Be a renaissance man. Every now and again, I like to shift gears here and write about bigger things other than biceps and bench presses. Call it a 30,000-foot view post where I pan back and take in the "big picture" of something on my mind. A few years ago, a friend had a look … Continue reading Be a Renaissance Man or Woman: A Call to Action
A few early observations about my low-volume training. It's been about a full week of training with lower-volume training. I didn't reduce my sets all that much, but cutting out one set per movement is significant enough to make an impact. Here are some of my initial experiences. My focus has shifted. Before, I would … Continue reading Benefits of Low-Volume Training: My Experience So Far
The over-40 fall/winter mass training program. With the cold months approaching, it's a great time to rethink training and shift gears a bit. I always think of my training in terms of seasons. Not necessarily the four-yearly seasons, but more about how my training goals and life stressors cycle throughout the year. For example, I … Continue reading Do Over 40 Trainers Need Lower Volume for More Muscle?
When you feel flat, over-trained, and unmotivated. I have a standing appointment with the phenomenon known as burnout. I'll be gliding along, minding my own business, getting great workouts, pumps, and progress numbers, and then it'll creep up on me without warning, trigger, or logic. Burnout greets me with a visit. Here is what it … Continue reading Coping with Burnout: Understanding Its Impact on Training
Climbing to the age of 40 and beyond brings with it a host of changes. Some great (family, wisdom, some success), but it also has its fair share of challenges (more medical maintenance, heftier bills, weary joints). I've been training consistently since I was 14, so my joints aren't necessarily aged, they just have a … Continue reading 7 Exercises I Don’t Do Anymore and What I Do Instead
Ready. Fire. Aim. A popular marketing quote is, "Shipped is better than perfect." It's basically saying that you'll never put into practice a plan you're trying to perfect. You'll be so wrapped up in developing the plan (trying to perfect it) that you'll never put it into action. So, whatever you have immediately available, go … Continue reading Master Your Goals with Ready, Fire, Aim Strategy
Old training principles that never get "old." We all need a primer every now and again. Even for us over-forty types who think we've been through it all. I try my best to practice the mindset of "always the student." Even though I've been training for a few decades now and have tried a full … Continue reading A Short Primer on the Fundamentals of Training, Even After 40
A case for going heavy if you're over 40. If you've been a reader of this blog for any time whatsoever, you've noticed I'm a big believer in a more moderate-to-high rep range. This is due in part to several factors. My joints have a few miles on them. I've done all sorts of training … Continue reading Should You Lift Heavy After 40?
The supplements I believe in and use. Over the years (decades?) I've tried my fair share of supplements. I've admittedly jumped on a few trends, bandwagons, and hype and tried the latest new compounds promising incredible results. But as I've gotten older (wiser) I've cut back to the essentials. Supplements should be just as they … Continue reading My Short List of Supplements That I Use for Muscle, Strength, and Health
I can't emphasize enough the importance and power of keeping the basics at the forefront. We like to seek out secrets, tricks, and other advanced techniques in hopes of finally unlocking optimal progress. I've been training for a few years now (since I was 14, which makes 51 - 14 = math), and I've read, … Continue reading How I Boosted My Arm Gains with Superset Training
Brad Borland 