Open Thread: Week 21

No time like the present.

John Beavers:

The Biggest Loser finale is this week. What are your thoughts on these weight loss reality shows?

John,

My initial thought is the transformations of the contestants are fascinatingly impressive. It’s been a long while since I’ve seen an episode, but I watched a season with my family years back. In some ways, it was inspiring. In one particular regard, it was downright depressing. If you’ve been following the blog, you know how I feel about focusing on weight loss over the way our bodies feel moving around. Here’s an excerpt from a post from January:

Despite concerns about an obesity epidemic, there is growing evidence that our obsession about weight as a primary measure of health may be misguided.

In short, scales tell only a portion of the tale.

Frankly, I’d be more inclined to watch a reality show focused on second language acquisition, but I’d probably be the only viewer.

Thanks for the question,

Kap

Grant:

College baseball player here, with two questions.

1. Did you change your workout routine at all during the season? If not what adjustments do you make in-season?
2. Can you still gain weight during season?

I have been doing your 5 X 5 routine along with some of my own exercises and have been enjoying it. Attempted to gain some weight this off season, but only able to put on a couple pounds even with consistent lifting. I feel my biggest problem was not eating enough calories, but I physically just couldn’t eat anymore.

Thanks, Grant.

I rarely changed my workout routine during the season, and that’s likely why I was always over-trained and tore muscles when I played. If I could go back and do it all over, I’d cut back on the volume of my baseball skills training and do fewer reps under the bar to optimize for recovery and health. Live and learn.

Yes, one can still gain weight during the season. However, I’d challenge your motive for gaining weight over acquiring power. Weight gain is meaningless without the ability to apply the mass. I suggest shifting focus to healthy, flexible, strong, explosive muscles and throw your scale away.

Keep us posted,

Kap

Jonah:

I am in the same exact position as Grant. As a college baseball player, I am wondering how you adjusted your training when you were in season. I want to keep pushing myself and improving, but I know that rest is important particularly with baseball activities increasing. Any ideas on in season work outs would be great–lifting, plyos, sprints, etc.

Jonah,

You sprint in most games, so I wouldn’t focus my attention on adding volume there. You perform a plyo every time you swing or throw at full force, so I wouldn’t spend energy in that sandbox either.

Keep it simple. Try the 5 x 5 routine:

Monday

• Warm up
• Squats
• Overhead presses
• Deadlifts

Wednesday

• Warm up
• Squats
• Bench presses
• Bent over rows

Friday

• Warm up
• Squats
• Overhead presses
• Deadlifts

Strong Mind,

Kap

The floor is now open to you.