bench

When most lifters think of their traps, they visualize only the small portion of the upper traps they see from the front. But the trapezius is a big muscle, originating at the base of the skull, running down to the upper and mid-back, and running width-wise covering both scapulas. If all you do...

My friends, it's time for another quickie. If you read my previous quickie article, then you now know three great techniques for busting those stubborn plateaus. This time, I'm reaching deeper into my big ol' bag of tricks to conjure up three training techniques for stimulating great gains...

The bench press. It’s one of the original rite of passage exercises that many lifters spend countless—oftentimes too many—hours toward perfecting. When you’re a beginner, you most likely performed two main exercises—biceps curl and bench press. Then, the love affair begins. The bench press is...

To prepare for the bench press, lie on the bench and situate your eyes just under the front edge of the barbell. This will ensure that you have adequate space to press without hitting the rack or the j-cups. Place your hands somewhat wider than shoulder width and equally spaced on each side...

The Importance of Exercise Performance The other day, while I was finishing my workout, two veteran trainees, about 50-plus, approached me in the gym. These guys both had decent physiques, but they were not satisfied with their upper pec development. This, of course, is an all-too common...

“why haven’t you heard about this yet?” and that is exactly how I feel about Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 program for raw strength. I can see how it’s probably far less intimidating to go with whatever everyone else is doing, like the latest bikini body in 30-days program, Zumba/Kickboxing class/Yoga...

Let’s get the science out of the way; the pectoralis major is comprised of a clavicular and a sternocostal head, or better known as the upper and lower pec respectively. When flat benching, both heads are stressed evenly. The anterior deltoids also come into play, and the triceps are used during...

It’s time to get insane! Your current workout is boring, and you’re hungry for a change. You want something that isn’t the same old, same old grind? Well, here you go brothers and sisters of iron. Lock and load, it’s time to rock. The Savage 4x4 is a strength and hypertrophy workout system...

Common Strength Training Workouts and Systems Though strength training approaches can be very diverse, there are several extremely poplar and notable workout systems that every lifter should know something about. These programs are effective, time tested and produce results. Starting Strength...

Deadlift Form 101 It is rare to see beginning lifters practicing proper deadlift form. Far too many trainees perform the lift at a mechanical disadvantage, trying to lift the bar with their hips up. This resembles a Romanian deadlift or stiff-leg deadlift and is hard on the lower back. To...

A workout is made up of only so many sets and exercises. Constructing a workout without a purpose, and without the use of the best available tools will only waste your time. If you want to gain muscle and strength at the fastest rate possible you will need to choose the best possible exercises...

There is a common expression that is used in all aspects of life - “keep it simple.” However, another popular phrase is “variety is the spice of life.” When it comes to training, it's no different. Simple movements can always be effective, but there are times that change can be necessary to...

If you want to sport a powerful, thick, and full chest, then you have to start at the top. In other words, make your upper pecs the top priority. If you like the volume of this workout by itself, use it as your chest day plan. If you'd prefer to do more work, then start with this workout and...

There are two things that almost every lifter in the weight room cares about: growing their chest and increasing their bench. Fortunately, if you focus on one, you can usually improve the other. Although strength is usually a bigger priority for powerlifters, bodybuilders can also benefit from...

Let's face it, building a nice set of pecs is just about every gym-goers first priority. There's a reason so many people envy the strongest bench presser in the gym, but what if it could be you who was the strongest? What’s holding you back? Unfortunately, many people have no clue how to...

Considering the triceps muscle makes up two-thirds of your upper arm mass, it’s no secret that triceps-focused exercises like certain dip variations should dominate arm day. Triceps dips (or bodyweight dips) are a classic, tried-and-tested exercise known for not only adding strength and size to...

By Adam Bisek The Triceps Brachii Anatomy The triceps brachii is composed of three heads; long, medial, and lateral. All three heads span the upper arm (humerus) and attach to the forearm (ulna). However, the long head originates at the shoulder blade (scapula), while the medial and lateral...

This is an intense and proven 20 week training program from MusclePharm that uses 5 unique phases to help even the hardest of gainers to build muscle or firm up. WORKOUT SUMMARY Main Goal Build Muscle Workout Type Split Training Level Beginner Program Duration20 weeks Days Per Week 4 Time Per...

Got a goal to destroy that bench press PR of yours? Some tricep accessory work will help and these 4 dumbbell tricep exercises are a good place to start! If you have ever missed a bench, the number one limiting factor that I’ve found is tricep strength. I know others will argue about lat...

Have you ever taken the time to understand bench press form and setup? Boost your bench numbers now, and pack on some serious chest and tricep mass! Let’s do an experiment. I'm sure you’ll figure out how it ends. Take a buddy to the gym today. But don’t say a word about the workout. Let him slip...