Hey guys,
Wanted to give my input regarding the "under load" stage our bodies go through from training.
First off, I want to say that I've been consistent with GST for about one and a half years. All three stretch series for slightly less because I started them a bit later. Before starting the GB program, I had minor biceps tendinitis in my right arm, instability issues with my left shoulder, some slight issues with my left knee and pretty much F$@#ed up hips(to put it blatantly). For years I suffered from chronic "lower back" pain, that I've now learned was actually weak gluts/tight hips masquerading itself as low back pain. Since starting GST, all those issues are COMPLETELY gone, except for my hips which are taking a bit longer. Every couple months I feel more and more improvement in them though.
I want to bring up the over load, load and under load subject we heard @Coach Sommer talk about in his podcasts. Even though I've made great progress since starting GST, I've felt like my body is fighting itself. Almost like taking one step back, two steps forward. I'm progressing, but it doesn't feel efficient and I've always felt kind of wiped out. After hearing Coach talk about the three load stages to Tim Ferriss on one of the podcasts, I realized my body's been constantly in the over load stage from progressing too quickly and not giving my body time to adapt. Constantly wiped out and terrible muscle contractions are the best ways of putting it. I assume this is a result of CNS and/or adrenal fatigue.
Coach said to Tim that under load is always where people cut it short and this is completely true with me. After hearing this, I decided to take 3 weeks of steps backwards in both Foundation and Handstand training. I decided to go back a few weeks because where I was at was too difficult for where my body's at. Pretty much the last few reps of most sets were grinding reps with less than ideal form. Where I'm at now, my muscles are definitely tired, but my quality/form is a hell of a lot better. I've also kept the number of reps/sets EXACTLEY the same for the last 3 weeks. This is what I've experienced from doing this:
1: I'm feeling a little bit stronger with each workout I do.
2: I have MUCH better muscular contractions. I noticed this a lot with ring rows.
3: I'm actually sleeping better.
4: My overall excitement with going into each training session has improved and I just don't feel so burnt out all the time.
Super encouraged because I'm feeling what it's like to really give my body/nervous system time to catch up. And its only been three weeks of taking this approach!
Would love to hear others feedback on this! Feel free to follow me on Instagram as well, @sdesrosiers86. Love networking with others interested in GST!
Stephen
