be channelled togive maximum benefits in either field. I have also dealt with other important subjects of interest to all.
The majority of weight trainers do not know how to train correctly and therefore they never attain their ultimate potential. This booklet will I am sure help you to make the gains you should.
Enjoy Your Lifting!
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