Yesterday, I mentioned that I’ve done the same six lifts (and their close variations) for a decade and a half.
In that time, not a single week has gone by where I have not done all of these lifts.
Here they are:
1. The barbell squat.
2. The barbell bench press.
3. The barbell press.
4. The deadlift.
5. The barbell row.
6. The pullup.
These are, in my opinion, the most efficient and effective way for the natural lifter to build muscle and strength.
Others disagree, as is their right. However, I’ve yet to hear a coherent argument for why farting about using cables, dumbbells, and machines as primary movements is a better option. That’s not to say these tools don’t have their place, because they do. Used correctly, they can contribute enormously towards meeting and exceeding your fitness goals.
But as primary movements?
Nah.
The other objection I get is from people who say they *can’t* do these lifts due to injuries, joint problems, and whatnot. (Although why they spend time whining at me instead of taking decisive action to fix what ails them so they can get the most out of their training, I do not know).
Anyway, those are my staple movements and why I do them.
There is no clever segue into what I have to sell to you today because it has nothing to do with lifting weights.
Instead, it’s all about cardio – lifting’s inbred step-cousin that most prefer to keep chained up in the basement.
I’m not joking. The vast majority of guys who enjoy lifting don’t do nearly enough cardio – or, as I like to call it, “conditioning” (because it sounds manlier).
Truthfully, all the hours you spend slaving away in the weightroom are basically for naught if you don’t do enough cardio.
Why?
Nobody’s going to see all that muscle you worked so hard to build if it’s covered in a layer of blubber. And if you are interested in living a long, healthy life it behoves you to build a powerful heart and pair of lungs. (Something you *cannot* do from lifting alone).
Now, about that thing I have to sell you:
I wrote a book called The Conditioning Codex. It’s actually the second edition of an earlier work I briefly sold last year. (The first edition is no longer available anywhere for any price).
The new second edition is currently in pre-order.
I have decided to offer a hefty 50% discount for those who pre-order before midnight on Friday 23/02.
Here’s the info:
https://philtyreman.co.uk/codex
Thank you,
Phil Tyreman