Regular readers of my blog know that I've been doing a form of fitness and strength training called Static Contraction Training - and that I've achieved significant gains in strength (34% gain on bench press and 39% gain on leg press).
With the very heavy weights needed for SCT, I've pretty much maxed out the conventional equipment at the gym. I found myself spending more time than I wanted loading and unloading weight plates - counter to my goal of maximum results in minimum time - so I began looking for a better option.
I decided to get the "Streamline SR" from Super Rep (formerly known as Explosive Fitness), equipment specially developed for Static Contraction Training. The equipment uses a static (but adjustable) bar, with a meter that measures force up to 5,000 pounds of resistance. I recently received the equipment and it is the first component in my home gym.
The Streamline SR requires assembly, with two 9/13-inch wrenches and one 1/2-inch wrench. The instruction manual suggests to allow two to four hours for unpacking and assembly, which proved to be about right. Assembly wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be: it was somewhat like assembling a bicycle.
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Related: to get the most out of my strength training, I have been using NewGrips which I'm finding are much better than traditional weight lifting gloves. NewGrips are made of neoprene - and they cushion my palms and fingers and add strength to my grip so I can lift even heavier weights. Best weight lifting gloves/grips ever! To be crystal clear, I bought these gloves, use them every workout, like them a lot... and I am linking to NewGrips with an affiliate link, meaning I get a token commission if you click from my link and purchase a pair of NewGrips from the manufacturer.
Links: Updated Results:Fitness Results Over One Year: Transforming My Body Through Fitness and Nutrition (January 13, 2008)
Strength Training: Unpacking New "Streamline SR" Fitness Equipment (August 25, 2007)
Fitness Results: Break Out Quarter! (Quarterly report, August 29, 2007: gained another 6.1 pounds of muscle; lost another 2.85 pounds of fat):
Strength Training with Static Contraction Training: results after ten months (Quarterly report, May 17, 2007: gained another 1.2 pounds of muscle; lost another 2.95 pounds of fat )
Strength Training with Static Contraction Training: results after four months (November 23, 2006)
I'm looking forward to integrating this equipment into my work out routines, and will report the results here from time to time. In the meantime, here are unpacking photos, as well as a photo of the finished unit:
The equipment came in 3 boxes.
Unpacking one box.
Unpacking another box.
A few hours later, fully assembled, trying out the bench press.
