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[@RenaissancePeriodization] Exercise Scientist Critiques Tom Haviland- Stronger Than Everyone!?

· 5 min read
[@RenaissancePeriodization] Summarizer
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@RenaissancePeriodization - "Exercise Scientist Critiques Tom Haviland- Stronger Than Everyone!?"

Link: https://youtu.be/H7z83kmeBBU

Short Summary​

Dr. Mike from RP Strength reviews Tom Havlin, an exceptionally strong and conditioned Australian strength athlete who performs incredible feats using unconventional training methods and consuming a massive 8,500+ calorie diet. Havlin's physique and strength are described as "out of this world," inspiring viewers to focus on full range of motion, postural muscles, and challenging themselves in their training to achieve real-world strength and size gains.

Key Quotes​

Okay, here are 5 direct quotes from the YouTube video transcript that represent particularly valuable insights, interesting data points, surprising statements, or strong opinions:

  1. "This isn't like just impressive for some big strong guy. This is beyond world class. Good god." (This highlights the extraordinary level of strength Tom Havlin possesses.)
  2. "A thicker, stronger, muscular neck helps you absorb force and greatly reduces those [injuries] even in a car crash." (This presents a practical, less often discussed, benefit of neck training.)
  3. "Obviously big arms and shoulders are goated, right? But like club goatated. Like I get it. Like girls want to have sex with you. Big neck traps and forearms say something else, don't they?" (This is a humorous, but insightful, take on different types of muscularity and the impressions they give.)
  4. "He is eating 366 gram of protein...1,212 g of carbs per day, 249 g of fat for a total of 8,553 daily calories." (This provides a concrete, albeit extreme, example of the caloric and macronutrient intake needed for elite strength athletes.)
  5. "Challenge yourself in the gym that no matter what weight you pick up, you engage all of your postural muscles that are necessary. You take that weight through a fucking commanding range of motion and you do not cheat any part of the process...do the shit that is difficult and you will be rewarded with crazy size and strength that transfers to the real world..." (This is a motivational and practical message about training principles applicable to almost anyone.)

Detailed Summary​

Okay, here's a detailed summary of the YouTube video transcript, presented in bullet points, highlighting the key topics, arguments, and information discussed:

Video Overview:

  • Subject: A video review of Tom Havlin, an extremely strong and muscular Australian man.
  • Reviewer: Dr. Mike from RP Strength, an exercise and sports science professor and competitive bodybuilder, along with Scott.
  • Tone: Humorous and amazed, with a strong emphasis on Havlin's exceptional strength and unique training style.

Tom Havlin's Strength and Physique:

  • General Impression: Havlin is described as an "underground freak" of strength, comparable to a mythical strongman. He's incredibly large (6'8", 380-400 lbs) and muscular, with standout traps and surprising conditioning (visible eight-pack).
  • Appearance: He is often seen wearing long sleeves, pants, and boots, even during workouts. Despite being covered he is very muscular and in shape.
  • Unique Training: He trains outdoors with unconventional equipment, often creating his own exercises due to outgrowing gym machines.
  • Feats of Strength (Examples):
    • 705 lb Zercher squat with excellent technique.
    • 600 lb close-grip bench press, un-racking and racking the weight himself.
    • 50 meter carry with 278 lbs in each hand, dragging one side on chains through rocks and leaves for added resistance.
    • 420 lb log seal row, held for 10 seconds.
    • Lifting a squat rack with weights loaded onto it. Estimated to be around 315-365 lbs.
    • 3790 lb Farmer Carries for 45 seconds straight. Straps are used to bypass grip strength limitations.
    • Towel pull-ups with a 90 lb wheel axle hanging off.

Analysis of Havlin's Training and Attributes:

  • Zercher Squat: Emphasized for its trap development, real-world strength transfer, and overall impressiveness.
  • Close-Grip Bench: Highlighted for control, full lockout, and the extra effort of un-racking and racking the weight.
  • Neck Training: Stressed for its importance in absorbing force, injury prevention (especially in contact sports), and projecting dominance. Havlin does neck exercises to absorb force from things like a car crash.
  • Traps: Described as a signal of physical power and strength, contrasted with "peck and bi warrior" builds.

Tom Havlin's Diet:

  • Caloric Intake: Consumes approximately 8,553 calories per day.
  • Macronutrient Breakdown: 366g protein, 1,212g carbs, 249g fat.
  • Diet Structure: Primarily whole foods, with a "floating allotment" for the majority of calories, a PM shake, and one large main meal.
  • Flexible Dieting: Allowed a 1,000-calorie discretionary portion (free meal) on top of his pre-programmed healthy food.

Other Key Points:

  • Neck Strength: Stronger neck can help absorb force, reduce the risk of injury in car crashes or in sports, and signal dominance.
  • Real-World Strength: The reviewer emphasizes how Havlin's strength transfers to real-world tasks.
  • Humor: Throughout the video, there are many humorous comments and hypotheticals about Havlin's strength.
  • Political Incorrectness: The reviewers reference that there are politically incorrect jokes within the full video.

Call to Action:

  • Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale: Promotion of RP Strength apps with discounts.
  • Audience Engagement: Encouragement for viewers to suggest other "underground strength freaks" for future reviews.
  • Inspirational Takeaway: Challenge yourself with a commanding range of motion and do not cheat the process.

In summary, the video is a highly enthusiastic and humorous exploration of Tom Havlin's incredible strength, unique training, and surprisingly disciplined diet. The reviewers express awe at his abilities and highlight the functional and aesthetic benefits of his approach.