Tag: Training

Resources by Conor HeffernanAug 21, 201711:41 am

The History of the Preacher Curl

A piece of equipment ubiquitous across the gym floor, the Preacher Curl is a go to exercise for gym bros and dedicated trainees alike seeking to build their biceps. Combined with the EZ Bar, whose history is covered here, the Preacher Curl is likely an exercise we’ve all turned to in need of arm development.

When did this piece of equipment enter the gym zeitgeist, what was its original purpose and how did it become so popular? Furthermore, how does one perform the exercise correctly? Well strap in folks as we take another trip down memory lane…

Fitness in the Classical Age

Were people as concerned with being fit and healthy two thousand years ago?

The need to be fit isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact two thousand years ago, the the ability to run fast, lift heavy things and punch hard was arguably much more important than it is today. For many civilisations it was matter of life and death. Take for example the ancient Greeks who prioritized health and fitness. For the Greeks being in tip-top shape was a necessity for the sake of their Empires. Back then, fitness was a backbone of military strength.

Resources by Conor HeffernanAug 9, 201710:39 am

Forge Your Workout To Work For You

What is your ultimate fitness goal? For some, the dream is to lose a certain number of pounds by a certain date, fit into that suit in time for your best pal’s wedding. Or maybe you dream of being big in the ballsy world of bodybuilding. Whatever it is, it’s good to be clear on it, because that dream will influence greatly what your workout sessions need to be. There is a lot to take on board when it comes to making your workout as perfect as possible for your own unique goals, and it’s worth spending the time getting it just right, even before you have started hitting the gym.

Resources by Conor HeffernanAug 9, 201710:30 am

Guest Post: Keep Your Body Healthy With Water

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You would think, that because our bodies re made up of nearly 60% water that we wouldn’t need more of it – right? Wrong. Your brain and heart are comprised of 73% water, your lungs about 83% water, your skin 64% water, muscles and kidneys 79% and your bones 31% water. That’s a lot of H20. It’s because our bodies are made up of, and therefore use, a lot water makes the resource even more valuable.

Why Does Your Body Need Water?

Nutrition by Conor HeffernanAug 6, 20177:45 pm

John McCallum ‘Get Big Drink’

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The quest for greater size has long plagued both the ‘hard gainer’ and the muscle bound hunk. At times it can seem that the need to ingest greater calories is almost as taxing as our workouts. A predicament that John McCallum, the focus of today’s article, was keen to address. As you’ll read below, McCallum devised a simple but highly effective weight gain drink for those seeking to put on weight in the shortest possible amount of time.

Resources by Conor HeffernanAug 2, 20177:26 am

Bradley J. Steiner, For Rugged Strength And Muscle Size Try This Novel “Split Routine (1972 Article)

I remember hesitating abut using the title that appears on the top of this page.

I can hear the “oohs!” and “aahhs!” and I can see the looks of astonishment and disappointment on your faces: “Steiner – IRON MAN’S feature-writer, advocating, a split routine? Why, this guy’s flipped his wig. He’s been hollering so much about the importance of avoiding too much exercise, and the fact the three workouts a week are plenty for gains, that I’ve been afraid to even look at a a barbell more than three times a week – for fear of over-training – and now?? – what gives? – has Steiner gone the way of the Iron Game’s more unscrupulous money-grubbers? – is he too going to blabber about quadruple-zipping and double-popping, and marathon, three-hour schedules? – Oh man! What’s going on???

Resources by Conor HeffernanJul 31, 20176:26 pm

The Squat …For Everything?

Written by Peary Rader in Ironman magazine in 1971, the following article details the great man’s love of the heavy squat as a means of hypertrophy. Despite his own opinion on squat mechanics (see our ‘Magic Circle‘ article), Rader was unwavering in his claim that heavy squatting was the most effective training for all. An interesting read and timely rallying call for effective training!

I want to dwell on a topic which I feel is of great importance of every reader of this article, whether his interest be in big muscles, great strength or superb condition and health. We want to dwell more at length on the latter though we wish to emphasize the others as well.

Resources by Conor HeffernanJul 25, 20171:12 pm

How They Train: Conditioning Methods of World Champion Boxer Evander Holyfield by Dr. Fred Hatfield

Training Strategy for Evander Holyfield The time-honoured — but unfortunately ill-conceived — practice of long, slow distance work as a conditioning regimen for boxers is what Evander learned from the training dinosaurs of his youth, […]

Resources by Conor HeffernanJul 24, 20171:08 pm

Keeping Your Fitness Levels Up: The Unusual Way

We all know the regular ways that we can keep fit. You eat a balanced diet, and you do some form of exercise like running or jogging. But what about the other ways that you […]

Training by Conor HeffernanJul 21, 20173:40 pm

5 Reasons to Jump in the Pool and Swim More Often

What’s your flavour of exercise routine? Do you like cardio? Building strength? Endurance training? Whatever it is, you’ve probably got a whole list of exercises that you do regularly in order to maintain your current body weight and strength. However, if you don’t, then you’re probably in that stage of fitness where trying to find the right exercise routine is taking far too long. Browsing the internet, bouncing between personal trainers and listening to conflicting advice from fitness friends can muddle all of the information in your head. If only there was a simple, relaxing exercise that gave you the results you wanted, be it weight loss, muscle building or increased stamina. Well… there is.

Swimming!

Taking a dip in the pool is perhaps one of the best ways to reach all kinds of fitness goals. Not only is it one of the cheapest forms of exercise to get involved with, it’s also a fantastic group activity to indulge in with your friends or family—even the kids can join! It’s a lot of fun, it can be taken seriously or just as a hobby, and it’s easy to learn. So without further ado, here are 5 reasons why you should swim more often.