training

405 is seen by many as the ultimate goal for squats and deadlift, and not just the bench press. By the way, it’s 405, not “4 plates.” God, I hate that term. It sounds like you’re loading the Hammer strength machine. It’s FOUR OH FIVE. “4 plates” is a light day at the buffet for me. More on that...

They call it the ”King of All Exercises” and for a good reason. High relative strength in the barbell back squat correlates with numerous athletic feats - increased vertical jump1, reduced 40-yard sprint times2, and faster sprints while changing direction3. So obviously you should back squat...

A goal of many fitness-loving individuals is to make each workout better than the last. We've been told the harder you train, the better, right? Let’s be clear about this. The iron game is not an easy one to play, nor is it meant to be. However, the idea of training “harder” may be confusing...

Do you need a refresher course in building a more massive, stronger and leaner body? We all know the basics of bodybuilding: lift heavy, eat the right foods and supplements and get plenty of rest, but at times we forget a few details that can make all the difference. A tip here and a piece of...

Ever have one of those days where nothing seems to go right? You spill your shaker bottle mixing pre-workout, rip your boxers while warming up, and your attempt at a new deadlift max leaves the bar stapled to the floor. Not to mention, your gym is expecting you to pull some big numbers while...

I think it’s safe to say that for those of us who are working to build better bodies through bodybuilding and or fitness, out of all the muscle groups we work so hard to develop, the muscles of the arms seem to be the most universally admired. Whenever a bodybuilder is asked in public to make a...

In the fitness game there are many myths that have persisted for decades. Myths like you must perform high reps to get cut. Myths like you must exercise excessively and then eat like a bird to get lean. Myths like carbohydrates are evil. Even myths like performing a high number of abdominal...

Since becoming a personal trainer, I have seen training techniques and diet fads come and go. Individuals tend to complicate their routines/diets by reading several published periodicals and through advice from amateur consultants. Physique and health progress should be continual and consistent...

So let me guess. You're at the gym each day trying to get bigger and stronger. In fact, almost every free moment of your life is spent obsessing about adding muscle and strength. You read all the magazines, buy all the best supplements and construct workout plans so complicated they make Jay...

The world of weightlifting is huge. Believe me, I know that there is a lot of information to take in and it is extremely difficult to learn enough even to know what you are doing. As a beginner, jumping into this gigantic pool of knowledge and information can be very discouraging and even...

The strength and conditioning world can become a bit polarized sometimes. Okay, not sometimes. Often. It’s easy to fall down the education pigeon hole that can make a lifter or coach write off any method that isn’t a conventional strength training protocol using barbells or dumbbells as the...

There are many days when I walk in the gym and I see the same people, doing the same exercises, with the same weights and they look the same as when they did months (or even years) before. It makes me wonder, “How can these people spend so much time in the gym and not be making any strength...

Do you need more mass, strength and power in your deltoids overall? Would you like to fill out that t-shirt and possess wide, commanding shoulders that convey a powerful physique without a word spoken? The more important question is: Do your shoulders suck? Many trainers fall into the trap of...

One of the greatest issues facing athletes and weightlifters is the ability to stay healthy while lifting weights and training at a high level. The most common setback I see in the gym is a shoulder injury. If you have played sports at any level or lifted weights for any length of time, you’ve...

Everyone wants big arms, but so many fail to build an impressive set despite days, weeks, and even months of toiling away in the gym. Bigger arms are always on the agenda – you never hear anyone say that their arms are too big, do you? What if all you need is a little push – an end-of-workout...

It’s happened to almost all of us at one point or another. You take an extra day off to rest, which turns into a week, then you’re taking 2 weeks off from the gym. Before you know it you’ve been out of the gym for much longer than you'd like to admit. If you’re like most lifters you are looking...

One of the greatest issues facing athletes and weightlifters is the ability to stay healthy while lifting weights and training at a high level. The most common setback I see in the gym is a shoulder injury. If you have played sports at any level or lifted weights for any length of time, you’ve...

So let me guess. You're at the gym each day trying to get bigger and stronger. In fact, almost every free moment of your life is spent obsessing about adding muscle and strength. You read all the magazines, buy all the best supplements and construct workout plans so complicated they make Jay...

Whether your goal is a flat stomach or a chiseled 6-pack, core exercises should always be part of your training plan. Training your core goes beyond the aesthetic value of how your midsection looks. A strong core provides support during your training sessions, improves your posture, and helps...

There are many days when I walk in the gym and I see the same people, doing the same exercises, with the same weights and they look the same as when they did months (or even years) before. It makes me wonder, “How can these people spend so much time in the gym and not be making any strength...