One of my long-time customers and seminar attendees, wrote me yesterday to rave about his results.
Here’s a portion of what he wrote:
Dear Matt,
OMG!!! You told my story! I know you’re busy but please read. I became aware of the Great Gama back in 1969 in a Strength & Health article. I first saw your ad for Combat Conditioning in Bill Hinbern’s catalogue in 01.’
When it mentioned bodyweight exercises pioneered by Indian wrestlers, it triggered my memory of Gama and I ordered Combat Conditioning. By 2003-4′ I was knocking out 500 at a clip just to warm up in the gym. My best was 1,400 straight in 44 minutes.
Then came arthritis. Dr. told me the knee cartilage was disintegrating. By 2012 I couldn’t seem to squat anymore. Well, it ran its course (as the Dr. said it would) and by gosh I could squat again.
I’m now 72 and couldn’t seem to get motivated. Then a couple of weeks ago I did just what you said (in your email). Set a goal of 25 (repetitions). Damn, you were right. It was like opening the floodgates! Man, those endorphins started pumping and I cranked out 3 more sets w/ hard breathing..vacuum exhales.
Matt, I feel like I’m 25 again!! Feel the power coursing through my entire body! Someday I’ll get up to 500-straight again.
In just a few weeks my legs feel like steel with noticeably more musculature. In my opinion, Hindu squats are the king of all exercises. You’re right…the legs feed the wolf.
It was said Gama’s wrestling technique was mediocre but his superhuman conditioning (squats & pushups) made up for it. Same with Rocky Marciano…minimal skills but the best conditioned fighter of all time.
You’re the man Matt!! Thanks always for a most valuable education. You and the family stay safe and well. Blessings
Cliff
Way to roll, Cliff, and thank you for the update. It’s good to see that you’re still kicking butt. And it’s amazing to see how the mind-body wakes up when you get started, even when you don’t FEEL like it.
Yesterday morning, when my training partner showed up, I went outside and started moving… slowly. I didn’t feel up to snuff and didn’t think there was any possibility of me having a productive workout. Even so, I got started.
After five minutes, I could feel a tiny shift taking place, but nothing major.
Then I began my first set of some fairly complex martial exercises, doing only five complete repetitions, four of which were in slow motion.
I took a break after five repetitions even though I didn’t need one. Within 30 seconds, I began the second set of five.
Another brief rest.
Followed by another set.
When the two of us finished, we’d performed five repetitions of 15 different complicated exercises.
How did I feel afterward?
I was ready for more, and we’d been training for over an hour.
Strike the idea of training to failure, of doing every set you perform to the max.
Instead, start small and let the momentum that is naturally generated by your brain and body to take hold. When it does, you won’t have to push yourself to do more. You’ll want to do more.
Here endeth the lesson.
Matt Furey
