What is FST-7?
FST-7 is a training system I devised after years of research and a great deal of trial and error
with many clients. FST stands for Fascia Stretch Training, and the seven refers to the seven
sets performed for the final exercise of a target bodypart. I have had many clients use this
system for overall growth and especially to improve stubborn bodyparts that were seemingly
resistant to just about anything else the person had tried. FST-7 encompasses several factors
both inside and outside the gym. This month we will focus on the training aspects.
Is fascia limiting your muscle growth?
There are three types of fascia in the human body, but the type bodybuilders should be
concerned about is deep fascia. This is dense fibrous connective tissue that interpenetrates
and surrounds the muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels of the body. The high density of
collagen fibers is what gives the deep fascia its strength and integrity. The amount of elastin
fibers determines how much extensibility and resiliency it will have. In other words, some of us
have fascia that is thicker and tougher than others. The most genetically blessed bodybuilders
have thinner fascia, which is why their muscle bellies appear to be larger and fuller, with that
round ‘bubbly' look that all bodybuilders covet. Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath would be two
prime examples of individuals blessed with thin fascia. Their muscles expand easier. Think of it
in terms of it being easier to blow up a balloon as opposed to one of those water bottles that
strongmen like Franco Columbu used to. Jay Cutler and Nasser El-Sonbatty are two men that
clearly have thicker fascia. This didn't prevent them from building substantial muscle mass,
obviously, but neither man ever had that round ‘Marvel Comics' appearance to their muscles.
Yet the average bodybuilder has thicker fascia than either of those two champions. In an effort
to expand their fascia and allow growth to occur, some have turned to Synthol and other items
that are injected deep into the muscle belly. There have even been some advisors, mainly
online, that make it seem as if this is the only solution and must be done. They will also try and
insist that all the pro's use Synthol and site inject, which I can assure you is not true. Synthol
and related products are foreign substances, and you can never be certain how they will
metabolize in the body. We are starting to see various health issues with bodybuilders that are
more than likely related to site injecting. Yes, you do need to stretch the muscle fascia to
experience optimal growth, but that is not the way to do it.
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