The Da Vinci Fitness Code

Bodybuilding in Rhythm with the Universe

Joseph Mullen
Fitness Scientist

This is an article I wrote well before the publishing of the book by Dan Brown, which is “The DaVinci Code.”

In his book, sacred\secret numbers were talked about. I had written this article for Muscle Training Illustrated whose Editor at the time was the great Denie Walters . Eventually, I wrote a book titled: The DaVinci Fitness Code, which is available for instant download from on my site for less than $8.99

The site is: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
______________--

There exists, Universal Laws, mathematical proportions, specific rhythms, frequencies and vibrations – emanating from the Universe and nature, which affect all life on planet earth, and, in the Bodybuilding sense, they can insure progress when you acknowledge their existence.

After reading this article, you will know how to take advantage of them in your workouts. They do exist! Collectively, they are known as The Golden Mean and Rhythm of the Universe. Before you blow a whistle and call the men in white coats, to haul us away to the funny farm, allow us a chance to build a logical case and defend ourselves.

The premise of this discussion is based on a quote of the great scientist Galileo. He said, “Mathematics is the alphabet with which God has written the Universe: Meaning, all things can be stated and related mathematically. Related, not only each to each; also, each to the whole. The result will produce total conditioning, strength, flexibility, endurance, and proportions between all parts.

Bodybuilder’s have unconsciously overlooked Galileo’s logic. Instead of looking where he pointed, we have bit off his finger, by illogically selecting arbitrary sets, reps, rest between sets, speed-of- movements-, and total workout times, with out any thought as to how they relate. That guessing game is about to end.

Traditionally, we looked at each of these components as independent of each other, not as pieces of the whole. Nature looks at things according to a whole, using very specific mathematical proportions, based on mathematical relationships, which promote health, and enhance growth. These proportions and relationships are based in the formula that is known as The Golden Mean Ratio. Its specific, and some claim mystical ratios, appear everywhere in nature, and in fact, within the Universe.

For example, they prevail in the mathematical relationships of the planets to the sun, snow flakes, spider webs, the number of branches and leaves on trees, sea shells, and the honey bee hive, as well as many other places. The Golden Mean Ratio, were used by the great Greek artists, sculptors, and architects. Modern day sculptors, bodybuilders can use the ratio to sculpt a physique of such shape, proportion, symmetry and size, as to rival Greek statue.

The numbers, 1 to 1.618034, represents the magic formula. In future articles, we will outline how to assess your physique according to the Ratio. However, for the purpose of this article we will establish the guidelines to allow you to design a result-producing workout. Matching your sets, reps, and all other components so the total workout perfectly relates each part to the whole.

To create the perfect workout, we must establish a number system, which is in accord with The Golden Mean Ratio. This is created by finding a number conversion system that specifically relates to the Ratio. Fortunately, the creator of the Fibonacci number system accomplished this eons ago.

Fibonacci discovered a number series that proved to relate to proportions created by Mother Nature. Generally, within Mother Nature’s domain, health and growth takes place within specific patters and proportions that relate to the Fibonacci number series Using these numbers in a fitness program may produce results in a quicker and safer way than though possible.

In simple terms, these numbers as attained by starting with the base number 1 and adding it to itself, producing the number 2. The sequence begins with the numbers 1 and 2.

To continue the mathematical spiral, all you need do is begin adding numbers together. Beginning with the numbers 1 and 2, add them together and 3 is the next number, then 3 is added to the preceding number 2, and 5 appears.

The sequence goes in this order: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55 and so forth.
Actually, there is another way of attaining different, specific numbers, but for fitness purposes, these numbers work fine.

Now, it becomes more interesting. How is it that our body understands these numbers and correlates into productive fitness results? The sensory system of the body is governed controls the “feelings” we get from the exterior world. The world outside the body.

This world is translated by the body through our senses, meaning – our five perceptions and their ability to see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. The senses interpret these abilities as a series of vibrations and frequencies, each one distinct from the other, which allow the actual discernment. These components and others, combine to constitute the image we see in the mirror – our body.

How our senses interpret these vibrations and frequencies can effect growth, behavior, feelings, health, and functional efficiency, such as sports performance.

Think of how many times you have heard an athlete say something like: “I could not get my rhythm, or I just could not get into the groove.” Have you ever walked into a room and been able to “feel the vibes?” That is one example of your senses, picking up on the frequencies and vibrations of those around you.

What you may not have realized is that those feelings relate to the Golden Mean Ratio and by extension, the Fibonacci Numbers.

All of our senses contribute to a productive or non-productive workout, for example:

• The feels associated with getting into workout clothes.
• The touching of the barbell, dumbbell, or high-tech machine.
• The smell and sounds within the fitness center.
• The visual feedback of the mirrors.
• The taste of something eaten or drank during the workout.

All the above are important when seeking a productive workout. Separate from these feelings, and more important, is the rhythm of the speed-of-movement of each repetition. The speed-of-movement will send the signal to the contracting musculature.

The rhythm of the contraction will in effect, tell the muscles to produce a complete of incomplete contraction. The brain, and then the muscles will experience the specific rhythm, as either a pleasant experience, or not. In exercise, the specific rhythm of the contraction can be compared to, as an example, a gold or tennis swing. Just as the rhythm of a swing is important in gold and tennis, so is the rhythm of contraction during exercise.

To produce a perfect workout, we must get all of our senses in sync. To paraphrase Plato, it is impossible to bring things together in a beautiful manner and for a bond to exist, which unites them, without first achieving proportion. In other words, everything you do, affects everything you do.

Now, perhaps for the first time in Bodybuilding history let us design a workout in which each component relates specifically to each other and to the whole. Finally, a workout that is in proportion and balance. Let us look at certain of the Fibonacci numbers, and relate them to a perfect workout. Although these numbers can go on forever, there is a point of no return in the exercise sense, which becomes counter-productive, and impossible to recuperate from, within a reasonable time.

The numbers we choose are related to the following components:

1. Repetitions.
2. Sets.
3. Speed-of-movement.
4. Resistance Increases.
5. Rest between sets.
6. Total sets within a workout.

The numbers we recommend for each component are between 1 and 55. This means that for each exercise component, one of the following numbers must be used for each component. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and 55.

However, you must first determine what your present fitness level is by testing yourself to determine your present range of motion, one-repetition strength level, and your muscle endurance level (done with a percentage (say 70%) of your one-repetition strength level. There is a specific way to do this, which is as follows.

Repetitions: The goal is to select a number that specifically represent a minimum amount of repetitions which allow enough reps to be thought of a warm-up for the muscles and enough reps beyond the warm-up that are thought of as “failure.” The idea is to select two numbers out of the list that appeal to you visually and emotionally.

Looking at the numbers, we can surmise that any number short of 8 repetitions are probably too few to use, based on the need to properly warm the muscles up and to prevent injury. Most people would feel comfortable with 8 as the minimum number to perform, and continuing up to 13 as a failure point.

Presently, many people use the 8 to 12 repetition number format that was popularized by Arthur Jones and the Nautilus company in the 70’s, through the 90’s. The recommendation of 8 reps is a Fibonacci number. The number 12 is not a Fibonacci number; however, 13 is a valid number.

To be fair to Arthur Jones his exercise recommendation was to pick a number of reps that were, in effect, a warm-up, which he recommended as 8. Then, his recommendation was to continue with the movement until one arrived at complete muscular failure. Generally, he recommended using a resistance that accomplished failure at the number of 12 repetitions. A fundamental recommendation of his was, to continue past the 12 reps until one could not perform more repetitions in proper style.

He recommended that if one reached “12 or more repetitions, it was time to increase the resistance before the next workout.We recommend that the first set of safe numbers to apply to a workout is 8 and 13. This may be the choice of most bodybuilders and athletes. Those who play contact sports; others prefer exercising with higher repetitions.

Considering that idea, the next set of numbers could be a minimum of 8 or 13 and using the number 21 as the point to discontinue the movements. Another choice is using 13 as a minimum and 21 as the cut off point.

You can see that there are numerous combinations of Fibonacci numbers to consider. All of the numbers are valid for usage in bodybuilding, total fitness conditioning, physical therapy, post-physical therapy, work conditioning, or sports improvement programs.

Our recommendation is to choose a number set that appeals to your goals and which “feel” right to you. You will know which number appeals to you, because as you read them and say them to yourself, you will be given a signal from your body that “feels right” to you. That is the set of numbers to use.

Joe Mullen
Fitness Scientist





























[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]