A Practical Example of Two Different Training Styles in Real Life

[bblazer]

I have a friend, Pete. We are about the same age, Pete has an inch or 2 on me, but Ive got a good 60 lbs on him, and both spend about the same amount of time in the gym. However, we have two very distinctive training routines and goals. I want to be able to pick up really heavy things, and Pete wants to be fit enough for health and to handle day-today living.

To accomplish these goals, Pete works with a trainer (a good one) with a variation on the CrossFit system. Lots of core work, kettleballs, sand bags and circut training.

Obviously I have taken the route of the powerlifter.

We often razz each other about who is in better shape, or who can do what, etc. The other day he said to me that he didn't think I could run farther than 200 yards. I told him he was right, but that I could carry a 302 engine block while doing it though.

Well today we got a chance to see what the real difference is, and it wasn't too far off from that example. On our hunting land we had some logging done and it require the moving of some downed timber and the excavation of some small (16") Oak stumps.

When it came to moving the logs (8'x8-12") per load and Pete could only get one, but he moved at nearly twice my speed. When we were busting up the stumps, he took 2-3 whacks at them with the maul for ever one of mine, but I hit the thing a lot harder and made more chips per blow.

In the end, Pete commented that we both did roughly the same amount of work and we must be in equivalent shape, but in just ways. I told him he was probably right, but that I don't look gay when I work out.

As a side note, its also interesting that despite our size difference, when we SCUBA dive together (we are equivalent divers, I just have more deep water training) I use about 2/3 the gas he does over the same time in the water.

Anyway, just some random observations....

B-

 

[SaiBoT]

I have a friend, Pete. We are about the same age, Pete has an inch or 2 on me, but Ive got a good 60 lbs on him, and both spend about the same amount of time in the gym. However, we have two very distinctive training routines and goals. I want to be able to pick up really heavy things, and Pete wants to be fit enough for health and to handle day-today living.

To accomplish these goals, Pete works with a trainer (a good one) with a variation on the CrossFit system. Lots of core work, kettleballs, sand bags and circut training.

Obviously I have taken the route of the powerlifter.

We often razz each other about who is in better shape, or who can do what, etc. The other day he said to me that he didn't think I could run farther than 200 yards. I told him he was right, but that I could carry a 302 engine block while doing it though.

Well today we got a chance to see what the real difference is, and it wasn't too far off from that example. On our hunting land we had some logging done and it require the moving of some downed timber and the excavation of some small (16") Oak stumps.

When it came to moving the logs (8'x8-12") per load and Pete could only get one, but he moved at nearly twice my speed. When we were busting up the stumps, he took 2-3 whacks at them with the maul for ever one of mine, but I hit the thing a lot harder and made more chips per blow.

In the end, Pete commented that we both did roughly the same amount of work and we must be in equivalent shape, but in just ways. I told him he was probably right, but that I don't look gay when I work out.

As a side note, its also interesting that despite our size difference, when we SCUBA dive together (we are equivalent divers, I just have more deep water training) I use about 2/3 the gas he does over the same time in the water.

Anyway, just some random observations....

B-

Anything but looking gay while working out At night, during the club lights no one cares right B

Kidding aside you now have more respect by one an other, my workout partner is very competitive, upperbody pressing strength I stll have an edge, but on legs I totally anhilate him, he is hitting the juice but even though he is a inche taller and looks fuller than me I'm shorter, heavier and with better tape measures, he looks more impressive than me though!

 

[OneBreath]

This reminds me of the observations Crossfit is based on. Its just simple, practical, common sense stuff.

"CrossFit is in large part derived from several simple observations garnered through hanging out with athletes for thirty years and willingness, if not eagerness, to experiment coupled with a total disregard for conventional wisdom. Let me share some of the more formative of these observations:

1. Gymasts learn new sports faster than other athletes.
2. Olympic lifters can apply more useful power to more activities than other athletes.
3. Powerlifters are stronger than any other athletes.
4. Sprinters can match the cardiovascular performance of endurance athletes even at extended efforts.
5. Endurance athletes are woefully lacking in total physical capacity.
6. With high carb diets you either get fat or weak.
7. Bodybuilders can't punch, jump, run, or throw like athletes can.
8. Segmenting training efforts delivers a segmented capacity.
9. Optimizing physical capacity requires training at unsustainable intensities.
10. The world's most successful athletes and coaches rely on exercise science the way deer hunters rely on the accordion.

 

[bblazer]

I like 9 and 10.

B-