#124 Too much?
Dr. Ken Leistner’s essay “Too Much?” dismantles the myth that ever-increasing volume drives powerlifting success, pointing to early champions who thrived on concise, focused routines centered on the squat, bench...
Ken Leistner |
Ken Leistner
#124 Too much?
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#56 Prototyping Part 3
Dr. Ken Leistner recounts early Nautilus prototype methods: Arthur Jones’s exotic-animal-filled compound, manual shop tweaks under odd hours, and Gary Jones’s first computer modeling demos—highlighting the brutal, hands-on innovation that...
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#57 Prototyping Part 4
Dr. Leistner details the mid-1960s Finnish studies on controlled negative reps and Nautilus’ Omni machines that isolated eccentric contractions. He then covers DIY innovations—from spotter-lifted negatives to Eagle’s foot-switch power...
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#58 Prototyping Part 5
Dr. Ken Leistner chronicles early powerlifting prototypes—from push-press eccentric and negative-deadlift methods to Eagle’s foot-switch power rack debut at the 1980 Madison Nationals . He also recalls DIY garage rigs...
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#59 Prototyping Part 6
Dr. Ken Leistner explains how variable resistance—via eccentric training, early Nautilus machines, and practical use of bands and chains—boosts raw strength development across sports. He emphasizes training the body’s “raw...
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#60 Prototyping Part 7
York Barbell’s mid-1970s exploration of variable resistance training features collaboration with Germany’s Schnell gearbox machines and the coined term “accommodating resistance” . The influx of foreign barbell brands from Eleiko,...
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#61 Prototyping Part 8
This article chronicles the shift from wide-lipped, deep-dish metal plates—designed to protect platforms—to thinner-profile bumpers that enable 700–900 lb lifts. It spotlights Dr. Ken Leistner’s work with Ivanko Barbell in...
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#62 Logic, Equipment, CrossFit (and that is a trademarked name)!
Dr. Ken Leistner examines logical principles in strength sports, contrasting CrossFit’s varied, functional movements with targeted powerlifting lifts and assistance exercises for optimized progression . He also highlights the biomechanical...
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#63 Logic, Equipment, CrossFit (and that is a trademarked name)! One More Time For "The Other Side"
Dr. Ken Leistner reflects on CrossFit’s surge, praising its motivational, community-driven workouts while urging proper technique and supervision. Insights from Mike Senft and Coach Mike Burgener underscore the importance of...
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#64 Talking Diversity in Lifting Ability
Dr. Ken Leistner highlights the “old days” when bodybuilders, powerlifters, and Olympic lifters all shared heavy squats, presses, and cleans, contrasting that broad approach with today’s highly specialized training. He...
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#65 Talking Diversity in Lifting Ability Part 2
Dr. Ken Leistner recounts directing 1970s powerlifting meets and gym ownership, revealing the thrills and pitfalls of running contests while competing . He contrasts powerlifters’ raw, “blood and guts” approach...
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#66 History of Powerlifting, Weightlifting, and Strength Training
Dr. Ken Leistner emphasizes gratitude for competent spotters, accurate weight loading, and well-constructed equipment to prevent accidents and ensure reliable performance. Through vivid anecdotes of misloaded bars and collapsing racks,...
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#67 Talking Diversity in Lifting Ability Part Three
Dr. Ken Leistner contrasts powerlifters’ aggressive, “blood and guts” mindset with Olympic lifters’ technical focus, illustrating how raw strength and personality shape each sport . He shares humorous gym stories—from...
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#68 Talking Diversity in Lifting Ability Part Four
This article explores the passionate, “more nuts” persona of powerlifters versus weightlifters and reveals how bodybuilding magazines—led by York and Weider—hooked teens with dreams of muscle, self-defense, and supplements, spawning...
Ken Leistner |