Like Flash, I also studied much of Chek’s information in the late 90’s. I have still have the receipts for his “internships” costing thousands of dollars each! I think I made it all the way to level 2.374.
Actually, I think Paul has some very good ideas with regards to exercise and really preceded all the other “functional” gurus and organizations like the NASM. His ab ideas are definately outdated and he has more recently become a holistic nutrition and new-age metaphysical guru. Check out this clip of him:
His big thing now is teaching people how to think in his new-age mystical way. It appears as if Paul is kind of starting a new-age religion of sorts; kind of a Deepak Chopra type.
Poliquin on the other hand, seems to be an ego-maniac who claims to have personally trained any and every gifted athlete he’s ever shaked hands with. He certainly does know a thing or two about gaining size however. Whether or not being massive and ripped always leads to better sports performance is debatable. He’s definately added some worthwhile concepts to the industry however. Just my 2 cents.
I was personally offended by Chek’s bullshit story about a supposed interaction with me and a supposed injury to Ben.
Bullshit. False. Never happened. I went into this in detail over on Supertraining a few years back.
So what else to believe from him?
Now, after busting his ass falling off a Swiss Ball, he’s a mystical Guru. At least it’s a lot safer sitting cross-legged on a carpet, unless it starts flying, but, maybe, that’s next!
10-11 yrs ago. I did his program design series. I was a little put off by the “Well, Charles says” stuff. He referred so much to Poliquin that I decided to see what he was all about. I then learned of Ian King through him. Then, at a 3 day bootcamp in Toronto, I met Charlie. Talk about working your way up the food chain. Finally got to the top. Ian is great and so is Charlie. Both have been instrumental in the development of my training processes. My wife sat through Chek’s “Dirt Fact” seminar at the last SWIS symposium, and she came out cross eyed. She said it was pretty out ther info. Just my 2 cents. Plus, I tried all the unstable stuff on myself and my athletes long enough to find out there are more effective ways to train. I even had the Balls to squat 275 standing on a Sissel ball in a power cage. Needless to say, my entire gym thought I was insane. I decided to hang up the cool party tricks before I broke a leg.
To reach what conclusion? I became a big Poliquin fan in 97 I believe, when I took my first of many seminars from him. Gradually over time I became less and less of fan however. Am I not allowed to have an opinion??
I have attended some Poliquin seminars and he can be cocky. He down right belittled a few people for asking what he deemed dumb questions. I don’t mind but I think it may be a poor way to conduct business. I was of the school of thought that the only dumb question was the one you don’t ask. I am quite sure his Bio-signature modulation program was not exclusively his work. It’s very much done via holistic medicine and I don’t think he is a holistic Dr. I think he is an excellent marketer and that he has some innovative ideas, but I wouldn’t regard him in the same breath as Charlie.
I concur with Speedcoach. We all have “stolen” information from others to learn so there’s no need to have such an incredible ego.
It’s much more refreshing to see humble coaches who are greatful to have learned under others before them. Even Charlie in his Speedtrap book talks about the many mentors before him that helped him shape his legendary approach over time.
There’s a difference between ego and information. Charles has good info in the lifting areas, which is sometimes lost in the hype over the level of strength you actually need and you need to assess how far to carry it for your athletes.
Opinions vary over his openness to questions. I’ve heard everything from getting shut down to very helpful, so I assume it depends on the approach and the day.
If I wanted to prepare for a CP seminar, I’d ask those who’ve said he responded well in the past exactly how they asked their questions and when.
My personal concern at my seminars is whether or not there are questions. If there aren’t, I always fear I’ve screwed up and everyone is lost. A good seminar will always lead to lots of questions- and usually a happy presenter!
Just wanted to make sure you’re opinion was both informed and based on personal contact, that’s all.
The man’s knowledge goes far beyond what you’re suggesting. The people who have been influenced by this guy represent a who’s who of the training world.
What I was saying with Charles was that he was quite abrupt and somewhat dismissive of a few questions. I remember one in particular where a guy asked a question and the response was “Could you be any more vague?” I thought that was a little overboard. As a professional giving a seminar, you should try to be accomodating to all levels of people. That being said, I asked a few questions and they were well received with some good insight into the anwsers. I guess when I have done speaking engagements, I try to be open to all questions no matter how poorly they may be asked. I am sure I asked Charlie a thousand questions and he took the time to answer them all. I believe we have all learned from others in this field. It is very rare to find someone who does something that is not a blend of other things or massaging of another system. I think the quote “I can see so far because I stand on the shoulders of giants” applies here.
I agree 100% which is why I get a laugh out of Mike Boyle’s “don’t listen to track coaches” statement.
I attended many of Charles’ seminars myself and am very familiar with his “could you be more vague?” response. While finding it more humorous than anything, it did make me think about formulating my questions, so much so that he once responded, “now that’s specific.”
I certainly agree he could be more respectful during his seminars. I just think it’s important to not let that influence any judgement of the man’s knowledge or his abilities.
learned much from Poliquin. For people to summarily dismiss his body of work is foolish. I think there are certain people who teach different idealogies. That being said, certain types of people follow those type of regimens. I may not necessarily agree with everything Poliquin says, but I have certainly gleaned many things from his processes. I think there are many great coaches out there. Just find one who you agree with and learn the systems for starters. Then as you progess, modify to fit your needs. I am always leery of people who speak in absolutes as they usually have an agenda.