M7 clarifications

[stingray]

I have a couple of questions about a couple of the exercises.

First, the shoulder roll, do you count one rep as the arms crossing once, or should you count one rep and the right arm in front, and then the left arm in front. Hopefully this makes sense.

Second question: Should there be tension on the high reach both up and down? I think that PYTP mentioned using tension both ways.

Any suggestions on how to incorporate the rest of the book?

Thanks.

Ray

[Nathan]

Hey Ray,

Donna has answered you questions about the exercises. So I will try to answer your last one. I would say for the rest of the book use the sections you have a problem with. Like if you want to work you abs more or maybe your arms ect...... Anyway I hope this helps and All the best.

---Nathan

[blackbelt]

I always performed the shoulder roll as each crossing equals a rep. When I was truly devoted to only the Tiger Moves, I would alternate. Some days I would do all right over left, other days I would do all left over right. Then, on yet other days, I would do one rep one way. Then I would switch on the next rep.

As for the high-reach, I believe M7 indicates you should use tension in both directions. But, as stated above, you should go with what feels good to you.

[mts]

I agree with Donna and Blackbelt. The only thing that I'll add is that I think it's critical (when it comes to M7) to use tension in both directions. The beauty of this system is that it's only 7 exercises which is unbelievably efficient. If you take the pectoral contraction, by using tension in 'both' directions you work your chest and back. On the high reach you get shoulders and back.

In my mind doing the tension in both directions allows the M7 to be the M14 and truely hit every area. If you use one direction resistence I'm not sure it's as complete a workout.

I find it to be similar to supersetting except that you get to superset each rep.

[stingray]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think that I knew the answer, but wanted to make sure that I was doing them correctly. It wasn't until recently that I realized that I wasn't doing tension both ways.

[mts]

Good luck Stingray.

Thanks Donna.

[jan]

And when you are really into it, you can alternate tension between muscles. Let me explain: take the first exercise of the M7's. When spreading the arms, contract and concentrate on the muscles in the middle of the back, between the shoulderblades. As you return to the starting position, simultaniously relax the back muscles and tense the pectorals, concentrating deep in them. Keeps your mind from wondering off too.

Jan