Rest - It Does a Body Good
Putting on some weight is not exactly rocket science.
Although for some, constructing a rocket in the backyard and blasting off for the moon might be more realistic than packing on 20 lbs of hard muscle on the body.
At least, that is how it always felt to me.
But we know that I am genetic pauper when it comes to muscle.
Let us assume you are not a genetic pauper but have your basic average bear share of genetic potential to put on weight.
First and foremost, putting on weight not what you want.
You want 20 inch guns? Well, do you want what is hanging on the side of the cleaning lady (no offense, ma'am!)? Those are about 20 inches, I think.
I thought not! So, it is not about just putting on weight, it is all about smart weight gain (did you catch the shameless plug?).
You should be more than happy with a nice, solid 16 inch gun with a good tennis ball peak and a sharp horseshoe on the backside.
In a previous article, I argued that the only tools for measuring progress are the mirror and clothing you want to wear.
Okay, with that said, let us get back to rocket science.
Getting to look like Vince Del Monte means you must live in the overlap of the three main components of fitness.
The big three are: •Exercise •Rest •Nutrition The here is the truth, according to Jack, "Rest Shall Rule Them All!" Clearly, all three are critical.
Yet, rest, to me, is first among equals.
Rest is when you grow; when you become stronger; and rest is also your safety net.
I tell you nothing new when I say that your body grows in reaction to the stress you put on the muscles with exercise.
You have to give your body rest from both direct exercise and indirect exercise.
Back in the day, muscle magazines detailed workouts that went 6 straight days.
As a teenager, it was wall to wall workouts.
Sure, for a teenager bursting with hormones, the body will grow on just about anything.
Nevertheless, giving the body the opportunity to rest and recovery is still the number one factor in producing growth.
Overtraining and poor or unbalanced nutrition can ruin your efforts.
Rest can help you compensate.
Eating better can only help so much if you are torturing yourself in the gym, day in and day out.
Taking a few days off and resting allows your body time to properly utilize the nutrients.
If your progress has slowed or stopped, before using this "plateau" as a reason for doing something radically different, just step back.
If you have working out solid for 3 or 4 months, take a week off.
Adjust your diet accordingly and give your body a chance to breath.
A week later, your workouts will become more productive.
Rest your whole body at least a couple of times a day, or try this type of a rotation: •Day One and Day Five - Chest, Shoulders, Triceps, Hamstrings, Calves •Day Three and Day Seven - Quadriceps, Back, Biceps, Forearms, Abs •Day Two, Four, Six, and Eight - Day Repeat cycle on Day Nine.
Even when you are not directly working a muscle, you are still hitting it indirectly.
Do this for a month, and then you can go back to a more typical routine like 3 days on and 1 day off.
Rest - it does a body good (to steal a cliche)!
Although for some, constructing a rocket in the backyard and blasting off for the moon might be more realistic than packing on 20 lbs of hard muscle on the body.
At least, that is how it always felt to me.
But we know that I am genetic pauper when it comes to muscle.
Let us assume you are not a genetic pauper but have your basic average bear share of genetic potential to put on weight.
First and foremost, putting on weight not what you want.
You want 20 inch guns? Well, do you want what is hanging on the side of the cleaning lady (no offense, ma'am!)? Those are about 20 inches, I think.
I thought not! So, it is not about just putting on weight, it is all about smart weight gain (did you catch the shameless plug?).
You should be more than happy with a nice, solid 16 inch gun with a good tennis ball peak and a sharp horseshoe on the backside.
In a previous article, I argued that the only tools for measuring progress are the mirror and clothing you want to wear.
Okay, with that said, let us get back to rocket science.
Getting to look like Vince Del Monte means you must live in the overlap of the three main components of fitness.
The big three are: •Exercise •Rest •Nutrition The here is the truth, according to Jack, "Rest Shall Rule Them All!" Clearly, all three are critical.
Yet, rest, to me, is first among equals.
Rest is when you grow; when you become stronger; and rest is also your safety net.
I tell you nothing new when I say that your body grows in reaction to the stress you put on the muscles with exercise.
You have to give your body rest from both direct exercise and indirect exercise.
Back in the day, muscle magazines detailed workouts that went 6 straight days.
As a teenager, it was wall to wall workouts.
Sure, for a teenager bursting with hormones, the body will grow on just about anything.
Nevertheless, giving the body the opportunity to rest and recovery is still the number one factor in producing growth.
Overtraining and poor or unbalanced nutrition can ruin your efforts.
Rest can help you compensate.
Eating better can only help so much if you are torturing yourself in the gym, day in and day out.
Taking a few days off and resting allows your body time to properly utilize the nutrients.
If your progress has slowed or stopped, before using this "plateau" as a reason for doing something radically different, just step back.
If you have working out solid for 3 or 4 months, take a week off.
Adjust your diet accordingly and give your body a chance to breath.
A week later, your workouts will become more productive.
Rest your whole body at least a couple of times a day, or try this type of a rotation: •Day One and Day Five - Chest, Shoulders, Triceps, Hamstrings, Calves •Day Three and Day Seven - Quadriceps, Back, Biceps, Forearms, Abs •Day Two, Four, Six, and Eight - Day Repeat cycle on Day Nine.
Even when you are not directly working a muscle, you are still hitting it indirectly.
Do this for a month, and then you can go back to a more typical routine like 3 days on and 1 day off.
Rest - it does a body good (to steal a cliche)!
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