Unusual Advice and Its Impact: A Journey Through Philosophy and Bodybuilding

Journalist and therapist JulieAnn shares three pieces of unusual advice that profoundly altered her life. First, 'do something good when no one is looking' transformed her sense of purpose. Second, 'be yourself because everyone else is taken' shifted her perception of identity. Lastly, 'get up, dress up, and show up' gave her meaning in life. These insights are more than mere platitudes—they are pivotal life lessons that can have a lasting impact.

Unexpected Medical Advice: A Psychotherapist’s Unconventional Suggestion

In a surprising turn during a therapy session, a psychotherapist suggested divorce when dealing with marital problems. This was particularly surprising given that therapists are traditionally trained to steer clients towards problem-solving techniques, not to the more extreme solution of divorce. The therapist’s own recent divorce added an unexpected personal dimension to the advice, further emphasizing its unconventional nature.

The Rise of Odd Bodybuilding Advice in the 1980s

The early 1980s were a time when unconventional advice in bodybuilding was commonplace. Mike Mentzer’s high-intensity weightlifting approach was so revolutionary that it was considered iconoclastic. Bodybuilding magazines, primarily distributed by Joe Weider, were often described as catalogs, focusing on selling supplements and gear rather than dissemination of knowledge.

The Weider Model and Its Limitations

At the time, bodybuilding lore was heavily skewed towards the “more is better” philosophy. This idea, as implemented by Weider, often pushed boundaries of human endurance and recovery. For example, endless sets and intense volumes of training were recommended, leading to injuries and overtraining among many bodybuilders. The Weider model, however, was not grounded in science but in marketing and repetitive cycles of new, yet similar, workouts.

Mentzer’s High-Intensity Training Approach

Mentzer’s approach, inspired by Arthur Jones, emphasized precise and high-intensity workouts. Jones, inventor of Nautilus and later MedX equipment, understood the physiological limitations of the human body. His concepts combined with Mentzer’s refinements led to a more effective, yet more challenging, way of building muscle. Instead of the excessive, repetitive training typical of Weider’s magazines, Mentzer’s regimen advocated working hard or working long, but not both, aligning with the principles of optimal recovery and growth.

The Lessons from High-Intensity Training

The principles of high-intensity training are not confined to bodybuilding. The idea that more is not better applies to various fields, including medicine, where excessive dosages can lead to harm. In the context of weightlifting, consistent hard work and adequate rest are essential for growth and recovery. This philosophy also resonates in broader life contexts, reflecting the importance of precision and balance in achieving one's goals.

The Intersection of Advice and Personal Philosophy

The advice received and the experiences shared by JulieAnn and the author illustrate how unconventional suggestions can profoundly impact one's worldview and personal philosophy. Whether it’s about marital relationships or fitness, these lessons underscore the value of introspection and the willingness to follow non-traditional guidance. In a world where conventional wisdom can sometimes lead to harm, these stories highlight the importance of embracing novel advice and understanding the underlying principles that guide it.

In conclusion, the advice to divorce in therapy, to be unconventional in life, and to embrace high-intensity training in bodybuilding are more than isolated incidents but examples of how unconventional wisdom can shape our lives and broaden our perspectives.