Vince Gironda Odyssey -Genesis-

Gironda Odyssey first 2, binder did not come with them..

I can hardly wait! I have to but its sooooo hard. I ordered some of Vince Girondas training manuals and I feel like a kid at Xmas eve staring at the box under the tree and wondering what cool thing I will soon be playing with.
Around 8 weeks ago I ordered the Larry Scott "Sharing The Secrets" Training Reports from his web site. I tore though the pages like a Harry Potter fan who got a pre-release copy of the last book. Found many, many great tips in the 33 some odd reports. I made gains in my arm like never before and my back is now firmly connected to my mind when I work it. (Mind muscle thing.. never got it for my back till now)

But after the shine of the new super secret training reports were more fully under stood and I scrutinized them more fully I found that the reports were rather redundant and at times hard to fully understand due to the lack of detailed photos. And most reports talked about equipment that is either very rare/odd or flat out not available at most gyms, but wait! You can purchase it at: your guessed it Larry's web site.

In all fairness I did say I made gains, gain like never before. Well I started digging and reviewed the interview Larry made with probodybuildingweekly.com and he did say that Vince Gironda was his trainer and that he would help him. I had read about Vince many times over the years and most of the training was odd and went Against the grain so I never used it much but a grip here and a rep scheme there or a work out once in a while to take me out of the doldrums of my work out But most to all of the Scott system could be traced back to the door of Vinces gym. I reread all I had on the man that was most misunderstood and then read all that was offered on the internet on him (long week). After exhausted all the free writings I went back to a story on Vince written by Ron Kosloff (a Disciple of Vince). I say Disciple because the study of Vince is a study of some far off religion found only in a mountain village by people who are well muscled and live off whole raw food and speak only one word VINCE!

But hey I found Larrys regurgitation of Vince so helpful What the hell right? Well the only thing is that the only place you can get Vince's Courses is through Ron Kosloff and the company of NSP research nutrition. No web site, no email only a phone number and not a toll free at that Called and Ron answered! One man show I suppose.
Ordered two of the courses:

The Wild Physique (From the catalog) I remember Vince calling it his candy bar publication. What do you expect from a man who has an I.Q. of genius? I say it's just great! 28 separate sections of topics of bodybuilding for men and women. It touches on every aspect of interest of our sport from steroids, intensity, nutrition, posing, and lots of great pictures of the stars, many many exercises and much more.


Blueprint For The Bodybuilder: (From the catalog) This Vince gem is worth a million dollars as it contains the maximum information and knowledge of this fantastic and revolutionary principle that are priceless. As he said, Nutrition is 85% of bodybuilding and if you don't accept this fact you will fail.

Side note: the catalog came in a regular envelope stuffed with all different sized papers with information on this and that on the supplements (old school liver things/stuff) as well as the course info Reminded me of the Charles Atlas stuff from the comic books, flash back Will update with more as I get them have time to chew on the new super secret super chicken sauce...
You knew the job was dangerous when you took it Fred ba gack!!

The Wild Physique - Thoughts and Notes

This book was a very easy read. Well laid out and well written. ($28.00)

One Note to keep in mind is that as I go though all of Vince’s writing both paid for and free, I have noticed that there is a fair amount of contradiction from one thing to another.
Such as “never blend eggs in a blender due to the yoke being damaged” then blend eggs in a blender for a protein recipe. I think due to the years the writings span ideas on certain issues changed in Vince’s way of thinking.

The training is very descriptive and complete with many exercises to choose from. (Dogma aside) the diet information is highly debatable due to the heavy fat/protein to carbohydrate ratio. Vince believed in a very low carbohydrate to protein mix in order to cut fat. Much like the Adkins’s diet with the difference of eating the carbs and proteins at different times in the day and not all together. Further more on low to no carb cycles one carb up day was proscribed to refuel the muscles with glycogens.

Of all the manuals offered this one is by far the most complete in regards to a total package that is used for both nutrition/workout and mental attitude. Well worth the money ($28.00 + $2.00 for a binder) the only real big draw back is that this is a reprint or rather a photo copy of the original book print. (Original book is out of print for some time)
All pictures are in black and white. Perhaps they were in B&W in the original printing but with higher quality. (I would hope)

Vince’s Dogma:
Vince was as far as his writings and reputation was by most people’s account a very stubborn, high strung fellow with his later years teetering on curmudgeon and/or bitter.
In Vince’s Gym it was simply his way or get the hell out…

One might note that the greater the thinker the greater the successes but also greater the errors. In other words those that shoot for the moon either make a dazzling display of precision and grace or miss it by miles…
In any case Vince did not ever note any ware I can find that an error or evolution in his thinking corrected. You find only a change or contradiction in the writings. By studying the dates of publication you may find an insight into his thinking at that time, however I am at odds finding true first time publications dates, the dates that are available are mostly re-publication dates in many muscle magazines

Blueprint For The Bodybuilder - Thoughts and Notes

This is a down and dirty nutritional supplement booklet. ($15.00)
The main thrust of this writing could be summed up by this passage:
“Controlling the body weight without exercise is almost an impossible task."

This book could stand on it's own but to fully understand the Vince Dogma you must read at least the Wild Physique.

Some high lights are:

1. Red meat is not just good it's the king of Vince's protein recommendations with eggs a really close 2nd.


2. "The human body can digest and assimilate only 20 grams of protein per meal."


3. High cholesterol is more of a internal body issue than a diet one.


4. Dessicated liver - kicks ass!


5. Vitamins - they are-a-plenty, you will need a lot of water to wash all the recommend tabs down.

Over all impression: Really good for the intermediate trainer looking for that old school diet edge.

Balanced Arms - Thoughts and Notes

Balanced arms is a booklet ($15.00) aimed at the, my arms are tiny but want tree trunks and not twigs crowd.

Catalog description: "The secret of well shaped, fully developed huge arms can be yours."

Filled with both biceps and triceps movements a plenty. Some however are difficult due to the cable pull position and execution. And of course Vince’s ever present never ending championing of cholesterol as a natural body secretion and not a diet intake one. With handy easy meal suggestions like:
Steak and eggs!! Wow what a shocker… Vince loved his eggs and meat on that there is no question.
One odd thing noted is that there is no, not one hammer type of movement. So the bicep brachial is never engaged directly. Sort of weird for a balanced arm type slant.

Some high lights are:

• NO! Cardio work... NONE


• Arms should be worked first.


• Eat your protein, that means your liver tabs-meat-eggs...


• Your mind needs to be focused on your goal.


• Stress will make your muscles shrink.


• Big Arms require leg work (though no exercises are given or suggested)


• Not ALL exercises make muscles grow larger and stronger.

Over all impression: Glad I have this for the arkive but at $15 it seems a bit high.

A muscle has FOUR SIDES - Thoughts and Notes

A muscle has four sides is a training manual for 1 type of workout scheme/system. $15.00
Some nutrition is in there to help with your hopeful results. This type of training is sort of a kin to a machine gun fire. Rapid succession of predetermined exercises in rapid order.

Catalog description: None. weird hu?

My take on this type of training is it reminds me of the Max-OT type training. Well this is perhaps where the max-ot training got it's start. Doing heavy weight with a predetermined order and speed. There is a very specific diet plan included that must be strictly followed. Hint buy up eggs when on sale...

A few round a bout notes are that the full title is A muscle has FOUR SIDES, how to build more muscle in the shortest time possible. Then at the bottom "When Vince speaks the stars listen".
The muscle building thing is on display clearly but the reference to the stars must have been a marketing thing that is now not understood. No actor, musician or other type of star including any physique person is used in the pictures or referenced in the writings.
Some high lights are:

• One exercise performed for one set only with reps not exceeding 12
• Exercises are set, no deviation is permissible.
  
• Get ready to eat your eggs... RAW and a-lot of them.
• News flash Vince has made arrangements with a local motel a block away from the gym so you can train with him (This is noted because most trainers try to do this very thing now a days, Vince; as always the innovator)

Over all impression: This is a really good type of training that all weight trainers should try at least once or use it to get past a sticking point, only real draw back is if you are not familiar with old style exercises, IE zottman curls…

Vince's First Workout Bulletin - Thoughts and Notes

Vince's First Workout Bulletin is a Charles Atlas style exercise booklet. $16.00
Very simple and very short with most exercises either already known by most weight trainers or a variation of known exercises.

Catalog description: "Vince reveals the fantastic workout techniques that helped produce the West Coast Stars".

Some high lights are:

• An endorsement by Joe Weider
• Rapid breathing or multiple breathing breath control should be employed on any and all strict form exercises.
  
• Abdominal work should never be employed by slow gainers.
  

Over all impression: Don't buy this. If you are like me and are trying to collect all of Vince's writings then, OK. Other wise it is all most worthless due to it's simplicity and the fact that all of the information is in other writings.

Vince's Six Week Bulk Course & Secrets Of Definition - Thoughts and Notes

Both the bulk & definition courses are booklets. $15.00 ea these are for the bulk up phase then the cut your fat phase. I combined the two because at the end of the bulk course “the next step” is the Definition-Diet, as it is put on the last page.

Catalog description-

Vince's Six Week Bulk Course: “Gain muscle weight with minimum loss of definition. Includes diet.”

Secrets Of Definition: “Step-by-step secrets to maximum definition: exercise, special definition diet and much much more....”

Due to the sequel type ending of the bulk course I thought it best to combine these two reviews. Both have info that is discussed with equal or greater detail in other writings. The bulk course is set-up very clean and organized but with no pictures to help with the recommended exercises. The definition course is laid out like a personal journal with hand drawn pictures that show the recommended exercises. Both diets are very similar with the difference in the addition or removal of carbohydrates. Both diets are highly simple and are covered in only one or two paragraphs in the booklets.

Some high lights are:

• A forward by Larry Scott
• Smokers do not gain muscle easily
• A lesson on breathing control

Over all impression: Glad I have them for the archive, however for those that are not interested in collecting Vince’s writings and only want training then avoid these two.

Vince’s Corner - Thoughts and Notes

Vince’s Corner ($16.00) is a compilation of some of his many magazine articles published in various muscle magazines over the years. This booklet is like appetizers at a bar and grill, all great and very filling. The writings are quick and to the point, chalked full with great info.

Catalog description: “Personally selected, up-to-date information on all phases of muscle building, diet, posing and over 40 revealing photos. A MUST!”

The information was compiled from a series of articles that first appeared in the Weider mags. The writings were very popular and for a time Weider and Vince got along in both a public and private manner, latter that changed as the Vince’s corner was pulled from all Weider publications. This book has some interesting mental angles that give some insight into the man Vince truly was. The bite sized articles are easy to read and most are very helpful.

In my opinion the best tidbit is the “Forgotten Routine”. I have used this one for some time and find it to be one of the best. Some things you try and they are good but you always go back to what is best for you, and the forgotten routine is my home base for my workout lifestyle. There are a few nostalgic pictures peppering the pages to add some bonus flavor.

Some high lights are:

• The Forgotten Routine

• Complete arm development

• How to do the “perfect” curl.

• Old school Rib-Cage Development

Over all impression: If you could have only one teaching from Vince, other than “The Wild Physique” This is it. Some of the materials are thin on info and fat on price this one is a gold mine. Get if Fast!

Vince's Second Workout Bulletin - Thoughts and Notes

Vince's Second Workout Bulletin ($16.00)
is a training method of Gironda's based on a rep-time scheme. This was one of Vince's rut busters.

Catalog description:
"Designed to accelerate muscle gain if you have slowed down or are in a rut. Great for those with limited training time."

Vince does not jump right into the program at first. Almost half of the the manual is Vince's philosophy of building muscle. Including what is now called workout intensity. Filled with the never ending quest of Vince to stop over training. As he saw it most people over trained and would cause them to stop making gains. With over training Vince also put instinctive training in his highly critical cross hairs. To Vince training instinctively was not just a waste of time but detrimental to your overall muscle gains. The training is laid out very well and with good instruction on the execution of the prescribed exercises. Not to be left out, Vince's menu for your muscle gains. Raw meat, eggs, cream and lots of veggies also raw... oh and liver tabs. (buy in bulk young man)

Some high lights are:

• Science as yet has not proven conclusively whether instincts is acquired or innate.
• A trainer must have a knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology and nutrition.
• It does not matter how much work you do.. what counts is how fast you do it.
• Words are worthless and often nebulous.. results are what count!

Over all impression: I have done this workout as laid out by Vince and found it to be a good change of pace to my regular workouts. Some of the exercises are not possible to do due to the gym I use. Vince wanted all calve workouts done without wearing shoes for one, but overall one can get a very close approximation of the needed exercises without too much imagination. Bottom line a good tool in your workout tool box..

Why Do Champion's Muscles Look Different?

Why Do Champion's Muscles Look Different? ($15.00)
Of all Vince's training manuals this one is the most metaphysical. This manual focuses on the mind and the attitude of the trainer. Touching on the subjects of philosophy, tranquility, concentration and visualization in greater detail than in any of the other writings. A good dip-stick into the tank of one of the true greats in the training world.

As Ron Kosloff (one of Vince's students) puts it...
"Vince was the first trainer to XXX the value and importance of the mental state and how the mind controls the body. Supreme concentration can be the difference between a great physique and a mediocre one. This was the secret that I was never aware of until Vince taught me of its value. You will see the difference."

Catalog description: none.

Vince Gironda was a forerunner of mind muscle connection, way ahead of his time. With the mind element withstanding this course offers yet another unique part to it, Vince lists his pick of exercises to bring up a lagging body part listed by body part. So if your Back is more like a bar stool not a barn door you do these for sure movements that will bring you up to the ranks of the big boys. There is a story of how Vince noted that people will do the same exercises, same weight, same tempo but will not get the same results as there training partners. After teaching them the right mind-set they too start making gains even if they do no other changes to there diet or workouts.

Some high lights are:

• How to redesign your body
• The rules of symmetry
• Factors that determine how your body looks
• Nervous Energy Force, what is it and why you need it.

Over all impression: This is a must for the true fan of the Iron Guru. It gives a glimpse into the mind of the master beyond just sets reps and diets. It was the most enjoyable of the courses. I read this one two or three times in my first sitting with it. In no other manual is there a recipe type setup for a lagging body part like this one.

The Sissy Squat

The Sissy Squat by Vince Gironda is a manual for one and only one exercise... The Sissy Squat also known as Monty Wolford Squats or Monty Squats. The full name is: 3 Sets of Maximum Effort or The Sissy Squat by Vince Gironda - $15.00

Catalog description: "Learn growth secrets never before publicized wit this complete shaping and mass routine."

Some high lights are:

• Vince's explanation of the misunderstood exercise.
• Highly detailed explanation of the muscles and there use of the lower limbs.
• Definition Diet.
• Maximum Definition Diet.

Over all impression: This manual was the most in depth training on any single exercise I have ever seen in any book or magazine. Looks really weird in the gym and most gyms will not let you bring your own wood block for your heals so you may not even end up doing this one at the gym but at home. Due to the strict form needed and the awkward nature of the movement it can not be done with heavy weight. There for your home gym may serve you well for this one. If you really want a crazy leg pump with some serious shock to your legs this is the one for you.