Approximately 12 million times a week, I get an email that starts with the phrase “I know you hate cardio, but…” and then the person proceeds to ask me a question about cardio. Let me state for the record that I have absolutely no idea how I got this reputation for being someone who hates … Read more
Let’s say your goal is to lose fat, build muscle, or something similar. Let’s also say that in order to reach this goal as quickly and effectively as possible, you’ve determined that you need to do both weight lifting and cardio. Cool. Now let’s also say that you’re going to be doing both types of exercise on … Read more
QUESTION: I’m currently working out 4 days per week and was wondering what I should do on my off days from weight lifting? I was thinking of maybe doing some cardio on those days, but I wasn’t sure if that was okay? I’ve also heard people say that the best thing to do on your … Read more
One common thing you might notice among the workout routines I’ve designed (and really the vast majority of the intelligent workout routines designed by any other sane human) is that they almost always contain some form of vertical pulling exercise. And, more often than not, the vertical pulling exercise of choice is either pull-ups or chin-ups. The primary difference … Read more
QUESTION: Do you think it’s better to do biceps curls using the EZ curl bar or the regular straight bar? I’ve heard people say the straight bar hits your biceps a lot better but the EZ curl bar is safer for your wrists and elbows. Which do you recommend and why? ANSWER: Just to make sure we’re all on … Read more
Let’s get something out of the way up front. If you want to build bigger, stronger, better looking triceps, the various compound pushing exercises in your workout routine will play the largest role in making that happen. Why? Because the triceps muscle is involved during any exercise where your elbows extend. This includes all of the … Read more
QUESTION: I see a lot of people online making fun of the leg extension machine and calling it the most useless leg exercise there is. They all say that if you’re trying to build muscle, you shouldn’t ever waste your time using it. I’ve also heard some people say it’s really bad for you knees. Is any … Read more
When it comes to the “best” triceps exercise, the conversation most often involves the following three: Dips. Close grip bench press. Skull crushers. Sure, there are plenty of others that can get the job done just fine. And yes, various other compound pressing exercises in your routine (bench press, shoulder press, etc.) will likely produce … Read more
“Hey man, can I get spot?” Ah yes, a phrase you hear at the gym as much as any other. You’ll hear it from people you know and complete strangers you’ve never seen before in your life. And you’ll often find yourself saying it, too. As common as it is to ask for a spotter … Read more
Do you bench press? Cool. With a barbell? Also cool. Here’s another question for you… do you always have a spotter? I don’t mean only sometimes, or just when you’re going extra heavy. I’m talking about ALWAYS, as in every single time you bench press? If so, awesome. You’re smart. But if not, there’s something that … Read more