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
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?
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?
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
A friend didn't want to train legs. And starting over with squats. Don't want to train legs? Try this The other day, a friend of mine was already warming up for his lower-body training day. I saw the anguish on his face. He simply wasn't in the mood for a leg day, least not on … Continue reading Low Motivation Leg Days and Relearning to Squat Effectively
Leg training: an update on knee health and building muscle. I've written about the problems with my knees and what I think is the culprit in the recent past. The horribly bent leg extension machine at my gym was putting undue stress on my knees and creating a strength imbalance. It's been a while, and … Continue reading Knee Health and Leg Training: A Comprehensive Update
It's that time of year again when I ask myself a series of questions about the fate of this blog. Disclaimer: I don't see my blog as some huge, influential source of information or central hub for all things fitness. I don't have a countless number of "fans" who incessantly message me their thoughts, questions, … Continue reading Navigating the Changing Landscape of Fitness Content
Hybrid programs: free weights and machines. My training has evolved over the years in many more ways than one. Yes, getting older (and with more mileage) comes with the necessity to shift gears a little if I want to continue on the bodybuilding path. But what does that look like? Judgment day There was a … Continue reading Hybrid Training: Balancing Free Weights and Machines
Below are some tough, honest questions you need to ask yourself if progress in training and nutrition is eluding you. On training How many days per week are you dedicating to upper body training? How many days per week are you dedicating to lower body training? Does it seem balanced? How much volume (sets) do … Continue reading Key Questions to Enhance Your Training and Nutrition
Lying triceps extensions, elbow pain, and a simple fix for better gains. If you're built like me, then you've had your fair share of aching joints. I'm a relatively tall guy with long limbs. The advantage of such limbs is that I'm a fair "puller." I'm not all that impressive pushing (a la bench press … Continue reading How to Avoid Elbow Pain With Lying Triceps Extensions
Brad Borland 