James works as a consultant in Silicon Valley with the additional responsibility of running a tech start-up. However, he wasn’t much of a fitness enthusiast until he found Adderall. He discovered that it helps him to focus better and makes exercises feel like a breeze. Many people like James are finding out that a pre-workout
After a fantastic Deadlift or Squat session at the gym, your body’s muscles need to get the proper protein and nutrients. Protein drinks and shakes are the ideal post-workout recovery nutrition sources, but using clumpy, gritty powder won’t make your drink taste good. Try a few different types of protein powder until you find one
Muscle mass and endurance can be improved by weight training because of the wide range of equipment alternatives available. You can achieve specific fitness gains with different types of equipment. Free weights like dumbbells, for example, offer some advantages that stacked weight machines do not, while the latter also provide some benefits that dumbbells do
“Do you even lift?” is the most crucial question in strength training, followed by “How much bench do you have?” However, if you’re a serious lifter, you’ve probably done a bench press. Although your 1-3RM may be impressive, you may find it challenging to achieve your desired numbers if your limbs are excessively lengthy. As
Both high and low top converse/ chucks are good picks for weightlifting. However, factoring in your needs and preferences based on the guidelines we provide would help you decide which one works best for you. Converse shoes have been around since the 1920s and had already become a staple by the 1940s. Famous for their
Here, we would sum up their difference in one sentence: power cages or racks usually have two or four connected legs meant to provide you ultimate stability and safety. Squat stands, on the other hand, are meant to help you rack and unrack them. Here is their detailed comparison: Criteria Squat stand Squat rack/power rack/power cage
Valor Fitness BD-9 independent squat stand is suitable only for beginners It is not as durable and stable as the Fringesport squat stands or the Bells of steel squat stands. That’s because the steel used for these stands is not solid enough to hold really heavy weight. But, it works for people who have no
Bells of Steel squat stands are solid enough for almost every home gym owner except athletes As mentioned above, the frame is made of 12 gauge steel, which is a pretty standard quality used for making almost all good quality home gym products. 12 gauge steel is solid enough to last for years of use,
FringeSport independent squat stands are built to last years of rough use They have a 2” X 3” 11 gauge steel frame, which is rated for 1000 lbs. Affordable squat stands or squat racks are typically made of 2” X 2” 12 gauge steel but this one is thicker and stronger, indicating that it is
Before we provide you with more details on Rogue’s squat stands, let’s first understand the difference between independent squat stands and Olympic squat rack (also known as power rack or squat cage). Squat stand versus squat rack/power rack/squat cage A lot of people assume they are the same thing but they aren’t. Squat stands have
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-BH6802 half rack is an all-in-one equipment for your home gym Titan T3 series half racks and Rogue Fitness SML Monster lite half racks come with only a pair of j-hooks. You have to buy everything separately including the spotter arms. But, the Sunny Health and Fitness half rack comes with
Building your muscle mass involves more than just lifting heavy weights all day, every day, as there are more essential factors involved. One such factor is what you eat, precisely, how much you eat. As a result, many fitness enthusiasts have carved out the squats and oats mantra, implying that eating (a lot of) oats
The shoulder press is an essential, popular, age-old exercise among weightlifters. This is because the shoulder press is an excellent exercise for strengthening your shoulders and upper back. You can typically perform the exercise with dumbbells or a should press machine, both with varying advantages and disadvantages. This article will look into these differences to
There is a natural and interesting relationship between your daily activities and how many calories you burn. As a result, many people have become interested in how many calories they potentially lose as they go about their daily activities and occupations. How calories work Calories are how we measure the amount of energy in a
Not knowing what to do with your bulked up body and an embarrassingly small set of rear delts is very frustrating. Your rear delts require individual attention for them to look strong and developed. Here’s a definitive guide to building the well-defined physique you are looking for. The deltoids in general are easy muscles to
Why a Half Rack? It’s no secret that I prefer a Full Squat Rack. But even I have to admit that there are times when a half rack can be a better option: 1. Takes up less space A half rack can be a great option for reducing your foot print when you do not have a lot of
For many of us, a fitness routine is for getting into better shape and perhaps losing a little weight. But did you know that these aren’t the only benefits to having an exercise routine? Continue on below to learn more about the non-obvious benefits of scheduling in some exercise every day! Better Stress Management Working
When most of us think of a typical bodybuilder physique, the first thing that comes to mind is a set of well-developed chest muscles. The chest muscles are the first ones to be noticed due to their positioning on the body and their sheer size. Almost everyone who goes to the gym is focused on
When people talk about cutting or gaining, they usually do it as if these were black and white concepts. Even I used to think so before I got deep into it. I used to start cutting and along with it came clean eating and healthy habit formation. But soon I realized that there was more
Pre-workout supplements consist of ingredients like caffeine and bitter orange extract that can cause panic attacks during your workout sessions. Taking precautions and identifying the risk factors greatly help in curbing your anxiety. How many of you have felt jitteriness, dizziness or an unusual heart rate during workouts? If you are one of them, it
This is a question that has been asked for years. Dumbbells are a type of weight training equipment that can be used by anyone for weight training. However, the results of using dumbbells alone will vary depending on the person’s level of fitness. Recent studies show that adjustable dumbbells are the top fitness product on
Stretch marks occur whenever the skin cannot keep up with the growth of the tissues beneath it. We gain and lose weight rapidly, so we are often left with stretch marks across our belly which is the fastest growing tissue. You can treat belly stretch marks very easily, but if you start the treatment before
It is absolutely crucial that you understand how to handle panic attacks during a workout. If you are experiencing a panic attack, it could be because your exercise plan is too intense for your current fitness level. It is important to know what triggers you so that you can find a different routine that will
Things to consider while buying a squat rack Quality of steel used for making the frame Needless to mention, the quality of steel will determine the racks’ durability. Fragile frames will bend or sway too much under heavy weights. If you are lifting more than 400lbs, you must buy power cages that are made of
Titan Series power rack has to be bolted down to the floor for use This is not a flaw. The manufacturer has intentionally not come up with an alternative way of using it. That’s because the Titan series power rack is meant for hardcore training sessions and when you are lifting so heavy, even a
Titan X 3 series power rack provides everything that you get with more expensive racks but at half their price The frame is made of 3”X 3” 11 gauge steel, which is the gold standard for any squat rack that is meant for heavy-duty use by bodybuilders, military persons, athletes, etc. It is rated for
Don’t have a lifting platform on which you can anchor this squat rack? Here is how you can build a weightlifting platform at home. Need a squat rack that is shorter than this one? You can go with the Titan T3 series short squat rack which is just 72” tall. Or maybe you can buy
Rep Fitness PR 5000 squat cage is built like a tank The 3″ X 3″ uprights are really thick and heavy-duty. This type of frame is pretty standard for commercial-grade products, so you can be assured that it can truly support all your training needs. The paint job is well done using robotic welding and
Rep Fitness PR 4000 is one of the best value, higher-end power racks we have come across You can buy these in 4-posts and in 6-posts design. The 6 ones (see the image below) are basically extensions for storing weights so you don’t have to bolt the rack to the floor. However, we (and the
The holes on the uprights are not numbered And we don’t like it. Rogue R series racks do not fall under the best affordable squat racks category. They are heavy-duty equipment meant for people who rather take their workouts seriously. The manufacturer should have at least numbered the holes so you don’t have to remember
Rogue RM series Monster racks have large footprints Image Source: Rogue Fitness And, that’s quite understandable. The Rogue Monster racks are meant for heavy-duty use, possibly commercial use. They are meant for advanced trainers, athletes, bodybuilders, military personnel, and those who have to train hard so that they can keep up with their daily life.
Why did we choose Rogue RML-3 squat rack We have used quite a few 2” X 2” and 2” X 3” squat racks in the past. We have used the Fitness Reality 810XLT / Progear 1600 Ultra Strength Power Rack. It was good but it used to wobble a bit while doing pullups. The TDS Power Rack is
There are different ways that people carry out their workouts across the world, based on their personal preferences, themuscles they target, and other essential factors. However, a common ground in all forms of workouts is that it is divided into sets and reps. One such division is the 4×12 routine workout. The 4×12 Workout The
In 2009, Usain Bolt ran the fastest time ever recorded for the 100m in Berlin, setting a WR – world record and a PR – personal record of 9.58 seconds. A gym PR means the same as it is simply your personal record on a particular activity in the gym. As a result, you can
The 60-degree incline bench is a staple of many standard and home gyms because of its unique benefits and body exercises. Many weightlifters generally shy away from the bench because it is almost vertical and may work other muscles than intended. Nevertheless, the 60-degree bench is useful for hitting several muscles. What are Incline Bench
Complex carbs and simple carbs have been the buzzword in the fitness community for quite some time. Almost every newbie goes through a phase where they run from simple carbs like the plague itself. The problem with this approach, however, is that most people aren’t able to differentiate between simple and complex carbs. Even those
For most men, the most embarrassing thing to wear is usually a tight-fitting t-shirt. As soon as you make a man wear a t-shirt that hugs their body, they’ll start getting conscious. They’ll be continuously worried about their nipples showing through the thin fabric of the t-shirt. How do I know about it, you ask?
If you want to build lats like that of a viper and a back that looks like a Christmas tree, you must’ve heard about two exercises- the chin-up and the lat pulldown. If you haven’t even heard of these exercises or are just starting out, you’ve got a long road ahead of you. Don’t close
Performing particular tricep exercises puts stress on the joint, one of the most common causes of elbow pain. Even though pushdowns might be painful, heavy pressing should be avoided, such as close-grip bench presses and skull smashes. It’s a good idea to read this instruction if your triceps workout causes your elbow to click, crack,
It is considered a compound exercise since the lat pulldown traverses numerous joints and involves more than one muscle group. It is a terrific option if you’re looking to target muscle groups that the Big Four don’t cover. Using compound workouts instead of isolation exercises will help you burn more calories in a shorter period.
Deadlifts are a popular exercise among weightlifters. It is effective in strengthening your glutes, hamstrings, hips, and upper and lower back. However, like any other exercise, the form and technique to do deadlifts is important. You may think it is as simple as picking up barbells and performing deadlifts but there is more to it.
Commonly termed hex plates, hexagon weight plates are quite annoying to work with for most lifters. They make deadlifting harder than it already is and add nothing but worry to the workout. If your gym doesn’t have hex plates, you’re lucky to not have experienced working out with them. However, if you have recently just
Having abs while sitting down is a dream for many people. Most people that have achieved a flat stomach, complain of having fat folds as they sit down. It is a common occurrence and there is a good reason for it. As you stand, the body is stretched and the abdominal fat stretches over a
Planet Fitness is one of the largest and most popular gym chains across states. It is popular for its equipment and trainers. However, one thing that planet fitness prides itself on is the non-judgmental policy of the gym. No matter how non-judgmental they say they are, not everyone believes their philosophy towards workouts. Most of
If you have searched for Jeff Nippard’s program, you might be in jeopardy whether you should buy it or not. You would be asking yourself the question and would be looking for an answer to whether it is worth it to buy his plan? In this article, we’ll try to clear all your doubts about
Alternate forms of well-known exercises are frequently employed in strength training to supplement other areas of training. A weighted barbell is placed on a power rack in the rack pull and lifted by grasping it and extending one’s hips to full lockout, as in the deadlift. It’s a great way to build pulling strength that
Setting the angle of the incline bench is a prerequisite for performing the lift. Because you may adjust some benches, you’ll have to pick one that works best for you. So, which is better 30 or 45 degree incline bench? The angle is determined by the muscles being targeted. Some benches have a fixed 45-degree
The lump on your upper back that develops after doing high-bar squats isn’t usually a cause for concern. However, it is important to know why you might experience it and how to avoid it. Weightlifters, your training sessions require explosiveness, focus and precision. For an onlooker it might not look like much, but weightlifting is
Features and specifications of Rep Fitness PR 1050 squat rack Dimensions: 72” high X 58” wide X 48” deep Weight: 123lbs Weight-bearing capacity: 700lbs Frame: 2” X 2” 14 gauge steel Accessories included: dual pull up bar, a pair of weight horns, a pair of j-hooks, and a pair of safety catches Has 2” space
Features and Specifications of the REP Fitness PR-1000 squat rack Dimensions: 48L x 48W x 83H inches Weight: 133lbs Weight-bearing capacity: 700lbs Frame is made of 2” X 2” 14 gauge steel Accessories include: a pair of j-hooks, a dual pull up bar, a pair of pipe and pin safeties Has 2” hole spacing. The
The Rogue Echo series has just two products (at the time of writing the article); the RE3 and the RE4 racks. The Rogue RE4 squat racks are heavier and have a wider footprint than the RE3. That’s the only difference between them. Rogue Echo Series racks are the best available options for athletes on a
Do you know what most people do on their busy days/weeks? Yes, you are right! They miss their meals. Plus, they miss their 8-hour sleep. But, before that, they skip their workouts. And, that’s not acceptable no matter how busy you are. A study conducted by the World Health Organization states that 1 out of
Time and time again, we’ve seen the rise and fall of fads in the fitness industry. These fad diets and workouts usually start off with a bang and suddenly disappear without a whisper. One such fad that we witnessed a few years ago was Crossfit. With their AMRAP workouts and pretentious terminologies like WOD, Crossfit
Most people don’t believe that they can have abs at higher body fat levels. This is simply not true and the myth needs to be dispelled in this article. Whenever we think of abs, usually only one picture pops into our mind. That picture is of a highly shredded individual with very low body fat.
Growing huge arms or sculpting your back like a cobra are 2 very different but achievable goals. All you need is some knowledge and a suitable training plan. If you’ve ever walked into a gym where the people actually exercise and train, you’ll notice a variety of physiques. Unlike the extremely fat people who mostly
For many fitness enthusiasts, their gym is as important as their diet and weightlifting habits. This is because your weightlifting environment plays a significant role in your fitness journey. It can provide you with ample motivation and support for your discipline. On the other hand, it can distract you or directly stunt your development with
What are core muscles? Core or abdominal muscles are the muscles that lie within the back and abdominals, attaching to the pelvis or spine. They are a set of strong bands of muscles that line the walls of your abdomen. The core muscles include five primary muscles: the rectus abdominus (your abs), pyramidalis, external and
If you ask any fitness enthusiast, what is an ideal figure for a man? Six-packs must be included in his definition of that perfect figure for sure. Six-packs are considered to be the epitome of fitness and strength. Fitness enthusiasts don’t leave any stone unturned to achieve that goal of having a toned core. Some
Your abs or rectus abdominis is a primary muscle in your abdominal region. It travels from your pubic bones to your ribs and protects your internal organs. The rectus abdominis appears as a pair, and each pair divides into three segments of connective tissues, which many colloquially refer to as the six-pack. A six-pack requires
There is a good chance you’ve done the barbell bench press at some point. Lean, strong chest males utilize the barbell bench press to benchmark their strength and magnificence. They frequently push their pals, exaggerate their ability to bench 100 pounds more than they actually can, and always begin their first session of the week
Cardio is the best form of exercise for fat loss and cardiovascular health. Many lifters, however, do not want to reduce their calorie excess. Therefore they exclude cardio from their bulking phase. After a workout, your body does require a little more fuel to help it develop muscle. Too much long-distance running can cause your
Are you an experienced weight lifter or a bodybuilder? Have you just recently taken the membership at your local gym? No matter what your experience in the fitness industry is, there are a few exercises that you are surely going to perform. Bench Press Squats Shoulder Press Deadlifts These are compound workouts and are considered
Having abs is an ultimate fitness goal for many people but it is not an easy feat to achieve. A chiseled midsection is without doubt quite appealing but not everyone has the discipline or genes to get it. Other factors like body fat percentage and exercise also play a key role in determining whether you
Most people dream of having a flat stomach. It is true that hardcore exercises and the right diet will help you get rid of tummy fat but the question is does flexing your abs help? While most of us wish it could be as easy as that, let’s take a deeper look at what flexing
Features and specifications of Pullup & Dip premium gymnastic rings The gymnastic rings are made of birchwood. Rings have an inner diameter of 7” and thickness of 1.1”. The straps are 4.5 meter long and 1.5” wide. Straps have velcro that you can use to tuck the extra strap so it doesn’t bother you while
It is pretty easy to use As we mentioned above, if you want to use standard foam rollers, you will have to lie down on them. This works if you want to massage your legs and back but you may not be able to massage your arms and forearms. Also, it is really difficult to
Hulkfit half racks are available in two varieties; the basic version and the PRO version. The basic one is the cheapest half rack we have come across so far (till the time of writing this article). The PRO version, however, is more expensive than other competitive products. In this blog, we will be reviewing the
The idea of building a home gym sounds tempting until you start figuring out how to accommodate most of your equipment in the least possible space. Space is a scarcity in most homes these days and that’s why a lot of people these days are building outdoor home gyms and garden shed home gyms. Some
So you are still iffy about submitting that application to the gym? Let’s face it, most of us at some point thought working at a gym was cool. I did too, and I did get my fair shot at it. In my junior college years, becoming a trainer at a gym was number one on
I remember when I first started lifting and exercising, I was really only motivated by the perfect physiques of actors and models I saw on the TV. Maybe this is something that’s common to the last few generations because that’s how we were conditioned. Before the penetration of the TV and the internet into our
Whey protein and alcohol: Can they be mixed? It’s important to remember that drinking alcohol isn’t the best idea nutritionally. But with terms like ‘mojito cleanses’ and other unhealthy trends making their rounds, many body critics question the idea of whether there is a way to make it healthier, like mixing alcohol with whey protein.
At the turn of a new year, many people decide to start a healthy habit, like reading a book a month, eating healthy, or getting their life together. However, for the regular gym goer, a dreaded new year resolution is to start exercising, usually by others who intend to start the habit. Because of these
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding creatine. When you search online, a common question that pops up is whether creatine causes constipation. Let’s try to understand what creatine is, its benefits and whether creatine constipation is really a thing? What is Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring substance in the muscle cells that provides
The Hour Glass figure The hourglass body figure is a popular body shape characterized by a bust (Or chest) and hip that is nearly equal in measurement. The form also includes a petite waistline, with the natural waistline being the narrowest point of the body. The hourglass shape is commonly attributed to women, so it
Features of the Ikon Fitness Pull-Up Bar This pull-up bar has many qualities that make it effective for a variety of different people! Some of the best qualities of this piece of equipment include: Compatibility with wide door frames. This piece of equipment was designed to fit in both narrow and wide door frames so
Features and Specifications of Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Squat Cage Dimensions: 38 x 53 x 87 inches Weight-bearing capacity: 805lbs Material: steel (the manufacturer hasn’t mentioned the steel gauge but we guess it is 11 gauge) The pullup bar is angled for narrow grip and wide grip. It has 8 grip different positions and
Features and Specifications of the Fitness Reality half rack Full Name Fitness Reality Multi-Function Half Rack Manufacturer Fitness Reality Hole Spacing 3 Inch Hole Size 1 Inch Weight Capacity 800lbs (I would be surprised if it could handle that much) Steel Gauge (Thickness) 12 guage Upright Tubing Size 2″ x 2″ Measurements 49″ W X
Recently, we have come up with quite a few in-depth articles on exercises that can help you get stronger, more defined leg muscles. We have written about how sissy squats can help you isolate, target, and build the quadricep muscles. We have also suggested 5 different leg press foot positions that can help you strengthen
One of the most dreaded groups of exercises on this planet has to be cardio. It seems so simple and elegant to just tell someone that they should be doing more cardio. More cardio means more weight loss, endurance, stamina, and fitness, right? Well, yes and no. “Yes” for some people who are either blessed
Like the rest of our body, our calves are also made up of cells. Asian calves have different sizes and shapes. Some have big calves, while others have skinny calves. Let us explore the topic of whether or not Asians have larger calves than other races and how race affects the size of one’s calf
You’ll often want to know if your progress will carry over from one session to the next. Have you modified your gym to include Olympic weights, a power rack, and an Olympic barbell? That’s fantastic. You’ve come to the perfect place if you’ve been going to the gym and are ready to step up your
Yes, a shipping container gym is a great idea for people who can’t afford to spare any indoor space. You can use it to create an indoor-outdoor home gym or you can use it for storing your equipment when you are done exercising in your outdoor gym. Shipping container gyms are much better than outdoor
Believe it or not, if you have ever been to a gym, you would have become a victim of the toxic gym culture where others used to directly or indirectly shame you for the amount of weight that you used to lift or the number of reps you used to do. All those people who
Let’s give you a straight answer first. Yes, you can build an outdoor gym but you should go for it only when that’s the only option you have. That’s because there are very limited outdoor gym equipment available as of now. Plus, the weather doesn’t remain favorable all around the year. Building a shed gym
Deadlifts are a great exercise if you’re looking to build your back muscles and lower body, such as the legs and hips. Since it is so effective in working up the larger muscle groups, many people wonder if they should deadlift twice a week or more for maximum results. Like with any other thing done
The 5/3/1 Training System The 5/3/1 method for Weight training designed by the coach and author Jim Wendler uses a combination of variations, RPE monitoring, constant progress, and personal records to ramp up the intensity of your lifts and hit new Personal Records (PR). 5/3/1 is widely used by trainers of all levels of expertise.
Free weights are essential muscle-building equipment because of their flexibility and ease of use, making them very popular. As a result, curl bars are popular among weightlifting enthusiasts who use them to build their biceps and triceps. Curl bars are a variation of regular bars because they’re W-shaped instead of cylindrical. Curl bars come in
What are Pre Workouts and Why Do People Use Them? A pre-workout supplement is a dietary supplement that is used to increase energy and alertness, improve concentration and focus, and enhance muscle strength. It may also be used to improve aerobic capacity, endurance and speed. The most common types of pre-workout supplements are amino acids,
Baywatch, Hollywood, Kardashian, and now the influencers. The one thing that all of these have in common is their fit lifestyle and glamorous physiques. What’s the one standard that defines their fitness? The abs- one of the most coveted muscle groups that most people spend an entire lifetime in chasing. It’s a very common misconception
What is bulking? Bulking involves progressively increasing your caloric intake beyond your body’s requirements, together with intensive weight training. It is a muscle-gaining phase where you intentionally take in more calories than your body needs for a predetermined duration. These surplus calories eventually provide your body with the necessary resources to improve muscle strength and
Working out is no longer an additional effort in anyone’s life, it’s a lifestyle and a necessary part of your wellbeing. Working out is your best way to achieve a longer healthy life. However, not everyone is privileged to reach the optimum level of fitness, and not everyone’s looking for ultimate physical shape which is
Features and specifications of Titan T3 short squat stand Dimensions: 72” x 47” x 48” (do check out Titan’s 92” T3 squat stand as well) Weight of the unit: 144 lbs Weight-bearing capacity: 1000 lbs Accessories included: J-Hooks with UHMW plastic and all necessary hardware for assembly Frame is made of 2 x 3-inch 11-Gauge Steel Has Westside hole
The idea of having a home gym sounds quite tempting but the only reason why a lot of people still hesitate to create their own workout space at home is the non-availability of enough space. Further, many of them also worry that lifting weights at home can damage their flooring and even the foundation. Some
If you are reading this article, you are probably already taking creatine supplements and experiencing side effects such as headaches, or maybe you are planning to add it to your daily supplement list but worried if you could end up having a headache that could affect your productivity. Over the years, Creatine has become one
What are Pre-Workout Supplements? Pre-workout supplements, more commonly known as “pre-workout” are products that mostly contain multiple ingredients and they’re designed to improve your physical state by improving your energy levels. It is taken before a workout. It can be used by anyone who wants to exercise or by people who are looking to lose
Jump-roping is a game-changer in burning fat and upping your cardio game. An activity that used to be thought of as being exclusively for kids, women and boxers is now almost becoming a trend, because it gives a full-body workout and can be easily fitted into your busy schedules. If you are also interested in
When talking about strength and working out, most people’s minds tend to wander off to a singular place- the gyms. While it’s true that gyms have become a really popular concept in the 21st century, it wasn’t always this way. People used to train using a variety of methods when gyms weren’t as widely available
Ever since Hollywood started promoting the idea of lean, athletic physiques, the world has gone crazy about abs. Perhaps, the most popular fitness jargon used in today’s world is “six-pack abs”. From bodybuilders to footballers, everyone seems to be rocking a six-pack these days. Many people who start out on their fitness journey do solely
A defined jawline is considered attractive without a doubt. Some people are naturally blessed with a chiseled jaw and angular features while others aren’t. Like the rest of our body, our facial muscles can also be exercised but the question is do jawline exercises work? Do Jawline Exercises Work? The jawline is defined as the
