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Scott Sonnon
05-13-2004, 03:03 PM
Some of you may have already read my post on Velocity-Specific Clubbell Training (http://www.circularstrengthmag.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2236). In short, due to the Clubbell's unique combination of three different characteristics (torque, leverage and grip distraction), the force to move a Clubbell faster grows exponentially. Therefore, the force production from Clubbell Training is specific not to the actual weight, but to the motion and speed of the exercise.

Olympic Clubbell Sport (OCS) has two events: the Mill and the Swipe. In heading down the road to breaking the 300 point mark in OCS (to raise the bar as high as possible for the Mr. Olympia Clubbell Championship in OCT), the necessary reps per minute (RPM) needed to move the Clubbell in order to achieve this target volume in each event is 150. However, since the Mill scores one point for a repetition on both the left and right arms (in other words, 1 point for 2 reps), the total volume needed for the Mills is 300 (150 per arm). That's 30RPMs in the 10 minute time limit for the event. (I'm using a +10% overcompensation principle, but that's not as important here as the experiment.)

I intend to do a pseudo-scientific experiment to determine the most effective way of enhancing OCS numbers and achieving target volume. As I crunched the problem in my mind, I realized that there are several ways to approach this issue.

I shanghaied Doug Szolek and Dan Chomycia to 'volunteer' in the experiment.

We will each in different sequence perform mini-cycles of the Long Slow Duration (LSD), High Intensity Training (HIT) and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). We will check our baseline performance of a 10min Mill set, and then wait sufficient time to recover. We will then perform one of the three approaches: LSD, HIT, or HIIT. We will wait sufficient recovery time and then check the baseline 10min test again to check for improvement. Repeat with the next approach. Repeat with the third approach.

LSD: Perform the target volume regardless of exceeding time parameter of 10 min. In my case I've already done this (plus some) in performing a nonstop set of 200/200 (400 total) reps in 16min and 20sec. This is of course using the 25lbs. Clubbell.

HIIT: Perform the target RPM for 5 sets of 2 minute bursts with 2 minute rest periods in between sets. Again, we’re using the 25lbs. Clubbell.

HIT: Perform non stop 10 min set irrespective of target volume and target RPM using 35lbs Clubbells (the new Bruiser "Jr.")

We will tally the ratio of improvement from each of us to assess the best strategy.

This won't prove anything with certainty, as it is not a 'pure' experiment, but it will be an interesting experiment nonetheless. All comments, questions or suggestions are welcome.

Stay tuned.

Scott Sonnon
05-14-2004, 01:42 PM
Today, I set a new Personal Record (actually, I don't think anyone has achieved this volume yet): 1 set of 500 reps Mills with a 25lbs. Clubbell in 18 minutes 34 seconds.

Today's results show promise:
1 set of 500 (250R/250L) nonstop in 18 minutes and 34 seconds.
This translates to approx. 27RPM.
At 10 minutes, I was at 140R/130L.

Not only was this a PR (and I don't think anyone has done this volume yet), but it demonstrated significant increases over last work session. This cannot be "merely" skill development for me, since I have well-grooved the skill already, firstly; and secondly because my winning competition tempo was 24RPM.

The previous work session produced:
1 set of 400 (200R/200L) nonstop in 16 minutes 20 seconds.
That translated to roughly 24RPM.
And at 10min, I was at 125R/120L.

So over the last work session, I gained an:
1. increase of 100 reps
2. increase of 2 minutes 14 seconds longer activity
3. increase of 3RPM over 18min
4. increase of 15 reps right arm and 10 reps left arm in 10 min, for a total...
5. increase of 10 points in my OCS numbers. This is still an uncontrolled, pseudo-scientific experiment. However, I'm still pleased with the significant gains! If you're interested in following along the progress, feel free to stay tuned at my Personal Training Log: Take Rt. 300 to Mt. Olympus (http://www.circularstrengthmag.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2211).

Scott Sonnon
05-17-2004, 01:32 PM
Today's results came close to failure, on the "nerve" as it were, but didn't fail:
1 set of 610 (305R/305L) nonstop in 25 minutes and 9 seconds.
This translates to approx. 24RPM.
At 10 minutes, I was at 138R/130L.

So over the last work session, I gained an:
1. increase of 110 reps
2. increase of 8 minutes 47 seconds longer activity
3. decrease of 3RPM
4. decrease of 2 reps right arm in 10 min, for a total...
5. decrease of 2 points in my OCS numbers. Feel free to follow updates on my Personal Training Log: Take Rt. 300 to Mt. Olympus (http://www.circularstrengthmag.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2211).

Scott Sonnon
05-26-2004, 02:17 PM
Hard to type, but too excited to wait until blood pump disperses. So grateful Doug was here to witness because I can hardly believe it myself.

1,002 Mill reps in 40 minutes and 12 seconds with 25lbs. Clubbell

May 26, 2004:

Morning Session:

Warrior Wellness (shot some photos for new article, Joseph, see below)
Prime Your Bioenergy

Afternoon Session:

Personal Record: 1,002 Mill reps in 40 minutes and 12 seconds with 25lbs. Clubbell (501R/501L nonstop)

Today's results were without a doubt a result of three factors:
1. Long Rest Period since last work session (8 days)
2. Travel to a very powerful energy vortex for a high power nutrition seminar and CST Wellness workshop
3. The high adaptability nature of CST with the Clubbell

The works sessions in sequence produced:
May 12, 2004:
1 set of 400 (200R/200L) nonstop in 16 minutes 20 seconds.
That translated to roughly 24RPM.
And at 10min, I was at 125R/120L.

May 14, 2004:
1 set of 500 (250R/250L) nonstop in 18 minutes 34 seconds.
That translated to roughly 27RPM.
And at 10min, I was at 140R/130L.

May 17, 2004:
1 set of 610 (305R/305L) nonstop in 25 minutes and 9 seconds.
This translates to approx. 24RPM.
At 10 minutes, I was at 138R/130L.

May 25, 2004:
1 set of 1002 (501R/501L) nonstop in 40 minutes and 12 seconds.
This translates to approx. 25RPM.
At 10 minutes, I was at 140R/135L.
So over the previous work session, I gained an:
1. increase of 392 reps
2. increase of 15 minutes 3 seconds longer activity
3. increase of 1RPM (over 15 more minutes time)
4. increase of 2 reps right arm and increase of 5 reps left in 10 min, for a total...
5. increase of 2 points in my OCS numbers. Although, I'm calling this an uncontrolled, pseudo-scientific experiment. I DO trust these results because of their consistent increases and adaptations. I shall stop this phase of the Experiment now that I've crested the 1,000 rep marker, and move on to the next phase of the Experiment.

Thanks to all of you who sent me your support and wishes. They were appreciated and needed!