Opening Post: An Overview of My Philosophy

I'm a devotee of Pavel's functional strength training and of the anaerobic training recommendations of Al Sears, MD for heart health and optimal conditioning. That said, here's a thumbnail sketch of my training and diet philosophy, with much more to come!


Strength Training:
· Use heavy iron, not rubber bands or other gizmos. Try kettlebells!
· Work standing on your own two feet, not lying on your back.
· Train your whole body as one unit. Forget about trying to “isolate” muscles.
· Focus on consistently increasing your functional real-world strength.
· Use compound exercises, i.e., those that engage multiple joints.
· Train heavy, 5 reps or less, and forget about “going to failure.”
· Use periodization, i.e., planned cycling of intensity and volume.


Conditioning: Focus on ANAEROBIC, not aerobic, training.
· Burns more fat, for a longer time after exercise.
· Builds muscle, instead of eroding it.
· Increases metabolism.
· Expands your lung capacity and prolongs life.
· Less time consuming and boring than reading on the treadmill.


Nutrition:
· If it comes in a can or a box, don’t eat it (with very few exceptions).
· Eat healthful fats (essential fatty acids) daily. Avoid unhealthful ones.
· Minimize sugars and starches.
· Minimize fast food and fried foods.
· Drink water, lots of it, and little else.
· Make at least 50% of your daily calories RAW organic fruits and vegetables.
· Eat grass-fed (not grain-fed) beef and wild (not farmed) fish.
· Supplements for heart health.


Support:
· Put into place structures that force you to succeed.
· Keep at it. If you stop, start up again.

Contact Mike Vaio for consultation or to sign up for training.
Tel: 919.844.9347
Email: mike_vaio @ yahoo.com

That's it for the overview. Stay tuned for updates on diet and exercise.