You Should Buy Fractional Plates
Fractional plates are lightweight plates (typically half pound incraments between 0.5 through 2.0lbs or their kilogram equivalents) that can be added to barbells or dumbbells to allow for a greater range of weight between full plates/dumbells. Fractional plates can be very useful for beginner and experienced lifters alike.
Optimal Pectoral Size Training
There are different strategies for training pectorals depending on if your goal is size, strength, or a combination of both. In general, the muscles in the upper body recover more quickly, meaning that you can/should train those lifts more frequently. The pectorals benefit from exercises that push wider ranges of motion - which is why the barbell bench press isn’t the ideal exercise for increasing pec size. Paused reps, “squeezing,” and slow, deliberate movement are key. Inclines and variations are also important to target all of the pectoral muscle fibers. Be sure to include horizontal presses, vertical presses from below, and the incline fly.
My Home Gym Equipment Recommendations 2021
Covid has changed the reality of the process of assembling a home gym. I go over my recommendations for acquiring equipment, as well as the training solutions that have worked best for me and my clients over the year.
Do Dumbbells or Barbells Produce Superior Results?
Most lifters train primarily with bilateral exercises, in which both arms or legs are working simultaneously. However, unilateral exercises, in which individual limbs act with independent loading, have their own strengths and weaknesses - and they may be superior depending on your training needs. Here I analyze some of the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Basic Bodyweight Exercise Programming
This week, I go over the basic theories behind bodyweight fitness, as well as the way that you can put together a bodyweight exercise program for yourself.