If you decide to perform all three big lifts -- the squat, bench press and deadlift -- in the same routine, you must carefully control your training volume and rest days. The strain of large, compound lifts exceeds that of smaller lifts such as...
Since squats, deadlifts and bench presses exercise major muscle groups, you can use heavier weights and achieve faster overall muscle development -- especially if you include sufficient protein in your diet. If you are a novice bodybuilder, do not...
Benchmark exercises such as the pushup, pullup, squat, deadlift and bench press test the strength of large muscle groups. By evaluating your own abilities in these exercises, you can gain insight into your current level of fitness and set goals...
Resistance training is an essential component of improving physical fitness. Resistance training includes the use of dumbbells, barbells, body weight, machine weights and cable pulleys. Using progressively heavier weights improves bone health and...
Powerlifting and strength training are two similar activities. Both systems try to increase the strength of the person doing them. Strength training routines focus on getting a person stronger in all areas of the body. Powerlifting routines only...
The core lifts are the bench press, squat and deadlift. Performing these three exercises provides you with a complete full-body workout. Increasing the amount of weight you can lift in these exercises is a challenge because each of the lifts uses...
The Battle on the Borders Powerlifting Championship is a yearly competition between powerlifters from North and South Carolina to compete for a championship plaque. This competition is held in various cities of either state; however, competitors...
A leverage machine is a fitness tool that enables safe weightlifting exercise without the need for a spotter, or second person. These home gyms come in a variety of models, most incorporating such standard weightlifting positions as the bench...
The Bowflex Sport home gym is one of the cheaper models in the Nautilus Bowflex line of workout equipment. The system comes standard with 210 lbs. of resistance through the power rods on the back of the machine. Changing exercises and resistance...
Weight training provides a variety of benefits including muscular growth, strength and endurance along with increases in metabolism. Weightlifters that consistently exercise with heavier loads experience gains in muscular size when combined with a...
Weightlifting evolved into a sport by the late 19th century when professional strong men performed in the circus and music halls across Europe. Eventually, weightlifting evolved into separate sports, including powerlifting -- a sport that...
Kids can use strength training to condition themselves for sports like soccer, football and basketball while under proper supervision. Complement their resistance training regimen with aerobic activity and flexibility exercises to improve overall...
Though there are many home gyms available that make promises of a better physique, few are as highly praised as the Powertec Workbench Leverage Multi-System. Designed for serious weight lifters, the Powertec gym provides a health-club-quality...
Exponents of the Smith Machine claim that the device has revolutionized gym training and opened doors to people who would have otherwise walked past the weight room. From bench presses and squats to bicep curls and lunges, you can perform almost...
Circuit training burns fat, improves muscle strength and gives you an aerobic workout, all at the same time. Military training employs the concept of moving rapidly between exercises to improve endurance. If you would like to train like a Marine...
According to the Mayo Clinic, excess belly fat carries numerous health risks for both men and women. Carrying too much fat in your abdominal region raises your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Belly fat can also be detrimental to your...
The male sex hormone testosterone can do more for your body than just increase sex drive. Supplementing testosterone levels can help increase lean muscle mass, lower blood pressure and reduce the levels of bad cholesterol. It can also affect...
A real calculation of your one-rep max should only be done if you are an experienced lifter. For a novice, calculate your one-rep max by determining your 10-repetition max. Bench press the heaviest amount of weight you can lift for 10 repetitions...
You will use a weight bench when you strength train with free weights. Your weight bench and free weights are available in two sizes: standard and Olympic. Both pieces of equipment will help you improve your strength. There are advantages and...
Bodybuilding requires constant overload to effectively grow your muscles. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, forced repetitions is a great way to help break through plateaus during a bodybuilding program. Be sure to have a...
Because Marines must be prepared for the unknown at all times, it's important to incorporate many aspects of strength training into your workout routine. You must be capable of moving in a variety of planes of movement, as well as lifting heavy...
Increasing the maximum one-rep weight limit is a goal of many weightlifters for exercises like bench presses, squats and deadlifts. "Maxing-out" for one rep on various exercises is a good way to gauge strength and overall progress. Observing a few...
Originally designed for training older adults in nursing homes, you can use rubber resistance bands for a wide variety of exercises based on your fitness goals. A color-coded progressive resistance system indicates the amount of resistance, with...
Muscular strength increases are achieved by placing a higher demand on your muscles over a period of time. A variety of training methods including free weights, dumbbells and body weight resistance exercises are utilized to facilitate muscular...
Exercise scientists hear some variation of the above question quite often. But the answer to it is not simple. Unlike with most forms of endurance training, figuring the caloric cost of resistance training can be difficult. Despite that and the...
Almost every football program has a weightlifting regimen, and most routines include similar types of lifts. While you will find some coaches who emphasize Olympic lifting more heavily than standard squats and bench presses, others believe in...
Strength training, combined with aerobic activity and flexibility exercises, forms the foundation for a well-rounded physical fitness campaign for teenagers. Teenagers can use free weights to help build overall fitness and improve self-esteem....
Circuit training maximizes time spent working out while improving your muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, body composition and functional capacity. Circuit training uses eight to 12 exercises, done one after the other...
Muscular strength is how much weight you can lift for one repetition, typically using the bench press or the squat exercise. Muscular endurance is defined as how many reps you can do, usually measured with sit-ups or push-ups. The American College...
Using the Smith Machine to get a good workout. Learn what the Smith Machine is and how it can keep the body fit in this training video.
Lifting weights with barbell single leg squats. Learn how to increase leg strength in this workout video.
