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A FAT BURNING WORKOUT, NOT MUSCLE BURNING Fat loss is simple, but improving body composition – losing fat while retaining or adding some muscle – is a lot trickier. It requires the use of smart nutrition and the best training methods. A lot of people who focus on "fat loss" think of their...

THE WORST KNEE INJURY IMAGINABLE In 2017, while playing basketball, I experienced one of the worst knee injuries you can get: a bilateral patellar tendon rupture. That's a full separation of the patellar tendon on both knees at the same time. The silver lining has been plenty of insight on what...

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...

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW... Don't discount the leg press just because it doesn't involve a barbell. Every variation can help grow massive legs. The escalating leg press is one giant set with micro-stops. The banded leg press makes the eccentric or negative phase more challenging. The drop...

We've all heard the warnings about it. They say lifters have gotten their necks crushed by barbells which have slipped right out of their hands during the bench press. Maybe this is why the thumbless or false grip is also known as the "suicide" grip. But in spite of the risks, many of the...

NEW WAYS TO BUILD SHOULDERS It can be tough to build shoulders once you're past the newbie phase. Many lifters are tempted to double down on barbell overhead press or add weight to exercises that are already beating up their joints. Doing more of the same and expecting different results is...

Those who are serious about muscle want bolder delts, and arguably the best exercise to do that is the barbell and dumbbell overhead presses and their variations. These work all three deltoid heads (anterior, lateral, and posterior) for improved size and strength. For those who can do these and...

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...

Working out with a single dumbbell may sound foolish, but imagine the following scenarios. You walk into the gym, ready to roll, and it is packed, and most of the equipment is taken. This makes completing your current program an annoying challenge. Or the will to train is strong, but time is...

There’s no question that the basics of strength training work despite what you may see from time to time on the Internet. The barbell is the ultimate tool for strength and muscle and will continue to work for all who take it seriously. Incorporating the Big 3exercises—the barbell squat, bench...

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...

Because there are so many, knowing which shoulder exercises to do and when to do them can be challenging. The shoulder press machine is an exercise machine that helps you work on your shoulders. Learn how to use it to reach your fitness goals. What is a shoulder press machine, and how does it...

“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...

Big, muscular deltoids can really set you apart from the pack when it comes to displaying a big, broad physique. Width is an instant indicator of being powerful, strong and in incredible shape. As an avid trainer your goal is to reap the reward of all your sweat, sacrifice, and hard work you...

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...

Injury Prevention How to Warm Up The process of warming up before a weight training session involves 3 different phases: Mild cardio – 5 to 10 minutes of non-taxing cardio. Stretching – Several minutes of full body and workout specific stretching. Working warm up sets – Prepare your body and...

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...

Strength Training Basics Defining Your Goals Before you pick a program and set up a solid eating plan, it’s important to define your goals. Take a minute to think about your long term goals, and write them down. Try to make goals realistic but challenging. A 400 pound bench press might be...