Well it’s that time again to let everybody into my “thoughts”. As I have stated in the past these thoughts are not restricted to Training but rather to anything which I feel I would like to share or if I just want to rant for a while….

1. Seems bench pressing is basically an international past time but do we not think that people should finally figure out how to bench properly. Now there are an awful lot of points we could address from foot placement to grip to range of motion, however, the point I would like to raise is that of the spine. The human body has spent tens of thousands of years evolving to have a curve in the spine right? Well in that case can anybody please explain why I see so many people in the gym flatten their back against the gym and actually protract their scapula  to put themselves in the weakest position they could be!!!! Arch baby arch!!!!

   Plenty of these in most gyms

2. Your training modality must match what your intended goal is. For instance a female hoping to compete in her first physique competition this autumn should not be spending endless hours on a spinning bike but rather in the gym doing some quality resistance work.
3. For those of you new to training or even new to training other people you have to understand the concept of progression. You have to build a base of support first and then everything moves up from here… and yes this does mean having adequate levels of aerobic fitness.
4. If you are currently mid-season (athletics maybe) it is vitally important that you continue to hit the gym. Your program should be tapered and peaked to allow for maximum results. I mean think about it when you need to be your strongest and most powerful you stop training and lose a proportion of the training effect you have worked so hard in the off-season for?
5. Please don’t be false! People see straight through it and believe it or not it annoys most people. You DO NOT have to jump on someone as they enter the facility just say hello and make conversation if they want it after all the gym is a place where a lot of people go to get away from the daily grind not to be annoyed!
6. I’m coming around to the thinking that the way to go is with a silent gym. Now don’t get me wrong I love my daily fix of metal while training, however, it is almost impossible to keep everybody happy so maybe implementing a silent gym where if you want “your” type of music you bring your own iPod (I could be wrong here but I actually think Charles Poliquin has implemented this).
7. I have to say that I am so disappointed in the Welsh under 20 rugby team after the latest world championship. After a record defeat to the Kiwis we then go on to lose to Fiji aswell (hope this isn’t a sign for RWC 2011 as Wales have them in group stages again). Something must be done about the coaching structure and player development or we run the risk of slipping either further down the world rankings.

A slightly longer thought process this time, but believe me I bit my lip on a few points or I would still be typing. Please get back to me with any feedback oh and keep an eye out for my new article out soon.

Mike