Some say that squats and deadlifts render all direct abdominal work completely redundant, as both exercises provide all the stimulation your abs will ever need. That’s the theory, anyway. But the research tells a different story. Deadlifts do work many of the core muscles. But it’s mainly the ones in your back, especially the spinal […]
Do Squats Work Your Abs? What Science Says
Every day, millions of people ask Google some of life’s most pressing questions, big and small. And I’ve taken it upon myself to provide you with the answers. Today, I tackle some of the most popular questions on the subject of squats, what muscles they do (and don’t) work, and whether they’ll make your glutes […]
How Squats Affect Testosterone: Research Findings Explained
You’ve probably come across the claim that certain compound exercises, the barbell squat in particular, will increase your testosterone levels, which in turn will lead to a faster rate of muscle growth. Google around, and you’ll see headlines like: The idea is that this exercise or that workout will increase testosterone levels naturally, putting you […]
Casein or Whey for Weight Loss: Which Works Best?
If you want to lose weight, should your protein shake contain whey or casein? Is one better than the other? Or will they have much the same effect on weight loss? Protein and Weight Loss When it comes to getting lean, protein has a couple of important roles. First, it does a better job at […]
How Many Protein Shakes a Day to Gain Muscle?
Protein shakes are a quick and easy way to increase the amount of protein in your diet. But how many should you actually be drinking? And how many is too many? There are no rigid rules that dictate exactly how many protein shakes you should have each day. But for most people looking to build […]
Lumen Review: Stalked by the Lumen Metabolism Hacker
Recently, I was targeted by a YouTube ad for something called Lumen, which claims to be the first device to hack your metabolism. Even after I left and went to another site, it was still there, stalking me. Eventually I gave in, and clicked the ad to see what it was all about. What is […]
Will a Protein Shake Before Bed Give You More Muscle by Morning?
You’ve heard that taking a protein shake before bed will help you build muscle faster. But you’ve also heard that doing so is a waste of time, and that protein timing is irrelevant. Just hit your macros by the end of the day and you’ll be fine. Will drinking a protein shake before bed give […]
Why Cardio Isn’t Going to Kill Your Gains
Is it a myth that cardio kills your gains? Can you mix cardio and weights without putting the brakes on muscle growth? Here’s everything you need to know. Does Cardio Really Ruin Your Gains? Cardio doesn’t have a negative impact on muscle growth, just as long as you don’t do too much of it. Most […]
Blood Flow Restriction Training: 4 Alternatives That Work Just as Well
If you want to know what the science says about blood flow restriction training and muscle growth – what it is, how it works, and how to get many of the same benefits without faffing around with cuffs, bands or tourniquets, this page will show you how. What Is Blood Flow Restriction Training? With blood […]
Do Some Muscles Grow Faster With Lighter Weights and Higher Reps?
Some say that you should train a muscle based on its predominant fiber type. Muscles that are slow-twitch dominant, for example, should be hit with light weights and high reps. Muscles that contain mainly fast-twitch fibers, on the other hand, respond best to heavy weights and low reps. The first time I came across the […]