So, how are you “wired”? Here’s another aspect to consider when mapping a training plan. As one becomes more adept at “reading” one’s own body — and now we’re digging down to some serious n=1 activity — is determining one’s physio-psychological make-up. Charles Poliquin uses the analogy of the Five Elements, or the five physical types described in Chinese medicine. I think this is a fine analogy, so long as we resist the urge to “categorize completely and wholly”. As is the case with astrology — stick with me here, I’ve not completely stumbled away from my gourd! — purity of type (sign, element, ect.) simply does not exist. People can be “heavy” in one aspect or another — predominantly influenced by this element or that — to be sure, though, the human personality is more an alloy than a pure element; the n=1 challenge being to tease-out that predominant element in one’s own (or your client’s own) make-up. I think it’s also important to note as well, the fact that no one is absent any “element”. Diminished or understated, yes; each aspect, though, is present in every trainee — the matter of degree is what we’re searching for.
Of course, if you’re put off by all of this “touchy-feely” stuff, we can just agree that people are wired differently and respond to a given protocol rather uniquely. Many times “non-responders” or “hardgainers” simply have not coupled their “elemental make-up” with the right modality. Remember, few things in physical culture can be taken as absolutes — other than that there are no absolutes. By cultivating a healthy n=1, pioneering attitude though, (embracing the “wood” aspect), one will eventually lock-on to a modality that fits.
Tuesday’s training –
An evening session this go-around. One advantage for working out in the evening is that my CNS is fully “awake”; no matter how much I warm up in the morning, my CNS is just not ready to fully blow-and-go. Of course, working out first thing in the AM has multiple advantages in its own right — the biggest being that “life” is less likely to bump a workout. There’s a give and take to everything in life, and each person’s “optimum workout window” is no different.
About a 20-minute fixie ride to warm-up — “warm-up” being the understatement of the day; damn, it’s friggin’ hot out lately.
Superset fashion with these two –
clean-grip low pulls: 225 x 3, 3; 245 x 3; 255 x 3; 265 x 3, 3, 3, 3
weighted dips: 45 x4; 80 x 3; 90 x 3; 95 x 3; 100 x 3, 3, 3, 3
Followed by another superset here –
barbell muscle-up: 135 x 4, 4, 4
straight bar muscle-up (the pull-up variety): bodyweight x 3, 2, 2
…and then, some Nautilus 4-way Neck work: front and each side – 50 lbs 10 each; rear – 60 lbs x 10
Finished-up with a nice fixie sprint home to some damn fine leftovers — grass-fed eye of chuck being the main player. Meal porn to follow.
Theory to Practice 
Hi Keith,
The Elements reminded me of the same approach to the Myers-Briggs type-indicator instrument: these categories don’t exist in hard-fast reality but can be useful and enlightening tools when engaged properly. For example, I test as an INTJ sometimes and an ENFP sometimes when I take the MB instrument test. The takeaway for me is a framework that aids self-reflection and self-discovery, as well as improved interpersonal insight.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator
But, as you say, at the end of the day, these letters are nothing more than human constructs for sensemaking.
Best,
Brent
Insightful topography, if you will, to help ‘flesh-out” the n=1 roadmap. Also, context is important. I’ve noticed that I am much more “earth”-like in day-to-day endeavors — in a workout/competitive environment, though, the “fire” side of me elbows its way to the forefront. Interesting stuff.
Agree. One important thing, it seems, is constructing n=1 portfolios of maps and then figuring out which roadmap works best in each context. I never get tired of that challenge. The practice, that is.