Last Saturday and Sunday, the Renaissance Exercise team, in conjunction with OVERLOAD Fitness successfully held its second annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio. Attendance ended up well exceeding the 50 person cap, attracting professionals from across the globe. The weekend centered on informative presentations, challenging inquisition, and hands-on experience.
The conference kicked off Saturday morning with a double-feature presentation from Ken Hutchins. Hutchins initially focused on distinctive, descriptive, and purposeful language and its necessity when discussing exercise. He then delved into a case study highlighting the rehabilitative possibilities of time static contractions (TSC).
Next, keynote speaker Dr. Doug McGuff was taken through a workout. His routine was comprised of time static leg press (iLP), time static pullover/pulldown (iPO/iPD), dynamic Overhead Press, and time static Compound Row (iCR). Dr. McGuff has detailed his workout and overall experience at the conference on www.bodybyscience.net.
Gus Diamantopoulos then provided an eloquent speech that put the RenEx philosophy into perspective with regards to other protocols, mainly focusing on the fact that adherence to the RenEx protocol can garner the same or better results in a fraction of the time as other high-intensity programs. Diamantopoulos then insisted that, due to the unique nature of the Renaissance Exercise, client education and understanding is of the utmost importance for client retention.
Diamantopoulos went on to explain where TSC fits into the puzzle and how it is used in conjunction with dynamic RenEx protocol. This was the perfect transition; Al Coleman then took center stage to present the evolution and practical applications of the TSC protocol. Coleman discussed and analyzed the visual feedback system in its current incarnation. He dissected several graphs and set parameters for poor, average, and exceptional performances. Perhaps the most important take away from his presentation is the study of TSC is constantly evolving and will continue to provide new insights.
Next up the audience got an unexpected surprise. OVERLOAD client, 48 year old Ray Dickerson dropped by to do a posing exhibition. He just so happened to be competing in a natural bodybuilding event right down the street. All were impressed with Dickerson’s transformation, he lost 54 pounds over the course of 5 months in preparing for this event.
Following the posing exhibition there was a question and answer session with the entire panel of presenters.
Dr. McGuff gave his keynote speech to conclude day one. His presentation centered on the idea of innovation. Dr. McGuff cited research studies supporting RenEx philosophy and challenged the medical community to be more critical of the entire exercise community. He also spoke to the increasing level of innovation and exploration taking place in the high intensity training community at large. He concluded that a competitive attitude has spawned tremendous advancement in other fields, and that as RenEx refines and strengthens our stance, others are encouraged to think outside of the box and innovate as well. The crowd left inspired and geared up to enjoy the rest of the evening at the hotel for dinner then drinks.
Day two kicked off with “Secrets of a Professional Natural Bodybuilder” workout demonstration. Joshua Trentine started with the iPullOver and went directly into the iPullDown, he moved as fast as possible to get over to, and situated in, the RenEx Overhead Press.
Followed by the never seen before and brand new RenEx Simple Row, then quickly into the RenEx iCompound Row, by this point in the workout you could see a marked visual difference as his muscles continued to pump.
The workout finished with a grueling set of dynamic RenEx Leg Press.
After catching his breath, Trentine gave a presentation titled, “Secrets of a Professional Bodybuilder.”
Even though most clients don’t aspire to be competitive bodybuilders, Trentine explained that this protocol can be successful for those who wish to compete in bodybuilding. He explained that training according to the RenEx philosophy, twice a week, while adhering to very strict nutritional guidelines, one could be competition ready. His presentation highlighted numerous success stories of bodybuilders he has trained in the last 5 years. Trentine discussed a wide variety of subjects relating to bodybuilding, but his ideas about “The rate limiting factor for muscular growth” and “The Key Stimulus” were definitely highlights of the presentation.
At the conclusion of the presentations, it was time for the attendees to try out the equipment.
While last years conference focused on unveiling the entire RenEx line of equipment, this year centered around the new time static machines. These machines included time static leg curl/leg extension (iLC/LE), the iPullover/PullDown( iPO/PD), and the iMulti, which is equipped for use with 16 different exercises.
Each machine was manned with an instructor who detailed proper exercise performance and utilization of the visual feedback system.
The RenEx Team also demonstrated the Dynamic RenEx Leg Press, Static Leg Press, Trunk Extension and the unveiling of the RenEx Simple Row, also known as the posture machine.
“I just attended the “Future of Exercise” conference and the RenEx crew did a fantastic job. Every minute of the conference was productive. Every presentation informative. Every question asked was answered. It was run on schedule and the facilities were first class. The networking opportunities were priceless. I can say that it was run with the precision and attention to detail that these guys apply to everything they do and the Marine in me admires and respects that.
Jeff,
has been nothing short of phenomenal. The RenEx team has set the standard for the safest, most effective, and most efficient way to exercise. In an industry with an “everything goes” mentality, the RenEx team is turning the tides by challenging this mentality through an intellectual approach to exercise.
The protocol itself is invaluable. We didn’t open our studio because there was a lack of fitness centers in our area. We opened our studio because we knew the value of the RenEx protocol and what it could do for people.
The RenEx equipment line is truly impressive from two perspectives. As the subject/trainee, the equipment provides an incredibly efficient inroading experience. The level of inroad that is achieved would not be possible apart from the RenEx line of equipment and the protocol. The equipment gets out of the user’s way. The subject is not limited by the machine. As an instructor, it has never been easier to teach and effectively communicate the RenEx protocol to the subject. The feedback technology alone has proved to be very beneficial for beginners and advanced subjects alike. Another benefit to both the subject and the instructor is how precise the settings are on the machines to ensure safety and repeatability for all types of subjects.
Behind the RenEx protocol and equipment line is a passionate team of individuals. The RenEx team is highly intellectual, professional, personable, and approachable. They have been great to work with and a huge support for our business.
Our business is built around the implementation of RenEx. One of the greatest assets that RenEx provides to our business is that the protocol can be applied to a great range of individuals. We can serve the young and the old, the advanced athlete and the non-athlete, those with range of motion issues and those without. We don’t have to be discriminatory with those who can participate at our studio and those who can’t. Our clients truly see the value of RenEx. We have a very high close rate (~85%) and our retention rate is even higher (~90%) because people know the real thing when they see it. We choose to implement RenEx because we know that it is simply the best. Doing anything else would violate my own conscience.”
Kevin Ness 
Or so this is what I believed since my early exercise experience. In fact, I performed high-repetition sets of bench press to develop endurance and one-repetition maximum lifts to develop raw strength.