Andreas Abelsson Eccentric strength training is when you apply a greater load, sometimes more than your 1RM, during the negative part of a lift. You then remove the extra load before the concentric part. You can also use a spotter or an assisted machine to lighten the load during the concentric phase. Many strength training programs designed … Read more
Systemic concentrations of anabolic hormones like testosterone do not predict the muscle growth strength training produces. However, local factors inside your muscles, like androgen receptor content, do. The results from a recent study show that overtraining leads to lower muscle androgen receptor content. This suggests that you don’t want to cross the fine line between … Read more
Training frequency is one of the major variables, along with intensity and volume, you can manipulate to improve the results from your efforts in the gym. Properly adapting these variables to your own goals and needs will lead to more muscle mass and better strength gains. Does more equal better for older men and women … Read more
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble and essential vitamin your body needs to be able to absorb calcium and keep your bones healthy. You get vitamin D from sunlight, food, or from supplements. Only a handful of foods provide vitamin D in sufficient amounts, and deficiency is fairly common. This makes vitamin D one of the … Read more
Kettlebells are awesome, as are the swings you perform using them. Kettlebell swings have become very popular, and for good reason. They are great to enhance general athletic performance, and can be used for rehabilitation purposes. Regular kettlebell swings can even enhance your 1RM-max in compound exercises like the squat. Another thing you can do … Read more
Let’s talk bodybuilding! When you’re on stage showing off the physique you have trained and dieted so hard for so long to attain, you obviously want to impress the judges by looking the best you can at that very moment. Not only does this require you to be lean enough, you also want your muscles … Read more
Earlier this year, an expert panel organized by the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research concluded that omega-3 fatty acids should be recommended as adjuvant treatment for major depression in pregnant women, children, and the elderly, and as prevention in high-risk populations. In the light of a brand new and extensive meta-analysis, that recommendation might … Read more
Omega-3 fatty acids have numerous functions in your body. They help regulate your blood pressure, inflammatory processes, and your nervous system, just to mention a few vital functions. In addition, they are responsible for maintaining cell structure and signaling, as well as cell membrane fluidity. You wouldn’t survive without them. For the athlete, omega-3 fatty … Read more
Do you think we know everything about protein and how your body uses it to build muscle? Then you are sorely mistaken. We probably don’t know much at all. For example, we don’t know how long a certain amount of protein builds new muscle mass. Add all the various protein sources in a regular diet, … Read more
If you have to undergo chemotherapy, chances are you don’t feel well. The treatment can actually make you feel worse than the disease. If we are lucky, we won’t have to experience it ourselves. However, to say that you don’t feel very well during chemotherapy seems to be an understatement. At the same time, keeping … Read more