THE SMARTER WAY TO CHASE THE PUMP

THERE’S BEEN A RISING TIDE in fitness, arguing that any “authentic” training regimen should focus entirely on measurable, athletic improvements, and that pursuing any kind of aesthetic goal is somehow less noble, or even narcissistic. Some have even felt shamed into avoiding training routines that they would otherwise enjoy, fearful of being labelled an egomaniac for doing a biceps curl or dabbling with the pec deck.

At , we’re very much proponents of well-informed strength and conditioning. We appreciate what the rise of functional fitness has done for the community. But for a while there, it seemed the pendulum had swung too far. As our