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Strength isn’t just about lifting heavier weights. It’s about building a body that performs, adapts, and lasts for decades.
In this episode of The Axis Method, I break down why variable resistance training - and specifically Harambe System - went from being a simple experiment to becoming the foundation of my own training.
I’ve spent most of my life around traditional strength training. Barbells, kettlebells, sprint work, heavy lifting, explosive lifting - that world shaped me as an athlete and as a coach. But over time, I started asking a different question:
What style of training allows me to stay strong, powerful, and muscular without constantly beating up my joints?
That question led me deeper into variable resistance training.
This podcast is proudly sponsored by the Harambe System.
Harambe System is a compact variable resistance training platform built around two core components:
The CyberBar
The CyberPlate
The system uses precision rollers and a patented pulley mechanism to allow resistance bands to move smoothly and consistently throughout a lift.
Unlike traditional band setups that create friction and uneven loading, Harambe System’s design helps maintain tension through the full range of motion.
And that matters.
Recent research confirms that muscle growth depends primarily on tension across the full range of motion, regardless of where peak resistance occurs.
Over the past two years, Harambe System has become the foundation of my own strength training, allowing me to build strength, maintain power, and reduce joint irritation compared to heavy barbell training.
If you’d like to learn more:
Code: JohnParkerBallistic for 10% off
If you train long enough, your elbows and wrists will eventually start talking to you.
In this episode, I talk about:
how I first became interested in variable resistance through Westside Barbell and Louie Simmons
why bands and accommodating resistance are not new ideas
how I connected with Khalid and eventually decided to invest in Harambe System
what my first impressions were of the CyberPlate, CyberBar, handles, and accessories
why the resistance curve feels so different from traditional free weights
how Harambe helped me maintain strength and muscle while reducing joint irritation
why explosive lifting fits my body better than grinding reps
how I use slower tempo work for arm training, tendon health, and joint resilience
how I program Harambe sessions for myself, beginners, aging lifters, and athletes
why portability, convenience, and home gym usability matter so much
where I believe variable resistance training is headed in the future
One of the biggest takeaways from this entire journey is that variable resistance did not replace the fundamentals for me - it refined them.
I still care about tension. I still care about form. I still care about power, muscle, and performance.
At 40, I’m not interested in grinding myself into the floor just to prove I can still suffer through ugly reps. I want to train hard, move explosively, protect my joints, and stay capable for the long haul - both in the gym and outside of it.
That’s a big reason why Harambe System became my primary training system.
This episode is for:
lifters curious about variable resistance training
coaches looking for another useful tool
experienced trainees trying to maintain muscle and strength with less wear and tear
athletes and outdoor-minded people who want performance without unnecessary punishment
anyone interested in building a body that lasts
If that sounds like you, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
Listen to Episode 2 below.
If you’re interested in variable resistance training, you can also check out my free VRT ebook on Substack, where I break down foundational concepts and applications in more detail.
In my 16 years as a professional strength coach, I’ve been obsessed with one question:
My practice is my art.
And variable resistance has become one of my main brushes.
John Parker
StrengthAxis
