The Chronicles of Strength

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The Able-Bodied System

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The Able-Bodied System(ABS) is a training protocol aimed at helping one to achieve the highest degree of physical fitness and preparedness possible. It is a synergistic arrangement/compilation of techniques, borrowing components and methods from different styles of training, and combines them into the most effective system for delivering all around functional strength and transferability into either your sport or the real world. From employing an arsenal of kettlebells, barbells, ropes, rings, your own bodyweight, and many other unconventional training techniques, the able-bodied system will undoubtedly propel you into the best shape of your life, that is if you have what it takes to even do it.

The keyword in the last paragraph is "unconventional". The able-bodied system abandons all the philosophies of bodybuilding and isolation training. Instead, we focus on functional training, which we achieve through a variety of innovative methods. This system is an avant-garde style of training, that will never require you to invest thousands of dollars into worthless equipment. All you have to invest is your time and dedication.

The belief that strength is in direct proportion to size is complete nonsense. But strength and aesthetics are not at odds, nor should they ever be. Too often when people think of strongmen or strongwomen, they think of herculean figures, or even fat, ogre like barbarians. But strength is more of a skill than it is anything else, and there is no reason why anyone shouldn't be able to both maximize their strength and aesthetics(if they wish to do so). What this means is that you don't have to be weak if you want to be lean, and you don't have to be huge if you want to be strong. If becoming ripped, lean, or just slightly more defined is your goal, then the able-bodied system will get you there, and it will do so by making you stronger along the way.

Through the able-bodied system you will:
  • Develop unparalleled bodyweight conditioning
  • Perfect an array of kettlebell techniques, traditional barbell lifts, olympic lifts, ring training, and much more
  • Become incredibly lean, excess body fat simply does not have a place at this level of training
  • Forge a defined, muscular physique
  • Develop incredible strength and flexibility that you never thought possible
  • Become resistant to injury and maintain a state of optimum health and well-being
The able-bodied system is not for everyone. It is for the determined, the diligent, and the strong-willed. If you do not possess these three traits, then you're in the wrong place. This system is hard and unrelenting. Day in and day out you will bust your ass. Our system is not hard because we want to intimidate you, it is hard because hard work is what works! It is meant to push you far beyond whatever you believe your limitations to be. You will find out what you are truly made of when train this system, and you'll either love it or hate it. You will either abandon it, or you will become addicted.

This does not mean that you have to be in great condition to start training with this system, because you don't. The able-bodied protocol is designed to get you where you need to be, and if you are already in superior condition, then this system will take you to the next level. While the able-bodied system takes the guess work out of how to get ridiculously fit, it is still YOU that has to put the hard work in.

Appearance of an Able-Bodied Practitioner

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The appearance of an Able-Bodied Practitioner of a sinewy, ripped physique. Muscular and strong, but not overly bulky. For males, the typical physique consists of a broad set of shoulders, diamond hard delts, and a carved chest. Arms tend to be particularly well defined, and feature dense, not bloated muscle. This is all complimented by a tight, ripped mid-section, and a powerful, athletic back. The legs of an Able-Bodied Practitioner are powerful and sturdy, just how the pillars of a foundation should be. Women have similar results, but tend to lean more towards muscle definition, and less on size and density. An Able-Bodied woman appears strong, lean, and toned, but never bulky.

Able-Bodied Philosophy

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On Strength:
  • There are many types of strength, ranging from maximum output, to explosiveness, endurance, flexibility, and even balance
  • All aspects of strength must be trained
  • Strength is a skill that anyone can acquire, and it is acquired through practice
  • If you want to become strong, you must practice being strong, no more training to failure
  • Always work progressively, heavier loads, higher volume, etc. You must continue to challenge yourself
On Frequency of training:
  • You should train 6 days a week, with one day devoted to complete rest and recovery
  • Once you are able, train twice a day, every other day. Keep workout sessions at least 6 hours apart
On specificity of training:
  • Workouts are to be constantly varied, and constantly challenging
  • Focus on the intensity, not the duration of the workout
  • No isolation training, we work the body as whole, that is how humans are meant to perform
On Periodization:
  • You are not to employ the same weight every workout, or even everyday. Instead you will wave your loads
  • Some days you will employ weight that is 90-95%(heavy) of your max, other days 80-85%(medium), and other days will be as low as 60-75%(light)
  • For example, if your routine for the week requires you to perform kettlebell clean and press on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Then Monday you could press heavy, Wednesday you could press light, and Friday you could press medium. You can switch up the order however you like, as long as you are waving the load.
  • Periodization applies to all weighted exercise, not just the deadlift or squat
  • Periodization protocol allows for active recovery and rapid strength gains along with adequate amounts of strength practice, DO NOT GO HEAVY EVERYDAY, you will overtrain and eventually plateau by doing so
On Recovery:
  • Recovery is half the battle, if you train hard, but don't allow enough time for you body to adapt to the stress you put it through, then you will get nowhere
  • Always have one rest day a week
  • Get enough sleep, at least 7-8 hours every night
  • Without a proper nutrition plan, recovery suffers greatly. Eat for recovery and growth, not for the delight of it
  • Periodization protocol promotes active recovery, but always listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, or if you sustain an injury, take as much time off as needed for full recovery
On Nutrition:
  • More than half of all your progress and success you is attributed to eating properly, the remainder depends on how you train
  • Without the proper nutrition, your body can not recover, can not adapt, and will not get stronger
  • Again, eat for optimal performance, recovery, and growth. Never eat for the delight of it
  • Eliminate ALL refined sugars and carbohydrates from your diet(this includes all flours)
  • Eat at least every two hours, and consume a good source of protein at every meal
  • Carbohydrate sources are to be low glycemic and fibrous
  • Consume adequate amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturaed fats, along with Omega 3,6, and 9 fatty acids
  • Eliminate trans fat(partially hydrogenated oils) from your diet entirely and permanently
  • Consume protein from lean meats and seafood such as Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Tuna, Flank Steak, Filet Mignon, etc
On Supplementation:
  • Remember that supplementation means "in addition to" not "instead of", most of your caloric intake should come from whole, real foods, not supplements
  • Protein supplements such as whey protein isolate/hydrolysate, whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, casein protein are recommended
  • Take 10-15 grams of L-glutamine a day to promote muscle recovery and a healthy immune system
  • Take a good, balanced multivitamin twice a day, preferably one high in minerals and antioxidants as well
  • CLA(conjugated linoleic acid) may also be taken to help promote lean muscle mass
  • Creatine is recommended for the regeneration of ATP to help enhance output and endurance
  • Omega 3,6, and 9 supplements are beneficial as well, especially if you can not consume adequate amounts in your diet alone
  • Drink green tea as often as possible
  • Caffeine may be used, but should be consumed in moderation. Stimulants such as caffeine should never be taken in the evening as they may promote restlessness and insomnia
  • Amino acids such as arginine, tyrosine, L-leucine, L-Valine, L-isoleucine, etc may be taken as well to help increase lean muscle gains

Pat Flynn - RKC

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My fitness background is primarily in martial arts, specifically Tae Kwon Do, Jiu Jitsu, and Boxing. It was when I began martial arts that I truly became interested in physical fitness, and began to seek out the most effective methods for developing both strength and aesthetics. It wasn't until about my sophomore year in high school that I was introduced to kettlebells. At first I didn't think much of them, but as I began to practice them and implement them into my training, the results were outstanding. My views of effective strength training and conditioning quickly changed forever. I soon began to implement kettlebell training, bodyweight conditioning, and traditional barbell lifts into a single program. The success I had by combining these three elements of strength training astounded me, and I formally developed the Able-Bodied System during my freshman year of college. I soon began to offer personal training sessions to students on campus, and with great success. The able-bodied system worked incredibly well for all of my clients, and with the word spreading, I soon decided that I needed of offer group fitness classes, again they were met with great success. Currently I am working on continuing to develop the Able-Bodied System, having already established a large dedicated group of affiliates, and am now offering a certification for anybody who wishes to become an Able-Bodied Specialist and teach the Able-Bodied System to others. I still conduct group fitness classes daily, along side my personal training sessions. I couldn't be happier with the success I've had with helping people better themselves both physically and mentally, and also from all the support and loyalty I've received from all that have been practicing and training with me. I hope to continue promoting the Able-Bodied System and its many benefits, and will be offering a full, detailed ebook on the system soon, so stay tuned for that!

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Affiliates

Kevin Greto

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Kevin's talents extend far beyond just kettlebells. He is an avid practitioner of Yoga, Karate, and even fencing. His knowledge on effective strength training is vast, yet he is always able to keep an open mind and welcome new ideas. His dedication to his training is unparalleled, and he has great ability when it comes to breaking down and teaching techniques to newcomers. Kevin and I jointly instruct the tuesday night kettlebell classes, which are always incredibly fun and challenging. Kevin has a unique system himself, which incorporates yoga into his kettlebell routines to further enhance flexibility and mobility.

Kevin is an excellent instructor and is more than qualified to teach others how to properly use kettlebells and their own bodyweight to enhance their athletic abilities as well as their general level of fitness. He is a patient and thorough instructor and always brings new ideas to the table and our system of training.

Melissa "the ABnormality" MacCrory

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Melissa has been a lifelong athlete, playing soccer during her entire elementary school, middle school, and high school years. Alongside soccer, Melissa picked up the game of lacrosse in middle school, and was eventually awarded a scholarship to play for West Chester University for her outstanding athleticism, which she gladly accepted. Now a full time college athlete, she enhances her athletic abilities by training with the able-bodied system. Melissa has been training with this system for about a year now and is likely to become the first female Able-Bodied Specialist. Her willpower, and perserverance are unmatched. When it comes to working hard Melissa gives it everything shes got, day after day. We are proud to have her as a member of the able-bodied community.

Ashlynn Andrascik

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Ashlynn was one of the first people that started personal training with Pat, and one of the first students at WCU to experience the able-bodied system. Her motivation to get in shape was incredible, and her progress was even more remarkable. Ashlynn quickly developed an incredible foundation of strength and technique in a variety of exercises. Another suitable female candidate for an Able-Bodied Specialist certification, Ashlynn continues to train hard on a daily basis and continues to push her self farther and father. She has acquired a very good understanding of the fundamentals of effective strength training and proper kettlebell instruction.

Danielle "The Bronco" Duncan

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Danielle is relatively new to training with the ABS, but has already made an impact as a real up and comer. She started in January and has yet to miss a class. She has an incredible ability to pick up and master complex techniques, such as the snatch, in a ridiculously short amount of time. Her dedication has been proven again and again, as she continually puts herself through the punishment that is dished out at every class. Her progress has been impressive to say the least, having gone from not being able to properly perform a bodyweight squat, to perfecting even the most complicated of kettlebell exercises. She provides a great example of the progress that can be made when you put your mind to it, and her efforts have clearly been paying off.

Josh Romani

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Josh has come a long way in a very short time since he started training with the ABS. His strength gains have been incredibly impressive and his technique is nearing perfection. A very strong candidate to soon become an Able-Bodied Specialist and instructor. His desire to learn is matched only by his unyielding dedication.

Becca Florek

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Becca brings a great attitude every time she comes to work out. She always is able to crack a smile, regardless of how hard shes working. She does a great job of setting an example for others to follow, as well as the ability to constantly demonstrate flawless form and technique. Her natural athleticism along with her diligence allowed her to adapt to kettlebell training quickly.

Kayla Colancecco

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Kayla's energy seems to be almost unlimited. She's constantly ready to work and always brings a great, and lively enthusiasm to every session. She does a great job of bringing out the fun in working out, but still manages to push herself. Her technique and strength have come a long way, and she is a valued member of the able-bodied community

Big Pete Groehler

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Big Pete has been one my oldest workout partners, and has trained with me for years, even before I developed the Able-Bodied System. Although he lives almost a thousand miles across the country, he had the desire to train the ABS anyways. Big Pete has shown that you can have great success with the ABS regardless of where you live, so long as you have a kettlebell, the workout of the day, and the drive. And drive he does have, unlike any other. Big Pete is known to push himself to the limit, again and again, and has rightfully earned his title of Able-Bodied Practitioner. As a grappler and a football player, Big Pete knows first hand how easily the functional strength gains he has made while training with the ABS transfer into his sports.

Jason Clayton

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Jason's been training for almost a solid four months now, and truly seems to enjoy the pain that comes with the ABS. Between Jason and myself, it's always a contest as to who can leave the class covered in the most sweat. His drive and determination motivates those around him, and his natural athleticism has allowed him to quickly adapt to this style of training, and excel at it. His progress has been more than notable, pushing him to the top of the list of candidates for the Able-Bodied Specialist Certification.