Posts Tagged ‘weight training’

The Good and Bad of Forced Reps

So after six reps of 150lbs on the bench press you decided to call it quits. You were pretty tired even though you know you could have knocked out eight if you had a spotter. You didn’t though and didn’t want to risk hurting yourself.

Enter the Forced Rep

This situation is the same. You are hurting on your sixth rep, but powered through. Your friend and spotter pushes you to do a seventh. You lower your weight and push six or seven inches off your chest and are powerless. If you didn’t have your spotter you would be up a creek, but you do and he lifts about 15lbs of the weight and you blow through.

Next your spotter thinks you can get an eighth. You slowly lower the bar to your chest, and it is not going back up. You really can’t lift the weight by yourself. Your partner barely helps you with the weight, only 10-30lbs of help. You power through with all you have and finally get the bar up. This was a forced rep.

The actual definition is: an extension of a particular set of repetitions in which your strength level at the beginning of the set has been reduced to a point of positive failure. This is basically the point where you can’t possibly move the weight with your own strength. Your partner then steps in to help you lift the weight only slightly, so you can achieve maximum intensity. The partner just bridges the gap between your current, fatigued strength level and the weight you are trying to lift. Your partner only lifts a small percentage of the weight, but you, lifting the weight, felt lifeless and think that the partner lifted all of the weight. Rest assured, you lifted the weight, and your partner barely lifted any.

The Good

When performing a forced rep you use up every drop of intensity your working muscles have to offer. When approaching a forced rep a physiological reaction occurs. It’s scary when you are in the middle of a rep and can’t get the bar up. You don’t have many options. You can drop the bar on yourself, try to get the weight off the bar, or let your partner help. This is what your brain is thinking, your body is thinking “this is do or die!” Your body then releases a surge of adrenaline making you stronger and actually able to lift the weight. When all is said and done, if you use one or two forced reps know that you have used maximum intensity.

The Bad

Forced reps are good when used properly, but it’s really easy to get carried away. I suggest using one or two forced reps per exercise, not per set. The goal of any size gaining weight training program is to employ maximum intensity. The problem with forced reps can lead to overtraining. When performing a forced rep, your body is lifting a weight that is at its maximum strength capacity, and when intensity increases, duration must decrease. Put simply, the heavier and harder something is, the less you can and should do it. Forced reps are not bad, but doing too many forced reps is bad.

Using forced reps is a wonderful way to get the most out of a set. It’s a good way to know for sure that you reached maximum intensity, but only when used properly. That’s why I recommend only two at the end of your last set. If you do them for more sets, or reps, this can lead to muscular fatigue quicker and smaller actual muscles.

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Posted On: December 13th, 2009
Posted In: Body Building Videos
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Which Routines Do I Need To Pack on Muscle Mass Fast?

Good. Then before we begin, know this: there is no rank and file for any of the following principles; they are all equally important. If your goal is to gain muscle yesterday, these are your commandments:

1) Hormonal Release: To build muscle, you need the following crucial hormones, testosterone and HGH (human growth hormone). Different exercises have been proven to stimulate the muscle more effectively and result in better release of these muscle building hormones.

Too much of a good thing is still too much, however, and weight training routines are no exception. Going too hard, too long or too often will result in the release of a muscle cannibalizing hormone known as cortisol. While not all bad in that this hormone helps facilitate muscle endurance, it’s public enemy number one for adding bulk. The ideal routine to put gain on the fast track will therefore elevate levels of testosterone and HGH into the stratosphere, all the while keeping cortisol on the down low.

2) Focus: You can’t get anywhere if you don’t know where you’re going, so concentrate on the end goal every time you hit the gym. Ideally, you want to push yourself to the next level with each workout. This is almost impossible, however, if you let your mind wander and your focus wain. The best routine to gain muscle mass fast will force you to go all in every time and leave with nothing in the tank. This one-on-one contest with yourself will keep you driven, confident and always ready for more.

3) Muscle Fibers: For the best routine to gain muscle mass quick it’s crucial that you make sure your program stimulates type I and type II muscle fibers. In layman terms, this means lifting as fast as you can, and then lowering the weight back down very slowly. If you incorporate this one technique alone, then you have a much better shot at taxing both the type I and type II fibers.

4) Schedule: When planning your routine to gain muscle mass quick you need to make sure you can stay strict to it. One of the biggest mistakes people make is starting a program that is not realistic with their busy day. It’s much more important to be consistent than intense for a week and then slowly tapering off to a stall.

Remember, the best routine to gain muscle mass fast will comprise each of these points. Don’t settle for anything less than a challenging routine that will knock you out of your comfort zone. Believe in yourself and these four elements, and you will accomplish your goals.

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Posted On: December 12th, 2009
Posted In: Body Building Videos
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Bodybuilding Tips To Keep You Motivated & Succeed

The ability to succeed in the world of fitness will depend on a great many variable factors that depend upon individual motivations and goals. Each person will have his/her own methods for staying focused and on the track for achieving their goals. Then, there are some factors that are consistently common among those that are commonly successful. Using the following components of success will greatly increase the odds that you meet your goals:

1. Self-Efficacy. This has definitely been proven to be one of the most important factors when it comes to succeeding with a workout program. Self-efficacy is commonly defined as your own personal belief that you can truly achieve the goals you seek.

2. Family & Friend Support. Taking up a new exercise regime will require many changes in your daily schedule. You may have to give up some of the responsibilities you previously held in order to find the time to commit to exercising. With a supportive family and friend network, this task will be much easier.

Perhaps one of your family members will need to take over the goal of cooking meals on specific nights of the week which will allow you to visit the gym, or a friend might be willing to give up your weekly night at the movies for a session of yoga class instead.

3. A Positive Attitude. Having a positive attitude about your workout program will go along way to helping you stay motivated and committed. When you have positive thoughts regarding exercise, it makes it seem like less of a chore and more of an enjoyable experience to you. If you remain positive at all times you will be able to stay focused and look at how far you have come.

4. An Action Plan. The next most important aspect of any workout program or goal for that matter is having an effective action plan. You need to have the means to reach your end and without a detailed account on how you plan on going about obtaining your goals, you will have great difficulty getting there as quickly as you hope.

5. Intrinsic Motivation. Intrinsic motivation is often quite misunderstood which is a shame considering how valuable and important it is in regards to boosting once chances of succeeding with fitness goals. Basically, what this type of motivation refers to is the act of performing something based solely on the notion that it is something that you love to do. This is a form of motivation that is quite common among athletes and those that take part in a hobby that they truly love to lose themselves in.

6. A Role Model. Role models can be very important tools in any type of goal program. By having someone who you look up to, whether it is for their values, their hard work, or how they look, you will be providing yourself with a measure on which to measure yourself with.

7. Knowledge. Having a solid knowledge base is highly necessary when putting together a workout program of any variety. Those that may lack a strong knowledge base in fitness and weight training, could seek to consult a fitness trainer, physical education instructor, or anyone that has solid knowledge on the subject of working out. Such people’s experience can prove quite helpful and aid in delivering the much needed help you require. Those that are self-motivated could also explore magazines, books, or DVDs on the subject so as to gain a greater familiarity with the issue. Just be selective in your choice material to be sure you get the right items to review.

Through taking the proper time to ensure you incorporate each of these factors into your life before you launch an exercise program, you will discover that the odds of increasing your success are vast. So, why not follow these tips for success? They will help you out a lot!

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Posted On: December 12th, 2009
Posted In: Body Building Videos
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Body Building Nutrition Tips, Proper Nutrition Will Make A Difference When Working Out

Many athletes do not understand how important the nutritional balance of their diet is to their ability to compete. Even professional athletes sometimes don’t realize the impact their eating habits can have on the success of their career.

Take for instance bodybuilders who take weight loss to the extreme before a competition. Extreme weight loss produces a lot of stress on one’s body and this can lead to a difficulty in increasing muscle mass and strength over the long-term. You can avoid falling into the trap of a poor nutrition program by maintaining a log of your food and caloric intake, and making sure you follow the key nutritional guidelines for bodybuilders in training.

The book “Nutrition for the Recreational Athlete” states that an exclusive high-protein diet negatively affects an athlete’s training and career. Catherine Jackson, the book’s author, explains that eating purely protein for a prolonged period often causes irritability and lowers stamina. This can be remedied by initially consuming adequate amounts of calories. ou can avoid the pitfalls of poor nutrition by making sure you’re not experiencing any of the following throughout your training program:

Dwindling Strength – Strength is an important factor in maintaining a regular training program and too little protein affects strength. It would be ideal if you were getting your supply of protein from a variety of sources. Eat lean proteins such as chicken, tofu and egg whites to make sure you’re getting enough of this nutrient in your daily diet.

Irritability and moodiness: Low blood sugar can cause an individual to feel irritable. If you are having difficulty concentrating it may be a result of insufficient carbohydrates. If you are experiencing either of these things during your training session try eating healthy carbohydrates throughout the day. Eating carbs at regular intervals helps to stabilize your blood sugar. Add fruit, vegetables and whole grains in limited amounts during the day.

More frequent illnesses: If your diet is not balanced and you are not getting sufficient nutrition, you will be more susceptible to colds and infections. This will have a negative impact on your workout routine. Make sure the foods you are eating have adequate amounts of minerals and B-vitamins. Food variety is very important to achieve this end.

Difficulty increasing speed or time: If you are trying to step up your exercise routine and can’t seem to get beyond a certain point, it may be that you are not eating enough prior to your workout sessions. Try eating a small serving of carbohydrates one hour prior to your session. This may be all you need to reach your training goal.

No Ambition: If you are losing your desire and interest in your training program, it may be because of the poor diet you are feeding your body. Your body needs ample calories and nutrients to thrive under an intense training program. You may need to eat several small meals throughout the day and get an extra hour or two of sleep. Multiple small meals will help keep your blood sugar level at a consistent level. Sufficient sleep is needed to both rest your body and give it a chance to repair itself.

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Posted On: December 12th, 2009
Posted In: Body Building Videos
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How To Do A Bench Press

The bench press is the shrug of the pectoralis, or pecs, muscle group. Shrugs are considered by the majority of bodybuilding gurus to be the best exercise for building your traps. The bench press is considered by the same people to be the best exercise for gaining muscle in your chest, or pecs. In this article I will explain in detail how to perform the proper bench press.

Preparing:

I’m assuming that your equipment is functioning properly and in safe condition. Approaching the bench from the front, lay down with your head at the end with the bar. Make sure that your back and butt are flat against the bench. Be sure the position yourself far enough down the bench that when you lower the bar to your chest it doesn’t hit the supports.

First grasp the bar shoulder width apart. If your grip is wider then you will place more demand on your pecs, but you will also place more demand on your shoulder joints. The narrower your grip your triceps will be worked more. You will need to practice a few times to find out the right positioning on the bar for you. Now without using any weight I want you to slowly lower the bar to your chest. Now very controlled, raise the bar until a near full extension. Now practice this a few times to feel the correct motion.

Execution:

Now you are ready to load some weight on the bar, but make sure that it is evenly distributed. For example, if you place ten pounds on one end, then you need to put ten pounds on the other. Grasp the bar at the width you found to be right for you. Be sure that it is no more than six inches greater than shoulder width apart and at least 12 inches apart. With help from your spotter, lift the bar to starting position, and keep the bar balanced and steady before lowering. Next lower the bar to your chest in four seconds, after it touches your chest, push it up to starting position in two seconds. Now repeat for your desired amount of reps.

The bench press is a fundamental exercise that all bodybuilders and weight trainees should be familiar with. Keep up the great work and great form, and with practice, you will notice your weight increasing month after month.

For more workout advice and muscle building information, then visit Mental Edge Muscle Building to find the best advice on how to gain muscle fast.

categories: bench press,weight lifting,weight training,build muscle,muscle,fitness,health

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Posted On: December 8th, 2009
Posted In: Body Building Videos
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