Fine-Tuning Peak Condition by Jerry Brainum 11/21

 

I've had several articles in Applied Metabolics about bodybuilding contest preparation, and have covered how to do so for various bodybuilding divisions, such as traditional bodybuilding, fitness contests, Men's physique, and women's competition. But since this appears to be a popular topic, I am again offering some evidence-based tips on how to attain peak physical condition. Although most of this applies to any type of bodybuilding competitor, the same techniques and principles can be used by anyone, not necessarily only active competitors. While there is an abundant amount of information available over the Internet on how to attain peak condition, such as on various websites and YouTube videos, the sad truth is that the majority of these information sources are just trash. Often someone will relate the techniques that worked for themselves, but may not work for anyone else. All of this information is also anecdotal in nature; that is, it's a "worked for me" base of evidence. The truth is that there isn't much in the scientific literature about how to attain peak conditioning for bodybuilding, although there is plenty for other activities, such as endurance events. As such, the best way to determine the optimal techniques for attaining peak condition is to observe what worked for the majority of people and also see if there is any scientific validation of these venerated techniques.

Perhaps the most egregious advice I've seen over the Internet is that related to bodybuilding anabolic drugs. Many videos involve interviews with self-styled "experts" with little or no scientific credentials who extol the virtues of various precise anabolic drug regimes that are guaranteed to make you the next Mr.Olympia. Well, I'm here to inform you that all of these precise drug regimes laid out in various videos and websites are entirely bogus and not based on any science at all. What they are based on is anecdotal evidence, or "this is what worked for me." But the same drug regimes that produced spectacular results in one person could cause severe side effects in another. I know this is true because I've witnessed it myself many times over the years. When you use any drug regime you are an experiment of one. Since the doses in the suggested regimes have never been scientifically validated, no one can predict the outcome of using the drugs. Why is such advice given out? Because those who purvey such information are hoping for "personal consults," where they can charge clients a lot of money for the "true secrets" about drugs. I've seen videos from one short fat guy who purports to be an anabolic drug expert. He is often interviewed for 2 hours or more, yet never provides precise dosing information about drugs. For that, you would need to have a . . .