Gaia Community

Looking for a simple/comprehensive strength program

Gummihh said Feb 11, 2008, 2:51 PM:

Hey there strength dudes

Really cool pod here which I was discovering recently and has re-inspired me to pursue the path of strength training with more depth and wisdom, and strength of course.

Im kinda of a newbie in this field and have been looking for a simple program which covers all the main muscles. Do you have any good beginners programs to share me with?

Thanks :)

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Re: Looking for a simple/comprehensive strength program

Damon [no longer around] said Feb 12, 2008, 5:11 AM:

Gummihh

Welcome to the pod. Lots of perspectives out there of where to start, what not to do, and what is the latest and greatest programs.

In my own opinion (and please note that this is only an opinion):

if you are starting from ground zero - seek out a personal trainer at least to get basic movements and technique.
If starting again I would seek out a training group affiliated with the crossfit.com group
traditional body building programs and volumes is probably not a good place to start.
Body weight exercises - push ups, pull ups, squats, lunges are a great preparation for weight bearing exercises and in themselves an effective weight program and don't require equipment or a gym membership
If you want to challenge yourself on the body-weight exercises, wear a back pack loaded with 20lb (8kg) and perform the exercises above.

As an additional resource I recommend checking out Zach Evan-Esh website you may have to subscribe to get the information you want but it is worth it if you want to establish a solid grounding in strength training and different strength training techniques.

http://www.undergroundstrengthcoach.com/public/main.cfm

I also recommend send a gaia-mail to Rob (cultivator of the pod) and get a copy of the Focus Intensity Training philosophy PDF. Absolution by Shawn Philips is another resource I recommend for a beginner.

Again this is only one opinion - there is so much information out there to get started. I hope this is a good starting point for you to start on this path.

Strength and Spirit

Damon

Re: Looking for a simple/comprehensive strength program

jeepdog said Feb 12, 2008, 2:17 PM:

Well, there you have it.

I was going to quickly state - start at crossfit. http://crossfit.com/

This program is phenomenal. I tried it for a while, and found it a bit high-impact for my body shell that has 40 years of hard living on it. However, I do incorporate the tenets of crossfit, along with the philosophy of increasing core strength, and use many of the workouts from crossfit and modify them slightly.

However, Damon already mentioned it, so that is that. :)