Oldschool lifting v.s. modern lifting.

[Narkissos]

I've been adding to my training methodology over the past year, trying to condense a more effective short-term-results-driven template. As the modeling agency, which is my primary employer, asks that I churn out more and more photo-shoot ready individuals in less and less time (4-8 weeks), I've been forced to make my approach(es) more concise.

In the course of my reading I came across this blog: http://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html

I've always been fascinated with the old-time strongmen, and how a number of them built world-class physiques in the pre-steroid era. I've read a lot about them... some originating in my country, where the sport was VERY big back in the day (before bodybuilding took the spotlight here).

Reading this blog, I've come to the realization that not much has changed in the scope of training/dieting.

Even in nutrition, where modern 'gurus' claim we have our edge: Recent studies are undermining what the Supplement makers have been feeding the mainstream for 2 decades. e.g. carb-heavy PWO shake feedings.

Right now it feels like everything perpetually comes full-circle. My most productive time as a bodybuilder was under my coach, who technically is a product of the old school.

Anyway, back to the thread: I think it's a great read.

I find it odd that a lot of what they've said has been dismissed, only to be brought back into relevance when an enigma like Chris Shugart, Charles Poliquin, or one of our other 'out there' trainers comes up with a 'new' concept.

Check it out


http://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html

[Narkissos]

re: The blog... I just find it extremely interesting how many of the old-school approaches are coming back.

I mean, heck, Bill Pearl was advising dumbbell swings since 1950s.

We stopped hearing about 'em for 3 decades... and all of a sudden they're back under the Crossfit wave.

huh?

"Mobilization work". "Core conditioning work"... many of which utilize exercises (and methodologies) that oldtime strongmen did and advocated. Many exercises (etc) which the modern fitness movement called useless.

I'm looking at the rib cages on these guys and I can honestly say I've NEVER seen 'em on modern champions. Some may argue 'genetics'... but, IMO, that's a moot argument. Some of the oldtimers, despite being of differing ethnicities, trained similarly, and got similar results... results which are not being echoed in the current fitness era.

Why is that?

[t-gunz]

excellent read. long read too

[Narkissos]

^^Yep. Really puts some things into perspective.

For other things, it raises questions.

e.g. If pullovers don't enlarge the ribcage, why do the old school lifters claim this? Additionally, why do all of 'em have a huge and powerful ribcage?

[t-gunz]

yeah good question.

i hate my ribs sticking out. suck anus

[Booz]

As usual
mate a good interesting read

[Johan]

Great stuff, I am also more and more interested in the old school ways.

Nark you will LOVE Pavel Tsatsoulines book Power To the People. If you haven't read it yet do so asap! I read through it the other day and couldn't put it down.

[Johan]

This sounds like an awesome book!

http://www.oldtimestrongman.com/mark_berry.html

. Not a day goes by that we don't get an e-mail asking this question: "How*DID*the Oldtime Strongmen train?" Well wonder no more! Now you can read for yourself the*exact*programs they used, the poundages, the exercise selection, the training frequency that such men as John Grimek, Arthur Saxon, Professor Attila, and Sig Klein used to develop their incredible strength and power.

It's all there waiting for you in Mark H. Berry's teachings. Mark H. Berry was one of the Iron Game's unsung heroes who was teaching no-nonsense, productive training as far back as the 1930's. As an author and lifting coach he influenced hundreds of top lifters including a young John Grimek. Berry's routines were relatively simple and more importantly, they worked, which is what makes them timeless.

Now you can take a trip back in time and train just like the greats with Mark H. Berry as your teacher with the Mark Berry Collection - 2 classic training guides:
Physical Training Simplified - The Complete*
Science of Muscular Development (1930)

Written in 1930, and published by the Milo Barbell Company, this is one of the most complete training books ever written. Berry's advice was very easy to understand and allowed for amazing results when followed correctly.*