The issue with isometric training is that the strength gains are VERY specific to the joint angles that are trained.

This is part of why in climbing some guys are crazy strong crimping (closed hand grip), but not with open hand holds, even though the same major muscle groups are involved in both movements. The finger angles differ enough that isometric strength built in one activity doesn’t carry over that well to the other.

This is similar to what the Deland powerlifting team did back in Florida when they were so dominant, heavy negatives with practice on the actual competition lift. I don’t powerlift myself but I’ve used negatives in the past to good effect when working on my vertical jump as you and I have discussed by email when talking about jump training. I was just wondering if he had some numbers on how much the negatives improved him.

I’ve got another question for you if you don’t mind. You’re one of the few people into strength training with a basketball background like myself. I’ve got a 12 year old son who demonstrates pretty good jumping ability already. He’s going to be pretty lean and definitely needs to get stronger. I’ve got him doing basic exercises at home right now, Hammer lunge/squat deadlifts, pulldown, military press, static holds on lateral raises, pushups. Right now I’m watching his form very closely and keeping his rep speed about 2/2 or 3/3. I’ve tried slower but it doesn’t seem to work as well. Negatives seem to work well as far as keeping him to using good form. Any suggestions or caveats?

Thanks,
David

Gotta practice normal bench or variations for improvement, but the pure overload effect makes a big difference (see my comment to Chris’s question).

Familiar with the weight releasers, never used them myself. This apparatus does have an interesting effect; you still have to practice the full range bench but having that really heavy weight in hand, plus having to control a stretch that wants to fall really fast, helps tremendously.

I don’t really do much hypertrohpy work now (I want to be stronger, not bigger – strength to weight ratio and whatnot) but these levers look really interesting.

FYI-We are partial to most of Louie’s stuff as well. This is just a bonus!

Essentially each side of the bar has a set of weights hanging down to a position where they will be on the floor at the bottom of the movement. Once their weight is off a bar it allows a hook to pivot and release the weight. So you can load up a heavy overload for the eccentric, then a “speed training” load for the concentric.

They work for squats too.

Interesting video. How have the negative benches translated to his performance on the regular barbell bench press?

Thanks,
David