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[@RenaissancePeriodization] Exercise Scientist Critiques David Laid’s Training & Physique

· 4 min read
[@RenaissancePeriodization] Summarizer
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@RenaissancePeriodization - "Exercise Scientist Critiques David Laid’s Training & Physique"

Link: https://youtu.be/Gfvc2TTumP4

Short Summary​

Number One Action Item/Takeaway:

Focus on consistent training and proper technique while prioritizing smaller waist and bigger shoulders/arms for aesthetics.

Executive Summary:

Dr. Mike reviews fitness influencer David Laid, highlighting his impressive physique, strength, and training techniques. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing a small waist and building broader shoulders and arms to enhance aesthetics, while maintaining excellent technique. He stresses consistent training, whether focusing on strength or hypertrophy, to achieve desired results.

Key Quotes​

Okay, here are 5 quotes from the transcript that I found particularly interesting:

  1. "Small waist are the number one component of aesthetics, which means that if you're carrying a considerable amount of extra fat on your waist, getting leaner is definitely an experiment you can play around with to see how it affects your aesthetics, usually it's going to be a good time."

  2. "And so they got into some kind of wacky research. They would test nuclear weapons and violate the test ban treaty and test them close to population centers. And um this is tough to say. They tested a lot of nukes in the Siberian forests where lots of bears used to live...That material is what is now used on the VersaGrip." (This is obviously a joke but demonstrates the humor).

  3. "All these recent bench PRs that I've hit recently have literally all been done on the Tex deadlift bar. Right. First, I just want to say that it doesn't count."

  4. "Natural programming is almost the same as drug programming. There are very few differences. Really with drugs, you just have to be more careful about lifting too heavy cuz your tendons will snap cuz your muscles are too strong for your tendons in many cases."

  5. "DUP is cool because variation is dope because doing the same thing all the time kind of sucks and it works pretty well, but a more focused approach is almost always going to be better in the long term. So, every program should be using a form of daily undulating periodization, quote unquote, which is to say, you shouldn't be doing the same exercises through the whole week."

Detailed Summary​

Here is a detailed summary of the YouTube video transcript, presented in bullet points:

  • Introduction of Dr. Mike and Scott: Dr. Mike introduces himself as a professor of exercise and sports science and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. Scott, the video editor, is jokingly introduced in contrast to David Laid.

  • Subject of the Video: David Laid: The video analyzes David Laid, a fitness influencer, discussing his physique, strength, and training methods.

  • David Laid's Teen Years: Early footage of David Laid as a teenager is shown, highlighting his impressive physique even at a young age, attributing it to genetics and strong work ethic.

  • David Laid's Physique Analysis: Dr. Mike breaks down what makes David Laid's physique aesthetically pleasing, focusing on shoulder-to-waist ratio. Shoulders being the main physique driver with pecs and traps also complementing each other. A small waist is emphasized as a crucial component of aesthetics.

  • David Laid's Strength: The video acknowledges David Laid's impressive deadlift of 675 lbs, countering the misconception that he's just a "Gym Shark influencer" without real strength.

  • Deadlift Technique and Versa Grips: David Laid's "run and gun" deadlift setup is observed. Dr. Mike talks about forearm strength and grip, and introduces Versa Grips as a tool to help with grip strength.

  • Personal Bests Discussion: Dr. Mike discusses his own recent personal bests (PRs) in squat and bench press, acknowledging the use of a special deadlift bar that flexes, providing an advantage.

  • Bench Press Technique: Dr. Mike analyzes David Laid's bench press technique, noting its effectiveness and close to flawless, while differentiating between a "touch and go" style and a paused competition lift.

  • Programming (Natural vs. Enhanced): Discusses the misconception that strength and hypertrophy training are mutually exclusive. Addresses natural vs. enhanced programming, stating they are almost the same with minor differences.

  • Strength vs Hypertrophy Specific Training: Discusses strength vs. hypertrophy training and recommends specializing phases.

  • Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP): The video critiques the concept of Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP), stating it was incorrectly named, while advocating for variation in training but warning against excessive variation that reduces specificity and hinders hypertrophy.

  • Conclusion: Dr. Mike summarizes the analysis of David Laid and gives him a rating.