Welcome to the 25th edition of our weekly open thread. Let’s get started.
Zach opens:
Do you have alternative exercises that fit into the 5×5 if you don’t have access to a squat rack or bench? For various reasons, the only gym I can get to has a handful of machines and free weights (limited to 50lbs), but I still want to get the same benefits as the traditional 5×5 with squats, deadlifts, etc. What about resistance bands?
Zach,
Uh oh, I’m sensing a lack of resourcefulness on your part. Not that I’m judging, because you know we don’t do that around here, but I’m sure you’ve perused this post about finding gyms? What about this one about building one?
If, for some reason, there truly is no workaround, I’m not sure a 5 rep workout is for you. Because the 5 x 5 is most effective when incrementally adding weight over time, and because it sounds like you don’t have equipment to hold said weight, perhaps an alternative form of training will hit the spot for you?
I believe in getting outside to train. Additionally, I do appreciate the occasional session without gym equipment. Take a peek at this post for some ideas.
Strong mind,
Kap
Just want to say as a lifelong Dodger fan I’m excited to have you in our front office. My question: what do you think is one of the biggest obstacles to developing players that are mentally ready for the big leagues?
Ryan,
Thanks for the prompt. Let’s strip out specifics and muse philosophically.
I believe that the development of athletes is intimately connected to development of human beings. Honing attributes like resourcefulness, adaptability, flexibility, communication skills, accountability and more is immeasurably important and valuable, whether you’re in uniform or not.
Imagine an athlete struggling with a mechanical issue. If that individual is equipped to navigate the world generally, they’re logically going to be better at managing a specific issue as well. Inevitably, they’ll practice trial and error, research, use all the tools at their disposal, ask questions and have minds well armored to tackle their necessary adjustment.
The concept of being mentally ready for the big leagues is nebulous one. Attempting to crystallize it, though admirable, may not be our best approach. Instead, we can optimize to strengthen the mind and soul relentlessly and with fearless abandon, trusting that (at minimum) a more powerful human being is definitionally in a better position to capitalize on their athletic gifts.
Strong mind,
Kap
Leave your thoughts below. All topics are fair game; hit me with whatever is on your mind.
Matt says
Enjoy your site Kap. Curious if you ever posted a follow up to the idea of “1-rep, rest 30-seconds, repeat” workouts for baseball players? It seemed an inefficient workout to me, but wondering if you found any useful data on it?
Thanks
Matt
Ian says
Gabe,
I know you are an advocate of the 5×5 workout. I also understand consistency is the best way to go with our workout routine. Having said that, would you be open to trying something new? The Paval Tsatsouline Russian Bear workout. This workout can include all of the same lifts in the 5X5, but done in a different sequence. Let us take the Squat-Bench-Row Routine. You would take your five rep max of each, do it 1×5. Rest 2-5 min.Then decrease 90%, 1×5. Rest 2-3 min. Then do 80% of 5rm 1×5. Rest 30seconds and repeat the 80% 1×5 until form would suffer. It is good for about 10 sets per workout. Thoughts?
Bryan says
Love how the Dodgers are finally going organic with their meals. Keep up the good work.
Msquared says
With the 5×5, do you worry that your body will “learn” the routine and become stagnant?…Or do you feel that the addition of weight keeps the body from adapting?
John Sgromolo says
Kap,
One of your close friends and former coaches I believe was my manager my first year in the AZL with the Dodgers, Matt Martin. I believe you both share a ton of the same values about mindfulness. After my playing career, I have been able to take these tactics to my coaching career and I know the Dodgers organization will be better for your plan. In your mind, what is the best way to help young players realize that this game is to be played under control? Are there any tactics that you use with young players to control self doubt? Being calm and explosive? Would love to hear from you. Go Dodgers!
-John Sgromolo
Chris says
Kap,
Did you ever regret anything you did during a “bench clearing brawl” as its called (but not accurately worded in most cases). It’s easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment, but do you believe that in those instances in your career you were truly backing up your teammates?