From: nml@hq.lcs.mit.edu (Newton Loui)
Subject: Re: Power Burst Training System
Organization: MIT Laboratory for Computer Science
	<hakzd+@rpi.edu>
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 19:27:40 GMT

Hi Ron (et al.), this is Newton.

It's a good thing I read your follow-up all the way to the end before
responding (after this let's just do e-mail, O.K.?)  I knew I was
opening up myself to comments from people all over the net who know
better. 8-)

In article <hakzd+@rpi.edu> cecchinr@berra.cs.rpi.edu (Ron Cecchini)
writes:
 >In article <NML.92Sep29123441@hq.lcs.mit.edu> nml@hq.lcs.mit.edu (Newton Loui) writes:
 >
 >[stuff deleted]
 >
 >>I ordered and used the Bulgarian Power Burst Training System from
 >>March to August of 1990.  Just to give some examples of strength gains
 >>I experienced:
 >>
 >>Exercise       Beg.   Max.   End	
 >>=======        ====== =====  ======
 >>squat          80x10	        135x6	
 >>bench press    80x10  135x5  125x6	 
 >>close grip     80x10  115x8		 
 >>incline BB prs 50x12   95x5   95x10
 >>behind neck    35x10   65x10  75x6	 
 >>BB curl        45x12          75x5	 
 >>tricep pressdn 45x12  130x6  100x10
 >>bentover row   80x12  115x8		
 >>calf press     70x10  400x8  250x12  don't know if sled was included
 >>DB shrug       30x12   55x8   50x12
 >>BB shrug       50x12  135x10 145x8
 >>
 >>Of course, I list my most spectacular gains. 8-)
 >
 >[stuff deleted ]
 >
 >Um, Newton, I really don't want to take away from you accomplishments,
 >and I applaud your efforts - but some of the figures you've listed don't
 >jibe with the rest.  And when I use the word "only", don't get 
 >offended - but the word makes sense in the context of what I have
 >to say.

Well, my upper body is *definitely* weaker than my lower body and I
have not yet chosen to remedy that situation yet.

 >I guess the thing that really confuses me is that you list your bench
 >press max at "only" 135X5 (probably about a 175X1 max) - and you list 
 >that you can BB curl "only" 75 for 5 - but *THEN* you say that you can
 >do tricep pressdowns with 130 for 6!  You also say that you squat "only"
 >135 for 6 - but you can do calf presses with 400 for 8 !!!

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'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-(

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.

 >Now, not to toot my horn or anything, but I can bench 280 (for 1) and
 >curl 105 for a few reps - but I'll be damned if I can even come *close*
 >to 130 for 6 on pressdowns!  Hell, the highest I ever went up to was
 >110 or 120 for a few not-so-strict (read: with a little cheat) reps.
 >Using strict form, I don't really go over a 100 for like 6-7 reps.
 >
 >And on legs, I can squat 315 for 6 - but on calf presses I have yet
 >to even do 8 reps with just 300 - and you're cranking out 8 with 400!
 >

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-)

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

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.

 >Just commenting - not flaming...
 >
 >Ron

'Nuff said.

nml

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+ Newton Loui     Senior Staff Assistant - MIT LCS/AI Lab Reading Room +
+ nml@lcs.mit.edu	           personal ANALOG assistant           +
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+ "You're just a temp.  I'm a full-time person; I'm going to be here   +
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