My Talk With Mr. Big Jim Forystek

[Nathan]

Hello Friends,

Last Saturday I had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Forystek. I enjoyed talking with him but it was definitely different than I expected.

When I was able to get a hold of Mr. Forystek I introduced myself and told him how I started had training on Powerflex. Now for those of you that don't know when I first came to Transformetrics, John put me on the Powerflex program to help me get a good solid foundation with this type of training (John had me on Powerflex for 12 weeks to be exact). Now I believe Powerflex is an excellent starting program, BUT one should move on (to making their own routines and training for their goals) after getting a good solid foundation with this type of training.

This is where Mr. Forystek disagrees with me, he basically told me Powerflex is the Beginning, Middle, and End of ones training. Plainly speaking he said this is all you are ever going to need to do. I personally disagree with him on this and believe this would set people up for injury, because you are training the muscles at the same angles ALL OF THE TIME. Instead of training the muscles at as many angles as possible.

Also I did not like him telling me he made up every exercise in his Powerflex course. The reason for this is that EVERY exercise he has in his program are in the Charles Atlas course, every one of them! The only thing that is different is the Speed, Energy, and Endurance workout at the end of the book.


Now I am not trying to put down Mr. Forystek or his program. In fact he is an extremely nice person and like I said I enjoyed talking with him. But there are some thing I truly don't agree with him on.

God bless friends and All the best.


---Nathan Clay

[gruntbrain]

If disagreements were commercials, we'd all be on TV. There are many ways to get fit so pick one that's enjoyable & don't be concerned about it being the best way. Of course, adding challenges outside the norm is a way to create motivating, enjoyable workouts.

[mts]

I think Powerflex is a great program, but I had some of the same "sticking points" with it that you do Nathan. I also fee that John's approach to educating us is a little more humble.

[sillypup]

maybe he took the principles and created them exercises without reading atlas book. so it seems that he created the exercises all on his own. since they are base on universal principles. they bound to be the same exercise explained by others. the human can only move in so many ways. since he discovered it on his own, he would say he created it since it was all new to him when he put it together. or another way to put it is that he organized it to be a power flex system that he haven't seen organized by others.

It's like the field of neurolinguistics programming. it's just organization of what our mind already do. the principles is already there and explained in many fields of psychology, linguistics, hypnosis, sciences etc.... It's just that each field explain a piece here and there. The NLP creators didn't create it. they just organized it and got credit. I'm sure there are many people using the principles of NLP without studying NLP. Universal principles are bound to be spread out across the world. if people take a little info from this field and that field and call it something else. they just organize the info. they didn't create it. of course, they would say they created it due to marketing purpose and niche name claim. some people just don't give credit to the source and say they created it. tony robbins does that. he don't tell people his source is NLP but call it something else. if he tells the source, people would go learn there instead of his trainings.

[MikeNY]

Hi Nate: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Both you and Big Jim are both correct; that might be the true strength of Transformetrics. Powerflex is a fantastic program, bar none. John told me that he originally started you on Powerflex, good choice. The Powerflex Exercises might all be the same as the Atlas Course, the real point is that Big Jim supercharged them, using muscle tension, the one major element that Atlas didn't include. If Atlas had used muscle tension; then his course would still perfect. JP also uses muscle tension in the M7; check on page 74. Both Big Jim and John learned from Atlas and made it much better and thier own! They built on the base of current knowledge. Add VRT and in Transformetics you get a system that anyone can use and love, just pick the parts that suit you. I think Powerflex is a great book, as are all John's books, PYTP might be the ultimate version or the Atlas Course, or to some Powerlfex is. It doesn't really matter which one, we are lucky to have a choice.

[John Peterson]

Hey Guys,

Big Jim's "Powerflex" is a great foundational training system. And just as Nate states that I put him on Powerflex at the very beginning for a full twelve weeks instead of eight as is recommended in the PowerFlex Course (so that he had a set and repetition structure that could easily be followed and one that yielded absolutely great results) I also did exactly the same when I was contacted by a man that had been a "Busted Up Weight Lifter" from England as well several other men too. Why? Because I believe in Big Jim's Powerflex Training System (which is obvious or I would not have published it). If a man wants a highly structured program outlining the exact sets and reps he should do to achieve fantastic results Powerflex is a great foundational program.

Now, for those that do not know, Big Jim Forystek has done a fantastic job of dividing the body into eight body parts and coming up with exactly five great result producing exercises for each of the eight body parts that require absolutely no equipment for a total of 40 powerful, result producing exercises. In addition, he has five sports specific conditioning exercises in a special section that he calls The Speed, Energy, and Endurance Workout which brings it up to a total of 45 exercises . In just eight weeks he takes his students through a comprehensive training system that can be used by men of all ages and fitness levels. At that point he has suggestions for making 'Powerflex' a foundation for lifelong strength and fitness.

Now, because Big Jim's Powerflex requires no equipment at all it is ideal as a Foundational Training System for Life. And seriously friends, I would not say it if I did not believe it.

So where do Big Jim Forystek and John Peterson disagree? We don't really. At least not in concept or theory. It's true that I personally have included more training modalities and exercises(more than 150 in all) like DVR/VRT, multiple Pull-up, Chin-Up, and Push-Up variations ( including the Use of Warrior Power T's for enhanced strength, balance,and coordination that nothing else will yield) for all around strength and development and that I believe also add variety and interest to one's training. And yes, I really do believe that developing strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination from as many angles as possible is the golden key to protecting oneself from injury. On top of that, I absolutely do believe that Isometrics performed with the Isometric Power Belt are the best and safest way to challenge one's muscles to Super Human Strength. So there you have the differences which are not differences in concept or theory at all.

So with all that said, let me just make a final point. That point is that I believe that every man should have a foundational program that can be relied upon to produce fantastic and sustainable results for life. Something he can always do or come back to with the certainty of knowing he has everything that he needs to cover his strength, health and fitness needs. He may incorporate all kinds of other things during the course of his life time like Rock Climbing, Martial Arts, Scuba Diving, Marathon Running and you name it. But it's still great to have one comprehensive foundational program that covers all the bases in a concise, easy to follow format that can be done anywhere at any age. "Power Flex" in my opinion is that program and fits the bill very nicely.

So there you have my take. For foundational lifelong strength, fitness, and good health you need nothing more than Power Flex. If you want more, in order to challenge yourself to the absolute limit, we have it. Believe me friends, there is no animosity between me and Big Jim. Big Jim and his sons are all great guys and Power Flex is one great Course. Every man should have it.

---John Peterson

[Bruno]

I started with Powerflex and completed the 8 weeks course. I think that it is a valuable program that could be utilized for life.

To me, the Miracle 7, VRT and Powerflex are all the same/similar/equal/different without a distinction.

[John Peterson]

Hey Bruno,

I agree. Although Powerflex is a great program for all beginners, it is exactly what I have stated. It is a great foundational program for men at all levels of strength and fitness whether they are beginners, highly advanced athletes and Physical Culturists, or somewhere in between.

Now as far as The Miracle Seven, VRT, and Powerflex all being the same/similar/equal/different without a distinction---What in the world is that supposed to mean? Are you trying to insult me as the publisher by trying to insinuate that I have re-published the same program three different times? If that is what you are insinuating then think again. Powerflex has a complete and highly structured eight week program. M7 does not have that kind of structure and is structured such that John Mc Sweeney's Tiger Moves are it's foundation. And finally VRT is comprised solely of exercises that are classified as Visualize Resistance Training. This method has been created, refined and presented by my friend Greg Mangan. So what exactly do you mean?

---John Peterson

[Bruno]

I was referring to the similarity of the physical movement itself. Moving under tension, a dynamic tension.

To me a vrt curl is the same as a dvr curl or a powerflex curl. The physical moving of a person's arm under the tension of the opposing muscle. A vrt fly is just like the m7 barrel movement ( I forget the name of it) It also looks like the C.a.t. movement and powerflex has something similar also.


As you know, I have purchased the various books and courses and believe that they each have something to offer. In past posting you probably have read that I recommend M7 as a great beginner's course. I believe that it gives a very clear program with a good explanation of the methodology.

I personally used Powerflex as my introductory course but I also believe it is more than that.

[blackbelt]

Although I believe it’s important to recognize that VRT, DVR, and PF are all the same exercise philosophy. They are all dynamic tension, meaning that tension is maintained throughout a given movement. I also believe it is VERY important to recognize the difference in the programs themselves.

Good or bad, each individual is just that, an individual. And, as such, they grasp concepts differently, if at all. When I first was introduced to the concepts of dynamic visual resistance, I just didn’t “get it”. Later, when I tried the Tiger Moves, everything clicked. Now, I wonder how or why I didn’t understand it the first time. Maybe I just wasn’t ready for it then.

What I’m trying to say, is that someone from a weight lifting background is going to more easily relate to VRT. That is mainly, if not only, because it uses the mimicking of weight-lifting moves. Others will more easily relate to the animal metaphors of PF. And, still others will grasp the general concept of DVR easily and be on their way.


A vrt fly is just like the m7 barrel movement ( I forget the name of it) It also looks like the C.a.t. movement and powerflex has something similar also.

For the record, in my mind the motion of C.A.T. more closely resembles a down-ward bench press movement than a chest-fly. I only say that because it’s more of a linear motion starting from an elbow-attack type position and ending with the arms out front and straight. And, I’m unaware of any similar movement in PF.

I’m not trying to be too nit-picky, which I know I tend to do. But, I don’t want anyone to

[Nathan]

Hey Guys,

One reason I said "Powerflex" is an excellent starting course, but one should move on after getting a solid foundation. Is because you need to go out and find which reps and set work best for you and not try and follow someone else's (reps and sets).

For example lets use the Atlas 1 push-up (or panther push-up in the Powerflex course). Big Jim suggests working up to 100 reps and then working on using better form and adding tension to the exercise. I personally have better results when doing high reps (more than 100) without any added tension. But does this mean the way Big Jim suggests doing the exercise won't work for someone else? The answer is a huge NO.

So do you see what I am trying to say? We all have different bodies and we all know whether something is working for us of if it isn't. So get out there and try different reps and sets, try different exercise combinations and just experiment!! Find what works the best for you and JUST DO IT!! It really doesn't matter what someone else is doing, the only thing that matters is what YOU are doing and what works the best for YOU.

Anyway friends God bless and All the best.


---Nathan Clay

[Bruno]

Good clarification Nathan.

Even the Forysteks sometimes do more reps and still call it powerflex. One of the sons and I can't remember which one just posted recently that he was performing 4 sets of 60 push ups.

[bennyb]

Although Powerflex and the other courses are similar but they are totally different in most senses. Its easy to argue that its the same or similar to this or that but all in all its about what works to the individual. Powerflex is a foundational program but the rest can be as well and whatever works for the individual should be that program. For me I do many systems so I'm learning a lot and I do what works.....Powerflex reps/sets schemes doesnt, so that doesnt mean I don't like it, its great but I found some things more suitable for me. So we do disagree on things but when we bring them together it works to our own personal advantage for what goes with us. We owe both powerflex and transformetrics for what they've done for us. Argue or not these systems are top quality and we all can agree on that.

[John Peterson]

Hey Guys,

I'm trying to figure out exactly how people have come up with the bright idea that Big Jim and I are somehow teaching different exercises or methods.WE'RE NOT. It's like this. We have both been Charles Atlas students from youth. I took all of Mr. Atlas's exercises and expanded upon them and have more than 150 that include all of those from Mr. Atlas's Original Course from 1922 and and have added many others that are completely congruent with what he taught. All of the various "chinning" styles that I teach and all of the Push-Up styles are totally congruent with style and methodology that Mr. Atlas taught.

Big Jim has condensed the exercises of the Atlas system down to what he believes are the best and most result producing of the Atlas Dynamic Tension System. Every single exercise of the 40 strengthening and sculpting Exercises that Big Jim teaches can be found in the Dynamic Tension Training System of exercise.

This is why I say that Big Jim's Power Flex makes a great foundational training system. He has consolidated 40 of the most result producing freehand exercises in existence that cover every part of the entire body. Even if you did nothing else but follow the PowerFlex training system exactly as written you could and would achieve a beautifully balanced physique and an extraordinarily high standard of fitness by virtually any standard.

If, on the other hand a man wants to learn additional exercises to strengthen and sculpt his muscles from every conceivable angle, I have all of those bases covered in my books that I have already written, am writing, and will write in the future. Believe me, no stone will be left uncovered in bringing out the best of the best.

---John Peterson

[DT man]

Powerflex is a good course in that it combined the Atlas Program with anerobic and aerobic exercises. Many of us did add aerobics with the program early on as I believe Charles Atlas did. But Powerflex did add anaerobic sprints to it. PYTP did approach this with Furey Squats at a fast pace also. Personally, I used PYTP to follow my Atlas training and would recommend that or Powerflex as a base program. Enough film evidence is still around indicating that Charles Atlas also used running as a training modality, and John has stated he ran also early in his training, that I believe this is an essential, but often overlooked synergenistic component of this type of training.

[Bruno]

Charles Atlas used to run a couple of times per week at the New York Athletic Club.