Skip to main content

Damascus Introduction


DAMASCUS - a type of steel known for its distinctive patterns of banding and mottling, reminiscent of flowing water. Historically, Damascus steel was used in crafting swords and knives that were celebrated for their strength, durability, and sharpness. The forging process combines different metals, creating a material both robust and resilient. Symbolically, Damascus steel represents strength, flexibility, and the beauty that can emerge from blending different elements.


Objective:

Damascus is my first dedicated attempt to merge performance gains with protective longevity practices, aimed at those who want to excel without compromising well-being. This program is particularly mindful of individuals recovering from concussions or dealing with prolonged concussion symptoms, focusing on enhancing core stability, balance, and movement control while minimizing excessive strain or impact.


Structure:

The program is divided into three four-week phases:

  1. Foundation Phase (Weeks 1-4): Establishes a base of strength and cardiovascular capacity through moderate weights, higher repetitions, and steady-state conditioning. This phase emphasizes proper form and technique.
  2. Intensification Phase (Weeks 5-8): Increases load and intensity to push strength limits, paired with moderate-intensity anaerobic intervals to boost conditioning.
  3. Peak Phase (Weeks 9-12): Incorporates higher weights and explosive power movements to maximize strength and dynamic performance while balancing recovery through strategic conditioning.

Training Days:

  • 3 Days of Strength & Functional Bodybuilding focus on developing strength and balanced musculature, emphasizing controlled, compound movements with added single-limb work for stability.
  • 2 Days of Conditioning integrate both steady-state aerobic work and high-intensity conditioning (HIC), building cardiovascular endurance while minimizing stress on the central nervous system.

Warm-Up and Cooldown Protocols:

Each session includes a specialized warm-up to activate key muscle groups, improve joint mobility, and prepare the nervous system. Cooldowns incorporate flexibility, light stretching, and deep breathing to promote recovery and reduce central nervous strain—particularly beneficial for those with concussion sensitivities. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

BEAST DAY 1

Day 1 (Strength) Warm-up (10 min):   3 Rounds:  10 Air Squats 10 Banded Pull-Aparts 10 Push-ups 30s Dead Hang Strength Work:     Squat 2 warmup sets 3 Sets of 6 reps @ 20X1, RPE 7 Weighted Pull-up (if applicable) - Because my weighted pull up above is 175# and my bodyweight is 185#, I will just be performing the reps unweighted. Subsequent weeks will show me adding weight with reduced reps. 2 warmup sets 3 Sets of 6 reps @ 20X1, RPE 7 4 Rounds 8 Dumbbell Bench Press @ 20X1 8/side Weighted Bulgarian Split Squat   @ 20X1 :30 Hollow Body Hold Rest 1:00 Cooldown (10 min):   Banded Hamstring Stretch Pec Stretch Breathing Drills (Box Breathing)

Spartan Beast Prep - Day 33

SITREP - 250819 RECOVERY MATRIX:  🛌 SLEEP [7H 21M, GREAT] 🔥 SAUNA [15M @ 180-200F] 🧊 COLD PLUNGE [5M @ 65F] 📊 HRV [NORMAL, 55]  SUPPLY STATUS:  Fish oil - 2000 mg Multivitamin COQ-10 - 400 mg Lion's Mane - 1800 mg Vitamin D - 50 mcg TRAINING REPORT:  Warm-up (8 min) 2 min Cardio of Choice + 3 Sets: 15 sec Cardio Sprint → Seated BB Good Morning: 6-10 reps @30X0 Extended Plank: 40-60 sec A) Primary Movement (12 min): Conventional Deadlift Every 3:00 x 3 Working Sets Warm-up Set: 10 reps @20X1 - Easy - 135 Working Set 1: 8 reps @20X1 - RPE 7 - 185 Working Set 2: 6 reps @20X1 - RPE 8 - 225 Working Set 3: 4 reps @20X1 - RPE 9 - 275 B) Supporting Lift (10 min): Supinated Bent Over Row or Smith Machine Supinated Bent Over Row Every 2:30 x 4 Working Sets Warm-up Set: 10 reps @20X0 - Easy - 135 Working Set 1: 10 reps @20X0 - RPE 7 - 135 Working Set 2: 8 reps @20X0 - RPE 8 - 145 Working Set 3: 6 reps @20X0 - RPE 9 - 155 Working Set 4: Drop back to Set 1 weight, MAX unbroke...

250326

Warm-up (8 min) 2 min Cardio of Choice + 3 Sets 15 sec Cardio Sprint - directly into 1) Cobra Sumo Stance Goodmorning; 6-8 reps @30X0 2) Single Arm DB/KB Overhead Walk; 20m/side A) Romanian Deadlift Every 3:00 x 3 Working Sets Warm-up Set - 10 reps @20X1 - Easy Working Set 1 - 12 reps @20X1 - RPE 7 Working Set 2 - 10 reps @20X1 - RPE 8 Working Set 3 - 8 reps @20X1 - RPE 9 B) 3 Sets 1) Incline DB Bench Press; 12 reps @21X0 - rest 30 sec 2) Incline Bench Reverse Crunch or Leg Raise; 8-12 reps @20X0 - - rest 60-90 sec and back to 1 C) 3 Sets 1) Barbell Upright Row; 10 reps @21X1 - rest 30 sec 2) Goblet Cossack Squat; 16 reps (8 reps/side) @20X0 - - rest 60-90 sec D) 3 Sets 1) Barbell Curls; 12-20 reps @20X0 - rest 60 sec 2) Barbell Reverse Curls; 12-20 reps @20X0 - - rest 60 sec and back to 1 Cooldown (5 min) 2 sets 1. Hip Sleeper Stretch; 30 sec/side 2. Childs Pose Lat Stretch; 30 sec/side 3. Seal Pose; 30 sec