Exercise The Right Way - The Back Squat

Exercise The Right Way - The Back Squat




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 back squat.

MUSCLES TARGETED: gluteus maximus, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, rectus femoris

STARTING POSITION

Grasp the bar with a closed pronated grip.
Step under the bar and position the feet parallel to each other.
Place the bar in a balanced position on the upper back and shoulders.
Hold the chest up and out.
Pull the scapulae toward each other.
Tilt the head slightly up.
Extend the knees and hips to lift the bar.
Take one or two steps.
Place the feet shoulder width apart, even with each other with the toes pointed slightly outward.
This is the starting point for all repetitions.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Allow the hips and knees to slowly flex.
Maintain a flat back, high elbows, with the chest up and out.
Keep the heels on the floor with the knees aligned over the feet.
Keep flexing the hips and knees until the thighs are parallel to the floor.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Extend the hips and knees at the same rate.
Maintain a flat back, high elbows, with the chest up and out.
Keep the heels on the floor with the knees aligned over the feet.
Keep extending the hips and knees to return to the starting position.
Repeat or finish set.

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.

Exercise The Right Way - The Incline Dumbbell Bench Press

Exercise The Right Way - The Incline Dumbbell Bench Press




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.

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.

Exercise The Right Way - The Flat Bench Press

Exercise The Right Way - The Flat Bench Press




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 flat bench press using a barbell.

MUSCLES TARGETED: pectoralis major

STARTING POSITION

Assume a supine position on a bench.
Grasp the bar with a closed, pronated grip.
Grip slightly wider than shoulder width.
Place the bar over the chest with the elbows fully extended.
This is the starting point for all repetitions.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Lower the bar to touch the chest at nipple level.
Keep the wrists rigid directly above the elbows.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Push the bar 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.

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.

Exercise The Right Way - The Hammer Curl

Exercise The Right Way - The Hammer Curl




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 hammer curl using dumbbells.

MUSCLES TARGETED: brachialis, biceps brachii, brachioradialis

PREPARATION

Grasp two dumbbells using a closed grip.

STARTING POSITION

Stand erect with the feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly flexed.
Place the dumbbells beside the thighs with the elbows fully extended.
Palms should be facing the outer thighs.
Position the upper arms against the sides of the torso.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Flex the elbow of one arm until the dumbbell is within a few inches of the front deltoid.
Keep the torso erect and the upper arm stationary.
Keep the dumbbell in neutral grip position.
Keep all movements smooth.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Allow the elbow to slowly extend to the starting position.
Keep dumbbell in neutral grip position.
Keep the torso and knees in the same position.
Repeat the same movements with the other arm.
Repeat or finish set.

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.

Exercise The Right Way - The Biceps Curl

Exercise The Right Way - The Biceps Curl




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 biceps curl using a barbell.

MUSCLES TARGETED: brachialis, biceps brachii, brachioradialis

PREPARATION

Grasp the bar with a closed, supinated grip.
The grip should be shoulder width.

STARTING POSITION

Stand erect with the feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly flexed.
Fully extend the elbows and rest the bar on the thighs.
Position the upper arms against the sides of the torso.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Flex the elbows until the bar is a few inches from the front deltoids.
Keep the torso erect and the arms stationary.
Keep all movement smooth.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Allow the elbows to slowly extend to the starting position.
Keep the torso and knees in the same position.
Repeat or finish set.

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.

Exercise The Right Way - The Lat Pulldown

Exercise The Right Way - The Lat Pulldown




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 lat pulldown using a machine.

MUSCLES TARGETED: latissimus dorsi, teres major, middle trapezius, rhomboids

PREPARATION

Grasp the lat pulldown bar with a closed, pronated grip.
Grip sHould be slightly wider than shoulder width.

STARTING POSITION

Sit down on the seat facing the machine.
Position the thighs under the pads making sure the feet are flat on the floor.
Lean slightly backward.
Extend the elbows fully.
This is the starting position for all repetitions.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Pull the bar down towards the chest.
Touch the bar to the chest in one smooth movement.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Let the elbows slowly extend back to the beginning position.
Keep the torso in the same position.
Repeat or finish set.

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.

Exercise The Right Way - The Seated Row

Exercise The Right Way - The Seated Row




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 seated row using a machine.

MUSCLES TARGETED: latissimus dorsi, teres major, middle trapezius, rhomboids

PREPARATION

Grasp the handles with a closed, pronated grip.

STARTING POSITION

Sit down on the seat facing the chest pad of the machine.
Place the feet on the foot supports.
Sit erect and press the torso against the chest pad.
Extend the elbows fully.
This is the starting position for all repetitions.

BACKWARD MOVEMENT

Pull the handles towards the chest.
Maintain an erect torso position and keep the elbows next to the ribs.
Pull the handles as far back as possible.
Keep all movement smooth.

FORWARD MOVEMENT

Keep the elbows next to the ribs and allow the handles to move back to the starting position.
Keep the torso in the same position.
Repeat or finish set.

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.

Exercise The Right Way- The Barbell Bent-Over Row

Exercise The Right Way - The Barbell Bent-Over Row




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 bent-over row using a barbell.

MUSCLES TARGETED: latissimus dorsi, teres major, middle trapezius, rhomboids

PREPARATION

Grasp the bar with a closed, pronated grip.
Grip should be slightly wider than shoulder width.

STARTING POSITION

Adopt a shoulder width stance with knees slightly flexed.
Flex the torso forward so that it is not quite parallel to the floor.
Make sure the back remains straight.
Look to a point just ahead of the feet.
Let the bar hang with the arms fully extended.
This is the starting point for all repetitions.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Pull the bar up towards the lower chest.
Point the elbows up.
Keep the torso rigid, back flat and knees slightly flexed.
Touch the bar to the chest in one smooth movement.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Let the elbows slowly extend back to the beginning position.
Keep the torso and knees in the same position.
Repeat or finish set.

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.

Machine Exercises That Suit Beginners

The aim for beginners to weight training must be to lay the foundations for the intensive workouts that their bodies will eventually be subjected to. Obviously successful bodybuilding involves bringing together disparate elements such as nutrition and rest but choosing the right exercises is crucial. In this article we'll outline the machine exercises that will enable new bodybuilders to develop the general strength and body conditioning needed.

Initially beginners should aim to complete two sets of ten to twelve reps but after a few weeks, when you have developed sufficient control and basic strength, experiment with one set of six to eight reps to failure. This will maximize your muscle growth and give you the impetus to move on to the next stage of development. Before long you'll find the use of this single piece of equipment restricting, so later in this series of articles we'll pull together a muscle boosting program that utilizes other equipment to take you to the intermediate level. In the meantime, get to work with these exercises in order to get used to working your muscles.

Start off training four days per week and work body parts on the following basis not forgetting to incorporate rest days:

Day 1 - Biceps, Back, Abs

Day 2- Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs

Day 3 - Quads, Forearms, Calves

Day 4 - Triceps, Chest, Abs

The exercises recommended for beginners are as follows:

CHEST: Chest press

UPPER BACK: Lat pulldown, cable row

SHOULDERS: Shoulder press, upright row, cable shrug, lateral raise, front raise

TRICEPS: Kickback, pushdown

BICEPS: Standing curl

LOWER BODY: Leg press, leg extension, calf raise. lying leg curl

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.

Dumbbell Exercises That Suit Beginners

The aim for beginners to weight training must be to lay the foundations for the intensive workouts that their bodies will eventually be subjected to. Obviously successful bodybuilding involves bringing together disparate elements such as nutrition and rest but choosing the right exercises is crucial. In this article we'll outline the dumbbell exercises that will enable new bodybuilders to develop the general strength and body conditioning needed.

Initially beginners should aim to complete two sets of ten to twelve reps but after a few weeks, when you have developed sufficient control and basic strength, experiment with one set of six to eight reps to failure. This will maximize your muscle growth and give you the impetus to move on to the next stage of development. Before long you'll find the use of this single piece of equipment restricting, so later in this series of articles we'll pull together a muscle boosting program that utilizes other equipment to take you to the intermediate level. In the meantime, get to work with these exercises in order to get used to working your muscles.

Start off training four days per week and work body parts on the following basis not forgetting to incorporate rest days:

Day 1 - Biceps, Back, Abs

Day 2- Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs

Day 3 - Quads, Forearms, Calves

Day 4 - Triceps, Chest, Abs

The exercises recommended for beginners are as follows:

CHEST: Bench press, flyes

UPPER BACK: Prone reverse flye, seated reverse flye, bent over row, pullover

SHOULDER: Lateral raise, shoulder press, upright row

TRICEPS: Lying triceps extension

BICEPS: Curl, concentration curl

FOREARMS: Wrist curl, wrist extension

LEGS: Squat, leg curl, calf raise

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.

Barbell Exercises That Suit Beginners

The aim for beginners to weight training must be to lay the foundations for the intensive workouts that their bodies will eventually be subjected to. Obviously successful bodybuilding involves bringing together disparate elements such as nutrition and rest but choosing the right exercises is crucial. In this article we'll outline the barbell exercises that will enable new bodybuilders to develop the general strength and body conditioning needed.

Initially beginners should aim to complete two sets of ten to twelve reps but after a few weeks, when you have developed sufficient control and basic strength, experiment with one set of six to eight reps to failure. This will maximize your muscle growth and give you the impetus to move on to the next stage of development. Before long you'll find the use of this single piece of equipment restricting, so later in this series of articles we'll pull together a muscle boosting program that utilizes other equipment to take you to the intermediate level. In the meantime, get to work with these exercises in order to get used to working your muscles.

Start off training four days per week and work body parts on the following basis not forgetting to incorporate rest days:

Day 1 - Biceps, Back, Abs

Day 2- Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs

Day 3 - Quads, Forearms, Calves

Day 4 - Triceps, Chest, Abs

The exercises recommended for beginners are as follows:

CHEST: Bench press

SHOULDERS: Upright row, military press, front shrug

TRICEPS: Lying triceps extension, lying triceps extension with EZ curl bar

BICEPS: Standing curl, EZ standing curl

LOWER BODY: Squat, reverse lunge, calf raise

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.