Constructive Criticism

I was thinking about what Lyle and Bob mentioned - they felt I was making my program unnecessarily complex by using too many sources. In my initial response I chose to dwell on the negative aspect of this criticism and commented that basically I was doing the Sheiko CMS program. While I didn't intend to cut off these two whose opinion I like to have I inadvertently did, I guess. Which goes to show how internet communications can get garbled. So, sorry about that Bob and Lyle - it was never my intent to suggest I was ignoring your suggestions. But in my response I sounded like I was because I pointed out where you were misinformed about my program rather than applying your criticism where it was informed. Which is basically with the inclusion of the Olympic lifts into the Sheiko program design. Sheiko himself only includes one olympic variation in his programs - the split snatch.

I think Lyle and Bob are onto something. Sheiko is very familiar with the benefits of Olympic lifting and yet choses only one exercise. (And that exercise isn't the overhead snatch.)

Bob also commented one time that he felt I would be well-served to narrow my stance in order to get deeper and not face as many red-lights. Remember the CPU requires very deep depth which most lifters who use the wide stance don't face in their respective federations. Bob, I have tried this and unfortunately I don't feel my knees will take it. It also causes me lower back problems because of the increased distance of the lower back off my COG in this lift. Bad combination which is due more to the mileage I have on my body than your advice being wrong.

I've also noticed another thing. I implemented the Sheiko program for CMS/MS (at the time I would have been listed as CMS) and immediately improved into a MS level. I have stayed with that program and I have stayed at that level, although there has been moderate improvement in all my lifts. I suspect if I stay with the CMS/MS I will stay at the CMS/MS level!

So I'm thinking, okay, if I constructively apply the criticism I've received:

1. From Bob regarding width - since I can't go narrower I have to work on flexibility under load to go deeper with the wide stance.

2. From Lyle and Bob agreeing - instead of adding the olympic lifts into my program I should be sticking to the powerlifts and take the loading up to a higher level in the Sheiko design. Interestingly enough the program I have for one of his candidates for International Master of Sport uses a lot of leg presses. So if I do implement this Whit and Lyle are going to be grinning a little bit. And the only Olympic variation will be the split snatch.

So from 15 weeks out from nationals I will be implementing this program. With the variation of really focusing on depth and hip/groin/hamstring flexiblity.

So thanks Lyle and Bob. Sorry if my communications implied I didn't appreciate your advice. I did and still do. Although I still think Lyle is just too damn sensitive...

:^)

I look forward to what people have to think about the above as well.

Uhh, Keith. I remember asking about your rhomboids as you mentioned a nagging back injury in that area. I believe that is what got this whole thing started. I still maintain my position on this. I have helped a number of people with work to this area.

Even if you don't think you need it, I think it would benefit you. If for no other reason, it would give you a little more stability and allow you a little more leeway in terms of form. In other words, if your form is a little off, you may be able to prevent or lessen the impact of the upper back reacting the way it did in the last meet.

Whatever form issues exist, there is the whole stability and support thing to consider. It can't hurt and it may help. It is a small region and will not burn up much resources to work it. I may be prejediced on this, but I have benefited from this kind of work as have others. You may too.

Lee Michaels

Actually that wasn't my statement Lyle. It was someone else's analysis of my injury. i had never mentioned the rhomboids until it came up. (I'm going by memory here - I think it was Lee or Top Sirloin that brought up the rhomboids as a potential problem.)

But I did make the flippant remark regarding the OH squats. And I did ignore the feedback except to get defensive. I apologize, Lyle.

Which brings me to the second part, Lyle.

What do you think of the plan?

<snip>

Alternatively, you could tell 'em all to go screw.

I hear you Lee.

However I'm still exceptionally strong in pulling and rowing movements, which leaves me to believe that if rhomboids are my problem it is not a function of them being weak. However, I could be making the mistake of thinking because my upper back is strong my rhomboids are strong. I'll try some shrugs on the bench and see how it goes. But to be honest its feeling alright already.