Equipment

3 Ways to Maximize Your Strength Workouts

April 8, 2013 11 Comments

I often hear people say they want to “maximize” their strength-training workouts. The translation of this statement is usually “my workouts aren’t giving me what I want.” If this is you, you’re smart to think you should be doing something differently to build muscle or lose fat. But what is that “something?” You can improve your workouts – and your body composition– by changing an almost endless array of variables. Here are just three ways to start seeing better progress immediately. Avoid Ineffective {Read More…}

Category: Adductors, Equipment, Goals, Principles

Beat Weight Room Boredom with Cable Supersets

July 10, 2012 13 Comments

I’ve talked about the benefits of supersets but sometimes we need a fresh kick in the pants to challenge ourselves (or just a fresh workout). Sure, supersets can overload your muscles, save time and help break us out plateaus. But as with anything, supersets (two exercises back to back without rest) can become boring and routine if repeated relentlessly. That’s why a little creativity goes a long way. (In case you didn’t know, you can be creative with your workouts. They can be fun!) {Read More…}

Category: Quickie Workouts, Techniques, Trying New Things

The Benefits of Intervals and Interval Timers

April 9, 2012 29 Comments

Congrats to April Sorrow (@AprilS_2010), the winner of the giveaway! Thanks to everyone who entered. Now that you’re thinking about intervals, let’s see how you can use them to achieve your goals! _____________________ For people wanting to lose weight and/or increase stamina while retaining muscle, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) really does live up to its promises. It’s a proven way to (1) increase your metabolic rate, (2) torch the same number of calories in much less time than conventional cardio, and {Read More…}

Category: Cardio, Equipment, Trying New Things, Workouts

Weight Training at Home: What You Need

February 13, 2011 12 Comments

Do you need fancy gym equipment to get a good weight-training workout? No. Several people have asked me this recently and it may be because I often talk about mixing your routine up in the gym. Also, for various reasons I don’t work out at home. But the truth is you can get the same results at home using some basic equipment. It’s really simple to work out at home. You don’t have to worry about workout clothes, driving, or {Read More…}

Category: Equipment, Trying New Things

Finding Your Balance in the Weight Room

January 27, 2011 14 Comments

How balanced are you? I confronted this question last week when I took a cross-country skiing lesson. While learning the kick and glide technique, which requires you to balance on one foot while moving fairly fast, it became apparent that you need a good amount of balance for this sport. On one hand, I was impressed that I had any balance at all; on the other hand, I decided I can use even more. Not only is stabilization needed for {Read More…}

Category: Abs, Balance, Equipment, Trying New Things

Tame the FreeMotion Machine and Never Look Back

November 1, 2010 10 Comments

If you’re going to get cut, you need to love doing it. Goals aren’t met by dreading the same old grind using the same old machines or weights day after day. That’s why you need to become friends with the intimidating-looking but easy-to-use FreeMotion machine. It’s just waiting for you to come on over and tame it. What the Heck Is It? You may have seen cable machines at your gym with various attachments such as ropes and short bars. {Read More…}