It never ceases to amaze me how many people have fallen victim to the lie of “isolated results.” Essentially, the idea that fitness, success and life results are created in a vacuum… completely detached and isolated incidences.For example, many women call me inquiring about fitness training and assert their desire to “lose belly fat” or “get leaner arms”. What they fail to realize is that fat loss, muscle building and all fitness results are the expression of a SYSTEMIC change in their bodies… not just the manipulation of a single muscle or energy system.
As one of my favorite authors Dan John, would say… “The body is one piece.”
We evolve as a whole. All systems… muscular, nervous, cardiovascular and hormonal work synergistically to move us in the direction that’s most consistent with our behaviors. Even when we aim to isolate systems, we unexpectedly receive the benefits of advancement in others.
For example, you decide to quit smoking so that you can breathe better. After several months of not smoking you notice an improvement in your cardiovascular abilities, but you ALSO recognize that your skin looks better and your hair has stopped falling out! This is exactly how our body works… we are “one piece”.Whatever we do, affects everything.
If we agree that the human body / mind is a single unit, then why do we still approach our exercise and training programs in a segmented fashion? Wouldn’t it make more sense to work WITH our bodies and prepare for the advancement of ALL strength and fitness qualities at the same time?
When we follow a “holistic” or hybrid approach to our training we effortlessly move in the direction of our greatest muscle building, fat loss and athletic performance potentials without resistance from nature. We are moving with the river, instead of against it. This leads to faster, longer lasting results… minus the typical anxiety and frustration.
Two of my favorite integrated or hybrid approaches fat loss and muscle building are “Power-building” and “Resistance cardio”. These hybrid training systems enhance your body’s ability to naturally build muscle and burn fat at the same time. They are effective means for increasing strength, muscle mass, cardiovascular health, fat loss and systemic vitality.
The first hybrid approach is “Power Building”. This is where a fitness seeker or athlete combines strength producing exercises and the variables consistent with it (heavy weights and low volume) with muscle building exercises and the parameters associated with it (moderate weights and high volume) in the same workout.
An example of a Power Building workout would include a heavy full body exercise like barbell squats for multiple sets to train the nervous system followed by a moderate intensity exercise for higher reps like dumbbell step-ups to develop muscle mass. This is a great way to improve functional strength and build attractive muscle at the same time.
With regards to conventional cardio training, most individuals limit themselves to the single dimension of jogging or cycling. This type of training is good… but what may be even better would be to combine the efforts of the cardiovascular system with the muscular system. Thereby creating a hybrid experience within the body and to produce the results of more muscle mass while burning fat.
Resistance Cardio can be performed in several manners, but amongst my favorite are the use of pulling sleds and kettle bells. Pulling sleds offer a low impact, moderate intensity form of cardio training that has the capacity to build muscle and strength in the legs and core while increasing the heart rate offering a fat burning response.
I also really enjoy kettle bell training as it offers a functional (and fun) alternative to jogging. Kettle bells also elicit a muscle building response which leads to a leaner, HARDER physique that with the use of jogging alone.
When we follow a “holistic” or hybrid approach to our training we effortlessly move in the direction of our greatest muscle building, fat loss and athletic performance potentials with ease. Hybrid muscle training is highly effective, functional and fun. If believe as I do, that the body (and our lives) are an expression integrated systems and subsystems AND you love the fat loss and muscle building benefits of challenging workouts… then I invite you to consider Lean Hybrid Muscle training!
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About the Author:
Elliott Hulse CSCS coaches strength and speed athletes to get super strong and fast in his ‘bare-bones’ trainingfacility in St. Petersburg FL. Using the same high intensity programs and techniques that create world class athletes,Elliott has created the first and only TRUE no BS Men’s Fitness Boot Camp. This is attended by “Regular Joe’s” whoare sick and tired of the boring, traditional fitness routines and are hungry for REAL Fitness results for REAL Men.As an ex-Division 1AA football MVP and currently a competitive Strongman, Elliott uses his ‘real world’ experienceand ‘in the treches’ knowledge to support you in unleashing your true strength, speed and fitness potential.Learn more about how you can begin your journey towards your true strength and fitness potential, as well as joiningour free online e-mail and support community consisting of over 2,477 worldwide members.Visit Eliiliot’s website: www.leanhybridmuscle.com
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