Category — Techniques

So we’ve covered pre-workout snacks, now let’s focus on what you consume after your workouts. This step is arguably the most important part of your workout because when you exercise you deplete your body’s glycogen (the carb stored in your muscles and liver). That’s why it’s extremely vital that you replace what you lose so you can get the most out of your hard work.

Through my own personal experience and speaking with several personal trainers, I have come up with this list of the best post-workout meals:

5.  Piece of fish and baked potato — A muscle-building packed combination of quality protein and complex carbohydrates, this meal is a great way to end your workout. Go for salmon or tilapia as these have the highest amounts of protein.

4.  Chicken breast or steak and rice — Another classic meal that will maximize your workout. If you’re buying steak make sure to pick sirloin or a lean cut which are a lot healthier. Don’t forget the whole grain rice either!

3. Protein bar — This is only third on our list because it is a solid and will take a bit longer to absorb than its liquid counterparts. However, it’s still a very effective post-workout meal. In this instance don’t go for “Low carb” bars, instead buy a protein or meal replacement bar that has plenty of calories and carbohydrates to go along with at least 30 grams of protein. I like the MET-RX meal replacement bars.

2. Chocolate milk — This surprisingly effective recovery drink was almost a unanimous pick for all the experts I interviewed. Two cups of this stuff averages about 310-320 calories, 50 grams of carbs, and 16 grams of protein. Of course the liquid consistency will allow it to be absorbed quickly and carried to your depleted muscles.

1. Protein drink with whey — The original and still the best. No other food or drink can compare to the punch this packs when it comes to optimizing your workout. Whey protein is absorbed the fastest by your body and the liquid form will bring it to your muscles that much faster. If it’s a low carb protein add in some berries or a banana to give it a boost. Optimum Nutrition’s Hydro Whey is a good pick!

All of these foods should all be taken within 45 minutes after completion of your workout for best results.

I was recently talking to my brother who is a certified personal trainer and we were talking about if it matters in terms of the types of exercises you’re doing for each body part. For example, when training your triceps does it matter what order you perform dips, overhead extension, and tricep pulldown? The answer is it absolutely does.

If you are doing three exercises per body part you should always start with a pressing exercise, then move to an extension, and then a push or pulling motion. This will allow you to get the most out of your muscle fibers and prevent your muscles from failing when you get to your final few reps.

For those doing just two exercises for each muscle try to stick with a pressing movement and an extension.

If you’re like me then you’re always looking for new ways to shock your muscles to get maximum gains. I was at the gym recently when a friend introduced me to the 20s technique for biceps. It involves 3 sets of barbell curls and within those sets are 3 seperate movements.

You start off standing with the barbell in your hands. Then you start to raise it up as if you’re doing a full curl, however with this first movement you do a “half curl” raising it up to where your arms are at a 90 degree angle (8-10 reps). Then for the next movement you start at the 90 degree point and raise it all the way up. In essence you’re doing another “half curl” but just in the opposite direction (8-10 reps). Then for the final movement you do a full curl (8-10 reps).

Compete 3 sets of those 3 movements and you’re sure to feel the burn afterwards!

Do you ever feel like you’re spending all of your free time at the gym? Even if you love working out it’s normal to sometimes think that the gym is becoming your second home. Well, if you feel like you need to free up more “you” time and gain more precious days of rest then you may want to consider working out twice a day.

Split workout schedules are probably the most common regimen, however they can sometimes be detrimental because while your goal may be to work your triceps every third day, you may end up working them sooner than that when you’re doing other exercises. For instance, you may use your triceps unknowingly to assist you in another exercise.

AskMen.com outlines a workout schedule for twice a day sessions and things you should consider before deciding to undertake this. Remember, this type of workout plan isn’t for everybody. Depending on your work schedule it will be ideal to workout once in the morning and and once at night (or late afternoon). While working out two times in one day nutrition is going to be even more crucial to the recovery and fueling of your workout as you will definitely need to increase your caloric intake.

If you’re a guy and you lift weights, odds are that you don’t enjoy doing cardio. However, in order for those muscles to show you have to burn fat. The quickest and safest way to do that is through low to medium intensity cardio training. Good old-fashioned running is probably the least exciting of all cardio and it’s really the most taxing on your joints. However, more and more people are reverting to alternate methods of cardio activity.

Here’s a list of the top 10 cardio exercises you’re probably not doing. And if you aren’t — give them a shot and see which ones work for you best.

1. Elliptical machine - This is becoming one of the more popular gym machines and great alternative to traditional running. If you’ve never tried it, check it out and find out just how gentlier it is on your joints.

2. Swimming – In the spirit of the Summer Olympics, swimming is one of the calorie burning ”kings.” Mostly because it is a full body workout and you’re going up against your own resistance in the water. You don’t have to be Michael Phelps though – swimming laps for just 20 minutes at a good pace will do the trick.

3. Biking – This is a great exercise because you can choose to use a gym bike and stay indoors, or your own bike and tour the landscape. Make sure you find a speed that is right for you. Typically you can burn up to 500 calories in 30 minutes.

4. Raquetball – It’s gotta be that little blue ball right? Actually chasing that ball burns an average of 400 calories per half hour. And if you’re as competitive as me, you enjoy the trials and tribulations of sports as opposed to a monotonous session on the treadmill.

5. Jumping rope – Ever notice how lean boxers are? Enough said.

6. Step Aerobics – Geared towards women, this exercise targets the most common problem areas while burning up to 450 calories per half hour. Nice!

7. Kickboxing – If you find a class that’s considered “aerobic” or ”cardio” kickboxing you’ll truly get some serious calorie burning accomplished. The combination of perpetual movement, kicking, and punching make it an excellent cardio alternative.

8. Interval training – Yeah, I know you’re sick of running. But, if you’re looking for an alternative to the treadmill, interval training will burn more calories in less time. Check out my previous post to find out what I’m talking about.

9. Rollerblading – If you’re not experienced make sure you have all the gear — heck even if you are experienced. It can be an effective cardio exercise if you do it at a high enough intensity for at least 30 minutes.

10. Power walking – If for no other reason than to just get outside and away from the treadmill, this exercise can hold its own when it comes to burning calories. Yes, you’ll look a little funny, but you’ll burn up to 200 calories in 30 minutes depending on your intensity. Then you’ll be the one who’s laughing.

I will admit that I’m guilty of becoming obsessed with the bench press. It was always the first exercise I wanted to do because in my mind it was a good barometer of my progress within my fitness plan. What I didn’t know was that it really had little affect on my performance in sports, which was part of the reason I was working out. Recently, I’ve discovered that there are other ways to build definition and strength in your pectorals that will be both aesthetically satisfying (if done correctly) and beneficial to your athletic lifestyle.

MensHealth.com recently outlined 5 new ways to build powerful pectorals. The key is combining rarely used movements with a Swiss ball — the ball allows you to use all of your muscles when performing the exercise, which is similiar to what your body has to do when playing sports.

Tip: If you still need to get your “bench fix” then follow the exercises above with one set on the bench. Lift 30-50 percent of your max for 20-25 reps. It will give your pectorals a good “pump” and help create better endurance for your other chest exercises.

I have to admit there are some days when I don’t want to think about the gym. All I want to do when I get home is plop down on my couch and relax. Then I’ll look at a picture of a physique that I’m striving for (either that or I’ll get on the scale and come away unsatisfied). Either way when that happens something clicks inside of me and I’m back on track.

Sometimes we need motivation to stay focused and stay on track with our routines. Everyone has their own way of going about it, but we all have the same goal. I found an article on Bodybuilding.com that outlines 10 ways you can improve your energy levels. Motivation really begins and ends with how you’re feeling.

Richard Chan writes about the importance of eating the right foods, getting enough sleep, and breathing techniques to name a few. The article contains some really useful information.

Tip: One technique I ocassionally use to stay motivated is joining a “fitness challenge” program such as Body for Life. It’s not just for people who are out of shape, but anyone who is trying to transform their physique. Plus you have the chance to win cash and cool prizes!

When I first joined a gym years ago I made the mistake of doing cardio before I lifted. Not good. 

Cardio before weight training is counter-productive to your muscles. Think about it. If you run for 20 or 30 minutes on the treadmill your muscles are going to fatigue and the glycogen it has stored is going to burn out. So you’ll be lifting weights using less than 50% of your muscle’s potential.

You also lower your blood sugar when you lift weights, so when you start running you’ll immediately begin to burn fat. Obviously when you’re lifting you want to maximize your output so wearing yourself out on the elliptical first makes no sense.

Tip: It’s okay and actually recommended to do a light 5-10 minute cardio warmup before you being weight training.

I think many weightlifters would agree that leg muscles in general are the toughest muscles to develop. Mainly because we’re walking on them all day and they’re already experiencing a good amount of contraction. So, it takes quite a bit of shock and variation to see significant growth.

MensHealth.com has highlighted a few tips that can be applied to your leg workouts that may jumpstart growth. These tips focus on a few adjustments to standard leg exercises that allow for better form and in turn, bigger gains. Personally, I’ve had some moderate success in training calves and quadriceps by performing about 4 sets of high repititions (20-25) using minimal weight.

The thing about muscle building is that there is not just one way to be successful, that’s why I’m curious as to how other people have found success with building leg muscles.

Share your stories and comments below.

Everybody wants washboard abs, but how do we get them? It’s like everything when it comes to muscle building; there are hundreds of ways to get ripped and lean. But which ones are the best, not only in terms of results, but for the well being of your body?

Most of us know that getting your abdominals ripped and allowing them show consists mostly of dieting and eating the proper foods. But to have them “pop” you need to focus on the right regimen and exercises.

AskMen.com answers FAQs regarding ab workouts and techniques. You’ll find that when it comes to frequency more is not necessarily better and the amount of repetitions you do depends on your goal. Like most muscles, your abs need to be tricked and shocked so doing the same ab exercise over and over is not going to do much in terms of helping the muscle grow.

A strong abdominal section and core is one of the keys to a healthy, injury free body and physique.