Black or White?

by WNBF Pro - Jeff Alberts

Black or white? Short or tall? Small or big? Skinny or fat? The list goes on and on. This is how many people view things in life. Most people have no concept of the “in between” and for them it is a question of right vs. wrong. This is how so many of us get involved in countless debates. We all have our own opinions and for the most part only try to prove our point. We sometimes force our ideas on others, even though there are many other different ways of doing things. In the sport of bodybuilding it is no different. You will find in the muscle magazines, bodybuilding forums, and even in casual gym talk, bodybuilders engaged in passionate debates on which training method is superior for gaining muscle. This debate will go back and forth fiercely. The bodybuilders that are captivated will valiantly defend their beliefs and their egos to the very end. But wait!!! What about the in between? What about the many shades of grey?

To get a true sense of the black and white issue in bodybuilding, let’s look at two of the most nostalgic champions of the 1970’s as an example. Representing the black - Arnold Schwarzenegger. He trained with a very high volume approach, blasting out set after set during his reign as the 7 time Mr. Olympia. It was not so unusual for him to workout 6 days a week for up to 4 hours a day to attain one of the finest physiques of all time. Representing the White - former Mr. Universe, Mike Mentzer. He developed his High Intensity Training (HIT) in which he emphasized a very low volume approach. One set per exercise performed to complete muscular failure was standard practice for Mike and his HIT ideology. After a brutally intense workout, there would be a long period of rest to follow, which carved out Mike’s true herculean physique. Both Arnold and Mike developed two of the premier bodies of their generation, using two very contrasting types of training. So the debate ensued, which training method is superior for building muscle effectively? Arnold’s high volume or Mike’s HIT?

This question remains debatable, but both men were each successful using their own training method. However, let’s stop for a minute and think about the many shades of grey. What would have happened if they trained using both styles? Or better yet, a multitude of training styles? Would they have been more muscular? Bigger maybe? Would they have been even better champions? It may have been possible for these two great champions to have taken their already awesome physiques to another stratosphere!  

For myself and many others, I became prey to the black or white scenario early in my bodybuilding career. I attained a lot of muscle early on using Mike Mentzer’s high intensity training (HIT). This was a terrific thing, but at the same time it left me close-minded to the many other ways of developing muscle mass. Experiencing early success in the weight room only cemented my way of viewing bodybuilding training as either black or white. At that point in time, Dorian Yates was the current Mr. Olympia and he was the most prominent figure in the sport to use HIT. I reasoned that if it worked for Dorian then it must be the superior way to train. Dorian’s view on HIT just reassured me that I was using the one true effective method of obtaining muscle, so I thought. My mind was set in stone and I admit to debating HIT with other bodybuilders. I pushed HIT on others and I did not even consider their way of training; even knowing they had their own effective ways of acquiring great physiques.

What changed my way of thinking? What opened up my mind to the many shades of grey? A few years back it manifested into one word, maturity! Maturity has assisted me to look at things more clearly and effectively. Now I put my ego in check and I really absorb the many new ideas that are put in front of me. Instead of just shooting down an idea because of my willingness to defend my way of training, I listen to an idea and then I assess the idea. If it seems logical, I give it a try. If the idea doesn’t seem to make sense, I simply ask questions and try to understand the logic behind it. I can then make an educated decision whether an idea is effective for me or not. Now at the age of 38 and with over 24 years of training experience, I take pride in maintaining an open mind to ensure my training moves forward productively. I look to other tremendous bodybuilders to educate and inspire me. Some of these motivating bodybuilders just happen to be part of the 3DMJ team.

WNBF Pro & TEAM 3DMJ Coach– Alberto “The Ivory Latino” Nunez, built his pro level physique by using many highly effective training principles. Minimizing Plateaus Through Periodization by Alberto Nunez

2X INBF Washington Heavyweight Champ & 3DMJ Contributing Writer - Luke “Washington’s Natural Freak” Ehlis, is known for his instinctive training style. "Instinctive Training" by Luke Ehlis

WNBF Pro & TEAM 3DMJ Coach – Brad “Naturally Intense” Loomis uses Max OT as one of his training methods as well as Kettle Bell training to construct his top level natural physique.

TEAM 3DMJ Sponsored Athlete & Natural Bodybuilder – Jason Bosak, is no stranger to using extremely heavy weights with medium to high volumes.

INBF Washington, and INBF Capital City Division Champ & TEAM 3DMJ Coach – Eric “Relentless” Helms, uses a multitude of training methods to develop his well balanced physique. Eric's Q & A Section

All of these phenomenal champions continue to learn and perfect the many training methods that are at their disposal. By keeping an open mind they are ensuring they deliver the finest package to the contest stage.

Are you thinking solely in the black or white? Are you a student of the sport or is your ego eager to defend your training style? I challenge you to open your mind to other ideas. You just might stumble upon an idea or method that takes your training to the next level. Bodybuilding is not black or white, but the many shades of grey! 

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