And Arlen starts training...

[wsk]

So I'm no expert. I don't compete. But, it seems to me that SHA aren't done with isolated muscle groups; rather, they are whole body efforts. If that's true then, using exercises that principally isolate different muscles (curls, triceps extension, etc) goes at cross purposes to your goal.

Were I considering participating in SHA, I'd be considering CrossFit. Free workouts every day (three on, one off rotation) that: last less than an hour, are random enough to overcome boredom with the same-old-workout-every-day, work the three metabolic pathways, use relatively little specialized equipment, all of which will prepare one for whatever sport-specific training you want to do. Disclaimer: I have no connection with CF except that I use it to prepare for shearing season and to stay in moderately good condition - kilts are too expensive so I want to keep my current weight and measurements.

I notice in your listed workout that you are working mostly the mirror muscles but ignore one of the largest muscle groups: your back. Pullups, back extensions, etc

[Arlen]

It seems to me that SHA aren't done with isolated muscle groups; rather, they are whole body efforts. If that's true then, using exercises that principally isolate different muscles (curls, triceps extension, etc) goes at cross purposes to your goal.I notice in your listed workout that you are working mostly the mirror muscles but ignore one of the largest muscle groups: your back. Pullups, back extensions, etc

Admitedly, the 21's that I'm doing are more of an isolation exercise, but the rest are focusing on large areas of multiple muscles all at once. I'm not describing them very well, but I have been steering clear of isolation as much as I can.
As far as crossfit, I have done it before and I really like it. However it didn't give me the strength or explosive power that's needed for SHA. What I'm doing right now is, if you can imagine it, a cross between crossfit and olympic lifting.
You are right that I don't have enough in there for my back. Even weighted press ups aren't going to help that. I'm just trying to figure out a way to fit a decent pullup bar so I can work on those.




Vmac, thank you for that tip. There's a little place up the road where I had my wedding dinner. The couple who own it are nice so I will see what I can convince them to donate to me!

[Cynthia]

Good luck with your training, Arlen! I hope you've been getting a lot of great ideas for workouts. I'm sure it will just be a matter of time before another good deal on weights and equipment pops up for you! I sure wish we could train with you! Maybe someday we'll make it up that way, though