Less gym time, same results: Why ‘lowering’ weights is all you need to do

Re:Less gym time, same results: Why ‘lowering’ weights is al... by wnolens on Friday January 06, 2023 @09:13PM (#34284342)

I'd have to disagree. To me a negative is worth more than an assisted rep because you get to practice the real range of motion and activate all muscles (incl. stabilizers).

Assisted forms ultimately "assist" you at some fixed point which alters the path you would take if hanging, often removing your core entirely.

Also, I'd take the non-linear resistance of bands over the absence of core activation from a pull-up machine or the very different lat pulldown motion.

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Re:Less gym time, same results: Why ‘lowering’ weights is al... by claytongulick on Saturday January 07, 2023 @04:03AM (#34286415)

I'm a big calisthenics nerd, and I agree with this.

For reference, I'm a rounding error away from 50 and I still do advanced bar work - muscle ups, archer pullups, pull overs, etc...

I think it's important to always work with your bodyweight.

80% of strength is neuronal coordination, you'll get strong with the way you train.

Use your bodyweight in closed kinetic chain [1] exercises and avoid the machines unless you're injured or have a specific reason.

There are progressions for every level.

I recommend "Be your own gym" and "Overcoming Gravity" for great references on bodyweight training.

(Also: don't do muscle ups. The only people who like that are sports medicine docs.)

[1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed_kinetic_chain_exercis....

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