BTB's Lifting Truth-o-meter

[BendtheBar]

I thought I would share my rule for dealing with training knowledge.

If a claim is made that such-and-such is required/necessary/maximal for growth/strength, yet there are 2 bajillion lifters who made gains without using this principle/item/technique/supplement, then it's not necessary at all. It might be a valid approach, but it's not needed.

For example...

"10 seconds negatives are the golden key to amazing muscle gains!"

...yet 50 batrillion lifters who are massive and strong have never used slow negatives.

Therefore, it may be a valid approach, but it is not a needed approach.

Another example....

"Getting stronger is required for muscle growth."

Do you know of any massive, muscular lifters who only bench 180? I don't. In fact, I don't know any that bench under 280.

I think it's safe to say that most every massive bodybuilder, natural or not, has a relatively impressive amount of strength.

Therefore, this is a valid statement because all of our 2 bajillion lifters are strong.

[BendtheBar]

So, let us begin...

Creatine necessary?

No.

[BendtheBar]

Mentzer's Heavy Duty...

No.

[BendtheBar]

Heavy compound lifts....

Yes.

[sneezingstardust]

Heyyy...I like my 10-second negatives on hammies from time to time It's great for a burn-out!! But not necessary, you're right.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by sneezingstardust

Heyyy...I like my 10-second negatives on hammies from time to time It's great for a burn-out!! But not necessary, you're right.

Yah, this rule is more for protecting people against "you must" statements. Part of the fun of lifting is personalizing training to your likes and needs. We all do a lot of things that aren't needed per se. But this methods DO provide results.

And obviously some methods are better then other for most people - Westside being one of the best systems for powerlifters - but to say that Westside is required for strength gains would be a false statement. There are plenty of strong non-Westside lifters.

[Shaolinkiwi]

Protein shakes

.......?

I'd like to think they are recommend but with a high protein diet, probably not necessary.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Shaolinkiwi

Protein shakes

.......?

I'd like to think they are recommend but with a high protein diet, probably not necessary.

I would say not necessary, but they sure are darn convenient and save me $$$.

But to say they are needed for growth...I would say no.

[Shaolinkiwi]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I would say not necessary, but they sure are darn convenient and save me $$$.

But to say they are needed for growth...I would say no.

Agree - It's all about convenience. I'm not going to spend all my time in the kitchen making protein sandwiches

Also the same with

Multi Vitamins

[Donkeypuncher]

Cardio

No. Now where's the worm-can opener?