Old School Muscle Building Advice
If you are anything like me… you LOVE traditional, Old School, Old Fashioned values and wisdom.
Mike joked the other day that I have an old spirit; that I am a time traveler from the early 1900′s. I agreed with him, except that I am probably much older than that… most likely I am a visitor from the early 1800′s!
I see it like this… as the human race evolves, it gains much in the way of science, medicine and the arts. But with each superfical advance there is an equal but opposite loss of values, principles and the challenges that build strong charachter.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything that you gain, you lose something else.” — I just seems to be the natural order of things.
A small example of this would be… that with the so-called advances in communication (e mail, text messaging, blogs, etc) we have lost the basic human capacity to relate intimately with our cohorts. We have replaced a strong, eye to eye hand shake or even a warm, appreciative “man hug” with ridiculous internet slang and abbreviation like LOL or better yet LMAO and little smily faces 
Oh, and I love how many internet “brothers” I have, as every e mail inquiry about how to build muscle begins with “hey bro”. — WTF?
So today I invite you to explore the roots of “Physical Development” by examining the introduction to a book written in 1908 by a man named Author Saxon.
Give this a quick read (below) and I’ll meet you at the end to share my feelings on what Mr. Saxon was eluding to, as well as to open a discussion about your thoughts and feelings towards training for the advancement of physical strength, vigor and vitality as opposed to training for the development of aesthetics (and fitting into skinny jeans) only.
It is pretty clear that Mr. Saxon is NOT a fan of aesthetics training or the building of large “artificially-swollen muscles” for the sake of admiring yourself in the mirror or “personal glorification”. He is proposing that one should first train for strength, vigor, energy and vitality and to “leave the muscles to look after themselves.”
As with most grumpy, arrogant, old school bastards… I am going to side with Author on this one. But I guess this is easy for me since I am happily married and could really care less about my appearance. In fact, the more rough and rugged I look, the more “at home” I feel. Maybe I was a cowboy in my former life?
The fact is though, I’m pretty sure many of you are sitting there reading this and saying to yourself, “Elliott, you ugly, old, Barbarian… how can you sit there and tell me that I should totally ignore the circumference of my biceps and focus mainly on increasing my dead lift or how much weight I can press over my head?”
Well, as arrogant as I may seem… I’ll admit that I am often wrong. And even worse, I often change my mind… what I believe today may not necessarily be what I believe tomorrow. But, I am always looking for new ideas and feedback. This is how we grow.
So first, I want to know who all you Old School, Grumpy, Iron Workers are… the type of guy that says, “to hell with looking like an underwear model, cuz’ I can squat more than the sissy little sports car that the little bastard is driving.” – Tell me why building strength and vitality is superior to building muscle.
AND! — I really do want some arguments from the pretty boys out there that are saying, “Screw you buxom, beastly, meat heads… even if you can bodyslam a polar bear it pales in comparison to my ability draw the attention of even the most tight lipped dame in a crowd!”
So, what shall it be men?
Are we to be Beasts, or Boy Toys?
==> Leave your comments (arguments) below!!
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Strength Training
January 11, 2010
3:54 pm
I would love to know where I could get a copy of that book. I cannot believe how real everything was in those few pages. Simple, crude and maximal effort is where it is at!
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January 11, 2010
4:05 pm
I love reading through old timer muscle building courses, they are very inspiring and motivating. Most of those old courses contain better training information then a lot of the fitness crap that’s available today.
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January 11, 2010
4:06 pm
Being huge is what men do. Making men and woman Perfect is what God does. Muscle Freaks PRONATE and never ever Tap Out
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January 11, 2010
4:32 pm
It’s amazing how updated is this text!! It could as well have benn written yesterday!!!
And I couldn’t agree more. Back in my highschool days I played rugby (half scrum, if someone wants to know) and I’ve seen too many mean looking guys that came out of the local gyms dropping by during training to “give it a try” as a forward (if you’ve ever seen a rugby game, forwards are the big guys that push in the scrum). Well, our forwards just wiped them out!! I mean they were actualy much stronger than the guys from the culturist gyms!
Sadely, those experiences made me reject weight training, it took me years to understand that it was wrong training, not weight themselves that produces that kind of “useless giants” (it took me also a little more to understand words as sarcomeric and sarcoplasmatic, that explain the reasons behind all this)
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January 11, 2010
4:34 pm
I love Arthur’s words. I do believe, though, that different people are gifted in different ways, and while it may be one man’s gift to squat more than the sissy little sports car, another man’s gift is to be a chiseled “underwear model”. Neither one should hate or attempt to convert the other. Some, as Arthur alluded to will never be as strong as others, and if they can find some contentment in their aesthetics, I say let them.
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Victor Reply:
July 15th, 2010 at 3:12 am
I’m agree with you !
We all have different choices.
Yet, I personally prefer the “Old Iron Worker” style…
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January 11, 2010
5:00 pm
A great article as we all see those guys in the gym doing curl after curl and looking in the mirror admiring themselves.
If I may there is another web site that is called “Dino Training” hosted by Brooks Kubik http://www.brookskubik.com/ Brooks has written a couple of books on old time lifting and many articles from the “old Days” and the strong men 20-30-50 years ago. Web site is free to read the articles and his books are very interesting reading.
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January 11, 2010
5:24 pm
It’s always amazing how “old school” principles of building muscle, strength and power come back to show us we can get too big for our britches! I love going back into these old tomes and testing out some of the long-lost secrets these old codgers experimented with without the benefit of advanced lab techniques and high-tech equipment.
Keep up the great research Mike & Elliot! Veeerrrry cool!
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January 11, 2010
5:26 pm
It’s probably a good idea to find a balance between the two ideals. The one thing about the bodybuilding philosophy that I can’t stand is “looking” like you can bench 300-400 lb. but not ACTUALLY being able to. I was a little upset when reigning Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler avoided the question about his bench max. On the flip side, however, muscular asymmetry, stemming from a complete disregard for aesthetics is also an unattractive notion. My personal balance is: “I can do what I look like I can do.”
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January 11, 2010
5:37 pm
I do like the idea of functional muscle. But I do like the aesthetics as well. That’s what I think the hybrid muscle program can give. I’m not too big on the scrawny ripped underwear model. But, if you can be big, aesthetic, and athletic at the same time, then I say do it. Nothing wrong with aesthetics, if you want it that way.
Pujinowski, if I spelled his name right, is a good example of a powerful guy who has the bodybuilder physique.
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January 11, 2010
5:38 pm
Awesome article Bro! Lets keep men-MEN! Awesome.
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January 11, 2010
5:45 pm
bodybuilding is all about looking good. lifting too much weight almost always produces crappy form which can lead to serious injuries. when you go to the gym, LEAVE YOUR EGO AT HOME !! nobody gives a **** if u are only benching 150lbs, as long as it is executed with perfect form and intensity you will develop muscles like no other. you will get much more compliments on having good form and muscular definition than you will EVER get trying to lift 1 rep max all day with shitty form and your spotter doing half the work.
i always do between 5 and 15 reps to ensure i am using good form, keeping the target muscle under tension, and work until positive and negative failure
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January 11, 2010
5:57 pm
As with everything, balance is important. Functional stength is the most practical, but if you have no endurance or flexibility the overall package lacks. Appealing to women OF COURSE has its advantages, not only socially but also professionally. Finally psychologically we should do what makes us feel best, because even the most physically fit person will suffer both physically, mentally and spiritually if we are psychologically unfit.
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January 11, 2010
6:06 pm
That tight lipped dame is going to be jumping into my arms after I body slam the polar bear that just ate here model boyfriend, Saving here from certain death. Strength training has countless applications where bodybuilding has few.
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Victor Reply:
July 15th, 2010 at 8:46 am
I like ur statement
While both strength training and bodybuilding has their place.
What I do not like is the “bodybuilding-is-the-only-way” mentality
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January 11, 2010
6:15 pm
Way cool to see you guys mentioning being “old souls”.
Anyway, as a tall, thin guy who leans towards being defined rather than strong, I am envious of you big dudes. But that’s why I purchased LHM, right? To develop strength and power and burn fat at the same time?
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January 11, 2010
6:18 pm
Hey there, Elliott.
I’ll be honest, I don’t often post comments on blogs. However, this one deserved one.
I love your comments and couldn’t agree more. Not only do you point out some good, old-fashioned values, but you are also willing to entertain the opposite point of view.
There is so much wisdom in previous generations, yet there is something to be said for evolution as well. You seem to balance the two in your own life. Congrats. It’s not easy to do.
Well said, Elliott.
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January 11, 2010
6:34 pm
Arthur Saxon hit it right on the head, all the way back in 1908…awesome stuff.
Strength is much more important than how big your damn biceps are.
The old-school guys like Saxon, Goerner, and Hackenschmidt were still performing strong man feats well into what we consider to be old age in today’s society.
The importance is functional strength. These man were active, vibrant, and still kept the vigor when most people their age today are in wheelchairs, pushed around in nursing homes.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I would rather be strong, powerful and vibrant in my later years, instead of some drug-created, muscle-bound egotist who’s facing serious health concerns down the road.
As Arthur Jones so profoundly said, “If you can curl 200 pounds in strict form, don’t you think your arms will be big enough to do most anything.”
Go for strength and power first and the size will come naturally. Great article Elliott. Thanks for sharing.
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Victor Reply:
July 15th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Brain,
Amen to your post…..
Especially these
“The importance is functional strength. These man were active, vibrant, and still kept the vigor when most people their age today are in wheelchairs, pushed around in nursing homes…”
As a nurse who had been working in nursing homes for almost 4 years, I can’t agree more
“Go for strength and power first and the size will come naturally.”
Hey, this statement can be etched on the Rock!
Keep it up
Victor
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January 11, 2010
6:36 pm
Why only focus on one of the two goals? Why not try to achieve both? Being both strong, and looking good, that’s the ultimate package if you ask me
. So how to go about this? Well i’ve personally experienced that when training for strength, muscle follows. My greatest hypertrophy gains have come when training for strength, and not while doing sissy high rep, feel the muscle work kind of shit. But maybe thats just me 
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January 11, 2010
6:54 pm
Nice find! Is this book available anywhere? Any others your recommend! In my line of work, functional strength is the key, size is good, as sometimes it keeps you from having to demonstrate your strength, but when it comes down to you and the other guy, strength and power is it! Great post man!
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January 11, 2010
6:59 pm
I think you can have both and that is to me the best goal worth attaining.
To prove my point, I submit Marius Pudzianowski. He lost the 2009 World’s Strongman comptetition by a few points, but he has won it more times than anyone else.
Marius was just about the only person in their annual event…… EVER, that looked like a body builder instead of a beer keg with a tee shirt on.
If Marius looks short to you, that’s because he is “only” 6 ft 1 in., tall and weighs 315 Lbs. He is usually the shortest person to compete in the events.
Want some inspiration or perspiration? Take a look, it’s worth it. One site is in Polish, but the pictures look just the same.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flor2pmSeX0
http://www.pudzian.pl/
http://www.criticalbench.com/Mariusz-Pudzianowski.htm
Enjoy – Jim
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January 11, 2010
7:50 pm
have both– heavy, functional lifts build muscle–period. if you eat clean, people will see those muscles.
i’m not knocking bodybuilding in anyway, the dedication and determination it takes is worth admiring.
but i’d rather be functional than pretty.
lets face it, the biggest muscles in the world won’t make my face more handsome!!
pick up heavy things, put them down, repeat.
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January 11, 2010
8:12 pm
I wanna body slam a polar bear!!! or be able to lift an overturned car off of a friend or loved one.
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Victor Reply:
July 15th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Geoff
Thats’ why I exercise…
In my daily work, I might have to deal with emergencies range from a sprained ankle to a guy working on a 10-stories high steel structure who go unconscious..
Being big as a bodybuilder might look good, but won’t help me much in my work…
Victor
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January 11, 2010
8:26 pm
I agree with some that already posted the comments. I think you need a good balance of both bodybuilding and powerlifting. one to attract the girls and the other to actually be able to use the muscle functionally to bench, squat, and deadlift alot for personal goals and satisfaction.
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January 11, 2010
10:46 pm
The male race is degenerating compared to a century ago, and even more so, medieval times and the such, and its very very sad. Being a beast of a man; a very strong, athletically capable man should always be the goal to achieve everyday of your life. Not trying to see how much fun you can make looking at yourself in the mirror with your boxers pulled half-way down… As men, we are meant to be strong, and somebody who likes keeping a 6% body fat year round, will never be very strong in proportion to their size. Rugged, rough, and powerful all the way.
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January 11, 2010
10:47 pm
I agree with Jim and Dave!
It’s possible to have your protein bar and eat it.
Check out this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNw_6DnFJ90
Check out any competent gymnast.
Both strength and physique are goals that can complement one another
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January 11, 2010
11:03 pm
WHY NOT BOTH???
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January 11, 2010
11:40 pm
Most of the body builders I know who focus on training individual body parts for aesthetics, while they look great, aren’t terribly athletic. From my personal experience with them, they aren’t very good at actually playing sports. I think this is because they don’t develop enough componente of fitness, like
co-ordination, stamina, and high aerobic threshold, to be considered athletic.
If you ignore what you look like in the mirror and train like an athlete, you will develop these components of fitness and become more proficient at whatever sports you participate in, whether you are a strong man, football player, hockey player etc. However, you will likely also find that you’ll look pretty good too. Maybe not with a single digit bodyfat and a perfectly proportioned body, but better than the average bear at least.
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January 12, 2010
3:10 am
There is a lot of truth here, I tend to agree, there is a lot of puffed up muscle out there that is unnatural and freaky. The comic book ideal has become the physical ideal and I am freaked by guys that only after a few years of working out look like martians and I a guy who has been working out most of his adult life is some way look rather average but fit. Today I leg pressed 14 45 pound plates 6 times. I guess that is not too bad.
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January 12, 2010
3:23 am
Well, technically, I think anyone who trains with any intensity at all, and eats well, is usually going to be more aesthetic automatically. Big, brutish men are more aesthetic than the couch potato or the skinny frail dude.
Symmetry is more where bodybuilding is. But, you can look great without having every detail perfect. If you train your body as a whole, you are probably going to be fairly symmetrical anyway. Yes, aesthetic. Whether we go right out and say, that’s partly what we are in the gym for, we want to be more attractive. I don’t know too many people that want to come in the gym and want to stay fat, or want to stay frail and skinny. You want to feel good, and look good. Nothing wrong with that. That’s what the Hybrid Muscle plan is about right? Burning fat and building muscle. (aesthetics)
If we weren’t worried about aesthetics, then why do some of us shave our body hair off? And for that matter, why do we shave our beard or cut our hair at all? Because we feel it’s more aesthetic. If I didn’t shave, I would still have the nasty “uni-brow” that ran across the back of my shoulders. It stuck out of my tank top. And 3 inch long chest hair, and Buckwheat crawling out of my arm pits.
So, yeah, this program is about aesthetics, and of course functional, strong muscles.
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January 12, 2010
3:38 am
i dont agree completely with Mr.Saxon… though strength is more important , even looks play a role…. its lyk driving a ferrari without its body… we can’t go around with strength alone… no one will ever realise we have strength coz.. we can’t squat everytime we see someone to show our strength.. so i say we find a balance bw the two…
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January 12, 2010
4:28 am
I totally agree with Mr. Saxon ive been training for years for sport instead of anything else and im the strongest guy on my team and the other guys focused on the looks but now my body has caught up, i now have the body the others where chasing and im still the strongest so i totally agree “leave the muscles to look after themselves”
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January 12, 2010
7:21 am
A woman’s opinion: It’s the old argument of “form” or “function.” I feel that if you take it to the extreme, pure function (physical power) is preferable to pure form (aesthetics). I mean, what good is someone with awesome aesthetics who can’t DO anything? You may as well just have a picture or statue of Adonis for all someone like that is worth.
However, real life is not purely form vs. purely function, it’s not black or white. I think the best choice is to concentrate on physical power while noticing aesthetics. As Mr. Saxon said, “leave the muscles to look after themselves,” and add a look in the mirror once in a while to make sure all is well.
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January 12, 2010
9:45 am
I ACCEPT THAT THERE ARE VARIOUS WAYS TO BUILD A BEAUTIFUL AND STRONG BODY BUT I AM OF THE OPINION THAT WORKOUTS THAT CONTAIN EXERCISES SUCH AS:
WALKING, RUNNING, ROWING AND SWIMMING ARE GREAT FOR MOST PEOPLE AS THEY BUILD BEAUTIFUL BODIES HEALTH AND STAMINA.
HOWEVER FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BUILD LARGE MUSCLES AND STRENGTH THEN WEIGHT AND RESISTANT EQUIPMENT IS ESSENTIAL.
I HAVE BEEN TRAINING WITH WEIGHTS SINCE 1945 HAVING BEEN MOTIVATED BY A BURNING DESIRE TO INCREASE MY STRENGTH TO ENABLE ME TO CONFRONT THE BULLIES WHO MADE MY LIFE A MISERY.
IT WORKED FOR ME.
TODAY I AM ONE OF THE STRONGEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD IN THE AGE GROUP 80 YEARS OR OLDER. DON’T BELIEVE ME CHECK OUT MY BLOGS, PHOTOS AND VIDEO BY TYPING :
HEALTH STRENGTH FITNESS AND A BEAUTIFUL BODY – SIDNEY WILLIAMS INTO:
http://www.google.com
http://www.facebook.com
http://www.blogger.com
ADOPT THE PHYSICAL TRAINING THAT MEETS YOUR DEMANDS AND LIFESTYLE.
SIDNEY COAD WILLIAMS
HEALTH ACTIVIST
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January 12, 2010
1:23 pm
Elliott,
thank you for the advice you share with us. it great to read about how one man could see that strength was more important than the size of his bicep. Elliott i think you have a great understanding on what it takes to do both. your program promotes stregth and size. Thank you for the great reads and advice.
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January 12, 2010
4:23 pm
I’m not sure why all the discord on bodybuilders is. They train for their purposes and that is to be big and in extreme condition. There are very few(even with drugs, as the sport has spit out its fair share of the “more is better crowd”) that can compete as a bodybuilder, let alone diet like one.
I do powerlifting and bodybuilding, they complement each other in a way, but the unnecessary hate on bodybuilders is completely unwarranted,
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January 12, 2010
5:40 pm
Earlier I left a comment on here calling everyone “idiots”. I was promptly chastised by Elliot and my comment was deleted.
First off Elliot, thanks for correcting my grammar, it is definitely far from perfect. Second, I apologize for being rude in my comments and third, you are right, I would never walk into your gym and call you an idiot Elliot.
However,
My position stands: I believe firmly in the genetic factors that effect size-to-strength ratios. Leverage, muscle quality and skill. And Elliot if I did walk into your gym, I would not call you and idiot, but I certainly would challenge your opinions and methods that you have presented on your website.
I have not regularly followed this website, so excuse me if this has already been covered but:
Is there any scientific evidence to support the theory that a certain style of training can increase the mitochondrial density in type II muscle fibers? This would probably require training followed by an actual muscle biopsy. Has this been done or are these just theories? If they are, then you are selling pseudo-science and subjective opinion.
And Elliot, put your million dollars down on the table, because if you were here, you can bet I would say all these things to your face.
If you would be so kind as to state at least whether these studies have been conducted, and even better, to display the results to the public (without disclosing your training regimen, because of course that would destroy your profits) so that we can examine them. I believe firmly in the scientific method and much progress would be made if others did the same.
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Chapman Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 3:11 am
i firmly believe in elliott’s style of training and it has provided me with much gain in strength and conditioning both, i must say. I can honestly say that I back elliott completely on most everything he says. Now as far as being lab proven, i have no idea, but i do know that elliott bases alot of his ideas on old school studies and tactics.
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January 12, 2010
7:04 pm
This is an ongoing debate that sometimes gets heated. I think if we are honest, power guys would like to look like bodybuilders to a degree, and bodybuilders would like to lift heavier weights. Saxon himself had a great physique, especially for his time and before steroids became available. Sandow, Hackenschmidt and others of the era all had great physiques, though it was not their primary focus.
As a powerlifter, it would be easy for me to make fun of bodybuilders, but I actually admire their determination in being able to diet & get ripped.( I couldn’t do it) Using a boat load of drugs to get the desired look or the desired power has been detrimental to all the iron sports in recent history, which is why I love those old school guys. They did it the hard & honest way.
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January 12, 2010
8:09 pm
And to put the name out there again. Mariusz Pudzianowski. He’s got it all. The look, the strength, the endurance. And, he could stand on stage with the best of the bodybuilders, I think. This guy could kick someone’s ass, and look awesome doing it.
Elliott is another example; great physique, seems to be in great shape, and strong as a bull. You’re a beast Elliott.
It’s been said before, over and over, big weights build big muscles. As long as you are in there moving the weight and progressing, the muscles will follow. Dancing around like Richard Simmons isn’t going to build a brute, but that’s what some people want. And, even though Richard is a bit girl-like, he has worked hard at getting people into shape. I respect him for that.
No matter what your goals are, I am glad to see you in the the gym doing something to improve yourself. Not everyone will tear themselves away from the TV for 30 minutes to an hour.
Troy
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Jim Reply:
January 16th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Troy-
Thanks for giving Mariusz P. a nod. I think he’s the poster child for any
camp he feels like being in. At the very least, he certainly can settle this argument for anyone with the strength to click on his links.
Also, it was nice to see some cross -talk on this forum. For some reason, most posts on this forum are one person’s thoughts usually unrelated to anyone else’s.
Best to all – Jim
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January 12, 2010
11:14 pm
for you folks that wanted to read the whole book go here:
http://www.sandowplus.co.uk/Competition/Saxon/DPP/dppintro.htm
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January 12, 2010
11:31 pm
To all the pathetic walking testaments to modern male vanity out there, ask yourself the following: What’ll the dames think when you lose an arm-wrestling match to someone half your size?
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January 15, 2010
10:24 pm
Elliot,
I am siding with your Saxon’s opinion. I am in grade twelve and am (not bragging) the strongest kid in my school. I am on both wrestling and rugby teams and I’m no joke in the strength dep’t either. Although i do have a bit of a tummy, i am proud of the nicknames i have aquired at school: Gorilla Vince, Vinnie Bear. I once saw movie in kinesiology class that human femurs can hold up two little cars without snapping. It was then that i realized that humans too were made to be like wild beasts; after all we are on the top. I dont however have a problem with people working out for health and show because it is better for their health rather than going home and sitting at a computer all day. It just depends what your personal goals are. But as far as getting strong goes, YOU NEED to incorporate different methods of strongman, football, and powerlifting methods
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January 16, 2010
2:08 am
I don’t believe it has to be an one or the other arguement. I think you can have both strong fuctional muscles and be ripped.
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January 22, 2010
2:41 pm
Well, actually, some trainers believe that muscular development can take place after strength is gained since with more strength, one can train more intensively(with heavier weights and lower rep ranges). Weights that one can perform 6 to 8 reps usually require quite a lot of neuromuscular strength, which beginners may lack due to lack of conditioning. That’sone reason why I think that beginners should go for 12 to 20 rep ranges training since they probably lack the neuromuscular strength to push their muscles to the limit for lower reps. It is only after gaining sufficient neuromuscular strength then can one make great gains in muscle gains with lower rep ranges. In the mean time, higher rep ranges can be used to make some gains, though not as effective as lower rep ranges(which is more effective in both muscular development AND FAT LOSS, unlike the conventional believe that higher rep ranges burn more fat).
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January 26, 2010
9:39 pm
Right on! Like many, I’ve had my glory days in strength competitions. The only thing on my mind was getting stronger, not how much weight the next guy was doing. The only side effect was getting ripped and gaining size. Boo hoo! Focusing on yourself brings the results.
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February 11, 2010
5:12 pm
I opt for being a boy toy beast ;P
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April 19, 2010
12:10 pm
You can’t be both? I want to look good and be strong (relative to my size)
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April 19, 2010
2:26 pm
Functionality is the key for every athlete, that is, if you want to be an athlete? I am not sure most athletes want to be athletes, or just look good and get their letter jacket and get in the way of progress. I have always told teens that their worst enemy is the mirror. When you look in the mirror, it can all look good, but you start to particiapte in your sport, you find functionality is the key so the back side (which you can’t see in the mirror) is just as important as the front, that is if you want to be an athlete. Your letter jacket is in the closet after your freshman year of college anyway.
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April 19, 2010
3:37 pm
My girlfriend loves my large arms (which aren’t even that large, but I’m only 17)
However, she loves it even more seeing me lift a heavy dumbbell over head with one arm when she can’t even lift the weight off the floor with two
And even more so when I pick her off the floor and carry her upstairs
So aesthetics may help at first, but real strength is what women are really after
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April 19, 2010
4:24 pm
My vote is on being beastly boy-toys! Nuff said.
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April 19, 2010
6:55 pm
I agree with all your comments to the extent that physical development, vitality, and performance SHOULD be the most important goal for an athlete, in whatever field, instead of aesthetics. The problem is, it sounds too much like the age-old complaint of the nerd who SHOULD get all the women because he’s smarter, nicer, more sensitive [fill in your high school complaint], etc but instead, the wrestlers and the lineman get to go to the prom.
I also think it’s unfair to say bodybuilding is a sub-par or even dangerous physical pursuit. If done wrong, ANY sport is dangerous. How many powerlifters and Strongman competitors walk with a cane now, or have had multiple joint surgeries, but in their prime could literally drag a bus or bench 2 or 3 underwear models?
I can’t honestly say which women prefer- raw muscle and vitality, or the cover model for Men’s Health… and of course, different women prefer different qualities. But I will leave with this- I was the high school and college nerd who couldn’t get dates other than with the rejects, even later when I was an engineer with 3 graduate degrees and could speak 5 languages… I was an amateur powerlifter with respectable stats but 25% bodyfat. Then, I went to law school, doubled my income, started bodybuilding for aesthetics reasons, and the story ended happily. I was the same person but I changed the exterior.
So yeah, we SHOULD all strive for raw animal strength and balanced functional musculature, and that SHOULD be preferred by everyone, men or women, but come on, be honest- who gets picked for the action movie roles and muscle magazines? The Neanderthal or the “6-pack abs and biceps” guy?
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leanhybr Reply:
April 20th, 2010 at 12:57 am
Thanks Jay, interesting point of view. I enjoyed reading it.
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April 19, 2010
8:13 pm
I will be turning 67 in 10 days. however I am told i look 50, why because i have muscles and every body thinks i am a bodybuilder. i inform them that i am a weight lifter. they ask me about the muscles,i tell them i enjoy lifting heavy weights and the muscles come as a bonus. my muscles are mot for show. I AM A BEAST.
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April 20, 2010
1:45 am
I am neither beast or boy-toy, as it is the SPIRIT of a man that sustains him. And as for women, they are looking for gentle defenders of home. Someone faithful, tender and a leader.
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April 20, 2010
1:46 am
I absolutely agree with Arthur Saxon. Nowadays I see so many men just sit there flexing in the mirror looking at their biceps and triceps yet they are weak. They boast about how they have this size chest or there arms are that many inches meanwhile they lift like little girls.
I truely believe that one should train for power, strength, agility, balance, coordination, and possess the skills of an athlete. In my own training I use barbells, dumbells, bands, kettlebells, bodyweight, and sandbags. I train for power and strength, not only for one rep either.
That is another thing is that people are so obsessed with their one rep max. While it is a good thing to test everyone once in a while, why don’t they crank up the intensity and try to do more, with 85% of that one rep max in less time.
I know I am ranting but I work in one of those chain gyms as a trainer and is digusts me. People do not care about anything but losing their gut and boasting about their measurements. The truth is if you train hard to posess the prowess of an athlete then your physique will follow. Lets be honest those ancient greek statues were not of pretty, skinny jean wearing wannabes, they were of real men with real capabilities. I personally feel that men should not be wearing skinny jeans anyway, or should I say should not be able to wear skinny jeans.
Again sorry for my ranting but today’s culture and society is radily falling apart. Both in the physical realm and the mental realm. Everyone looks for the easy way out and hardwork is taboo. I just love the old training methods and I think they work great.
Thank you for you time.
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leanhybr Reply:
April 20th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Hey Sean, I agree about the skinny jeans….haha great rant, we love it! Mike
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Creedence Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Hey guys, I don’t think Saxon was meaning that we have to choose between the two. The old strength authors always asked us, if you can squat 400 or 500 pounds, will you still look skinny? Chances are, you will not appear so. Saxon was saying that focusing strength and overall athletic ability will make your muscles follow along. Taking a look at strength athletes, it seems pretty clear that their muscles followed along too.
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Chad Reply:
May 25th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
U are so right!!!! I wish I could go back and live in a better time before we became lazy
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April 20, 2010
11:25 am
I struggle with both sides personally wanting to be strong as possible and try to maintain some kind of physique. I can say though the first time I deadlifted 500# that was one of the best feelings I have had weightlifting.I have a 800# tire thats sitting out all the time and It always shocks me when my friends are over how few can pick It up or are just afraid to even try. Strength Is and always will be the most Important factor In all of are lives, Not only to complete household type of tasks, shoveling driveways ,building fences,changing car/truck tires etc. but keeping us standing strait and tall and maintaining good balance as we age. I personally have also wasted too much time with bicep curls and lightweight benchpresses but I have found a better path.
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April 20, 2010
11:43 pm
What a lot of people don’t realize is that Saxon was 5’11, weight at most 210 pounds, and could put over 300 lbs above his head with one hand.
He was not fat, he didn’t look bad at all. But he was a power athlete and not a model like Eugene Sandow, who was also really strong.
I think the key is to be strong and relatively lean. Then you will always look good and be able to back it up when it counts.
So lift heavy, do your conditioning, and eat food that isn’t manufactured.
Lastly, I read that book and it is sick. The feats of strength that guy performed were unreal. He and his brothers trained 4 hours day every day. So don’t complain that 30 minutes three times a day isn’t making you an animal.
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April 21, 2010
1:18 am
I at once both agree and disagree. Before you judge me as some half ass fence sitter, let me explain:
I’m an artist. Aesthetics are important to me, ridiculously so. I think a person should look good. And you know what, it’s fun to look so good you turn heads just by walking by a group of ladies. But looking good isn’t my only motivation to work out.
I’ve also seen lots of people who in the interest of looking great have injured themselves. But I’ve seen just as many men, if not more, who’s only motivation is to be the strongest, or best at whatever sport that have irreparably damaged their bodies in that pursuit.
Personally, my motivation is more than just skin deep. I think exercise should be a balancing act, with strong motivation to both look good, and be strong, and have great stamina, and be healthy, because too much focus on any one area seems to be what gets a person in trouble.
I think that Saxon’s outlook is a little too simplified, but I think that the principle to “let the muscles take care of themselves” is sound, after all, if you’re workout is set up right, you’re going to achieve strength, health, and look pretty good.
So why be either an animal or boy toy? I’d rather be a both, you know, like a teddy bear, only stuffed with rocks instead of fluff.
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April 22, 2010
3:18 am
Im also in both boats because, I want to be the best baller I can be, but there is nothing I love more than a killer workout, where at the end you have nothing left you’ve given everything and your done. but at the same time I want to look good, have the well sculpted body, while being a beast and isnt that what leanhybrid is all about being a beast while cutting away the fat and developing that all so elusive body, while developing strength that cant be matched?
So I think there is a place for both not just and either or.
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April 24, 2010
5:38 pm
I agree Elliot that muscle with no strength is useless. That’s why I love your style of training.
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April 29, 2010
7:35 am
You have to be a time-traveler!!! Ha! Ha! Ha! Great find!
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May 24, 2010
5:25 am
Well…
I think… it’s good to be able to turn heads and bend the crowbar at the same time.
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May 25, 2010
3:40 pm
Ok I’m w u Elliot, I’m only 25 but been told my entire life I was from the past becuase I still admire and take after my grandfather and his old ways(respect towards other, respect of women, etc..) I don care what I look like a long as I feel good. I like being ruff an tough, not shaving for a few days, not doin any w my hair, just enjoying being my cowboy self(as my wife says). The guys who are the “pretty boys” sorry but when things go bad you guys are always first to run so u don’t mess up your hair, and then the real man steps up and handles the situation…that’s just how I’ve seen it in my life.
Keep up w/ all the great info and all u do for us Elliot.
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June 22, 2010
1:42 pm
AWESOME!!!
Mr. Saxon was definitely my kind of trainer. I have been campaigning tirelessly to instill this type of attitude in people who train, including athletes, and it’s good to read the opinion of a legend like Arthur Saxon and know that we’re on the same team.
DROC
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June 25, 2010
12:08 am
Beasts. EOM
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July 17, 2010
3:24 pm
If I have to pick I choose being a beast. It enables me to fight fires, occaisionally fight men, and to most importantly do so succesfully. I found my beutiful wife without much trouble.
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July 18, 2010
6:19 pm
Training the other week with some friends,one 110kg gym built(with the aid of some gear), one 125kg(clean) athlete,one 80kg athlete, one 95kg strong man and me, 78kg former kickboxer(at 44, the oldest of our litle posse).The strong man suggested we warm up by pushing and pulling hir Toyota HiLux. I didnt know if I could do it, but did, 50m each way! We all did.The gym built indidvidual ws on his back after it, throwing up. Dont get me wrong, we were all a little shot! We wnet round to the park, got out the tyres and sled and started some flipping, dragging and pulling. Eventually the Gym arrived and joined in about 25 minutes later.
He learned a good lesson, he has changed his training and hopes to make those muscles be able to move, for more than 30 seconds, together, as a body rather than as bodyparts, or for some sets.
Bodybuilding training has its place, but needs to be integrated with other more functional training methods.It could be used as a lighter day, in between the more stressfull athletic type of training.
That should generate soem feedback!
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July 29, 2010
10:46 pm
I’ can’t stop looking at myself it helps me keep going everytime I see a new vein
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August 31, 2010
10:27 pm
we should do both.
we should do exercises that makes us immeasurably strong and then do exercises that boost our muscle growth, making it match the strength that we possess.
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September 24, 2010
11:22 am
great article.i love this old school stuff.it’s just as relevant today in the world we live in.train for function and the muscles will look after themselves is a great philosophy.i also agree with troy though that mariusz pudzianowski is the ultimate role model-he has everything.
keep up the great work elliott-you have amazing knowledge and communicate so effectively and easily.you have a great energy about you.i love these emails i’ve been getting from you recently as i always learn something new.
i’m a big fan of yours,and i’d love to meet you and train with you in person one day.
justin from south wales
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September 27, 2010
3:25 am
Hey there you old,ugly barbarian, you! It’s the Old School, Grumpy Iron Worker from ‘down under’ here, how’s it going? Well, the only thing I can say about the boy toys is that at least they are working out, as opposed to the masses who are either emaciated joggers/cyclists or fat couch potatoes… But, as you say, screw the undie models who aside from aesthetics don’t have anything to give because it’s all show and no go. What is the point of it if they can’t lift anything heavier than a hairdryer? Pathetic. Like driving a Ferrari with a Volkswagen Beetle engine in it. I saw an old school Ferrari Testarossa the other day. Awesome! It was in great condition, and the sound of that engine as he took off from the corner… sweet. All go, not just show. I ASPIRE TO BE A BEAST!!
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September 27, 2010
3:43 am
I agree with Sue “what is the point of someone with awesome aesthetics who can’t DO anything?” And while we are on the subject of women… the kind of women who are shallow enough to be impressed by shallow guys who are show n no go are probably airhead barbie dolls anyhow. My lovely wife likes my muscles but hates the huge pumped up look of body builders. I tell her that as I’m not a steroid user and I train differently I won’t look like that. She loves me for my kindness and caring nature. My functional strength allows me to do things around the house and help others such as my parents and in laws who suffer bad health. Also, she knows I’ll defend her and CAN do so.My wife rolls her eyes at the pretty boy types.
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November 5, 2010
5:09 pm
Great post Elliot!
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February 16, 2011
3:42 am
This is an awesome post, and everyday I read your blog I like you better and better. I guess I would be in between what your post is saying, straddling the fence. I train like a power lifter, I do my bench,squats, and deadlifts every week. these are the most important things to me. I always get the deadlift platform anytime I go to the gym, because nobody does them except me, just about. I have only seen one other person lift more than me on the deadlift at the gym, and he was over 50lbs heavier than me. I seem to be good at that lift, but I know their are a millions more that can lift heavier than me, and I am humble about it. I lift heavy, low reps, not much to failure until recently. The other side of me is that I wear my true religion jeans and sport a faux hawk and wear my oakley’s when I leave. I enjoy having a rough six-pack and am considered “lean” by many, but could do to lose another 10lbs of fat for that defined sixer. I train hard and have the old school approach to do it, but I know how important image is and how I choose to sport it. So I would say that I am a true “hybrid”
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leanhybr Reply:
February 16th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
seth, you sound like out friend Ryan… he is strong as hell but dresses like a weird pretty boy from the 80s’, with spiked hair LOL
Keep going heavy man!!
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April 3, 2011
5:06 pm
I enjoy all types of muscles on both sexes.. I can appreciate the hard work that goes into it. Even if there is a little PMS with it. Strong men are attractive as are strong women. Every sport has its ideal body type. We are so lucky to be able to have the best of both. Thanks to people like you who impart their knowledge on us. Definition and strength( useable strength) are available to all willing to work for it. But to be quiet honest all muscle gets a thumbs ups from me. Hard work should always be appreciated.
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April 5, 2011
9:04 pm
I am 45 years old and I want to say “Old Man Strength” that is were it is at in time the muscles get puffy but true strength like flat bench dumbells the 120′s for 8 to 10 that says it all.
Jim
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April 10, 2011
5:04 pm
there’s a difference between muscle I can actually use and muscles that are just there for show.I’m 5’8,weigh 184lbs and I squat 530lbs for 5 reps.I’d rather have power and strength than look like some pretty boy who has muscle he can’t even use outside of being a model
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April 11, 2011
10:16 am
Hi!
After juglary of weight, we are engaging in juglary of words. Is aesthetics and viogur are not the faces of the same coin. How can one say that the workout for aesthetics does not yield powe or vice versa.
At the age of 60, I look forward for aesthetics and not for great power, if you think that they are not the faces of same coin and they are two different coins by themselves
But the introduction makes good reading.
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April 12, 2011
1:55 am
I strive to be a beast! I want the power and the strength more than a six pack and a huge chest and biceps. It doesnt matter. I love Elliot’s strength training and I am starting mma classes to be a fighter. And luckily for me I have a good metabolism so typically along with strength comes that great body usually. As Yoda said, “Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is”
The Force, aka strength and raw power matters nore than size.
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April 18, 2011
3:51 pm
I’m more on the athletic approach, so double thumbs up for this article!
Having greater strength is just more practical rather then just focusing on the aesthetic. I’m smaller than most bodybuilders around me but definitely MORE faster and stronger than them! Hah!
Heh… I would love to have a copy of that book. Anyone has it?
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