Mantathalon

Every once in a while on this blog I may do a little bragging. I have an exceptionally talented boyfriend and family that I am quite proud and like to showcase every once in a while. Tonight, Ryan is in the spotlight.

Now, Ryan is talented at many a thing, including but not limited to the following:

• Programming microprocessors
• Knowledge of everything electronic
• Building/remodeling houses, decks, porches, cars, and anything with machines
• Dog training
• Cooking & grilling
• Organization
• Computer systems and programming
• Knowledge of life things
• My favourite: being the best boyfriend

Now, he also happens to be a very experienced lifter and my personal trainer. Because this blog is mainly about food and fitness I won't focus on all of his other amazing qualities (as that would take far too much time), but rather on the fitness/lifting aspects.

We recently read an article on T-Nation by Martin Rooney proposing a "Mantathalon" in which there are 5 events and a total score. To read the full article, click on the link below:

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/the_mantathlon

For those who want a shortened version here it is:

Rules: 5 exercises

Time: 20 minutes

Scoring: Max reps up to 20 (no breaks once the exercise starts). At 20 you stop, have some rest time and then continue the next exercise. Total score is out of 100. 

Stipulations: Exercises must be done with good form (see details below). Exercises must be done in the order listed. Rest times between exercises are up to the person taking the test and can be allocated however they choose as long as total time remains under 20 minutes.

Overhead Press

Exercises:

1). Bench press bodyweight. Must have full lockout at the top and touch the chest at the bottom.

2). Chin-ups. Must have 1 s pause at the bottom and chin clearing the bar at the top.

3). Overhead press half bodyweight.

4). Weight dips with 1/4 bodyweight + body. Arms must come to parallel with bar and full lock at top.

5). Barbell curl with 1/2 bodyweight. Back against a wall. Curl up to chin and almost full lockout at the bottom.

So how did he do?

Bodyweight: 185 lbs

1) 15 Bench Press (185 lbs)
2) 20 Chin-ups (@ BW)
3) 17 OHP (95 lbs)
4) 18 Dips ( BW +45 lbs)
5) 14 Barbell curls (95 lbs)
Total: 84/100

This puts him in the "Mega Man" category as listed in the article. What I like even more than that however is his attitude towards lifting. He's always looking to improve, but never takes what he does for granted. Even halfway through the Mantatholon he was thinking of ways to tweak his training to become better at it. He keeps an open mind in terms of exercise (although he's a little tough on cardio...aka he hates it) and he's better and stronger for it.

What I want to know is: How would I make a "Chicktatholon" to rival this? I will be thinking of some ways to tweak this to match the female body while keeping the same premise. Looking forward to sharing further programs and progress!