In Conversation with Blair Wilson: Making a success of HIT
Mentored by co-author of Body By Science John Little, Blair Wilson, owner of MedX Precision Fitness, probably couldn’t have had a better introduction to HIT. We spoke to Blair to find out what it takes to succeed in the niche world of High Intensity Training. When Blair was 16 years old, he had to have shoulder surgery due to accumulated strain from rugby, hockey, water-skiing and other athletic endeavours he was involved with. It was a case of “over use” rather than a momentous injury; and in retrospect it was a lucky situation that led Blair to start working …
Read MoreFirst Workout of the Year
I just recently had my first formal workout of the New Year… on January 24th to be exact. This is likely a little later on in the year than many of you, and certainly later than the New Year Resolutioners, who have been populating the gyms during the early weeks of 2015. From Christmas up till January 23rd, I had only engaged in physical activities for fun and/or relaxation: daily walks and a bicycle ride once or twice a week. I find those activities fun or relaxing, they refresh me physically and mentally, and in the case of cycling I …
Read MoreMMF better than RP: Strength and Body Composition Results (part 3)
The first two posts relating to this piece of research (The effects of low volume resistance training with and without advanced techniques in trained participants. Jürgen Giessing, James Fisher, James Steele, Frank Rothe, Kristin Raubold, Björn Eichmann) looked at the reasons we consider this research paper to be of value, the exercise protocols used and the differences in protocol between the three groups (ssRM, ssMMF and ssRP). In this post, we will look at how the researchers gathered the data and the actual results of the study in detail and we will take a look at the conclusions that can …
Read MoreMomentary Muscular Failure better than Repetition Maximum: Protocol Differences (part 2)
Last week, I wrote about a new piece of exercise research (The effects of low volume resistance training with and without advanced techniques in trained participants), and what makes this research valuable. I covered aspects such as the basic protocol that the three groups performed and the similarities between the specific exercise routines performed by each group. In this post, I want to discus how the protocols studied, differed between the groups – in effect what is it that the research actually looks at and provides data about. Remember that the three groups were: ssRM: individuals in this group performed a single set to (self-determined) Repetition …
Read MoreMomentary Muscular Failure better than Repetition Maximum: Methodology and Participants (Part 1)
A new and exciting paper on resistance training titled, “The effects of low volume resistance training with and without advanced techniques in trained participants” has recently been published by Minerva Medica. Researchers include: Jürgen Giessing, James Fisher, James Steele, Frank Rothe, Kristin Raubold and Björn Eichmann. This a paper that will prove to be of great interest to personal trainers and those involved with or who partake in resistance training, strength training and exercise in general. Let’s see why now. Key findings The researchers found that single sets taken to MMF produced better results in strength and hypertrophy for …
Read MoreWhen A Client Demonstrates Unsafe Exercise Performance
At HITuni, we encourage standards of exercise instruction and application that aim to minimize the risks of any injury occurring during exercise. These measures include: selecting biomechanically correct exercises suitable for the client; using appropriate equipment choices; and teaching the client to be in complete control of the load they are using throughout exercise (which in turn results in cadences that minimize excessive force), amongst other performance points. These standards are not promoted for the sake of wanting to be seen to take a stand on the issues of exercise performance and safety. They are there for a reason: to protect …
Read More25 Frequently Asked Questions About High Intensity Training
In this article, I want to share 25 of the most frequently asked questions about High Intensity Training (HIT). I often get clients or friends asking these questions and over the years, I found the following answers to be effective in explaining HIT and resolving any resistance or confusion people have – especially those new to this type of exercise, or people who haven’t read Body By Science – might have. I’ll often start out by explaining that HIT is a specific approach to exercise that stimulates the body to produce total fitness results including: hypertrophy, strength, cardiovascular improvement, flexibility enhancement and bone mineral …
Read MoreAnnouncing the release of our Newest Course: CPD HIT
We are delighted to announce the launch of our latest course CPD HIT: our Continuing Professional Development Certification in High Intensity Resistance Exercise. Keep reading to the bottom of the post to learn about our special summer offer on both of our available courses. Who Is CPD HIT For? CPD HIT is primarily designed for already qualified Personal Trainers and Gym Instructors. We also welcome individuals with a qualification that included the study of fundamental anatomical and physiological principles. This effectively opens our CPD HIT course to those of you who may be professionals in other health related disciplines …
Read MoreHigh Intensity Resistance Training and HRV Observations: A Beginner’s Guide to HRV (part 3)
The first part of “The Beginners Guide to HRV“, covered a general overview of Heart Rate Variability. The second part expanded on that information by exploring the available HRV apps, what they actually measure and how to take your own readings. In this third and final part, I will share with you my experience of using HRV data to track response to High Intensity Resistance Exercise (HIT). We will cover some of the personal observations I have made including, how my HRV typically responds to a HIT workout, unusual responses and warning signs, and whether HRV recovery tracks with muscular …
Read MoreUnderstanding and Using HRV Technology for Exercise: A Beginner’s Guide to HRV (part 2)
In the first part of “The Beginners Guide to HRV“, we looked at a general overview of Heart Rate Variability and how tracking our own HRV has the potential to guide our workouts, specifically high intensity of effort resistance training (HIT) workouts. In the second part, I want to expand on that premise and look at the practicalities of tracking and using HRV data in this context. This is where the rubber meets the road. HRV apps A quick look at Wikipedia reveals that the HRV app market has expanded pretty quickly over the last few years, with …
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