Fitness
Why the Russian Twist Should Be Your Go-To Core Exercise
When most people think of core training, they picture sit-ups, crunches or planks. But there’s another move that outdoes almost all others when it comes to developing real-world strength and control, and hitting underworked parts of your core: the Russian twist. In this guide, we’ll break down what the Russian twist actually does, how to do it safely, what muscles...
The Best Eccentric Exercises to Maximize Muscle Growth
Most lifters focus on the “up” part of a rep, but the way down matters just as much (or possibly more). That lowering phase, called the “eccentric” part of the lift, can be a game-changer for building strength, muscle, and control. In this article, we’ll break down what eccentrics are, how to train them safely, and the best eccentric exercises...
Frog Pumps: The Glute Exercise You’re Probably Not Doing (But Should)
Stronger glutes don’t just improve the way you look. They support better posture, protect your lower back, and power nearly every athletic movement. While squats and lunges get most of the attention, there’s one underrated move that can quickly boost glute activation and control: frog pumps. In this article, we’ll break down what they are, why they work, and how...
Eccentric vs. Concentric Movements: How Each Phase Shapes Your Training
Every lift has two halves: the way up and the way down. The scientific terms for these two phases are the concentric (lifting) and eccentric (lowering) phases. Most people focus on just getting the weight up, but the truth is each phase stresses your muscles differently. And each drives unique adaptations. Understanding how concentric and eccentric movements work can change...
How to Build a Strong and Resilient Posterior Chain
7 minute read
Trap Bar vs Conventional Deadlift: Which is Best (And Why It Matters)
The deadlift is one of the best exercises you can do for building strength. But there’s more than one way to deadlift. Two of the most popular variations are the conventional deadlift (done with a straight barbell in front of you), and the trap bar (or hex bar) deadlift. Both lifts can build strength and muscle, but they feel different...
Training for Strength vs Power: How to Optimize for the Right Objective
Strength and power are often lumped together. But they’re not the same thing – and knowing the difference will make a big impact on your results. Strength is about how much weight you can move. Power is about how fast you can move it. One’s not necessarily better than the other. But depending on your goals, whether that’s lifting heavier,...
How Negative Reps Can Help You Break Through Strength Plateaus
If you’ve been lifting for a while, strength plateaus will be nothing new. Watching your progress stall is incredibly frustrating. But negative reps may be the solution to your struggles. Also known as eccentric training, negative reps are one of the most effective, underutilized tools in strength training. They’re simple in theory but brutally effective in practice. And when applied...
How to Strengthen Your Lower Back: A Guide to Core Stability and Resilience
There’s one area that many athletes and fitness enthusiasts overlook until it becomes a problem: the lower back. Your lower back plays a major role in almost everything you do. It supports your posture, helps you transfer power from your legs to your upper body, and stabilizes your spine when you lift, run, twist, or jump. If it’s weak or...
10 Safer, Easier or More Efficient Deadlift Alternatives
Are your resistance training workouts doomed to fail if you can’t (or don’t want to) deadlift? Not at all. While the deadlift is a cornerstone lift for strength and hypertrophy, it’s not essential for everyone, all the time. Whether you're nursing an injury, working around equipment limitations, or looking for something fresh, there are effective alternatives that replicate the benefits...
12 Ways to Achieve Progressive Overload
If you’ve been working out for a while, chances are you’ve heard the phrase progressive overload. It’s one of the most foundational principles in strength and hypertrophy training. But for some, the classic approach (progressively adding more weight each time you work out) may not work. The good news? There are many ways to progressively overload your muscles beyond just...
Zone 2 Cardio: The Easiest Way to Improve Cardiovascular Health and Longevity
Zone 2 cardio is perhaps the most effective, yet underappreciated, form of exercise for long-term health and performance. It represents a sweet spot in aerobic intensity; challenging enough to drive meaningful physiological adaptations, yet sustainable enough to do frequently and enjoyably. If you're looking for the easiest and most accessible way to improve your heart, metabolism, and brain, Zone 2...
The Texas Method: The Best Way to Set New PBs in the Gym?
Many new lifters hit a wall after a little while. You might have strong early results, possibly following a beginner program like Starting Strength, but eventually the progress you see from these beginner-friendly routines slows down. The Texas Method offers a way to build on that early progress, for those who are still relative novices, with a goal of developing...
