Thursday, 04 August 2011

The Unavoidable Guido

Across the world, in parks, gyms and any place 'to be seen', you will find the typical and unavoidable Guido.

This rough and nondescript stereotype, can be found either in the local USN section of a health store, non discreetly flexing his juice filled biceps, whilst on a break from his panel beating job. Or by night, cruising the main streets looking to pick a fight or attempting to out stage the bouncer at a local club. Who spends more time picking out the appropriate gel for his overdone hair-do then he does with his girlfriend.

These typical adolescent young males of our generation are what gives our industry a greasy name.  These guys are about appearance and not ability, flash and not function.

We are constantly being told by the media that we need to sign up at the local gym, that we need to purchase their overpriced verimark equipment and monster protein shakes in order to flex those pecs like the rest.  We are being sold lifelong contracts to facilities with glorified and expensive scientifically engineered machines.
If we are not wearing those R3000 trainers and designer sports bra's we are not going to get the results we strive for.

What complete an utter nonsense. The money driven world has given you this vision. You don't need all this to reach the pinnacles of strength and fitness - all you need is your body, some clothes you can sweat it, your two bare feet, the right knowledge and a bucket load of determination.

Machines, equipment, fancy tools and designer spandex give you all 'show', and no 'go'. Don't even get me started on steroids, while they quickly developing your muscles at an incredibly fast rate, your joints are being left to tether. You taking 10 steps backwards and no steps forward.

Bodyweight training, my methods of training progressively strengthen your joints for life. At the end of the day, why do you exercise? Why do you seek fitness?.... For longevity, strength, endurance, power, athleticism... bodyweight training will give you that tenfold, real nervous power, stamina, inner strength and conditioning for true ability not just for show.

I weigh a whole of 49kg and can probably drop and give you 50 without breaking a sweat, or hold a plank for 5 minutes without as much as a shiver, why you may ask? Because I train for function, for ability.

Next time you wondering around the local gym, take a look around, tell me what you see.  All muscle, pumping away at the pec dec, pressing iron on the leg press - when in your life have you been in a situation that has called for you to press 250kg when lying in submission with your legs in the air?  If this was so necessary - why would George Hurst have invented 'the jaws of life' when one could surely just pull themselves out of a wrangled mess?

Its about understanding the science of movement, compound, isolated and ballistic exercises, the benefits, and the development of functionality.

Learn to train your body for life.

* Inspired by Convict Conditioning

1 comment:

  1. I agree, strength training is one of the best ways to hit your fitness peak and feel strong in the body you have. To hell with Guido's work the strength route according to your ability and you will see results in no time.

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