Techniques

Rear Delt Training for Strong, Sexy Shoulders

January 9, 2013 12 Comments

When we think of a cut, attractive physique, we think of a V-shaped upper body with defined shoulders and upper back. But even if you have lovely back and arm muscles, if your rear delts aren’t sufficiently developed it will look like something’s “missing.” But there are plenty of reasons to train your rear delts, and train them correctly: Counteract tight chest muscles and rounded shoulders (poor posture) Help protect your shoulders and rotator cuffs from injuries Increase your strength {Read More…}

Category: Shoulders, Trying New Things

Put Pushups at the Top of Your List for the New Year

December 10, 2012 26 Comments

In the New Year, I challenge you to up the ante with your pushups! Being good at pushups is a worthy goal that deserves some of your time because they build a sculpted, strong upper body. But more importantly, being able to do pushups on your toes – or more difficult full pushups – makes you feel good about yourself. It means you worked towards something important, followed through, and achieved it. Pushups primarily use your pectorals, triceps, and anterior {Read More…}

Category: Goals, Measuring Progress, Techniques, Trying New Things

How to Find the Right Training Split for You

October 16, 2012 15 Comments

When you find the perfect training split, it’s like a muscled, well-oiled machine. You go. You lift. It hums. But if it somehow doesn’t gel with your schedule, personal preferences, or experience level, how you divide up your training can be a huge pain in the butt. At best, you barely make your workouts. At worst, you end up quitting. The split that works best for you will evolve as you evolve. While people may insist that their split is {Read More…}

Category: Goals, Principles, Rest, Techniques, Trying New Things, Weight Loss, Workouts

Looking Great Naked: Interview with JC Deen of JCDFitness

September 4, 2012 15 Comments

I’m particular about who I listen to when it comes to fitness and nutrition. If a fitness pro is smart, experienced, and can write, then they have my attention. If they’re up on the latest research, I’m listening even more. If they have strong opinions this is good as well, as long as they’re open-minded. But when someone I listen to is also generous and accessible, I respect their opinions even more. My friend and popular strength expert JC Deen {Read More…}

Category: Being Aware, Goals, Nutrition, Principles, Techniques

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 How-to Guide for Pull ups (Guest Video) by @leanmusclematt

May 7, 2012 14 Comments

Pull-ups are one of those exercises that everyone wants to do but few can. Why? Because pull-ups require a lot of upper-body strength and are best worked up to using small steps. So I was excited when my friend and fellow fitoholic Lean Muscle Matt created this how-to video on how to rock them. Check out his tips – and let me know how you’re doing! Matt is a Certified Public Accountant and blogging fitness freak. After starting his fitness {Read More…}

Category: Back, Techniques, Trying New Things