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 This
latest book, by Ellington Darden, who has written more than three
dozen books, including The Bowflex Body Plan, is perhaps
one of his best. It is a unique treatment in that it provides
a provacative background (with many surprising stories and insights)
of high intensity training (HIT), a term that he coined about
thirty years ago, together with training direction that is unparalleled
in the philosophy and discipline of HIT. Dr.
Darden begins by explaining the training
methods that Arthur Jones established, to help revolutionize
the exercise industry, his initial machine creations that led
to the advent of Nautilus, his work with Casey Viator, The Colorado
Experiment, the West Point Study, and Jone's experiences with
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Boyer Coe, Frank Zane,
the Mentzer Brothers, and Sergio Oliva. Apparently some of these
"hard core" bodybuilders were not so hard core (Mike
Mentzer and Arnold fans may be surprised)!
Dr. Darden provided this entertaining and
educational background to explain Jones' reasoning and the HIT
philosophy (relative to the then current dogma) that then merges
nicely into the fundamental principles and how they support HIT,
including intensity, lifting form, progression, duration, frequency,
and exercise order, as well as issues of recovery, layoffs, and
sleep. As a side note, it may surprise the reader as to how many
strength and conditioning coaches actually apply HIT training
with their athletes, including Superbowl winners. As Dr. Darden
explains through experience, explosive, ballistic training is
unnecessary to develop a strong, muscular body in the average
person or a star athlete, although it is ideal if you
want to increase the risk of injury.
Thereafter, Dr. Darden provides the "usual"
exercise photos and descriptions for purposes of education and
cohesion, then breaks from tradition (insofar as books go). He
provides beginner and intermediate routines, followed by advanced
techniques and specialized routines (for the focus of select
muscle groups). These may sound "typical" for a bodybuilding/strength
training book as well, but what he has done next is completely
original and much needed. He has provided a six-month, four phase
plan that can be applied from beginner to advanced trainee, in
a step-by-step process. Whether a person is new to HIT, new to
the methods provided, or even an advanced HIT disciple looking
to re-establish him or her self with structure and direction,
the routines provided are the ticket!
Available in fine bookstores, or click
on the above book icon to order direct through Amazon.com (and
help support the I.A.R.T.).
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