September 15, 2018 – 

In strength training it is outstanding to get an F … I challenge you to Fail!

When it comes to musculature and getting stronger I assure you that if you are not working to exhaustion or failure, then you are not learning how to get stronger.  Now please don’t read this as if I want you to try and lift a car … no! I do ask you to lift in a manner that the leverage system (the bones) move very well and with the best strength possible.  If I have told you or if you already know that your calves, hamstrings, or hips are tight,  then you are not going to be very strong, safely.,  Strength and flexibility go hand in hand.

Do not fail at your flexibility.

Sadly, I will say that some people I know (even at FIT) kinda go through the motions, yes its true.  Some need a bit more of a push, whereas others reach the goal of 15 reps and then on their own intention do 2-5 more.  Not for fun, but for fatigue … the Fail.  Those of you who let yourselves get pushed leave here with shaky legs or completely exhausted arms and have experienced F, failure.  Yes, you channeled that inner athlete and pushed your muscles to failure or fatigue.  And that is the number one ingredient for strength building.  With strength building comes bone density and great muscle tone/shape!

The F-test.

• Here is this month’s challenge.  For those of you without shoulder dysfunction or pain issues I ask you to lie on the floor in a face down position.
• With your hands placed under your shoulders, begin the test be pushing to a straight-arm position.  Do not drop to the floor (yet), that’s the key here. (keep count and remember your repetitions.)
• Ok, now slowly lower your body down half way (maybe 4 inches) and push back up.  Great now keep moving until you cannot push back up … with your body still straight just drop your knees to the floor and keep the push up pattern going. From the knees you should be able to do several more repetitions until … failure.
• That is when you might just drop to the floor, don’t land nose first!
• THAT is fatigue and you got an F! Failure.

If you get sore from this F-test I feel horrible about that… but do your best!

In good health,

Bob

“You can push your body to the limits but you have to train your body to deal with the limits.” – Tom Brady