To anyone considering Xeno's routine: I understand the pain of what others call “constructive criticism.” Most of us science-minded PEers have been back lashed a time or two. But I believe xeno’s strategy can be broken down into three simple concepts that can be adopted by anyone:
1) Continually moving up in intensity. I think it’s very important to start out with low-reps and low-intensity, and then continually work your way up. Xeno’s guide does this, and it is even mathematically calculated (although the specifics are beyond me — and I have knowledge in both physics and calculus). I truly believe that if you use the same routine over and over, then you are going to hit a plateau sooner or later. This, IMO, is obvious. You have to hit the body with new stress to provide growth. It’s the basis of any exercise regime.
2) Decon breaks. The information provided here, and by everyone else (thank you Shiv, MX, MM, xeno, etc.) should describe why decon breaks are important. For additional info on this subject, I suggest reading any weightlifting book that describes why decon breaks are needed. Xeno’s strategy incorporate these too.
3) A plan. You can’t incorporate the above two without a guide. Too many times guys are left with comments like “Use a decon break,” or “gradually move up in intensity” as if they know what the heck that means. This is especially true in the beginning, when men are just learning how to jelq… The point is, each of us will interpet the two statements any way we want.
Also, many men give-up because they don’t have a plan to follow. When you aren’t set to a schedule, you can pretty much exercise when and where you want. When life gets hectic, the things that are unscheduled get dropped really quick. A plan, in an essences, allows us to stick to a schedule, and to our goals.
Xeno’s strategy incorporates all three of the concepts that I believe are needed for growth. He sets up an ideal way for men to 1) gradually move up (too many times guys move up way too fast, or don’t move up enough), and 2) He incorporates sufficient decon breaks, all into 3) A nice plan. I find it hard to believe that many men wouldn’t gain from this type of method. Xeno, although I don’t think the ways (and references) you produced the strategy with are entirely authentic, I do believe that the strategy is more than sufficient.
That is just my humble opinion. And xeno I know we don’t always agree, but I do respect you, and more importantly, I do appreciate you & your efforts.
To those of you who have posted on the SM theory thread, and are wondering where I have been, I apologize for my delays. My opinion was requested on this thread by a man I could not say no to. I will be there soon :)