Archive for February, 2007
By: Richard Mitchell
The abdomen contains the muscles that most beginners struggle with because they take a long time to develop and need a low level of body fat to be seen. The abdominal muscle group consists of three main muscles:
1. Rectus abdominis - commonly known as the abs, this is a large flat muscle wall that runs from the lower chest to the pubic bone.
2. Obliquus abdominis - commonly known as the obliques, this muscle runs diagonally along the side of the mid-section from the lower ribcage to the pubic area. The internal obliques lie underneath the external obliques.
3. Transversus abdominis - this is a thin strip of muscle that runs horizontally across the abdomen.
You can target these muscles effectively by performing the following exercises:
1. Crunches - 3 sets of 15-20 reps. This exercise will work the upper abs.
2. Pelvic tilts - 3 sets of 15-20 reps.This exercise will target the lower portion of the abdomen below the navel.
3. Side bends - 3 sets of 15-20 reps. This exercise will work the obliques.
As with all exercises you need to take care in scheduling specific body parts. To begin with you should incorporate your abdominal exercises into a program similar to the one suggested below:
Day 1: Biceps, Back, Abs
Day 2: Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs
Day 3: Quads, Forearms, Calves
Day 4: Triceps, Chest, Abs
For the first couple of weeks complete one set but then add one set each week to a maximum of three. At the end of three months you will be ready to move on to more intensive intermediate level exercises.
–About–
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Tags:
abdominal_exercises,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding-&-Weight-Training,
Exercise
February 28th, 2007
By: Richard Mitchell
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders’ training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we’ll take a close look at the wrist extension.
MUSCLES TARGETED: extensor carpi radialis, extensor carpi ulnaris
STARTING POSITION
Sit on the edge of a bench.
Grasp the bar with a closed pronated grip at a width of roughly 8 to 12 inches.
Position the feet and legs parallel to each other with the toes pointing straight ahead.
Lean forward placing the forearms and elbows on the thighs.
Move the wrists forward until they extend just beyond the patellae.
Allow the wrists to flex towards the floor.
UPWARD MOVEMENT
Raise the bar by extending the wrists.
Extend the wrists as far as possible without moving the elbows or forearms.
DOWNWARD MOVEMENT
Allow the wrists to slowly flex back to the starting position.
Repeat or finish set.
–About–
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Tags:
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding-&-Weight-Training,
exercises,
wrist_extension
February 28th, 2007
By: Richard Mitchell
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders’ training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we’ll take a close look at the leg curl.
MUSCLES TARGETED: semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris
STARTING POSITION
Assume a prone position on the machine and press the torso and hips against the pads.
Place the ankles behind and in contact with the foot pad.
Place the legs parallel to each other.
Hang the knees slightly off the edge of the knee pad.
Grasp the handles.
UPWARD MOVEMENT
Raise the pad by fully flexing the knees.
Keep the torso stationary and the hips and torso pressed against the pads.
Do not lift the hips or thighs off the thigh pad.
Do not lock out the knees.
DOWNWARD MOVEMENT
Allow the knees to slowly bend back to the starting position.
Keep the torso stationary and the hips and torso pressed against the pads.
Repeat or finish set.
–About–
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Tags:
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding-&-Weight-Training,
exercises,
leg_curl
February 28th, 2007
By: Richard Mitchell
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuiders’ training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we’ll take a close look at the incline dumbbell bench press.
MUSCLES TARGETED: pectoralis major
STARTING POSITION
Grasp two dumbbells using a closed, pronated grip.
Assume a supine position on a bench.
Press the dumbbells to an extended elbow, parallel arm position above the face.
This is the starting point for all repetitions.
DOWNWARD MOVEMENT
Lower the dumbbells together towards the chest and aligned with the nipples.
Keep the wrists rigid directly above the elbows.
UPWARD MOVEMENT
Push the dumbbells upward until the elbows are fully extended.
Keep the wrists rigid directly above the elbows.
Do not arch back or raise chest to meet the bar.
Repeat or finish set.
–About–
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Tags:
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding-&-Weight-Training,
dumbbell_bench_press,
exercises
February 28th, 2007
By Richard Mitchell
Anabolic steroids are classed as illegal drugs and are banned by most legitimate sports organizations. There can be no disputing the fact that testosterone boosts the development of muscle mass and aids sporting performance. Equally there is no doubt that its use can adversely affect the health and wellbeing of users.
The androgenic properties of testosterone can affect the body in many ways but often users see these as inconveniences that can be treated by using other drugs. The most common side effects of testosterone supplementation include the following:
1. Testicle shrinkage - the body responds to testosterone overload by reducing its own production of the hormone. This causes the testicles to shrink due to lack of use. When steroid usage stops, the testicles will grow again but they could take at least six months to return to normal size.
2. Addiction - despite some users trying to convince themselves otherwise, the use of steroids can result in physical and psychological addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with muscle shrinkage, weakness and loss of libido.
3. Growth of breast tissue - this affects roughly one third of male steroid users. It is caused by the conversion of some excess testosterone into the female hormone estrogen. The breasts usually disappear when use of steroids ceases but in some cases they are permanent and may require surgical removal.
4. Baldness and skin conditions - excess testosterone can be converted into DHT, a hair unfriendly by-product that is responsible for male pattern baldness and oily skin.
5. Pain, bruising, infection and scarring may result from careless or incompetent injecting.
Some people have died as a result of steroid abuse and even those who adopt a careful, pragmatic approach have to accept that these health risks are unavoidable. My advice is, follow the natural route and use nutritional supplements to boost the anabolic process.
–About–
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Tags:
anabolic_steroids,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Health & Fitness Articles,
Health-&-Fitness-Articles,
steroid_users
February 28th, 2007
By: Richard Mitchell
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders’ training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we’ll take a close look at the leg press.
MUSCLES TARGETED: vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, rectus femoris
STARTING POSITION
Lie on leg press machine with buttocks supported on seat and back pressed against the back rest pad.
Place feet flat on the platform, shoulder width apart. Angle toes slightly outwards.
Grip handles and unlock weight in readiness for performance of the leg press.
EXERCISE TECHNIQUE
Slowly bend legs, allowing knees to move towards the chest.
When the knees have reached a point just beyond 90 degrees, slowly straighten the legs until you return to the starting position.
Do not lock your knees at the highest point of the movement.
Repeat this movement until you reach your target number of repetitions
OTHER EXERCISES WORTH CONSIDERING
Other exercises that tackle these muscles include the Squat, Hack Squats, Smith Machine Squats and Seated Leg Extensions.
–About–
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Tags:
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding-&-Weight-Training,
Exercise,
leg_press
February 28th, 2007
By: Richard Mitchell
The main shoulder muscles that concern bodybuilders are the deltoids and although they work closely with the arms and chest muscles, it is possible to isolate the delts in a training session. Unlike other body parts though, the shoulder is not designed for heavy lifting in all directions so beginners need to take care and use lighter weights than usual for shoulder-isolating exercises.
The deltoid covers the shoulder and consists of three distinct segments:
1. The anterior or front deltoid allows you to raise your arm to the front.
2. The medial or middle deltoid allows you to raise your arm to the side.
3. The posterior or rear deltoid allows you to draw your arm backwards when it is perpendicular to the torso.
The front delt usually receives plenty of work with chest exercises such as the bench press and pushup, so you’ll need to use common sense and listen to your body when performing exercises that specifically target this muscle. The recommended shoulder exercises for beginners are as follows:
1. Seated dumbbell press - 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise places the emphasis on the medial head.
2. Front lateral raise - 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise emphasises the front delt.
3. Rear lateral flyes - 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise targets the rear delt.
As with all exercises you need to take care in scheduling specific body parts. To begin with you should incorporate your shoulder exercises into a program similar to the one suggested below:
Day 1: Biceps, Back, Abs
Day 2: Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs
Day 3: Quads, Forearms, Calves
Day 4: Triceps, Chest, Abs
For the first couple of weeks complete one set but then add one set each week to a maximum of three. At the end of three months you will be ready to move on to more intensive intermediate level exercises.
–About–
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Tags:
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding-&-Weight-Training,
Exercise,
shoulder_exercises
February 28th, 2007
By: Richard Mitchell
Every bodybuilder and weight trainer will have his or her favorite exercises for each body part. That’s how it should be - as you progress through the various stages of learning you’ll understand what works best for you. It is useful, however, to take stock of your progress every so often and carry out an analysis of where you are and what changes, if any, are needed to move onwards and upwards.
Part of this analysis should include an assessment of the core exercises that make up your bodybuilding training program. In this article we’ll look at the leg exercises that have proven their worth to serious bodybuilders for many years. Where appropriate a series of exercises suitable for achieving pre-exhaustion will be presented. All exercises should be performed to failure with one set of six to eight reps.
1. Leg extension - this exercise will allow you to isolate the thigh muscles preserving the strength of the other leg muscles for the compound exercise to follow.
- Push the pads until the knees are almost locked.
- Pause.
- Lower with control to the starting position.
2. Leg press - you can move straight on to this exercise if you are sufficiently experienced.
- Place your feet firmly at shoulder width on the foot board.
- Bend the legs until they are almost touching the chest.
- Pause.
- Return with control to the starting position.
3. Calves - the best way to work the calves is to perform raises on special gym equipment that allows standing raises and sitting raises to work both calf muscles.
–About–
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Tags:
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding-&-Weight-Training,
exercises,
leg_exercises
February 28th, 2007
By: Richard Mitchell
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders’ training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we’ll take a close look at dumbbell lunges.
MUSCLES TARGETED: quadriceps, gluteals, hamstrings
STARTING POSITION
Stand with feet flat and placed less than shoulder width with toes pointed slightly outward.
Hold a dumbbell in each hand with the hands facing inwards.
EXERCISE TECHNIQUE
Step forward, keeping the back straight.
Bend the knee of the lead leg until it reaches a 90 degree angle. The knee of your back leg should be roughly two or three inches off the ground at this point.
Push forcefully with your lead leg and return to the starting position.
Repeat the exercise with your other leg and continue to alternate until you reach the intended number of repetitions.
You should note that varying the length of the step will change the emphasis of this exercise. A longer step will place greater emphasis on the hamstring and gluteal muscles. A shorter step will place greater emphasis on the quadriceps muscles.
OTHER EXERCISES WORTH CONSIDERING
A similar effect can be achieved by performing Barbell Lunges.
–About–
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Tags:
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding-&-Weight-Training,
dumbbell_lunges,
exercises
February 28th, 2007
By: Richard Mitchell
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders’ training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we’ll take a close look at One-Arm Dumbbell Rows.
MUSCLES TARGETED: latissimus dorsi, trapezius (mid), biceps brachialis
STARTING POSITION
Grasp a dumbbell with an overhand grip and palm facing body.
Rest your opposite knee on a flat bench.
The supporting leg should be slightly flexed with the foot flat on the floor.
The back should remain straight, parallel to the floor.
The dumbbell should be held at arm’s length.
EXERCISE TECHNIQUE
Pull the dumbbell upward in a straight line with the elbow kept close to the body.
Lower the dumbbell slowly to the starting position.
Repeat this movement until the intended number of repetitions have been completed.
Repeat on the other side.
OTHER EXERCISES WORTH CONSIDERING
Other exercises that tackle these muscles include Bent-Over Barbell Rows (mid trapezius), Chin-Ups (upper trapezius) and Lat Pull-Downs Behind the Neck (upper trapezius).
–About–
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
Tags:
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding & Weight Training,
Bodybuilding-&-Weight-Training,
exercises,
one_arm_dumbbell_rows
February 28th, 2007
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