In my first article, I made the analogy that bodybuilding was like a record player; very basic and limited in many ways.  The training of today has to be more like an mp3 player; more diverse, higher quality, and produce longer lasting results.  We have to apporach our exercise programs with more than the objective of simply gaining muscle mass.  Optimal fitness is achieved through the development of many elements.  These elements, depending on your age, sport, or level of physical activity you currently engage in, should be developed proportionately to meet your needs.  There are 6 key elements that embody complete AND “functional” fitness - STRENGTH, POWER, SPEED, AGILITY, FLEXIBILITY/MOBILITY, AND CONDITIONING.  Through the development of these 6 elements, one will be better prepared to meet the physical demands of sport and daily life.  As well, an exercise program with such diversity stresses the body in many ways that a traditional bodybuilding program wouldn’t allowing for more favorable results.  The primary objective is to have the body move through full ranges of motion, in mutliple directions, with and without external resistance, and develop the aerobic and anaerobic conditioning systems.  A program such as this will not only have you performing better but also LOOKING better as result of an overall increase in exercise INTENSITY - fundamental to achieving a higher level of fitness regardless of your goals.  From here, the first step is to change the way you think about exercise and train your body to move and feel better and looking better will be inevitable.  Second, eliminate isolation and machine-based exercises from your exercise program and incorporate exercises that build the body without bodybuilding.  Stay tuned, in part 3 I will discuss the 6 Elements in greater detail and how they apply not only to athletes, but also the general population and aging adults.

Yours in health,