Major Rush, USMC- physique transformation data

After 18 months of training this man, we have truly reached a new height at an accelerated rate. For the first 10 months I referred to his Functional Movement Screen scores in order to guide his training. Yet, after nearly a year of shoulder mobility corrections and other physical therapy-inspired corrective exercise, he hadn't gotten much stronger nor had his scores improved dramatically. He was not "all 2s with no asymmetries". He was not, as the system I pledged allegiance to declared was the minimum score to be fit for duty.

So I said forget it. Let's lift weights safely and shed some pounds.

But what is lifting safely? Aiming for perfect form as though each rep were a form contest? Using high levels of feed forward tension and the Valsalva maneuver to ensure his body was ready for a 35 pound Kettlebell (?)? Well I thought I knew then, and what I know now is this-
Safety and form are unique to the trainer and the Gym Movement thesis sums it up better than I can. But I will try.

"Train quality, tested movements, with the varying degrees of specifity and the minimum amountof distress"-  GM thesis.

Quality movement - Lift in a straight line with regard to simple mechanics respective to the lift.


Tested movements- Gym Movement protocol exposes the beneficial value of the movement, load, and reps.

Varying degrees of specifity- I am in Minneapolis as i type in order to learn more about this. What i understand now is that there are starting points for an individual that regard specific, non-specific, and contra-specific movement. More on this soon.

The minimum amount of distress- ditch the elements of effort, test frequently to gauge recovery between loads, and be signal sensitive.

And here we are with proof in flesh.  To see his numbers, refer to this post.

Major Rush physique measurements, changes listed since last measurents on 8.31.2010

Bodyweight is presently 223, down 7 pounds total since April 2009, 5 pounds since 8.31.2010.
Neck is down 1/8"
Shoulders are the same
Chest is up 1"
Right upper arm is increased 1", right forearm is the same.
Left upper arm is increased 3/4", left forearm is the same.
Both arms now the same size.
Navel measurement is the same.
Waist is down 1/2"
Hips are up 1/2"
Right thigh is up 1/4", calf is down 1/2"
Left thigh is up 1/4", calf is up 1/4"

And his lifts are routinely at the 5 digit mark for volume and he looks great. Other than his family and his duty to the US (he is also a police officer) our sessions are the highlight of his week. Someday I will break my bodyfat reduction code of Hammurabi and drink 12 beers in his company. Until that that, we walk that tightrope and crack that whip

Forward march.