High Intensity Training for Strength and Cardiovascular Improvements


By: Aaron Schneider BS

What is high intensity training (HIT)?

HIT is a form of weight lifting that is done with maximum force output for a short duration of time (about 90 seconds) that takes you to momentary muscular failure. While this may sound scary, it is done in a slow controlled manner which minimizes risk of injury and maximizes efficiency. There are five basic movements involved (leg press, chest press, row, shoulder press, and lat pull down) and the workout only needs to be performed once a week (if performed properly to momentary failure). It is also possible to do single joint movements, but it is important to start with the complex, multi-joint movements. It is a safer form of exercise than doing the repetitious movements involved in typical “cardio” like running, and safer than the high speed ballistic movements involved in the newly popular Crossfit workouts. High intensity exercise helps improve all bodily functions; from strength and cardiovascular systems to insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation. It helps lower our heart rates, reduce blood pressure, and increase the chemicals that make us happy. Today we will focus on the strength and cardiovascular systems, which together can be labeled as overall fitness or endurance.

Why and how does HIT work?

HIT utilizes our body’s natural survival mechanism to create muscle strength and endurance. The human body is made up of trillions of cells whose only design is to undergo cellular metabolism and survive long enough to pass on their genetic code. If our cells think they are going to die they will adapt so that the next time they encounter that situation they will be stronger and more efficient. This then translates to the whole body. As we take our muscles closer and closer to failure our cells begin to panic. Our ancient survival mechanism kicks in and then we begin to panic. When this happens we want to stop because if we keep going to failure that big predator or human rival will have overtaken us and we die. 10,000 years ago we lived in a world of big predators and humans from other tribes that may have wanted to kill us. With the proper coaching and motivation we can continue pushing through this sensation for a few seconds until our muscles completely fatigue and then we stop. During this process we recruit as many muscle units as possible and this muscle tissue is broken down in the process, our energy levels (muscle glycogen stores) are depleted, and our respiration and heart rate increase. But we are still alive. What happens on a very basic level is the cells realize that first they have to repair the damage done, then they must build more muscle and become stronger and more efficient so that the next time we encounter this situation we do not come so close to dying and our chance of survival increases. The response leads to increased strength and increased overall fitness.

In order to understand the cardiovascular adaptations we must first understand some basic cellular metabolism. There are two basic energy-producing pathways: the anaerobic and the aerobic pathways, known as glycolysis and the Krebs (citric acid) cycle respectively. [Aerobic meaning with oxygen and anaerobic without oxygen]. The anaerobic pathway starts with glucose and through a series of chemical reactions produces ATP (energy) and a waste product known as pyruvate. Pyruvate is better known by the product it transforms into, lactic acid. If there is enough oxygen present the pyruvate enters the aerobic pathway within the mitochondria to allow for further production of ATP. The aerobic pathway also produces much more ATP than the anaerobic pathway; about 9 times more. [And this is just for sugar. Our body produces close to 130 ATP per fat molecule].

Now, when we think of weight lifting we think of the anaerobic system working, and when we think of “cardio” or aerobics we think of the aerobic system being the primary energy-production system. But this is in fact not the case. Both systems are working all the time. The difference between high intensity training and typical “cardio” training is the degree to which each system is stressed. During bouts of “cardio” the anaerobic system is not being greatly stressed and there is always enough oxygen to allow for the aerobic metabolism to take place. However, during high intensity training where a lot of energy needs to be produced in a short period of time, the anaerobic system is running so fast that it produces more end product (pyruvate) than the aerobic system can cycle. Pyruvate builds up in the cells and converts into lactic acid and this creates that muscle burn. Because the aerobic system (which produces 34 ATP) cannot work any faster, and the anaerobic system (which can only produce 4 ATP; not nearly enough to fuel the high intensity workout) is getting backed up, we quickly reach that momentary muscular failure. The muscle cells fatigue sequentially because there is no rest involved. Thus, high intensity equals short duration. During “cardio” however, we can continuously move because we are working at a lower intensity and not creating this backup in the cell. We can continuously produce enough energy to go for hours. The problem with this is that it takes a lot of exercise to create the ideal adaptations and the movements are repetitive; this is where chronic inflammation and chronic injuries start to happen, such as shin splints and stress fractures. On the other hand, when doing high intensity exercise, the glycolytic system is being stressed beyond its capacity. When we finish the exercise, the lactic acid that was built up gets cycled through the liver and comes back to the cells as pyruvate. Now that the exercise is over and there is plenty of oxygen available, the cells undergo aerobic metabolism. This means that not only did we get a tough workout in a short time period we also got a workout for 1-2 hours afterward while we were relaxing or lounging around, and we got the same cardiovascular adaptations as “cardio”.

All things being equal, high intensity exercise may be the superior style of exercise for your health, but if you truly enjoy running or cycling or any other form of “cardio” by all means do it. It all comes down to the fact that it is your choice how to exercise. If you like the idea of not having to work out all the time and you like having plenty of time in the day and week for other activities, then high intensity exercise is your best bet. But if you like getting out for a few hours to get away from everything, or you enjoy sweating for a couple hours in the gym doing circuits, then do that. For those that enjoy the latter I still recommend incorporating high intensity training into your life. The nice thing is that you can schedule the training around your life as opposed to having to schedule your life around the gym or hours of working out every day. Ask yourself, “If I choose high intensity training, what can I accomplish with all the extra time I have saved?” Weigh the pros and cons, the benefits and costs, and make sure you are having fun.

Aaron Schneider runs the CSI Performance Lab and is in charge of setting up rehab and training programs. “At CSI our job is to get you back to performance level” He can be contacted through CSI website, www.gotcsi.com

By: Dr. Terry Weyman

“When I ride my wrist hurts and sometimes my hands go numb. Do I have carpal tunnel syndrome?” “This is one of the leading questions I am asked in my practice. In the past 15-20 years, carpal tunnel syndrome has become one of the most significant medical problems affecting the U.S. population. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion disorders account for over 60 percent of all workplace injuries. Computer operators have joined assembly line workers, meatpackers, building tradesmen, hairstylists, dental assistants, cashiers and others as victims of repetitive strain injuries causing these disorders to be dubbed “the number one occupational hazard of the twentieth century.” For MX Athletes, the problem is also growing, but what makes it this condition hazardous is when you have a hard time holding onto the bars at top speed.

So now what? Unfortunately carpal tunnel syndrome is also one of the most over and misdiagnosed conditions along with sciatica. Carpal tunnel is defined as “a compression of the median nerve at the wrist. This compression is caused by one of two things:

ONE, swelling of the tissue (blood vessels, nerves, fat and tendons) surrounding the nerve in a tunnel-like passage (canal) in the wrist. This swelling can be as simple as fluid retention associated with mensration, arm pump or several other minor issues.

The SECOND possible cause is a collapse of one or more of the carpal bones compressing the median nerve. This collapse can be the result of an injury (landing on your outstretched hand and bending your wrist backwards or any forced hyperextension wrist injury) or from sustained pressure from activities like typing/keypunching (computer work), sustained riding, over doing your workout or activities involving pushing. The symptoms include pain, weakness and numbness in the thumb and first finger (pointer finger), and could involve the second finger (middle finger). These are the only locations of symptoms if the diagnosis is carpal tunnel syndrome. If the pain, numbness and/or weakness are in the entire hand, outside of the hand, in the forearm, or if you also experience pain in the cervical spine then another diagnosis must be made. A complete exam, along with specific x-rays, is helpful in making the proper diagnosis.

There are many ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome depending on the severity, among other considerations. In most cases, Specific Chiropractic Manipulation of the carpal bones performed in a specific manner can be very effective in relieving the pressure on the median nerve. Specific biomechanical adjustments coupled with soft tissue techniques, such as ART (Active Release Technique), have experienced a success rate of 80% and above (according to an independent study performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1999). Specific exercises to strength the weakened tissue should complete the treatment protocol.

Some Physicians may prescribe medication and /or inject cortico-steriods which may temporarily alleviate pain and swelling. However, it often does not treat the actual problem and the symptoms may return. Surgery may be recommended in extreme cases, but surgery may lead to scarring of the transverse ligament, as well as creating instability of the carpal (wrist) structure. The scarring can further irritate the median nerve causing the symptoms to return. Since surgery only has a success rate of up to13%, all other means of treatment should be exhausted prior to consent.

As one of the most widespread occupational hazards, carpal tunnel syndrome is painful and debilitating. If you experience any of the symptoms above don’t wait for it to “go away”. Early treatment will lead to a quicker and easier recovery. Regardless of which treatment is used, full recovery will only come about by avoiding stressful situations and changing ergonomics (such as bar angle and height) and habits. Seek advise from your Sports Chiropractor, Medical Doctor, Trainer, Physical Therapist or your coach.

Dr. Terry Weyman is a Sports Chiropractor who specializes in the active person. He is the clinic director of the Chiropractic Sports Institute in Westlake Village, Ca. www.gotcsi.com

By: Dr. Terry Weyman

I was first introduced to the Mild Hyperbaric Chamber 8 years ago after I had shoulder surgery. I was told it would increase my healing time and get me back to water skiing earlier. I was skeptical, but I had nothing to lose. After being in the chamber for 45 min I was able to move my arm with out pain and was able to do simple rehab exercises! It blew me away. Recently, I hurt my ankle real bad and was told I would not walk for months. Again, I sought out a Chamber, still not fully understanding what it does, again the results were amazing and I was walking within weeks. After talking with other Sports Medicine Doctors and Friends of mine who work with Elite Athletes I decided to take the plunge and bring one to CSI. So far, the results have been astounding. What is a Mild Hyperbaric Chamber and what does it do? Hopefully this simple article answers some of your questions.

How Much O2 can the body absorb and how much am I really getting?

When you breathe, Oxygen attaches to red blood cells and is carried throughout the body to be used in every function your body performs. However, the amount of Oxygen your body receives is limited by the number and circulation of these cells. Sickness, Injury or disease can dramatically lower your Red Blood Cell count and restrict Oxygen delivery to vital organs. Since 90% of our biological energy comes from Oxygen and only 10% from food and water, proper O2 usage is important not only in healing but for performance as well.

Isn’t breathing enough?

Unfortunately, when we breathe we are not getting enough oxygen. Currently our atmospheric oxygen content is approximately 21%, when just a few hundred years ago the air concentration was as high as 35%. Although toxic gases and pollutants are causing the atmospheric oxygen decline, it is not the only cause of oxygen deficiency. Over processed foods are high in toxins and low in oxygen. Eating these foods forces the body to use large amounts of oxygen to eliminate the poisons. These foods include: white floor, sugar, alcohol. Coffee, colas, etc. Foods rich in oxygen supply are fresh and organic fruits and vegetables.

When you’re injured, your physical effort declines. Lack of exercise prevents the body from absorbing the oxygen needed to revitalize the systems. Not sleeping well prevents oxygen from regenerating the organs, cells, bone and muscles. Physical stress, caused by infections, surgery, injury and viruses, creates the need for the body to use more oxygen to fight and repair. Emotional stress also places strain on all major organs and systems of the body as well.

How can Mild Hyperbaric Help?

Mild Hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses purified ambient air with high levels of oxygen and approximately 130% atmospheric pressure to allow Oxygen Absorption through out ALL the bodies’ fluids. Since your RBCs can only absorb so much O2, now O2 can be “pushed” into other fluids such as Plasma and CSF (cerebral spinal fluid). This is proven through “Henry;s law of Physics, where when liquid is put under pressure, it absorbs the surrounding gases”.

Unlike Oxygen Bars and other forms of Oxygen treatments, Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy is the only way to infuse all the bodies fluids, including blood plasma, lymphatic fluids, and as said above, CSF. Now O2 can reach tissue which is inaccessible to red blood cells, enhance white blood cell function and promote the formation of new capillary and peripheral blood vessels. This dissolved Oxygen is more readily used by the tissue cells. That’s because Oxygen carried in fluid is immediately available to the body’s cells, while Oxygen in red blood cells requires energy to make it available. This results in increased infection control and a faster healing time.

Many of the defense mechanism in the human body are dependent on oxygen. A low level of Oxygen in the tissues reduces the healing time by reducing the effectiveness of the ingestion and killing of bacteria by the white blood cells. When a body is subjected to Hyperbaric Therapy, re-oxygenation of the tissue allows phagocytosis and other defense mechanisms of the body to operate more effectively. Bottom line, bring more O2 in, the system works more efficiently so that you heal faster and stronger.

Hyperbaric Medicine is not a “cure all”, but a tool. When this tool is used correctly it has demonstrated to dramatically increase immune capabilities, helps with post surgical repair, fractures, musculoskeletal injuries, fibromyalgia pain, fatigue recovery, post concussion symptoms to just name a few. The affects of Hyperbaric Therapy are cumulative, and show longer lasting benefits over multiple sessions. MRI changes have been seen in both brain and injury sites in as little as 10 hours of use.

For more information you can contact Westlake CSI at www.gotcsi.com or schedule an apt by calling 805-371-0737