How long should you rest between sets? BodybuildingExercisesGym RatNutritionTraining MethodsWeight loss by admin - 19th May 20230 The time you take between sets (called a rest interval) should be based on your fitness goals. Like all aspects of fitness, you need to take a scientific approach if you want to maximize results. Here’s an overview of rest interval basics: If you want to maximize fat loss, minimal rest
How to use your resistance bands for recovery and toning BodybuildingExercisesGym RatTraining MethodsWeight loss by admin - 22nd April 202322nd April 20230 How to use your resistance bands for recovery and toning You’ll be suprised at how resistance bands can come in handy when it comes to activation, recovery and toning.Also known as physio bands or Thera-Bands, resistance bands are often used to improve flexibility or for rehabilitative purposes.“Resistance bands are great for rehabilitation from injury as they don’t load the spine or put pressure on the joints to the same extent as heavy weights,” says elite trainer of over 15 years Matthew Strickland.“When added to your stretching routine, they can allow you to reach a deeper stretch than you might otherwise be able to achieve, aiding recovery and improving flexibility.”While resistance bands do not correspond to a specific weight and cannot load the muscle to the same extent as a dumbbell, they can also be used to add tension and tone specific muscle groups, such as the glutes, calves, shoulders, back and biceps, and are perfect if dumbbells or similar are out of reach at home or while travelling. They can also aid in activating muscle groups in preparation for heavier lifts.Resistance bands come in varying levels of stretch, from light to heavy, and are usually colour coded.“Heavier bands should be used for larger muscle groups such as the legs or glutes, while lighter bands can be used for muscles that don’t require a heavy load to work them, such as the shoulders,” says Strickland.For activation/toning: Warm-ups that are dynamic, rather than static, can help to increase movement ranges and activate the muscle groups that your workouts will target. “Dynamic warm-ups are important as they prepare the muscles, prime the nervous system and give you an opportunity to reinforce proper technique,” says trainer Alexa Towersey. To prime the glutes and hamstrings for a lower body session, try glute raises with a resistance band tied around the knees; concentrate on pushing your knees outwards, against the bands, as you raise your hips upward to really get the booty working. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading...
Training Legs for fitness BodybuildingExercisesGym RatTraining MethodsWeight loss by admin - 19th April 20230 Leg training is an essential part of any fitness routine. The legs are made up of some of the largest and strongest muscles in the body, and they play a vital role in our overall health and well-being. Strong legs help us to move more easily and efficiently, and they
Pull ups for a Strong Upper Body BodybuildingExercisesFitness ModelsGym RatNutritionTraining MethodsWeight loss by admin - 8th April 20230 The two most familiar bodyweight exercises for back are pull-ups and chin-ups. There are grip variations which engage the back in different ways depending on the angle of the grip and the width of the hand placement. Pull-ups generally have an overhand, wide grip, and the exercise focuses on the
For Toned Legs and Inner Thigh Sweep, Work the Quads BodybuildingExercisesFitness ModelsGym RatNutritionTraining MethodsWeight loss by admin - 29th March 20230 Q: Is there any way to target the muscle on the inner part of the thigh just above the knee? I have knobby knees and would like to add shape and definition to the area. A: The muscle you’re referring to is called the vastus medialis, one of the four muscles of
‘Bad’ Exercises: Are Upright Rows Dangerous? BodybuildingExercisesFitness ModelsGym RatTraining MethodsWeight loss by admin - 18th March 202318th March 20230 With few exceptions, there are no such things as “bad” exercises – only improperly performed exercises. Q: I was told by the trainer in my gym that I shouldn’t do upright rows. He said they are dangerous because they put excessive pressure on the shoulder joint. Any truth to this? A: None whatsoever.
Clean up your Diet BodybuildingFitness ModelsGym RatNutritionTraining MethodsWeight loss by admin - 10th March 20230 The first days of warmth and sunshine are almost here, and with those come motivation and inspiration for many. It is a time of renewal and revival in more ways than one. It’s a great time to clean up one’s diet and shed excess body fat. There are a variety
Biggest Fat Loss Myths BodybuildingExercisesFitness ModelsGym RatTraining MethodsWeight loss by admin - 2nd March 20230 The only way to truly lean up your midsection is to lean up your entire body with a combination of weight training, proper diet and cardio. By Aaron Loynes MPT, CSCS and Brent Seegraves MPT, CSCS As physical therapists, our patients often ask us questions regarding exercise and fitness. By far the
Get a Stronger Core With Kettlebell Twists BodybuildingExercisesFitness ModelsGym RatTraining MethodsWeight loss by admin - 19th February 20230 The abdominal muscles are usually the weak link in anyone’s “core” development. While endless sets of crunches and leg raise will strengthen the anterior abdominal wall,1 these exercises provide a less direct activation pattern to the muscles living on the side of the waist (yes, the ones that seem to be