If you want bigger legs, how deep should you squat? Is a parallel squat good enough? Or is arse-to-ankles the only way to go? Few questions divide opinion more than “how deep should you squat?” On the one hand, you have people saying that a parallel squat, or slightly above, is good enough. Others will […]
Upper/Lower vs Push/Pull/Legs (PPL): Which is Better for Gaining Muscle?
If you want to gain muscle, which routine works best? An upper/lower or a push/pull/legs split? Let’s find out. Is there a big difference between an upper/lower vs a PPL split when it comes to gaining muscle? As a rule, an upper/lower split is a better fit for someone who’s relatively new to lifting weights, […]
Overhand vs Underhand (Reverse Grip) Barbell Row: Which is Best?
What’s the difference between doing barbell rows with an underhand or an overhand grip? Is one better than the other? Here’s everything you need to know. What is the Underhand Barbell Row? When I talk about the underhand barbell row, sometimes known as a reverse-grip bent-over-row, this is the type of thing I mean: Here’s how […]
Are Leg Extensions Bad for Your Knees? Good for Building Muscle?
Some say that the leg extension is bad for your knees, and should be avoided at all costs. Any time you do the leg extension, you’re increasing your chances of sustaining a crippling knee injury that will put you out of action for months. Not only that, the leg extension is no good for building […]
15 Alternatives to the Seated and Lying Leg Curl You Can Do at Home
Today, I want to show you some highly effective leg curl alternatives you can use to build bigger, stronger hamstrings. If your gym doesn’t have a leg curl machine, or you want some hamstring exercises to do at home, this page will show you what to do. Leg Curl: Muscles Worked The are three main […]
Seated vs Lying Leg Curl: Which is Better?
What’s the fastest way to make your hamstrings grow? The seated or lying leg curl? While the hamstrings are involved in compound lifts like the squat and leg press, their contribution is relatively small. If you want to maximize growth in the hamstrings, you’ll need exercises that train them directly. One of the more popular […]
Do Resistance Bands Work for Building Muscle? Bands vs Weights
Can you build muscle with resistance bands? How do they compare with free weights like barbells and dumbbells? Here’s everything you need to know. Do resistance bands work for building muscle? Yes. Resistance is resistance, whether it comes from your own bodyweight, free weights or resistance bands. Are resistance bands better than dumbbells and barbells […]
7 Seated Cable Row Alternatives: No Machine Necessary
Today, I want to show you some highly effective seated cable row alternatives you can use to build a bigger, more muscular back. If you train at home, or your gym doesn’t have a seated cable row machine, these exercises use barbells, dumbbells, resistance bands or your own bodyweight to work the same muscles in […]
Pull Up Alternatives: Train Your Back Without a Pull Up Bar
If you want some effective pull up alternatives that you can do at home or in a gym, using dumbbells, bands or machines, this page will show you what to do. Pull Up Muscles Worked The pull up is a compound exercise, meaning it works a number of different muscle groups at the same time. […]
Squat Alternatives: Bad Knees, Back or Hips?
If you want to train your lower body, but bad knees, dodgy hips or a sore back mean the squat is off your exercise menu, here are some alternatives that will do the job just as well. There are several reasons why you’re looking for an alternative to the squat. Maybe your knees, hips or […]