"The Zipper" in his side chest pose
A second major point was noticed that when Mike rises above ideal levels, he can quickly adjust his percent body fat. Another crucial component of Mike's advantage was found in the fact that he has extremely well-developed red (slow twitch) muscle fibers, that have a high content of mitochondria (vital beta oxidation and fatty-acid breakdown occurs in the mitochondria). These two factors are extremely beneficial in sustaining long, taxing workouts. Another significant point of Mike's training is that his white fiber content has a highly-oxidative profile that provides for a powerful crossover capability that provides increased muscle endurance. Mike's white (fast twitch fibers) contain high levels of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) and growth hormone which stimulate hormone-sensitive lipase which is a key component in mobilizing fat from adipose tissue in the blood. These major factors were considered highly significant in designing Mike's workout regime.
All involved were confident that Mike would not burn any muscle tissue during his vigorous exercise routine. This assessment was born out as well by the fact that Mike showed a highly efficient blood-flow delivery uptake of free-fatty acids by the muscle during intense exercise. In addition, his ability to produce ATP from beta-oxidation inhibits the formation of pyruvate dehydrogenase that provides a carbohydrate-sparing effect. This last point indicated that Mike could afford to risk a few extra sets when cutting-up without any sacrifice of muscle glycogen
The point offered above regarding fat utilization contributes heavily to Mike's intense aerobic power. He is able to draw from his fat stores without a decrease in energy level. In addition, he shows incredible recovery capability.
In establishing Mike's nutritional program, the constant ongoing evaluation indicated that he could afford to continue to bring up his calories. It was easy to read the positive effect of the increased food intake due to Mike's manifested muscular responses. The adaptations were really rather amazing. Mike's muscular response indicated that he could handle the calorie increase, as he was getting both bigger and harder while percentage of body fat continued to go down.
Again the preparatory period was divided into quarters:
- 1st quarter: 150 additional calories;
- 2nd quarter: 350 additional calories;
- 3rd quarter: 500 additional calories;
- 4th quarter: 800 additional calories.
There was no starving under the program guidelines. Mike enjoyed hearty meals; no feasts if burden here.
This approach represented a pioneer philosophy of competitive dieting. Due to Mike's hard workout ethic both in and out of the gym 12 months of the year, we were able to embark upon what appears to be the perfectly synchronized program of training and dieting. It must be recognized however that few bodybuilders would be able to achieve the results that Mike Sable has created with his unique training abilities that have paved the way for his "breed-apart" reputation.
Mike's nutrition program can best be described with the use of the age-old school-of-thought "Keep It Simple". There are no programs featuring radical approaches of deprivation and gorging with this champion, and do not ask him to embark on an in-depth supplementation program either! "The Zipper" follows the philosophy of "proper food for proper results" which is translated simply means eating the right food at the right time. The basic doctrine that "The Zipper" nutritional program is founded upon propelled hime to the top as the most ripped bodybuilder of his generation! Those who comprise the "who's-who" list of bodybuilding experts deemed Mike the most prepared bodybuilding athlete year-round.
When Mike was asked at a seminar how he was able to maintain his razor-sharp contest-shape throughout the entire year he answered simply: "It takes consistent hard work both in the gym and in the supermarket to keep that competitive edge". A great deal of his incentive to maintain his contest-ready physique at all times comes in large part from the support of his fans. "We owe it to the people and we owe it to ourselves to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle everyday. Health is not supposed to be a three-month-out-of-the-year proposition; it's a way of life!"
Mike Sable works through the burn during a set of hack squats
The Sable dialogue is succinct and the message is clear. This man fires his words with total disregard for whether he may offend. He is concerned only with the truth. "I don't believe in letting myself go and then cutting down for a contest, only to balloon up gain afterwards," he declares. "My approach is to maintain a consistent level of fitness. How did "The Zipper" feel about the so-called "impossible" PBA schedule he was about to embark on? "Watch me!" he said. "It's not only possible, it's within my grasp! I'm planning to be ready for each of the challenges." Once again the crowd roared its supports!
Sable did acknowledge that the agenda would be extremely difficult for most bodybuilders. "Not many would be able to stay with me," he said unabashedly. "You have to be prepared for training and dieting rigors." With the intensity mounting inside of him, he glowered at the audience and said, "We will see which approach produces the best results when we step out on stage tonight!" Clearly convinced, the audience erupted with a tumultuous response that bordered on pandemonium! For record, "The Zipper" once again captured top honours!
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