A Story Of Ice & Fire… And More Ice
While weight training is incredibly beneficial - lifting to the point of injury is never a good idea. Here’s a tip on how to avoid destroying your joints and injuries - cycling is the key to training longevity - and an easy way to avoid time away from the gym. Let’s get into this…
I’m a broken man…
Now, I don’t mean emotionally (though, I could use some work there, I’m sure) - but I mean physically.
I’ve got wrecked shoulders, wrecked elbows, herniated discs in my neck, a back that goes out every once in a while and my knees pop when I go up stairs.
All of this, I attribute, to a LIFETIME of self abuse.
I’ve been lifting non-stop since the age of 14 - and over those 30-something years - that abuse has shown itself in many different ways.
There are times when I can’t turn out the light on my nightstand without supporting my arm…
Then there are times I can’t turn my head without pain due to the herniated discs…
There are times when I can’t stand more than 2 minutes at a time before my back starts locking up…
I call my morning trek to the toilet “The Evolution of Man” as I start the walk bent over - and wind up straightening up with each step towards the bathroom.
So yeah…
Being me is fun - but I wouldn’t change places with anybody else in the world.
Now, not all of my injuries came from lifting…
I spent 15 years in the professional wrestling world - and then the past 17 years training and competing in Brazilian jiu jitsu - but through it ALL…
The weights have been the ONE constant.
I was VERY dumb when I was younger (aren’t we all) - and my philosophy was “Lift heavy - get strong - dominate the world”...
Now my life is dominated by the fire of inflammation in my joints and ice to bring down the swelling and pain.
Had I only been a little smarter - I would have found the secret to lifting longevity a LOT earlier - instead of at almost 50.
Cycling Is The Key To Training Longevity
As I said…
My philosophy was simple - lift heavy AF so I can get strong AF.
If I’m strong AF - I’m big AF…
And who the f@#k doesn’t want to be big AF?
But again - had I had a little foresight - I could have been all of these things AND more had I just thought about the big picture.
Sure, many of us - dare I say the vast majority of us - lift to get big…
But the fact is - the BASE of all physical training - is to be healthy.
Let me tell you, you’re not being healthy if you can’t walk or throw a football without doubling over in pain…
But yet - so many of us lift as if torn rotator cuffs, arthritis and bursitis don’t exist.
Many of us had our training philosophy formed in the beginning of our fitness journey…
Odds are - what worked for you in the beginning - is probably something you're still doing today.
So, we need to step outside of our comfort zones and try something new…
Now, I’m not talking yoga or pilates (though both are EXTREMELY beneficial)...
But I am talking about cycling you training.
However, before we get into that - we should probably look at the two most embraced training philosophies that people tend to choose.
The first?
Getting strong AF.
Heavy Lifting: Going Beast Mode!
Picture this:
You're throwing around weights like they're feathers - grunting louder than a pack of gorillas fighting over the last banana...
Welcome to the world of heavy lifting.
This is where I spent most of my time…
If it wasn’t heavy, it wasn’t worth trying to lift - and due to this philosophy - I did get strong AF.
I also got INJURED AF - because my shoulders and back took an absolute beating…
But that doesn’t mean heavy lifting isn’t important - in fact - scientific research says the opposite.
Studies show that intense resistance training stimulates muscle hypertrophy and increases strength like nothing else...
And if you’re trying to pack on size - you can see how lifting HEAVY is crucial.
Meaning if you want to get big…
You have to lift heavy.
That being said…
Going lighter also has its advantages.
Light Lifting: Float Like a Butterfly
Contrary to what some meatheads will tell you…
Going lighter doesn’t mean going EASY.
Light lifting tends to mean lighter weights, but more volume…
And trust me - it's a gamechanger for your longevity and health.
Lifting lighter loads allows you to get more reps - and therefore - flush your muscles with more blood for a better pump…
While not stressing joints and ligaments.
While you may not get as strong with higher volume…
You can pack on size - it’s just going to take a little bit longer.
The flip side to that is - while it takes longer to get bigger…
The offset is that you tend to stay leaner - as the extra work you’re putting in is often linked to higher cardiovascular fitness.
Lifting lighter also gives your muscles a chance to recover, repair, and rejuvenate between sessions…
Plus, it's a great opportunity to work on your technique - to truly concentrate on your form - to truly make that mind/body connection that science shows helps us reach our physical potential.
The drawback of going lighter besides slower growth?
These types of workouts take more time to get through…
So, you’ll have to adjust your schedule - as you’ll be in the gym longer.
But those are the two most basic choices we have when it comes to weight training…
Heavy or light.
But…
Which is best for you?
Well, that’s the true MEAT of this article…
You shouldn’t choose - you should do BOTH!
Cycling For Lifting Longevity
The secret I learned after 35 years of lifting?
Picking just ONE training philosophy is a dead end street…
If you truly want to change your body - you should start cycling your workouts.
There are numerous ways to do this: you can lift heavy one week, go lighter the next…
Or you can lift heavy for a month - then go lighter the next…
Anyway you want to cycle - is totally up to you.
For me - I find that 6 weeks lighter work with 4 weeks heavier work - is my sweet spot.
Again, I’m dealing with a plethora of injuries that take their toll…
And while I miss being one of the strongest guys in the room - I don’t miss not sleeping comfortably because my shoulders are aching.
But - don’t take my word for it…
Scientific research tells us that cycling workouts between heavy and light is beneficial for multiple reasons.
Studies show that cycling can improve cardiovascular health, enhance joint function, and decrease the likelihood of chronic injuries as well as boosts your metabolism.
This is information that I wish I knew EARLIER…
Not when I’m heading towards my next midlife crisis.
The good news is - it’s never too late to start…
And because it’s YOUR training regimen - you get to tailor to your goals and needs.
Find what works for you…
I’ll be over here doing me.
Until next time…
“Balance, that's the secret. Moderate extremism. The best of both worlds.” - Edward Abbey
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