Warning: Declaration of thesis_comment::start_lvl(&$output, $depth, $args) should be compatible with Walker::start_lvl(&$output, $depth = 0, $args = Array) in /home/renex/public_html/wp-content/themes/thesis_185/lib/classes/comments.php on line 137

Warning: Declaration of thesis_comment::end_lvl(&$output, $depth, $args) should be compatible with Walker::end_lvl(&$output, $depth = 0, $args = Array) in /home/renex/public_html/wp-content/themes/thesis_185/lib/classes/comments.php on line 142

Warning: Declaration of thesis_comment::start_el(&$output, $comment, $depth, $args) should be compatible with Walker::start_el(&$output, $data_object, $depth = 0, $args = Array, $current_object_id = 0) in /home/renex/public_html/wp-content/themes/thesis_185/lib/classes/comments.php on line 147

Warning: Declaration of thesis_comment::end_el(&$output, $comment, $depth, $args) should be compatible with Walker::end_el(&$output, $data_object, $depth = 0, $args = Array) in /home/renex/public_html/wp-content/themes/thesis_185/lib/classes/comments.php on line 163
Experiences From This Weekend
Oct
9
2012

Experiences From This Weekend

45 comments written by Joshua Trentine

We will have a lot more in the upcoming days and weeks regarding our recent conference, but I wanted you to take a look at what Dr. McGuff had just posted on his blog.  After that you will see a couple of reactions from other attendees.

– Josh

W.O.W. 10/06/12-The RenEx Conference, Statics, and “Fat Tails”
Posted by Doug McGuff 

“I did the following WOW at the RenEx convention. The workout was predominantly done on their static equipment with visual feedback.

Static Pullover followed immediately by Static Pulldown (their iPO/PD machine)

Dynamic RenEx Overhead Press (no end-stop technique, just perfect/continuous turnarounds)

Static Compound Row

Static Leg Press

I have been incorporating some static work in my workouts at UE and have been impressed with their effect. The addition of visual feedback really takes this to another level. The technique involves a very slow upload of force to a target window of force (as opposed to a steady climb to maximal output). You then hold that steady window until your force output begins to drop (i.e. failure). Once your force begins to drop, it essentially falls into an abyss of inroad. Interestingly force and effort seem to track on a one-to-one basis up until this point. Once force begins its rapid drop, your perceived effort becomes its reciprocal.In other words, as your force falls through the floor, your effort seems to go through the ceiling…the harder you try, the more your force output seems to plummet. With my very limited experience with their equipment, I am not certain whether the static machines are going to supplant regular dynamic equipment or if they are the key to using dynamic equipment properly. Here are some of my observations:

-Exposure to the static iMachines has finally taught me how I should behave at the moment of failure. Rather than summoning all effort to attempt to complete the rep, you should summon all effort to produce this dissociation between effort and force.

-A very gradual upload of force is the key to an effective static set and is also the key to a perfectly performed and effective dynamic set. Once you can see this with visual feedback you will really understand and be able to apply this on any equipment (0r no equipment).

-With visual feedback you can see that a gradual upload of force is permissive for producing the most output of force. When you do “fail” and begin to see the drop-off in your level of force, the drop-off will essentially be a mirror image of your upload. It seems as if your are sequentially plugging in motor units in the upload and then you are unplugging them in reverse order during the drop-off. This is very strange, because you realize that you probably could never reproduce this offload deliberately in a non-fatigued state, but in the throws of blinding effort and pain, the curve could essentially be folded over on itself and it would match as if you had traced it.

-While doing statics with visual feedback, you come to understand how many opportunities there are to “hide” and seek respite during a dynamic movement. The static provides a benchmark of discipline during dynamic exercise that will be very hard (if not impossible) to match.

-I went in doubting that work without movement would not produce much of a muscular pump. The exact opposite was true. The pump was skin-popping and severe. I don’t remember having such a severe pump with any dynamic protocol.

-The metabolic effect of the workout was every bit as severe as a dynamic workout. However, the systemic effect on recovery the next day seemed significantly less.

The weekend itself was incredibly enjoyable. The RenEx team got some criticism on the internet about the 50 attendee limit (implying this is all they could ever hope to attract). There were actually 57 paid attendees and 15 guests, and this actually seemed to be about the limit that could be handled. The size kept the event very intimate. Everyone got to talk with everyone, and the RenEx staff was able to give each attendee the individual attention that they deserved.

For me the most interesting part of the weekend was Josh Trentine’s talk on the use of RenEx protocol in training the competitive natural bodybuilder. Josh had a 48 year old trainee that happened to be competing on the same Saturday as our meeting. This individual (sorry, I forget his name) was kind enough to drop by between the pre-judging and the evening show to do a brief guest-pose for the RenEx conference. All in attendance were impressed. I was amazed at the visual impact and illusion of this gentleman’s condition…he seemed to gain 40lbs of mass when he took off his sweat pants and T-shirt.

Anyone that has any doubts that HIT or the RenEx protocol can produce a competitive physique can rest assured that it is indeed possible. Josh also showed numerous before-and-after photos of his pupils. The RenEx team has been reluctant to draw much attention to their bodybuilding success because they are trying to avoid the image of “Bro Science” that seems to be attached to bodybuilding. I expressed to them that I think this is an unfounded fear.

Even the most sophisticated researchers in this area are likely closet bodybuilders and would love to see this kind of results. The overall opinion was that the effectiveness of the protocol is probably best demonstrated in the “fat-tails” of the training population….the 1.25% on either end of the bell curve…the very debilitated and the competitive bodybuilder can really show what can be done better than those “in the middle”. For those that are curious, here are the routines used by Josh’s pupils who are competitive physique athletes.

Workout A- Calf Exercise, Leg Press (dynamic or static), Pulldown (dynamic or static), Ventral Torso

Workout B- Bicep (dynamic or static), Pulldown (dynamic or static), Triceps (dynamic or static), Ventral Torso, Compound Row (dynamic or static), Pushup, Squat Position Leg Press

Workout C- Leg Curl (dynamic or static), Leg Extension (dynamic or static), Simple Row-aka rowing torso or reverse fly (dynamic or static), Compound Row (dynamic or static), Overhead Press.

The workouts are done on a rotating basis, and most trainees do them 2 days a week.”

Other Reactions:

“I just attended the “Future of Exercise” conference and the RenEx crew did a fantastic job. Every minute of the conference was productive. Every presentation informative. Every question asked was answered. It was run on schedule and the facilities were first class. The networking opportunities were priceless. I can say that it was run with the precision and attention to detail that these guys apply to everything they do and the Marine in me admires and respects that.

Last year, when Ken made the statement that he thought TSC was “future of exercise” I was skeptical. After all, what I’d been doing for the past ten years had been very productive for myself and clients. But, after experiencing just one brief session of it last year, I began to open my mind to the idea that he could be right. Learning what has been learned in the year since the last conference, I’m beginning to agree with Ken’s assertion. I’ve already taken what I’ve learned and begun to apply it to clients. They are commenting on the difference in what they are experiencing, which means that they are safely getting even more out of their session than they were before.

If you consider yourself a professional, then keeping abreast of current discoveries and best practices are a must. Don’t get left behind. Plan now to attend the next RenEx conference and move forward with the rest of us.”

– Hugh Hines, Asheville, North Carolina –

Jeff,

Again – it was a masterful presentation and a magical weekend. Renex is phenomenal. Best of all, everyone that I met was of a like mind. The entire group enjoyed themselves completely. We liked “preaching to the choir” because we get so little of that on the outside. I appreciated how approachable all of my heroes were; I didn’t expect that. I personally took away from this experience even more than information about Strength Exercise; I learned that each and everyone that I had the privilege of meeting were dedicated to helping others without the ego typically demonstrated by so-called fitness experts and trainers. In other words, there was not a hint of arrogance, just intelligence and compassion.Thank you for doing what you do and with your colleagues working so hard to create such an electric and nurturing environment. I look forward to everything you do next and will continue to be amazed.

Trace Johnston, Edmonds, Washington

{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }

avatar Mel Sanderson October 9, 2012 at 7:53 pm

I had not previously been exposed to static exercise theory. What is the difference between static exercise and Isometrics?

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 9, 2012 at 8:29 pm

Mel

Read this article by Gus Diamantopoulus:

http://www.renaissanceexercise.com/the-future-of-exercise/

Joshua

Reply

avatar Doug McGuff, MD October 9, 2012 at 7:58 pm

Josh,

Thanks for pulling my blog post and attaching these pictures. I was so enthralled with the entire weekend, I forgot to take any pictures at all.

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 9, 2012 at 8:32 pm

Doug

You are welcome, we have a ton of pics. I can send you them, we have a few from your workout and plenty from your lecture as well as some with the group and all of the individual shots that you and Ken took with the attendees.

Josh

Reply

avatar Tom Kalbfleisch October 10, 2012 at 9:07 am

RenEx Team,

Thank you for being such gracious hosts this past weekend in Cleveland, and for taking the time to share so much knowledge with those of us who attended.

Dr. McGuff commented on the TSC machines enabling one to further understand how we may “hide” and seek respite during dynamic movement. I would like to echo that sentiment, and also add that I gained great insight into my own shortcomings on dynamic movements simply from performing a set of dynamic exercise under the tutelage of one of the RenEx instructors. I’m excited to see where my training can go as I better understand how to “chase failure”.

Thanks again gentlemen.

Tom Kalbfleisch

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 11, 2012 at 12:09 am

Tom,

Thanks for joining us and you are welcome.

TSC is proving to be a profound teaching tool.

Joshua

Reply

avatar Trace Johnston October 10, 2012 at 11:01 am

I’d like to personally thank Josh for pushing me through a fantastic leg press experience. Of course the machine is unbelievable.

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 11, 2012 at 12:07 am

Trace,

My PLEASURE!

Thank you for joining us and taking the time to write.

Joshua

Reply

avatar Bradley warlow October 10, 2012 at 11:40 am

to josh
Glad to see im in most of the pics ;p I must say that your talk on competative bodybuilding was very different to what i expected, your views on diet (which is not low in carbohydrates and high in suplementation), your thoughts on training , the visualisation technique- imagining a red hot marble deep inside the bicep as you flex genuinly worked for me . Also the use of the pump and how it is a good way to tell if youve stimulated growth. All very different to conventional HIT thinking and a very objective analysis on your part!

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 11, 2012 at 12:06 am

Bradly,

Thank you!

I’m so impressed that you came from all the way from across the pond! we enjoyed having you. Thanks for all of the questions…..and somehow we did get a lot of pics of you.

Joshua

Reply

avatar Tom Moreland October 10, 2012 at 1:54 pm

Gents,
My brother and I were hopeful but, not quite certain what we were getting into when we committed to attending BUT, we were “blown away” by every facet of the program.
Our EXPECTATIONS were not only met but, EXCEEDED in every area.
We especially appreciated the opportunity to work out on the new RENEX equipment, along with the outstanding professional instruction. I felt like I had been transported from the 1980’s into the 21st Century.
In summary: WOW!

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 11, 2012 at 12:03 am

We were happy to have the Moreland brothers in!

Thank you for the kind words.

Reply

avatar Dennis Rogers October 10, 2012 at 1:57 pm

Thank you for the great experience this weekend. The whole team showed itself to be a class act.
Glad I went, well worth it.

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 11, 2012 at 12:02 am

Dennis,

Thanks for joining us! besides me we have the classiest guys that can be 🙂

Joshua

Reply

avatar John Tatore October 10, 2012 at 3:09 pm

RenX team

Thank you all for all your effort this past weekend. I always walk away from these workshops learning something new. Who knows … things could be very different in a year from now and I’m sure if they are we will be hearing about it at the next workshop.

Thanks
John

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 11, 2012 at 12:01 am

Thanks John,

We’re so glad that you’re involved, nice seeing you again.

Josh

Reply

avatar John Parr October 10, 2012 at 6:12 pm

Team RenEx

Thanks for all of your passion and hard work in making this past weekend event very educational, informative , and inspirational.
You guys kicked some Kardashian sized ass. 🙂

John

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 10, 2012 at 11:59 pm

John,

You are welcome, thanks for making the long drive.

That’s a lot of ass to kick sir.

Joshua

Reply

avatar Mark Shear October 10, 2012 at 10:34 pm

Team RenEx,
You deserve all the great accolades. The experience was exceptional. Thank you all for your generous sharing and what it inspires in all of us to achieve. Looking forward to the future.

Respectfully,
Mark

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 10, 2012 at 11:58 pm

Mark,

Thanks for coming!

Joshua

Reply

avatar Thomas October 11, 2012 at 2:16 am

@Joshua,
Do you guys plan on releasing any kind of recording of the seminar? I would have loved to have attended but couldn’t.

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 11, 2012 at 5:06 pm

Yup! will need a few months to do it proper….I’m sure we have well over 6 hours of just lecture on there…..then all the extras.

Reply

avatar Rick Chartrand October 11, 2012 at 3:17 am

Reading the reactions over at bbs. Kind of glad the moderation filter won’t let me post there. Personally, I think you folks are on to something very important, and I thnk it comes down to something in Ken’s bio on this site.
“• Identified the conflict between the assumed objective and the real objective as a major psychological challenge in exercise.”

Folks are making long explanations over there as to why they disagree with something they’ve never tried. To say that they seem threatened is an understatement.

I’ve read books that told me what I already knew and I really enjoyed them. However, I’ve read books that challenged me and upset me, and that has now become a cue for me to examine what I think I know, especially when it upsets me, and I think the latter may be the ones I really need to read and learn from.

The very fact that you seem to have upset people may be even more evidence that you are truly on to something important.

Thanks for an amazing weekend, and as Doug put it, “being willing to take the heat”.

Sorry for the long post. I will end with a quote from my favourite author, Ayn Rand: ” When I disagree with a rational man, I let reality be our final arbiter; if I am right, he will learn; if I am wrong, I will; one of us will win, but both will profit.”

Reply

avatar David October 11, 2012 at 6:11 am

Already moved on to a new set of machines? LOL

d

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 11, 2012 at 5:04 pm

adding to the line actually….we have quite a few pieces now.

Reply

avatar Terry C October 11, 2012 at 7:16 am

Josh – any plans for a CD on the 2012 RenEx Convention? I am especially interested in your prsentation.
Thanks and Be Well
Terry

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 11, 2012 at 5:04 pm

Hey Terry,

For sure! I just need a bit of time, I want to add value to the product with some additional items and some voice over on the DVD.

Joshua

Reply

avatar Ben Tucker October 11, 2012 at 8:37 pm

In addition to Terry C’s request for a CD, possibly a DVD as well?

I would like to plan on attending next year. Is there any chance you folks might change the venue to Orlando, or is Ohio a permanent choice?

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 11, 2012 at 8:43 pm

Hey Ben,

Yes, I meant to say DVD.

No Orlando is an option…easier access, better weather….right now i just have full lines of RenEx up here and only a few pieces in Orlando.

Possible venues are Ohio, Orlando, and Toronto….maybe one of the license facilities might want to hold a future event too???

Reply

avatar Ben Tucker October 11, 2012 at 11:05 pm

“….maybe one of the license facilities might want to hold a future event too???”

Are you hinting at Ken’s place? That’s why I keep nudging for Orlando.

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 12, 2012 at 12:15 am

Overload Orlando is definitely a possibility.

Reply

avatar Terry C October 12, 2012 at 7:29 am

My “2 cents”
How about Austin?
By the way, a DVD would be great!
Be Well
Terry

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 12, 2012 at 12:15 pm

Terry,

Great city and a possibilty for sure.

give me 2months on the DVD.

joshua

Reply

avatar Scott Springston October 16, 2012 at 3:11 pm

The RenEx team has been reluctant to draw much attention to their bodybuilding success because they are trying to avoid the image of “Bro Science” that seems to be attached to bodybuilding. I expressed to them that I think this is an unfounded fear.

===Scott==
I agree that it’s an unfounded fear that has put the REN-EX team behind the 8 ball with many hard core bodybuilders and beginners as well. If this system builds muscle as touted by REN-EX then show it already. One guy who shows up at the conference who was competing at the same time and may now be using REN-EX methods is hardly proof of anything. As Fox Moulder would say, I want to believe!!

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 16, 2012 at 3:22 pm

Scott,

I could care less about the “competitive bodybuilders”, but if you read the report you would see that I presented a number of competitive bodybuilders over a 3 to 4 year span. The cool thing is that most of them never competed before and they ALL kicked ass.

Joshua

Reply

avatar Ben Tucker October 18, 2012 at 8:18 pm

Ahhh…
Mr. Springston. Back with free samples of Hateraid.

It’s common knowledge that most “hard core” body builders use.
I see them often at one of my jobs; swollen one month, the next, looking 20 lbs lighter. Reminds me of Oprah.

If they’re anything like in this documentary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJCIpg3Fczs
then I want know part of it. I’ll choose natural and healthy for life.
Bigger, Stronger, Faster was a well thought out film. It’s crazy how muscle heads want accolades from other dudes over women.

Anyway… I’ve gotten more results doing hit under 30 minutes a weeks than I ever did pulling 3-5 hours a week doing hvt at sub par intensity.

Josh, sorry for being redundant about the dvd. I saw that was already answered after I posted. Looking forward to it!

Kudos to you guys for being relentlessly dedicated to the forums. I hope I speak for all in the community by saying that it is immensely appreciated.

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 18, 2012 at 10:13 pm

Ben,

Thank You for your support.

Joshua

Reply

avatar Scott Springston October 19, 2012 at 8:31 am

I could care less about the “competitive bodybuilders”,

==Scott==
I find it strange that one who is a well built competitive bodybuilder doesn’t care about them? I sense you think competitive bodybuilders are to thick headed to listen to the REN-EX way but that can’t be true for all of them. Is it that competitive bodybuilders are to hard to deal with or is it possibly that the REN-EX way is not really suited to building big muscles but more suited to conditioning and general fitness?

Reply

avatar Ben Tucker October 19, 2012 at 8:27 pm

Always, brotha’.
I’m just pleased as punch that I was able to find this site.
I was checking in at Dxxxx Laxxxu’s for a while at first, but I can only take the condescending tone for so long, even if other protocols are sorely lacking.

Reply

avatar Ben Tucker October 25, 2012 at 7:28 pm

“Dxxxx Laxxxu”

Is that a bad name around here, or are all other names and sites censored?

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine October 25, 2012 at 8:43 pm

No, just the trolls.

Reply

avatar Ben Tucker November 2, 2012 at 10:41 am

Gotcha.
I did a little digging and I see what’s up.
Sheesh…haters.

That old guard just can’t seem to let go, huh?

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine November 2, 2012 at 10:43 am

Ugh…apparently…I’m prepared for it to get worse…I don’t really “get it”, but I also don’t care., we’re going to keep working on whatever interests us.

Reply

avatar Ben Tucker November 2, 2012 at 3:38 pm

I’ve been checking out several sites (I’m sure you can imagine which) within the community and honestly man, I feel like the more I learn the less I know. It’s not enough that as an unpopular modality we combat the nonsense on the outside, but to deal with the contention on the inside…well, you know better than I.

I tend to base my search for truth on how positive the source comes across, merit of character and product, philosophy etc. But when a group comes across so dogmatic, emotional and combative, my ears start to close.

Reply

avatar Joshua Trentine November 2, 2012 at 3:45 pm

I hear ya man….

Reply

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: