Dreaded 5-Way Upper Body On Chains. Done In 20 Minutes!!!

Hi folks.  My apologies. The computer has been down for over a week, and I have been inactive.  I'm alive, well, and now back.

I like throwing some different stuff at you the odd time.  I'm trying to progress things somewhat systematically, however, I just have to wander from time to time.  Watch this video to see what I mean.   

My blog is called Innovative Workouts for a reason.  It is not called 'soft workouts'.  I have mentioned many times before that everything, including chains, bands, slider boards, dumbbells, barbells, and machines have to ideally be included somehow, to get the most complete feel possible.  My killer 20 minute leg routine that you have watched, does include chains, bands, and either machine, barbell, or dumbbell for the third stage.  Very complete.

This quick, harsh, upper body circuit doesn't use different apparatus, but every now and again, I do it.  I HATE IT.  But I love it.

Why do I love it?  It takes me 15 seconds to set up, about 20 minutes to complete, I roll out of one thing to another, and I stay in the exact same 40ish square feet the whole time. 

Why do I hate it?  Anaerobically intense, sore for 4 or 5 days afterwards, and brings about a lot of stress because I know what I'm in for.

But that's me.

And this is about you.  If you are beginning, or are not at an advanced level, DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED.  The beauty is, that with different body positioning, you can make it as basic and forgiving as you want.  But please be careful.  When I had my facility, it didn't matter how many times people were warned, there were always back and core cave- ins.  Remember how and where you are positioned, and as you get stronger, progress by changing your body position to make it harder.

And if you think you're too tough or strong for this, think again.  I used to love the expression of embarrassment on the big guys' faces when they would try a chain flye, or especially the chain triceps movement after watching me demo it to some interested member.  They would, of course, go to the most difficult positions.  Half way down when doing flyes, they would lose it for a lack of strength, and would nearly face plant.  Triceps were even funnier.  You could almost hear their erector spinae popping.  Because they would not give these exercises any respect at all, they would really get hurt.  But they couldn't show it or say anything.  Back to the bench press they would go.  Because that's how their muscle books or strength training coaches said that they would get strong. (Yes, hopefully my sarcasim is understood here, it was so frustrating for me, because that is the way it usually unfolded.)

My happiest time with chain training at my gym, was when I taught one old dog a new trick.  Yes, you could set your watch by it.  D.R. (408 bench press) would walk into the gym, look at me with a horrified look on his face, stall in the changeroom for an extra 15 minutes or so, and then walk over to the chains.  Ah yes, it was chain flye day.  Within 15 or 20 minutes, he would run past everyone, and then we would hear awful sounds coming from the washroom.  Like someone was choking a cat. 

Now that is taking yourself out of your comfort zone.  But the 408 pound bench press smile was all worth it, eh D.R.?

Watch this video.  Lots more coming.