Today we’re going to be looking at how to use a squat rack properly, an important piece of gear for getting the most out of your training. Knowing how to use a squat rack best is essential for anyone serious about their training.
One important note to make before we start, though, is always to remember the first rule of the squat rack: Don’t curl in the squat rack!
Remember that, and you’ll get along just fine.
[Read more…] about How to Use a Squat Rack [Guide with Videos]
You’ve squeezed back squats and the occasional leg press into your workout routine to keep from skipping leg day. Hell, you even do a calf exercise sometimes when you’re feeling daring!
But here’s a question:
What are you doing to target your hamstrings directly?
If you don’t have a good answer, then your current routine needs some work. Maybe the good morning exercise with dumbbells is the exercise for you.
Let’s find out!
[Read more…] about Dumbbell Good Morning: Benefits, Muscles Worked, & How-To
You’ve got the knee sleeves, wrist straps, and a snazzy pair of Adidas Powerlift 4s. There’s just one more piece of gear you need in your gym bag: A 10mm lifting belt.
But not just any 10mm option will do.
You need a belt that’s comfortable during long training sessions, can handle impressive squat loads as you get stronger, and doesn’t take forever to break in.
Our #1 pick is the ProFitness Pre-Broken-In Powerlifting & Weight Lifting Belt. But if you want to see four other great belts to step up your gains, keep reading!
[Read more…] about 5 Best 10mm Weightlifting and Powerlifting Belts [Reviews]
Today, we’re going to be looking at the ProFitness Genuine Leather Weightlifting Belt.
An incredibly well-received version of one of the most important pieces of weightlifting gear, I’m going to show you exactly why that is.
The following article will lay out all of the pros and, of course, the cons of this product to help you decide if it’s the right one for you.
[Read more…] about ProFitness Genuine Leather Weightlifting Belt Review
Many people use the words “pull-up” and “chin-up” interchangeably, but they’re actually two different exercises. There’s only one similarity between them: Raising your chin above the bar.
Knowing the difference between these two exercises can help you choose the right one when designing your next mass-building routine.
So which exercise is better? What are the major differences?
Let’s go over exactly what pull-ups and chin-ups are to find out.
[Read more…] about Pull-Ups vs. Chin-Ups: What’s the Difference?
Short answer: Yes! But it’s gonna get a little complicated.
Long answer: It depends on who you are and what your goals look like.
You’re probably thinking, “Wait, what about everything I’ve heard about bulking and cutting? I was trying to decide which of those to go for first, and now you’re telling me they’re not even legit?”
Don’t worry — the bulk/cut process is still a totally viable option for gaining serious muscle mass and losing body fat, and it’s the method most bodybuilders use. And, that’s especially the case if you’re new to lifting.
There’s also a way to get gains while cutting body fat at the same time: body recomposition.
Let’s get into that.
[Read more…] about Can You Gain Strength While Cutting Body Fat? Here’s A Look at the Facts
It seems like every online review for weightlifting belts follows a trend — “This belt is good, but it’s nothing like my Inzer!”
Now, this can be for one of two reasons.
1. Inzer has a pretty dedicated publicist looking to divert sales from other companies (unlikely).
Or….
2. This belt is the real deal (much more likely & ethical).
So what is it about this belt that makes Inzer customers so adamant that it’s the end-all-be-all? Let’s see if we can figure that one out.
[Read more…] about Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt Review [2021]
It’s not every day you see a weightlifting belt with the manufacturer being a gym franchise.
Let’s try that again.
It’s not every day you see a weightlifting belt with the manufacturer being a gym franchise known as the “Mecca of Bodybuilding,” the place the Governator himself pumps iron.
The Gold’s Gym Leather Weight Lifting Belt is a belt that usually flies under the radar.
But maybe it’s time to shine the spotlight on this belt to see if it lives up to Gold’s Gym standards (the gold standard, if you will).
Let’s see what this thing is all about.
[Read more…] about Gold’s Gym Leather Weight Lifting Belt [Review]
Shoulder and trap exercises are some of the most overlooked exercises among new gym-goers. But targeting these muscles is about more than just doing a routine that doesn’t leave any muscle out.
Exercises like the shoulder shrug can help straighten your spine during the day and allow you to work on good posture. That’s especially true if you spend most of the day sitting at a desk.
We know you’ve heard of shoulder shrugs before, but how much do you really know about this trap exercise? Keep reading to learn all there is to know about shoulder shrugs.
[Read more…] about Shoulder Shrugs: Exercise Benefits, Muscles Worked, & How-To
Size matters!
That’s a phrase we’ve all heard and one that’s never more true than in the gym.
That said, society is geared more towards the average. Even in places like gyms, big guys are less likely to be catered to and must adapt accordingly.
If there’s one area you don’t want to have to “make do,” it’s safety.
Weightlifting belts are an essential piece of gear to help keep you safe when you’re lifting heavy, and making sure they fit correctly is the key to their success.
I’m going to show you 5 of the best on the market that fully cater to larger guys’ needs — from the big boys in the game like the Inzer Advance Designs Belt to some of the lesser-known gems.
[Read more…] about 5 Best Weightlifting Belts for Big Guys [Reviews]