Instinctive Training
The old time bodybuilders depended on feeling what was right to do on any given day. The current train of thought is that we cannot trust our instincts. The standard cliche' is if you listen to your instincts, they'll tell you not to train By developing one's instincts, or sense of intuition if you will, it can prove more trustworthy than a training journal. Years ago, everyone had something that set them apart, be it Zabo Koszewski's shredded abs, Harold Poole's unbelievably dense muscle...
Muscles In The Media
Bodybuilding popularity gained its second wind when a small independent foreign film was bought by Hollywood producer Joseph E. Levine for release in the United States. Levine saw star quality in the man who played the title character. That man was Steve Reeves and the movie was Hercules. Reeves was the personification of the ideal male. Not only was he incredibly handsome, he possessed a physique which, to this day, is considered by many to be as perfect as a male body can be. Hercules was a...
One Arm Pec Deck Flyes
Another variation using the pec deck is to employ one arm at a time. Grab one handle in the conventional way. Support the other arm by holding on to the side of the seat. Now, contract the handle inward as usual but lean into the movement. This is something that obviously cannot be done if both arms were contracting simultaneously. Each arm will now be contracting far beyond the halfway mark, once again, forcing the inner portion of the pecs to work more intensely. This will give that awesome...
Seated Rows With Elbows High
Seated rows are a great overall back exercise which emphasize the rhomboids. But with a simple alteration in arm placement, they also hit the teres major upper lats and the traps. Row in a normal fashion using a V handle while keeping a tight arch in the back. The only difference is instead of keeping the elbows close to the torso, lift them up and out to the sides. This shifts the emphasis to the upper portion of the back. It also reduces leverage so you may have to cut back a bit on the...
Ten Steps To Killer Quads
It's leg day. The choice is clear. You either dig in and accept the fact that in order to obtain more thigh size, you'll have to endure some pain, or you wimp out and take it easy -- work 'em light -- do a little bit. Any way you choose to rationalize the latter, it'll still spell the same result. No growth. Yup, you're just going to have to face the consequences. No other bodypart requires you to put out more of an effort than the legs -- attributable to the fact the legs are able to withstand...