Our quest for the ultimate in loading efficiency is wonderful. Seeing the ultra-high quality when only one set of an exercise is performed, for, one-two minutes, whether dynamically or statically. The contrast between that and marathon sessions... how can anyone not see the benefit?
I have seen the look on multiple faces when presented with the question, "Do you get seven times the benefit from working out seven times per week?" Oh, no! What are they going to say?
Yes, and I sometimes derive a complete TSC workout with most of the exercises performed while sitting in my recliner. To many people, this seems to be missing something essential, but it is not. What IS removed from this approach are the unnecessary dangers posed by the usual dynamics.
I alternate workouts between Super Slow dynamic and TSC. I find that I am able to do Super Slow by myself, but require a helper (my wife) to time my 30-30-30 protocol for TSC. I cannot concentrate on breathing, effort, while trying to watch a timer while doing TSC. Has this difficulty been noted before?
An assistant is often efficacious for various reasons. I prefer one but do not require one. Many subjects, particularly novice and rehabilitation subjects, require strict supervision. Many subjects will always require supervision.
For proficient subjects, strictly timing the TSC phases of effort is often unnecessary. It is actually more often necessary to time the SuperSlow strokes, although, with experience, one can acquire a feel for the proper speed. Of course, this should be checked occasionally.
More important than accurately timing the TSC phases is to guard against abrupt engagement of the load and to avoid abrupt transition between the phases. My book, "Critical Factors for Practice and Conditioning," provides the necessary graphics for teaching this.
“She lived in the United States for several decades before immigrating to central Mexico.” If we are being precise about language should it not be “emigrating to central Mexico” ? I suppose it depends on the point of reference, coming or going.
But more seriously TSC is all I now do. It is a profound depth that needs much exploration.
Several years ago, Ken excitedly shared with me his intention to build TSC only devices. Though I understood his excitement, I was soon to find out how little I personally understood TSC. After 20 years of applying TSC to injured clients, I had never performed it myself.
During my first experiment with lower back TSC, I over-challenged myself and felt the effect for days. I then switched from SuperSlow dynamic exercise to TSC entirely, and soon realized a dramatic improvement in efficiency. I’ve only returned to dynamics occasionally to experiment.
Last summer we created a feedback static device on which our clients can perform seven static exercises in approximately 15 minutes. As of today over 2/3 of our clients have transitioned to this device. Though their progress had mostly plateaued with dynamic exercise, rapid strength increase returned, and continues after almost 9 months using the device.
I’m convinced feedback statics is the new future of strength training. And that the evolution of feedback static equipment will far outpace that of dynamic.
I only briefly mentioned static exercise (isometrics) in that original treatise. And in so doing, I largely gave the subject short shrift. I then failed to appreciate its value and I was influenced by my mentors that only dynamics were a serious approach. I believe, also, that my ego somehow factored into my attitude against statics.
Ken:
Thanks for this.
Our quest for the ultimate in loading efficiency is wonderful. Seeing the ultra-high quality when only one set of an exercise is performed, for, one-two minutes, whether dynamically or statically. The contrast between that and marathon sessions... how can anyone not see the benefit?
I have seen the look on multiple faces when presented with the question, "Do you get seven times the benefit from working out seven times per week?" Oh, no! What are they going to say?
Marc
Yes, and I sometimes derive a complete TSC workout with most of the exercises performed while sitting in my recliner. To many people, this seems to be missing something essential, but it is not. What IS removed from this approach are the unnecessary dangers posed by the usual dynamics.
Ken,
I alternate workouts between Super Slow dynamic and TSC. I find that I am able to do Super Slow by myself, but require a helper (my wife) to time my 30-30-30 protocol for TSC. I cannot concentrate on breathing, effort, while trying to watch a timer while doing TSC. Has this difficulty been noted before?
Mel
An assistant is often efficacious for various reasons. I prefer one but do not require one. Many subjects, particularly novice and rehabilitation subjects, require strict supervision. Many subjects will always require supervision.
For proficient subjects, strictly timing the TSC phases of effort is often unnecessary. It is actually more often necessary to time the SuperSlow strokes, although, with experience, one can acquire a feel for the proper speed. Of course, this should be checked occasionally.
More important than accurately timing the TSC phases is to guard against abrupt engagement of the load and to avoid abrupt transition between the phases. My book, "Critical Factors for Practice and Conditioning," provides the necessary graphics for teaching this.
“She lived in the United States for several decades before immigrating to central Mexico.” If we are being precise about language should it not be “emigrating to central Mexico” ? I suppose it depends on the point of reference, coming or going.
But more seriously TSC is all I now do. It is a profound depth that needs much exploration.
Thanks for alerting me to this. I have not before considered the distinction.
If I understand the proper usage, I used "immigrating" correctly (by accident).
As I understand it you emigrate when you are leaving a country. You immigrate when you are an arrival. The usage can make the distinction confusing.
Several years ago, Ken excitedly shared with me his intention to build TSC only devices. Though I understood his excitement, I was soon to find out how little I personally understood TSC. After 20 years of applying TSC to injured clients, I had never performed it myself.
During my first experiment with lower back TSC, I over-challenged myself and felt the effect for days. I then switched from SuperSlow dynamic exercise to TSC entirely, and soon realized a dramatic improvement in efficiency. I’ve only returned to dynamics occasionally to experiment.
Last summer we created a feedback static device on which our clients can perform seven static exercises in approximately 15 minutes. As of today over 2/3 of our clients have transitioned to this device. Though their progress had mostly plateaued with dynamic exercise, rapid strength increase returned, and continues after almost 9 months using the device.
I’m convinced feedback statics is the new future of strength training. And that the evolution of feedback static equipment will far outpace that of dynamic.
Dan
I only briefly mentioned static exercise (isometrics) in that original treatise. And in so doing, I largely gave the subject short shrift. I then failed to appreciate its value and I was influenced by my mentors that only dynamics were a serious approach. I believe, also, that my ego somehow factored into my attitude against statics.