Going hard and having fun after more than 50 years of old-school strength training. |
Hail to the Dinosaurs!
In response to my recent email on
isometric and isometronic training,
one of our readers sent in this
email:
Hi Brooks,
I'm new to your email list. I have
enjoyed the daily topics. The
information is encouraging.
My reply is in regards to isometric
and isometronic training.
In the mid 80's, I was a student at
Oregon State University, working on
my BS in Health and Human
Performance.
My favorite instructor was J.P. O'Shea.
Dr. O'Shea was a very accomplished
Pan American weightlifter in the 50's,
and the author of many books on
strength development.
He did research on "functional
isometrics." This was barbell
training in a power rack, where
near maximal loads were lifted
from a lower pin and held against
an upper pin for approximately
five seconds.
The range of motion was only a
couple of inches.
The position trained was usually
in the range of the least mechanical
advantage of the lift.
I had the privilege of training with
Dr. O'Shea for a 10-12 week cycle
of functional isometric squat training.
I would have to say this was some
of the most mentally challenging
training I have ever done.
I believe I still have a research
paper he wrote on the subject.
I will attempt to locate and pass
on to you if I find it.
Dan Morgan
Thanks for your feedback, Dan. That
method of training is a very good one.
I consider it to be isometronics rather
than isometrics, but the label doesn't
matter.
What matters is that it's a very good
way to build some serious strength
and muscle.
I cover this type of rack work - and
many other types of rack work in
Strength, Muscle and Power.
These methods are some of the toughest
and most effective training methods out
there - and for serious trainees, they're
hard to beat.
If you find that research paper, send it on
in - I'd love to see it! I have an autographed
copy of Dr. O'Shea's popular book, Quantum
Strength Fitness II, and I really enjoy it.
Yours in strength,
Brooks Kubik
P.S. Go here to grab Strength, Muscle and
Power:
http://www.brookskubik.com/strength_muscle_power.html
2. My other books and courses are
right here at Dino Headquarters:
Hard-copy and PDF
http://www.brookskubik.com/products.html
Kindle
http://www.brookskubik.com/kindle.html
P.S. 4. Thought for the Day:
"Old gold still spends, and old iron still
builds plenty of strength and muscle."
- Brooks Kubik
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