Muscle mass naturally declines as you age, starting in your late twenties. However, bodybuilding is one of the most effective ways to counteract this process. It’s an excellent anti-aging tool for both men and women. But taken to the extreme, bodybuilding can actually accelerate aging and may even contribute to an early death. The Downside…
A common mistake during step-ups is pushing off with the non-working leg, either by extending the knee or ankle. To correct this, keep the knee locked, the ankle in dorsiflexion (toes up), and tap the floor with the heel only. I picked up this tip years ago from strength coach Charles Poliquin, who learned it…
In a research article titled Ethnopharmacology and Male Bodybuilders’ Lived Experience with Consuming Sports Nutrition Supplements in Canada, Brian Bailey found that bodybuilders often rely on personal experience and trusted sources when choosing sports nutrition supplements. (Read more here.) Bailey also noted a growing body of research on supplement efficacy in trained athletes. Among the…
Some muscles may not be visible, but training them can enhance the appearance of larger muscle groups. Strengthening the pectoralis minor, brachialis, and soleus can help your chest, arms, and calves “pop out” more. A highly effective method for targeting these muscles is the 10×10 system—10 sets of 10 reps per exercise. This approach has…
See that swimsuit above? I used to fit in that before my biceps surgery—now I’m swimming in it! My waist shrunk, but not because of diet. It’s the result of not lifting as heavy anymore. Most people don’t realize just how much the abdominals engage during heavy compound and isolation movements. For years, my core…
Thick-bar training has gained traction over the years, and for good reason—it rapidly improves grip strength and overall strength. You’ve probably heard of training tools like TylerGrip, Fat Gripz, EZ Grips, and Grips FEAR attachments. But there’s another way to challenge your grip and forearms: use kettlebells… in an unconventional way! How to Perform Cannonbell…
The classic model of fatigue focused entirely on the body: muscle depletion, lactic acid accumulation, and declining performance. According to this outdated view, the athletes who could push through their “poisoned” muscles were the most successful. But over time, this peripheral fatigue model has been challenged. After all, muscles always have some reserve capacity. Clearly,…
Most strength programs marketed for self-defense are nothing more than conditioning routines disguised as strength training. They often feature circuit-style workouts with a random mix of weighted self-defense movements. Not only is this ineffective, but it also increases the risk of overuse injuries. A better approach is to focus on developing strength in the weight…
Q: I like to work a different body part every day. Do you have a good routine to beef up my back? A: The following routine targets the back from multiple angles using various movement planes, grips, training implements, and loading parameters. You’ll start with five sets on the first exercise and gradually work down…
What happens when guys train with other guys? Often, the weight starts to pile on the bar, and form gets thrown out the window! “It’s all you, Bro. I’m barely touching it!” says your training partner while he deadlifts the bar off your chest. Out of a set of ten on the bench press, you…