Post by joeaverage on Feb 5, 2004 11:43:16 GMT -5
This has been a hot topic and a source of some confusion. The 50% rule was initially instituted at the beginning of the development of this system. At the time, we were choking the bands instead of doubling them, as everyone knows, choking provides less tension than doubling and thus you adapt more quickly. So we were basically just flying through the band tensions. So, we needed a mark to know when to increase the bands, so I set it at 50% of max.
Basically, 2 things happened, I realized that doubling the bands would be more effective, provides more tension throughout the entire range of motion and more important, the more tension the better.
When do I add more tension? If you have to ask that, your probably ready for an increase. I've done ME benches and ME squats with so much tension that my bar weight was just a little more than the bar. 2-3 cycles later, I've adjusted to that new tension, increased my bar weight and am ready for more tension.
Everyone is different and everyone gains at a different pace, it's easy to get complacent and keep adding bar weight. You always have to be asking yourself, can I do a little more tension? If your bar weight is low and your still struggling with the current tension, give it another cycle or two, everyone eventually adapts and gets stronger. I have yet to see anyone not adapt to the bands, get stronger and make an increase.
In addition, your bar weight will vary as you become more advanced with this system. As you learn to cycle the bands, rotating between band tensions during the course of the 6 cycles, you will rotate through variuos tensions in order to prevent yourself from peaking, constantly making changes.
Bottom line, the 50% rule is basically out the window. You just have to start the system, if you need help knowing what bands to start with, shoot me an IM, size, weight and current maxes will help. Then you just start, before you know it 2-3 complete cycles later, your tensions are starting to increase, your free weight strength is moving again, and the old PR's are getting replaced by new ones!
This is the only system that I know of, that everyone regardless of ability, when doing the system properly, has made substantial gains and continues to make gains over a longer period of time. Why, when you get stuck, you just add more tension and you just keep getting stronger. Everyone's limitations are different, but this system will get every ounce out of you and will have you lifting at 100%!
Basically, 2 things happened, I realized that doubling the bands would be more effective, provides more tension throughout the entire range of motion and more important, the more tension the better.
When do I add more tension? If you have to ask that, your probably ready for an increase. I've done ME benches and ME squats with so much tension that my bar weight was just a little more than the bar. 2-3 cycles later, I've adjusted to that new tension, increased my bar weight and am ready for more tension.
Everyone is different and everyone gains at a different pace, it's easy to get complacent and keep adding bar weight. You always have to be asking yourself, can I do a little more tension? If your bar weight is low and your still struggling with the current tension, give it another cycle or two, everyone eventually adapts and gets stronger. I have yet to see anyone not adapt to the bands, get stronger and make an increase.
In addition, your bar weight will vary as you become more advanced with this system. As you learn to cycle the bands, rotating between band tensions during the course of the 6 cycles, you will rotate through variuos tensions in order to prevent yourself from peaking, constantly making changes.
Bottom line, the 50% rule is basically out the window. You just have to start the system, if you need help knowing what bands to start with, shoot me an IM, size, weight and current maxes will help. Then you just start, before you know it 2-3 complete cycles later, your tensions are starting to increase, your free weight strength is moving again, and the old PR's are getting replaced by new ones!
This is the only system that I know of, that everyone regardless of ability, when doing the system properly, has made substantial gains and continues to make gains over a longer period of time. Why, when you get stuck, you just add more tension and you just keep getting stronger. Everyone's limitations are different, but this system will get every ounce out of you and will have you lifting at 100%!