The purpose of resistance training while in a deficit (i.e., trying to lose body fat) is primarily to MAINTAIN muscle, not build it. Quite simply, there are a few special cases where you’d be likely to gain muscle while in a fat-loss phase, but if you’ve been training consistently for any meaningful length of time.. Read more →
1) Take some weight off the bar. It never ceases to amaze me that people at the gym seem completely unable to determine that the weight they’re using is just too darn heavy for them to complete the movement properly. In some cases it is just plain embarrassing. Cut the weight and take the movement.. Read more →
“Flat benches are a pain when it comes to split squats. And most commercial gyms wont have a split squat stand. Solution? Use the pad of the leg extension machine to hook the foot. It moves freely and feels way more comfortable.” – Louie Guarino
(applicable to Conventional, Sumo, and Trap Bar Deadlifts unless otherwise noted) – Footwear – previously discussed here. – Just as with the squat, you want to keep a neutral spine. – You want your legs (shins) positioned virtually up against the bar. (Sumo and Conventional only) – When getting set up in your starting position,.. Read more →
If you’re squatting (or performing any lift really), you should find a weight that allows you to perform the movement at a reasonable tempo through a full range of motion. If you cannot do either, the weight is too heavy. The goal with physique development is not to lift as much weight as possible from.. Read more →
When deadlifting, you want to avoid wearing shoes that have a shock, a spring or an absorbing sole on them, as this will cause an unstable surface for you to pull from. Instead, try a minimalist shoe (Vibram) or a shoe with a hard sole (Chuck Taylors), or even go barefoot. This allows you to.. Read more →