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.