How do you know that you’re working all your major muscle groups? Looking at each muscle individually can get tricky and overly complicated. A simpler alternative is to use a rule of thumb and make sure you include the four fundamental movements of resistance training. They are four movements that, together, cover a large part of … Read more
If you want to be a stronger bench presser or powerlifter, or simply want to lift as heavy weights as possible – training for max strength is your game. Maximum strength is generally defined as the maximum amount of force you can apply to an object. For instance, a barbell. How to Produce More Force There are three main areas … Read more
There’s a paradox in strength training that doesn’t get talked about enough. Here’s how we are used to learning new skills: Now consider strength training. Like most new things, it’s challenging and more than a little scary in the beginning. Especially joining a gym for the first time. (Why is everyone looking at me? Am I … Read more
I have a few pastimes. I enjoy reading the occasional book, I like composting (it’s awesome), and I compete in powerlifting. The pic above is from one of my powerlifting competitions. I’m deadlifting 260 kg (that’s 573 lbs in freedom units) for a PR. The thing about deadlifting – and any training, whatever your goal is – is that it’s not … Read more
Key Points: *** For as long as I’ve been interested in strength training, there has been a notion that free weight training is more “functional” and better for athleticism than machine-based training. Rewind the clock even further, and you have the heated discussions about whether strength training is at all beneficial for athletes or if … Read more
In this article, we review 15 advanced strength training techniques to help you take your workouts to the next level. They go beyond standard training methods and allow you to do more, work harder, and improve your gains. Be aware that they called advanced for a good reason. While they can help boost your training … Read more
In this article, you’ll find what we consider the 10 best exercises to build muscle—exercises that belong in every workout routine and for everyone looking for the fast track to muscle growth. From essentials like the squat and the bench press to bodyweight exercises like pull-ups and push-ups, these exercises give you the most bang … Read more
How many reps should you do to build muscle vs. strength? The number of reps you do greatly influences your training results in terms of hypertrophy or strength gains. Here’s a summary of our recommendations: Number of Reps to Build Muscle: Number of Reps for Strength: Note that these numbers apply to sets taken to, … Read more
If you want to take your first steps to a stronger and healthier you, this beginner strength training program has everything you need. In this program, you’ll find: Click here to jump directly to the training program! You can track our beginner strength training program for free in our workout log app: 0% ads and 100% … Read more
Did you think lifting weights only benefitted your muscles? Think again! (And do so more efficiently since, as you’re reading this page, you probably like to work out. Otherwise, what are you even doing here?) A new meta-analysis of 54 studies found that resistance training improves cognitive skills, such as global cognition (general reasoning and … Read more