Diary Of A Hardgainer – Part 2/2
by Matt Hodges
28 June 2012
I hope that those of you who read Diary Of A Hardgainer Part 1 can sympathise with some of the issues presented in the article. Part 2 is here to try to re-assure all those who find it hard to gain muscle and answer some of the questions that I see a lot of muscle building forums. Most of the questions all have a common answer, so before we go into each individual question I think it only appropriate that we tackle this little meany first………
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Beware the ‘Celebrity Trainer’
by Matt Hodges
19 June 2012
Let’s be honest. We all want to look our best, improve our health and fitness levels and in some cases, achieve the body or look of our favourite actor or actress. Why not? They’re glamorous, beautiful and usually have the body of a Greek god or goddess. In addition to this, stars in the action genre also have to be in peak physical shape for the demands of their roles and to do this they have to adhere to a strict regimen of diet and exercise. The difference between us and them is that, usually they have a well paid personal trainer and nutritionist to help them stay on track and these days an increasing number of everyday folk are following suit.
Diary Of A Hardgainer – Part 1/2
by Matt Hodges
26 April 2012
After a drastic (or what I thought drastic) 10 minutes with the tape measure and a decreasing level of low self esteem I find myself writing up this article not about the size of my manhood, no, but the on-going battle I have with muscle and my motivation to build the stuff.
The Hybrid Single Leg Exercise
by Matt Hodges
09 March 2012
You want to make your legs stronger? The Hybrid Single Leg Exercise is a great one to try.
You essentially get two exercises in one:
- Reverse lunge
- Single leg Romanian deadlift (RDL)
Vita Coco
by Matt Hodges
06 March 2012
Overview
Having been in the fitness industry for many years now, I tend to see products/services crop up every year that everyone latches on to and more than likely it’ll be celebrity endorsed. Most do not have the longevity and end up being a topic of conversation in a few years time:
The ‘Cross-Over Set’ – fluidity in sessions
by Matt Hodges
15 February 2012
Definition
On the days that you wish to train two large muscle groups an effective way of bridging the gap between isolation exercises is to practice Cross-Over setting. The Cross-Over set refers to three sets that link two muscle groups via a superset and always compound. This set can be solely resistance based exercises or a cardio/resistance based circuit.
How To Get Strong Without Using Heavy Loads
by Matt Hodges
02 February 2012
Traditionally athletes have got stronger by lifting heavy weights, or in other words incorporating exercises with a high external load.
Examples include:
The back squat, where a heavy loaded barbell is placed across the upper back.
The military press, where a heavy barbell is pressed from the shoulders overhead.
The deadlift, where a heavy barbell is lifted off the floor.
Accentuated Eccentric Training
by Matt Hodges
26 October 2011
The subject of accentuated eccentric training has been a grey area of personal training for a number of years. Trainers should all know the basics but how many people actively use the different techniques with either themselves or their clients?
So let’s start by explaining what ‘Accentuated Eccentric Training’ actually is……
When performing an exercise there are three main areas of ‘concentration’. The ‘concentric’ phase (lifting a resistance against gravity), the isometric phase (holding a resistance without moving the joint angle or changing muscle length) and the eccentric phase (controlling a resistance going with gravity). Using ‘squats’ as a good example, the most important area of the exercise is when you are coming down to the deepest point – this is your eccentric phase. In the same example the concentric phase occurs when you are pushing the weight upwards (more important with powerlifters).
Strength Training – Beating The Plateau
by Matt Hodges
14 June 2011
The subject of strength training is as diverse as any other area of fitness, with numerous protocols and regimes that claim to make you stronger.
Most trainers have their preferred way of getting their clients strong and most certified Strength & Conditioning coaches have a set method in which they use. This is all well and said but in my opinion only a handful of these ‘strength and conditioning coaches’ actually practice what they preach. Here’s how to undertake strength training and make sure you’re beating the plateau.
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