exercises

Squats are vital for building tree-trunk legs. But if you want to develop the most impressive quads possible, you'd better start rethinking your definition of squats. The classic versions (back and front squats) fail to effectively hit all the muscles that make up the quadriceps. That's where a...

You know what is not the only thing that will give you wings, so will lat pulldowns. Here, we are diving into the ten best lat pulldown variations to add muscle and strength to this visually appealing muscle. Whether you’re a gym newbie or a seasoned lifter, these variations target your...

No gym goer wants to be sidelined due to gym injuries. Nevertheless, avid gym goers know it comes with the territory. “Pushing the limits in the gym is great because that’s where the gains happen, however, the gym, like most things in life, has an inherent risk,” says Shane McLean, A.C.E. CPT...

When most people first pick up a dumbbell, they often gravitate toward losing fat, building muscle, and looking buff—what we might call ‘vanity goals.” And rightfully so, these goals can also contribute to improved health. But, for a moment, let’s set these goals aside and delve into the...

Top 10 lists are difficult because so many great options are left out, and this is the case for the 10 top glute exercises. So many great exercises target this vital muscle group that it’s hard to include them all. But Sir-Mix-A-Lot doesn’t care about the process; he cares about the result, a...

Leg day. The dreaded yet essential part of any consistent gym-goer’s training routine. Whether or not you appreciate that after-leg-day-waddling where sitting down becomes an Olympic feat, we’re here to help you get something productive out of your hard work. What is a Barbell Leg Workout...

Poor posture isn’t a big deal until it is. Many strength and conditioning experts, who are much more knowledgeable than me, will tell you that poor posture is NOT a big deal, and they’re probably correct. But believe me performing exercises to improve your posture is one of those low-hanging...

Kettlebell training dates all the way back to 18th century Russia, however it still feels like yesterday that you’d be fortunate enough to find a decent set of bells at your neighborhood fitness club. That’s starting to change as kettlebells continue to increase in popularity among mainstream...

When it comes to building shoulder mass, overhead presses and lateral raises are the staple moves of many workout routines. Although these traditional exercises are excellent at building strength and creating the coveted ‘capped’ shoulders, banded shoulder rotations hold their own (and then...

The kettlebell is a tool that was initially used in Russia in the 1800s as a counterweight to weigh grains and other goods. Then the Russians realized they didn’t need to run in the cold for cardio and started swinging the bells full time. Kettlebell swings and their variations are foundational...

As athletes push their bodies to achieve peak performance, the risk of injuries becomes an inherent part of their journey. These injuries often restrict their training intensity and workout type, hindering muscle development and strength. Prolonged injuries can lead to extended periods of...

Most at-home workouts prioritize strength, muscle size, and weight loss, but they often overlook a crucial aspect: power training. Power exercises can add a dynamic edge to your routine, helping you achieve a well-rounded and resilient fitness level with the ability to be more explosive. While...

A cable machine (or pulley machine) is a versatile piece of workout equipment comprising a pulley system and weights. The pulley system height can be adjusted based on user preference to effectively activate specific muscle groups. Upper body cable exercises build broad shoulders, stronger...

If you want to add more plyometrics to your gym workout, let’s look at the ten best exercises to help you build explosive power, muscular strength, and speed. Plyometric workouts are a perfect way to improve your performance on the field or in the weight room. The best part is you can do...

The other day I got a Facebook message from a young man in India, asking me how to improve his upper chest. I clicked to his page to see what he looked like, and as is the case with many of the would-be bodybuilders who contact me from India and Pakistan, he appeared to be about 120 to 140...

There is a misconception that you need a lot of time to exercise to be effective, and a common excuse for not exercising is having no time. With the holiday season is in full swing and the New Year is just around the corner, thoughts drift to parties, food, and family on top of a packed...

The gluteus maximus, often termed the body’s powerhouse, serves as a crucial muscle responsible for both form and function. Beyond its role in shaping the buttocks, this robust muscle plays a pivotal part in various movements, from extending the hips to stabilizing the pelvis. While genetics...

Bodybuilding. The word invokes images of oiled man (or women) with shaved and tanned bodies, bowling around on stage, showing off their steroid-gorged physiques. It’s not a pretty picture. Yet, building our bodies is the goal of nearly everyone who exercises. Here’s my definition of...

Given a choice between leg day and arm day, which one would you choose? It’s not like training legs is not essential because it is, but nothing gives you instant gratification more than a wicked arm pump. In the mirror by the dumbbell rack, doing endless biceps curls and shoulder raise...

Written by Michael Matthews EVIDENCE BASED BUILDING MUSCLE FacebookPinterestTwitterEmail Behold! Not one, not two, but a camel-load of only the finest, evidence-based training tips this side of Damascus. Don’t do behind-the-neck pulldowns. They’re more likely to irritate your shoulders, and...