How to get toned arms using different gym equipment
Toned arms are something that many of us aspire to have but training arms isn't always thought of as the most interesting session. It may be that you avoid training arms completely as you can only think of the typical exercises to add to your routine. When looking to tone your arms, the main muscles to focus on are the biceps and the triceps, however, muscles in the back, shoulders and core may also be engaged. Toned arms are a combination of both leanness and strength. You can start to strengthen and tone your arms by adding the right exercises...
Mobility for weightlifters: do’s and don’ts
When it comes to weightlifting often the focus is on the namesake – lifting the heaviest weights or smashing out reps to build and strengthen. But when it comes to your ability to hit those numbers and exceed your one-rep maxes it’s mobility that has all the control. Your mobility essentially dictates the depth of your squat, your pushing power in your bench press and how smooth your deadlift feels. Aspects that become all the more important when you’re adding load or reps. Mobility improves the ability of your body to move through different ranges of motion. And, just like...
Strength: an introduction
So you have made the decision to pursue strength as a goal. The problem there are a cacophony of plans and programs that you can viably follow to achieve improved strength as a goal. Do you follow Mark Rippertoe’s Starting Strength program? How about a Push, Pull, Legs split? Should you use weights or bodyweight to start? The issue with too much choice is that you can end trying to incorporate everything at once and fall quickly into a state of overtraining. Within this article we explore strength training as a concept, it’s beginnings and the fundamental strategies on achieving...
Weightlifting, powerlifting & bodybuilding: what's the difference?
Building, lifting, power, weight. Four words all synonymous with weight training and a combination of which is used for three different styles that are all closely related. But, despite what most might think, weightlifting, powerlifting and bodybuilding all have their own distinct training regimens and goals. They take lifting weights to a new level. Taking athletes to the Olympics, international competitions and conferences. Gaining worldwide recognition and pushing themselves to the limit. And whilst this might all be a bit too serious for the average gym-goer, there’s a lot to be learnt from these styles. weightlifting, powerlifting and bodybuilding are...
Keeping it active: complementary active recovery for weightlifters
We get it. When you love the post-weightlifting endorphins, it’s tempting to chase the high. And, as a result, rest days can feel a little flat. But we’re here to tell you that they don’t have to be. Now you might be knackered from your weightlifting and want to be a couch potato all day. To be honest, that’s cool. But if you’ve got some beans, there are plenty of ways to help your recovery and have fun with your fitness too. So here we’re going to check off a few different ways to ease the rest day jitters whilst...
Lift Like A Man, Look Like A Goddess: 5 Reasons Women Should Lift
Weightlifting is not just for the muscle-mad men, it’s actually a great way to tone up, burn calories and sculpt the body. Women are not as inclined as men to build bulk, so if you’re a woman fearful of working out with weights don’t worry – your body won’t take on the form of a body builder unless you train at a competitive level and take on a strict high protein diet too. Incorporating dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and other weights into your exercise program has many benefits. We’re confident those below will convince you to add weights to your workouts....