Re:Productive Discussions-Explosive Exercise is pointless

January 11, 2008

Good point . Looking at the post I commented on it started with time under

tension. I would throw a couple things out there for discussion.

The relative speed of the bar will move slow because you are overcoming 700lb

rather than 135lb. I would think we could agree that at maximal lifts such as

this the body is seeing maximal motor recruitment? Or maximal stimulation of

all working muscle groups?

If this is the case and 700lb is " heavy " relative to the individual then they

could not lift it more than 1, 2, or 3 times? lets say 700lb is my maximal lift

and it takes me 10-15 seconds to perform the lift. Would this be an appropriate

time under tension for a single set? What time under tension would you require

to feel a set is appropriate?

I think this is the direction we were going when discussing stimulation? I

very well could be way off and on my own page.

Another thought I'd like to throw out is The " Strength Continuum. " Over the

years it has become evident that some people buy into this and others disavow

it. What are your thoughts on the idea that strength, power and endurance are

all expressions of each other?

When taking a set to fatigue, refusal or MMF (momentary muscular fatigue), the

goal would be to engage the individual to contract the muscle in an explosive or

powerful fashion. I am NOT referring to single sets but rather one set within a

workout. For example on a bench press if it becomes clear the individual is

reaching fatigue you would prompt them to produce as many additional reps as

possible until it is clear they are not able. This is a difficult condition to

describe since it is relative to the person and your knowledge of their lifting

ability.

Do you see a Neuromuscular adaptation occurring in such a situation. That is

the person begins an exercise explosively (but under relative control of the

implement) and becomes more explosive as the exercise gets harder? This would

include good coaching though to maintain good form and engage effort on the part

of the lifter. What are your thoughts on this?

I hope that makes sense? It is difficult to describe some intangibles of the

weight room and I've only had one cup this morning.

Rob Barrese

PA, USA

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