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[@RenaissancePeriodization] Exercise Scientist Critiques The BEST PHYSIQUE OF ALL TIME?

· 5 min read

@RenaissancePeriodization - "Exercise Scientist Critiques The BEST PHYSIQUE OF ALL TIME?"

Link: https://youtu.be/oUfffvs6rnE

Short Summary

Dr. Mike of RP Strength analyzes bodybuilder Keon Pearson's training leading up to Mr. Olympia, praising Pearson's near-flawless physique and exceptional work ethic. He highlights key techniques like eccentric control, targeted muscle stretching, and the importance of adapting training based on individual body changes, ultimately rating Pearson's physique a "Prodigy out of 10."

Key Quotes

Here are five quotes extracted from the YouTube video transcript that I found to be particularly insightful or noteworthy:

  1. "Competing against earlier versions of yourself is incredibly healthy. You don't want to hate earlier versions of yourself, but a low-key level of like kind of pissed like, 'Fuck this guy, man. I'm going to beat this clown. Amazing.'"

  2. "If you run verbatim the same thing every time, you will get different results. So when people say, 'What is this Scott?' The definition of of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. Well, like uh not as true as you would think cuz a lot of times you do a very different thing and get the same results or you do the same thing and get different results."

  3. "Really guys, you really only need one to three sets of that of the belt squat taken multiple times close to failure. So, one to three my rep sets to do all the quad work you need for basically the whole week. It's that effective of an exercise."

  4. "What I always say is everything else is working out. You work out your chest, back, shoulders, arms, etc. Leg days are training. Like leg days are hard on a totally different level."

  5. "There have been many, many unbelievable physiques and amazing bodybuilders over the years. There are many currently competing. I do think Keon has a special place in bodybuilding history as one of the greatest, if not the greatest physiques ever put on a stage, ever videotaped, ever seen in the gym."

Detailed Summary

Here's a detailed summary of the YouTube video transcript, broken down into bullet points:

Key Topics:

  • Keon Pearson's Physique: The video primarily focuses on praising Keon Pearson's physique, with Dr. Mike considering it the greatest of all time.
  • Training Analysis: Analysis of Keon's workout videos, including his back and leg routines.
  • Training Principles: Dr. Mike uses Keon's videos as a springboard to discuss broader training principles, such as eccentric control, range of motion, forced reps, and the importance of adapting training to individual needs.
  • Personal Anecdotes: Dr. Mike shares personal anecdotes about his own training, ego, relationships, and experiences.
  • RP Strength Promotion: Subtle promotion of the RP Strength app and Versa Grips.

Arguments and Opinions:

  • Keon Pearson's Physique: Dr. Mike is incredibly impressed with Keon's proportions, especially his wide lats, large quads, and small waist. He emphasizes Keon's lack of weaknesses.
  • Competing Against Yourself: Dr. Mike advocates for competing against earlier versions of yourself as a healthy and effective way to improve in bodybuilding.
  • Adapting Training: The video stresses the importance of adjusting training and diet plans based on individual changes and needs, rather than rigidly sticking to the same routine.
  • Belt Squats are Amazing: Belt squats don't fatigue the spinal cord, so legs can continue without that fatigue.
  • Forced Reps: Dr. Mike expresses a nuanced view on forced reps, acknowledging their potential benefits but also highlighting potential downsides like disrupting tracking.
  • One-Legged Exercises: One legged exercises can get a better range of motion.

Specific Training Observations and Advice:

  • Lat Pulldowns:
    • Focus on eccentric control.
    • Maintain a straight posture to maximize lat stretch.
    • Experiment with going higher on the machine for an even greater stretch.
    • Use partial reps at the end of a set as an intensifier.
  • Close Grip Pulldowns:
    • Allows for a greater lat stretch compared to wider grips.
    • Touch your chest for the greatest stretch.
  • Back Extension: Arch your back at the top to get the peak contraction, and round at the bottom for a big stretch.
  • Leg Press:
    • Avoid knee caving.
    • Push knees out.
    • Stick your chest through your knees.
    • Go very deep, planting heels firmly.
    • Maintain total control, avoiding slamming the weight.
  • Leg Extensions: Single leg extensions prolong the pain.
  • Hamstring Training: Go as low as possible on hamstring exercises to lengthen the muscles and build them closer to the knee.
  • Belt Squats: Good range of motion. Preferred even deeper.

Humor and Tone:

  • The video is filled with Dr. Mike's signature humor and self-deprecating remarks.
  • He often exaggerates and uses colorful language.
  • There are running jokes about Crystal, Scott, and various other topics.
  • He frequently uses hyperbole.

Other Information:

  • Keon Pearson's Instagram handle is "Keon Prodigy."
  • The video was released 6 weeks before Mr. Olympia.
  • The video features Scott (the video guy) and Crystal (Dr. Mike's wife).
  • Dr. Mike jokingly claims to have discovered Versa Grips under the Antarctic ice.
  • Dr. Mike wants people to have children so they can build an army of racially hybridized super soldiers.

This detailed summary provides a comprehensive overview of the video's content, covering its main points, arguments, humor, and promotional elements.