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

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 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.