Tale of the Tape: After the Truce

TOM
Age: 36
Resting heart rate: 60 beats per minute
VO₂ max: 55.7 milliliters
Weight: 167.5 pounds
Percentage body fat: 10.2
Shoulder press (one-time max): 81 pounds
Chest press (one-time max): 138 pounds
Chin-ups (weight-assisted): 29
Chest: 39.50 inches
Waist: 35.25 inches
Calf (right): 15.25 inches
Biceps (right): 11.63 inches
Flexibility (Sit & Reach): 15.5 inches

TODD
Age: 32
Resting heart rate: 58 beats per minute
VO₂ max: 63.3 milliliters
Weight: 162 pounds
Percentage body fat: 10.1
Shoulder press (one-time max): 40 pounds
Chest press (one-time max): 160 pounds
Chin-ups (weight-assisted): 36
Chest: 37.25 inches
Waist: 31.25 inches
Calf (right): 15.25 inches
Biceps (right): 11.25 inches
Flexibility (Sit & Reach): 16 inches

Since the goal was to prepare for an endurance race, it was predictable that Todd's and Tom's cardiovascular fitness, as evidenced by resting heart rate and VO₂ max, would improve. As for strength, their high-rep work streamlined their bodies more than it created bulk. That's why they didn't gain--and sometimes lost--muscle size. But don't think of the contents as getting smaller; think of the wrapping as getting tighter. Todd's and Tom's decreases in body fat are substantial enough that they'll both spend a little more time in front of the mirror--and a little less time climbing Killington Peak.

Copyright 1995, Outside magazine