I wanted to explore a concept that comes up over and over on the forum…that of isolation exercises. Many point out the weaknesses of Bodybuilding because of such a focus on isolation exercises, and making puffy muscles and such. I have been giving this a lot of thought because of my background in the big three powerlifts, but also my bodybuilding training. I wonder if all the criticism is fair…or at least a fair criticisim for true bodybuilders. I say that because in any sport you will find the serious, and masses who fool around in a sport, maybe do it for years, but are never really commited. I don’t think it is fair to judge KB training based on the average joe who trains with KB’s. Many have improper form, or due it because it is the latest craze, but most likely don’t really know how to train. I think this forum represents the elite of the KB sport, and likley does not represent the average KB’er who has a video at home, or trains in LA to firm up their bum.
Now, the average guy who says he is bodybuilding may develop some muscle and some strength, but does this make him a bodybuilder? Is it fair to judge all bodybuilding, and lifts based on what most guys do in a health club?
I know this is long winded, but hopefully it will make sense in the end. I have trained with regional level competitors, some National level competitors, and even a pro. I have also trained with bodybuilders who were Div 1 Football players. Myself….and to a man/woman these folks trained like animals. They handled huge weights that would crush most of us here. Now, I am not saying they were all clean…some were, some were not, but they trained with violence. I’ve seen feets of strength that would make elite powerlifters proud. These folks did not focus on dumbell kickbacks, concentration curls or the use of a Nautilus machine. They deadlifted, squated, rowed, benched, T-bar rowed, Military pressed, Clean and Jerked and such. Now I know these guys were highl level fellas….but the second tier guys who competed, or had aspirations trained the same way.
Point number one…bodybuilders….real bodybuilders are big strong people who use basic exercises. They are not just after big purty muscles, they want to be strong, they train with rage, and want to be strong just like us here.
Point number two….Isolation exercises are not used much by bodybuilders….real bodybuilders much at all. If they do, it is likely to attack a weak muscle group, or in contest prep.
Point number three….how many isolation exercises are there? Are barbell curls? Ever seen guys doing sets with greater then 135lbs….how about 185….Not much is not working during those sets. Full body tension….you bet. How about tricep extensions with a bar overhead with 125 lb’s or more…all muscle groups are in play. Most exercises involve lots of muscle groups and full body tension…just like in KB’s. There are isolation exercises, but most of them need a machine, and most real bodybuilders do not focus on them…and if they do, it is likley at the end of the workout when fatigued by doing big complex movements.
What I am getting at here is that I think real bodybuilding gets a bit of a bad rap here for the use of isolation exercises, or being big without being strong, or being puffy but not strong…..I don’t buy it….not for the guys who really train.
This is not to judge bodybuilding as superior as I think most people are overtrained, or need drugs to keep up the torid pace that most keep. I think it lacks in the "fluid" full body movements, or rythmic movements under tension that KB’s can offer. I think a bodybuilder would improve greatly by mixing in some KB work….it would be a great adjuct to reaching their goals.
Anyway, I think it is something to consider before casting aspersions on our bodybuilding brethren.
AI
