Lifting Aids
Lifting aids like straps, wraps, and belts are useful tools for heavy lifters who are looking to maximize their muscle and strength building. They can also aid in preventing injury while training difficult and high weight lifts. When used properly, lifting aids help you train harder, longer, and more efficiently. Improper usage can cause issues, but that risk is minimal when you adhere to safe practices.
Women In The Weightroom
Assumptions about the differences between men and women, as well as the emphasis for women’s exercise being focused on being attractive to men, have been used as excuses to exclude and alienate women from the weight room. Although weight lifting and strength training has become more popular among women, there is still room to be more inclusive and welcoming.
The Death of ‘Functional’ Fitness
The trend of ‘functional’ fitness aims to train exercisers with movements that are supposedly more likely to carry over to practical everyday uses. However, in doing so, many ‘functional’ recommendations contradict long-standing, well-researched and evidence-based practices in fitness, to the detriment of their followers. Unfortunately, there is something that functional fitness is uniquely good at - gathering attention on social media via highly viral, unusual movements likely to attract attention because of their novelty.
Work Out Smarter, Not Harder
A training program does need to be smart in order to produce long term gains in a safe and effective manner. A well designed program uses periodization, the manipulation of training variables (sets, reps, weight, intensity, etc.), in order to keep workouts challenging over time as you get stronger, and ensure optimal gains.
Work Out Harder, Not Smarter
Working out harder is the primary goal of a smart training program. You shouldn’t worry about having the perfect program, and should focus on putting in the effort if you want results, especially in the long-term.