Periodization for Massive Strength Gains

In order to create the perfect resistance training program for their athletes, coaches must master the ability to control all variables of training over time in order to maximize physiological responses - this is a concept known as periodization (3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26). Periodization was first established in Russia, after the conclusion of the 1956 Olympic games (7, 21). Though simple in its principle and aim, periodization is frequently misunderstood due to the hyper-specific research that surrounds it (3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 15, 21, 23, 25). Over the last five decades, researchers have produced a multitude of studies that look at specific variables of periodization, which this paper will later examine, but many of them prove to be inconclusive due to uncontrollable factors outside of training (3, 4, 7, 8, 13, 14, 19, 21). These uncontrollable factors make it difficult to be absolute in any conclusions surrounding the topic of periodization, though there are a number of considerations that make periodization very valuable (25). Periodization is of paramount importance when creating resistance training plans due to its role in the manipulation and subsequent control of variables over time (3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26). Without control of variables, resistance training becomes an aimless and non goal-oriented task (25, 43). In comparison with non-periodized resistance programs, periodized plans prove to be significantly more effective in strength gained, lean mass gained, and percent body fat lost (1, 5, 6, 11, 15, 25). Periodization will likely remain a topic of controversy for a long time to come, as coaches continue to seek the most effective combination and manipulation of training variables at their disposal (23)

“For the Relief of Human Suffering”: The Methodist Committee for Overseas Relief in the Context of Cold War Initiatives in Development, 1940–1968

The Methodist Committee for Overseas Relief (MCOR) was one of the first and largest denominational relief and development agencies in the nation from 1940 to 1968. Its ecumenical engagement was robust from the start; it was one of the largest donors to United China Relief, Church World Service, and other ecumenical overseas relief organizations during this time. This article provides a decade by decade assessment of MCOR’s work with particular attention to (1) its ecumenical engagement in relief and development efforts; (2) the relationship of MCOR’s work to the wider context of overseas relief and development efforts by nongovernmental, bilateral, and multilateral agencies; (3) the stated theological justification of MCOR’s work as it related to the wider mission of the church and specifically the Methodist Board of Missions and Church Extension. The article concludes with reflections on the implications of this study for the future work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief

Mission: Agnes C. L. Donohugh, early apostle for ethnography

In the spring of 1915, the Kennedy School of Missions at Hartford Theological Seminary, the leading graduate school for missionary training in the United States at this time, offered the first graduate-level course on ethnology ever to be taught in America to missionary candidates.1 The seminary\u27s leadership had identified the need for teaching ethnology to missionariesin- training as early as 1913 - when the school of missions was just two years old. 2 This American curricular innovation followed a practice begun a decade earlier in Britain of teaching ethnology to missionary candidates (Kuklick 1991).3 Hartford Seminary President W. Douglas Mackenzie was also inspired to make this curricular change because he had chaired Commission V on The Training of Teachers at the Edinburgh Missionary Conference of 1910. That Commission sounded a sobering call for more cross-cultural sensitivity in missionary training: Christian missionaries do not always show consummate wisdom in their methods. Christianity is under no inherent compulsion to impose any special form of civilization on its adherents, else we should all be Judaised. It is certainly strange that we should take an Eastern religion, adapt it to Western needs, and then impose those Western adaptations on Eastern races. I can conceive no better way of swamping and stamping out all true individuality in our converts.4 In light of Edinburgh 1910\u27s call for change, it only made sense that Mackenzie would want his own institution to take the lead in improving mission ary training. And so it did

An Empirical Look at the Ecumenical Diaconate in the United States

The growth of interest in the escalating phenomenon of the diaconate in a number of denominations- predominantly in the North Atlantic region - has been well-documented in ecumenical dialogues, denominational reports, and scholarly publications. A number of articles have placed the diaconate in the larger context of ecclesiological reflection, but an accurate picture of the practical reality of individual deacons and their perceptions about their ministry has rarely been examined beyond anecdotal evidence? A better picture of the views and experiences of deacons is vital for at least two reasons. First, it is necessary to support ecumenical cooperation in the development of the diaconate as a movement for the renewal of the church\u27s mission and liturgy. Without an honest appraisal of the similarities and differences of deacons\u27 ministries, it is difficult to propose areas for ecumenical cooperation. Second, social scientific analysis of the modern diaconate can contribute valuable insights for ecclesiological reflection. Reflecting on his experience after Vatican II, Joseph A. Komonchak contends that social analysis must accompany theological reflection on the nature of the church

Saving Students: European Student Relief in the Aftermath of World War I

The World’s Student Christian Federation established the European Student Relief (ESR) organization in 1920 in order to respond to the refugee and hunger crises emerging in the wake of World War I in Europe. Although nearly forgotten today, it was the first truly international ecumenical relief agency in the world. This article tells the story of ESR in reference to its efforts at building interorganizational coalitions and as a force for “internationalism.” The ESR’s story is instructive as the world marks the hundredth anniversary of the end of World War I and is once again confronted with refugee crises

“That They All Might Be One”: John R. Mott’s Contributions to Methodism, Interreligious Dialogue, and Racial Reconciliation

An extraordinary organizer and leader, Methodist layman John R. Mott (1865–1955) was influential in the establishment and growth of many different world-wide Christian organizations in the early twentieth century. He was even asked to serve as ambassador to China by President Woodrow Wilson—a position he declined. For his work in organizing people and resources for world peace Mott was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946. This article focuses on Mott’s efforts at ecumenism for the sake of Christian mission by analyzing three dimensions of Mott’s work: Mott’s Methodism, his efforts in global interreligious dialogue, and work in racial reconciliation efforts at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth centuries. His work in relation to these three themes is traced through out his life in order to highlight the development of his ideas and activism as he inter acted with many different ecumenical organizations and world Christian leaders. The article illustrates the tensions and inconsistencies that emerged in Mott’s thinking and ecumenical practice as he sought to emphasize unity for the sake of mission in the many different facets of his work

Industrialization in hog production: implications for Midwest agriculture

Mega producers have ushered in a new era for Midwest agriculture and amplified the growing environmental concerns associated with concentrated animal agriculture. The combination threatens to undermine the Midwest's long-held dominance in hog production and processing.Federal Reserve District, 7th ; Animal industry