From: cecchinr@gehrig.cs.rpi.edu (Ron Cecchini)
Subject: Re: Power Burst Training System
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 21:39:54 GMT

Hi, I'll respond here because, for whatever reason, my mail program
is a little screwed up and it doesn't let me edit my messages.  I'll
delete as much as possible...

In article <NML.92Sep30142740@hq.lcs.mit.edu> nml@hq.lcs.mit.edu (Newton Loui) writes:

[stuff deleted]

>I'm not really sure what is causing your confusion.  I didn't do one
>rep max's or one set only.  I did about 3 to 5 sets of heavy weight -
>the way the manual explained to me.  The weights I list are the
>starting weights from when I *first* (first day, first set) started
>lifting on the system, the heaviest I could lift during one of the
>"micro-period" phases, and when I eventually had to stop using the
>system (last day, last set).  BTW, the manual doesn't specify weights
>or reps or exercises to use, just examples.

I understand that - but still, some of the numbers didn't seem right.

>I'm not sure why my curl weight is confusing you.  I don't agree with
>the thought that because I can bench press a certain weight, then I
>*should* be able to curl another certain weight.  I am not symmetrical
>or proportionate in either my strength or physical appearance ...
>yet.8-)  BTW, I tried the Bio-Phase Feedback System - it does this -
>and I developed an intense and prejudiced dislike for it.  >8-(

Well, I can see that now.  Hey, I understand that not everyone is
the same.  And like I said yesterday - I'm not trying to cut you
down or anything.  What is confusing me is that your bench (whatever
weight it is) isn't significantly greater than your pressdown weight.
The fact is, though it ain't one of those proveable kind of facts,
is that if you can do 6 pressdowns with 130, then you should be able
to bench a significantly greater amount of weight.  Offhand, I would
say somewhere twice as much.

And, if you can do 6 pressdowns with 130, then without a doubt you should
be able to curl more weight for more reps.  But you say that you're a
little disproportionate.  I guess I just found it odd that your triceps
could be *so* much stronger than you biceps...

>As for triceps pressdowns, I don't know - just look at the percentage
>189% increase in weight [I know it's *not* mathematically correct].  I
>just went by what was stamped on the weight stacks.  Different
>stations have different mechanical advantages based on the pulley
>system.  I just used the same station for consistency.

That is true, that different machines have "different mechanical advantages",
but given the fact that you say that you used the same machine for 
consistency reinforces my point.

[stuff deleted]

>As for my calves - I did calf presses on an incline leg press with 4
>45lb. plates on each side, plus some more weight (I still don't
>remember whether or not I included the weight of the sled).  I did
>slow reps, all the way down until the platform was past my heels and
>all the way up onto my toes.  It's a good thing I didn't include in my
>posting that I did 180x8 standing calf presses while "only" doing
>135x6 squats.  What can I say - you know these Asians with their
>genetically-huge calves?  8-)

...must be...

>I never looked at my records - sort of defeats the purpose of keeping
>records - and made comparisons until now.

Sometimes you have to learn the hard way (like when Adam almost ripped
my arm off...)

>Whatever.  All I know is that I enjoyed the way I looked then and look
>now.  I would not trade in the feeling I experienced when I was able
>to squat 135 lbs. for 6 reps (or bench 135 lbs. for 5 reps or do
>standing calf raises at 180 lbs. for 8 reps or do calf presses at 400
>lbs. for 8 reps or barbell shrug 135 lbs. for 10 reps) for [almost]
>any other feeling.  Can't beat the satisfaction of putting those
>45-pound plates on a bar and being able to lift it.  Just being able
>to put 45lb. plates on a bar and know I can lift it makes me feel in
>the same league with you "big boys."  AND, hearing some "big boys" at
>the gym comment on the weight I lifted with my calves did me good to
>no end!  [Yes, I did re-stack the weights - a workout in itself.]
>
>I worked out at Gold's Gym for about a year.  Now I just work out at
>home with a power rack, but I still enjoy lifting.  Though I may be a
>hardgainer and may not be a "bodybuilder," I still pump iron and enjoy
>doing it.

Thats great, and keep pumpin'!

Ron
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