It's only a lifelong pursuit if your methods are not ideal, I've been guilty of this. I hope others can learn from my long career for the better and not repeat the same mistakes. That's was the whole purpose of this thread and to share knowledge.
Imagine going years with very little to no gains. Then imagine finding the solution you've been seeking and making 0.5 inch gain in 3 months and that includes taking one month off. I've did some things right in a bumbling fool sort of way and alott of things wrong, that are oddly enough accepted as truth in PE community.
What does all this data really say? A 2 phase approach. The best way to maximize total gains for the newbie is to not do too much to cause tissue toughening or injury. I mean maximal gains over the PE "career", other methods will reduce overall gains or at least prolong the time it takes to achieve.
This means low level tension for lots of time. Extenders are a perfect example. I, in a bumbling fool type of way, accomplished this with vacuum hanging while being a student in college. I never hung past 8 lbs and gained an inch in 6 months. This happened after I made my first inch and was stalled for 2 years of religious PE. Extenders have been documented as reliable and effective and satisfy what a newbie needs. Low weight vacuum hanging could be another.
After this has been thoroughly milked. Around a year before diminishing returns kick in. Second phase is what me and Kyrpa are suggesting. Slightly higher tension, shorter routines. Therapeutic heat allows greater elongation and less damage as it effects the collagen. Use of decons allows for sustained growth when diminishing returns kicks in. Measuring and tracking of strain allows users feedback and if posted can be useful data for others.
This is in contrast what is usually suggested for hangers and general PE.
