training

Too many people view fat loss like it is a secret VIP party that requires you to do or say the right thing to get invited. In one sense this is true. Those that are lean understand what must be done to lose fat without gimmicks or quick fixes. Fat loss is a biological process that does not need...

Everyone knows that macros are key to high-level training and getting jacked. However, micronutrients shouldn’t be overlooked because without micronutrients your training wouldn’t even get off the ground. We often think about micronutrients in disease states, and while that is true, they are...

Serious lifters need massive amounts of energy and focus to fuel their intensive workouts. Pre-workout nutrition and supplementation achieve these objectives in the most efficient manner possible. However, the pre-workout period is also a time to promote muscle growth. To experience the kind...

Speed, power and strength: Just a few of the requirements of a successful powerlifter. Form meets function in this sport of inches and it would behoove anyone to look for an edge to separate one from being a champion and not being a champion. Just like any other sport, lifters need nutritional...

There are many reasons why a person may require weight gain due to being underweight. Genetics may play a major part in keeping a person lean. Some medical conditions may alter the way food is digested or have an effect on a person’s food intake. So the first port of call for any underweight...

Let me be straight with you, if I had the exact answer for how to calculate the perfect macros for your goals I wouldn’t be writing this article. I would have cashed in on my genius, made millions, and be drinking gin and tonics (diet tonic of course, gotta watch my figure) on a yacht in the...

Do you consider yourself the “non-traditional” trainee that works out at different times of the day? Are you not a part of the 5 o’clock rush hour that needs a special perspective on how and when to eat specific meals to optimize results? Whether it’s training in the early morning hours, midday...

You are being judged I’m sure many of you are familiar with the (somewhat cliché) adage that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but, love it or hate it, we live in a society that places much emphasis on superficial characteristics. Heck, we have competitions (ala bodybuilding, fitness...

After being bombarded by an endless stream of articles on the latest and greatest training and nutrition approaches, I felt compelled to discuss an often overlooked aspect of lifting; the psychological approach. This article aims to provide tips, mantras, and pre/intra/post-workout methods for...

Let’s get straight to the point. To gain muscle and strength you have to have a plan. That plan must include two important ingredients – because without them, your progress in the gym won’t exist. You must utilize the big, multi-joint compound movements. These are the exercises that activate...

Anyone that has committed to a long-term fitness goal will tell you that it takes serious dedication, determination, and discipline to be successful. Consistency matters but let’s face facts - There are days that we all just need an extra mental boost or a kick in the butt to get going. For...

You can do it! Just one more rep! You’re looking good. Do it, do it! Come on, you’ve got this. The one-liners above are just a sample of the clichés personal trainers utter to clients during training sessions to motivate them through a workout. Motivation is after all one of the primary...

One of the main keys in life is growth. If you are not experiencing growth then you are either declining or remaining stagnant. Last time I checked no one who chose those options ever accomplished anything of value. When it comes to your physique, growth is of the utmost importance. Your...

There is nothing more frustrating in the iron game than a lack of progress. When you feel as if you are training hard and putting in the time but not seeing the fruits of your labor, it can demoralize even the folks who have extreme mental toughness. The fastest way to change your situation is...

Bodybuilding is like any other sport we watch and are entertained by. As the champions and elite athletes change, so do the way the game or sport is played. Basketball is a great example of this. In the 1980’s, Magic Johnson was the most popular star and the flash of “Showtime” was how...

You are being judged I’m sure many of you are familiar with the (somewhat cliché) adage that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but, love it or hate it, we live in a society that places much emphasis on superficial characteristics. Heck, we have competitions (ala bodybuilding, fitness...

Alright, listen up bro, I’m here to crush some hopes and dreams. If you’re not familiar with this commonly used fitness terminology, consider this succinct definition from nutritional wizard and broscientist expert, Alan Aragon: “Broscience is the predominant brand of reasoning in...

Those of you who have read through any of my articles know that I'm a big believer in the basics. I confidently preach low volume, infrequent workouts that are based around the universal laws of overload and progression (training with maximum intensity and progressing in weight or reps from week...

How Do You Build Muscle? If we’re talking about building muscle and not truly focusing in on our lifting performances, then we’re talking hypertrophy in its purest form. We can’t increase the amount of specific muscle fibers that we possess, but we can increase the size of our existing fibers...

The old school thinking where building muscle is concerned is that it’s pretty black and white to see progress. Add weight to the bar, put the pin further down on the stack, and gun for the same amount of reps, and you’re golden. Though they’re not entirely wrong, it’s worthwhile to examine...