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Old 10-17-2010, 18:04   #22
Surgicalcric
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 500 Proof View Post
...The author also pointed out that training these muscle groups to failure might result in programming the nervous system to failure...
You really are missing his point.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Author of article
...Knowing now how big a role the nervous system plays in strength, what do you suppose will happen if you always train to failure?
Always is the key work in what Nathan was trying to get across. What he is referring to throughout the article, with respect to failure, is muscle memory and how building this memory over time may cause the muscle to fail at a given level of performance. The easy answer is to keep the training varied enough so your muscles do not become accustomed to stopping at a certain point or being pushed to that point on a routine basis, ie: every 6 weeks, every 12 weeks, etc...

As for the bodybuilding aspects, since that is the topic of the article, there are two different methods of working to failure noted by the author in the article (though there are others): through high reps with low weight or moderate reps with heavy weight.

Bodybuilders use each of these differently. High weight and moderate reps, often lifting til they cant perform another rep (to failure) without assistance, to hypertrophy the muscle and induce growth. And low weight, yet high enough to keep the primary/secondary muscles engaged, with higher reps to make the muscle more defined. Both techniques are used at differing times within their workout schedule to meet their goals.

For most of us in SF/SOF, training to failure doesn't involve the hypertrophy of a muscle or muscle group, as noted in the article, but simply not being able to take another step, lift the sandbag over our head again, sit-up with a our ruck in our lap, etc... And we don't ALWAYS train to failure or train on a routine that always brings us to that point. It is sometimes the outcome, but rarely the destination.

As for running/runners, just like tactical athletes vs bodybuilders they each train with their respective goals in mind. Different strokes for different folks is the appropriate phrase I believe.

Dont confuse looking more muscular as with the sprinter with being in better condition...

Crip
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Last edited by Surgicalcric; 10-18-2010 at 05:55.
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