Having a shredded midsection is the primary goal of several gym rats, from yoga moms to meatheads. However, a defined six-pack doesn’t come easy, it takes a lot of hard work and time in the gym. But what’s the best way to get there? There will always be debate and speculation on what exercises serve … Read more
Donating blood is one of the best and most charitable ways to spend your free time. Hospitals rely on blood donations to save lives, and your donation could mean the difference between life and death for someone on the brink. But how does blood donation affect weight training? Is it okay to lift weights after … Read more
The Cause of Wrist Pain During Bench Press When you fall forward, you don’t land on the back of your hands, do you? Why is this? Well, because that would almost certainly break your wrist. Your wrist has a set range of motion, and going past this range of motion can lead to pain and … Read more
Exercising is hard enough without adding a physical hindrance into the mix. Arthritis, high blood pressure, bad knees, back pain and several other issues can all ruin your workouts and make it hard to stick to a consistent exercise regimen. Several of these impairments cause pain and discomfort, but they can be worked around so … Read more
Many people who first step foot into a gym enter with the goal of putting on some size. Whether it’s looking better naked, going up a shirt size or just having a set of pythons hanging by their sides, many fitness enthusiasts’ goal is to get big. Of course, people want results as quickly as … Read more
The lion is the king of the jungle, the great white shark is the king of the ocean and Budweiser is the king of beer – but who is king of the gym? Both called kings by their respective kingdoms are deadlifts and squats. Both sides have different arguments on why their exercise is the … Read more
No, this isn’t science class (though you will learn some biology today), scapular retraction doesn’t have anything to do with chemical reactions or photosynthesis. “Scapular retraction” is simply a fancy way of describing the motion of bringing your shoulder blades (scapulae) back and together. Your shoulder blades are scientifically named scapulae (scapula singularly). Retraction is … Read more
Some of the most overlooked aspects of fitness aren’t involved with the actual lifts or exercises, or even the diet associated with whatever goals are being pursued. Muscle preparation and corrective stretching are some of the most under-appreciated properties of the building and maintenance of a balanced and healthy physique. If you’re not correctly or … Read more
In the past decade, swimming has gained popularity among the fitness community through Olympians like Michael Phelps – and their slender, but toned bodies. The swimmer’s body has been sought after for several years, as the slim and streamlined, but powerful physiques of swimmers have graced our magazines and televisions as an elite aesthetic. But … Read more
The deadlift is regarded by many as the king of all exercises. This is a pretty high honor in the fitness community, and its distinction is not unearned. The deadlift is a hamstring, gluteus maximus and lower-back blaster that recruits the rest of your body to remain stable throughout the movement. Regular implementation of the … Read more