Retro Arnold

First, the Arnold cover is fantastic [August ’14]! Mustache and striped trunks—a total throwback on the beach. The shots on the inside were excellent too. I’m wondering if that is [IM Publisher] John Balik with camera shooting Arnold curling dumbbells? I also enjoyed the article. Lots of arm-training reminders and good routines.

Sam Sperry
via Internet

Editor’s note: Glad you liked the cover and feature on birthday boy Arnold. Hard to believe he’s 67. And, yes, that is John Balik shooting Arnold and his giant arms at the original Gold’s Gym. Reminder: You can find loads of Arnold articles and photos and all of our Arnold birthday issues in digital format at the IRON MAN Insider Web site. Go to www.IronManMagazine.com for more info.

Rader and the Rack

What a great old-school article on the power of the breathing squat [“Rack Attack” by Mike Mahler, August ’14]. Reading about how [IM founder] Peary Rader, Mark Berry and J.C. Hise used high-rep squats to pack on 20-plus pounds in a month was inspiring. I am trying to summon the courage to give it a shot. It sounds brutal, but I know it works. I’ve had friends who used the method with great success. Let’s do this. Squat on!

Rando Cepeda
via Internet

 

Too Much Too Soon?

Your new columnist Vince Del Monte has had some good advice and is a motivating writer; however, I must take issue with the isometronics method he described in the latest issue [August ’14]. Three sets of  six heavy partials followed by a 10-second all-out isometric hold is a sure way to adrenal fatigue. Even he says, “You’ll be shaking like crazy.” That’s because you’re overstressing your nervous system and adrenal glands. It’s a great method, but doing one set at the end of a few standard sets would be a saner recommendation.

Tony Black
via Internet

 

Editor’s note: Everyone has different capacities for work, and what you describe may be right for you. Vince clearly states that his method is “not for beginning bodybuilders, and it’s not a protocol for training five or six days a week.” You may have found the perfect recipe for you, but others may need more—or less—work for optimal muscle stimulation.