Tag: Arms
How To Perform the Perfect Barbell Curl
The Essential Exercise for Building Upper Arm Size
While exercises like barbell curls should be part of a strength training program, they are perhaps of secondary importance in comparison to a range of compound exercises such as squats, pulls, and presses.However, this is not to say that they are unimportant or unnecessary as the barbell curl can successfully bring about a significant change in the size of the biceps.Furthermore, working the biceps through exercises like the barbell curl can have a consequent impact on strength, power, general fitness, and aesthetics.This article will review the barbell curl, the specific benefits associated with the exercises, and a number of curl variations that you can add to your training.
Barbell Curl Technique & Muscles Work
Considering the fact that the barbell curl is an isolation exercise, the movements place a great amount of stress on only one muscle group – the biceps.However, the forearm muscles are also isometrically contracted as a result of gripping the bar. This simply means that the muscles are activated but are not changing in length.
The following 5 steps will allow you to complete the barbell curl in an effective manner and facilitate changes in bicep and forearm strength and size.
1) Stand Upright
Start by grabbing the bar using an underhand grip that is slightly wider than the hips. Be aware that grip widths may vary depending on your physical characteristics.Stand up with the bar in hand, lift the chest, pull the shoulders back and squeeze the shoulder blades together.It’s highly important that the shoulders remain pulled back throughout the barbell curl to ensure that a maximal load is placed on the biceps.
2) Squeeze the Bar
A common mistake is failing to squeeze the bar tightly during the curl. This often causes the elbows to flare out, the chest to drop and the shoulders to move forward.Gripping tightly will keep the hands supinated (palms out) and consequently prevent the elbows from flaring. Allowing flaring will turn the exercise into a shoulder-dominant movement which is not ideal. To maximize the load on the biceps, facilitate better form and develop fuller looking arms, focus on squeezing the pinkies on the barbell and imagine you are attempting to break the bar.
3) Curl Up and Out
When executing the curl, focus on keeping the bar away from the torso rather than tight to it. Ideally, the elbows should be slightly in front of the line of the shoulders.As you curl upwards, prevent the shoulders from shifting out of position – they may want to come forward as the bar rises.
4) Focus on the Squeeze
When reaching the top portion of the barbell curl, ensure that you do not curl the bar too far. Bringing the bar up to the chest will suffice.If you continue to curl up to the shoulders and allow the elbows to shift away from the sides, you will find that the tension on biceps will dissipate and the shoulders will become involved.The goal should be to maintain tension through the biceps, therefore, ensure you reach chest level and concentrate on the bicep contraction at the top of the movement.
5) Control the Descent
As mentioned in the last point, it is imperative that tension is maintained on the biceps throughout the duration of the exercise.Therefore, avoid rushing the eccentric lowering phase to maximize bicep tension. As you reach the bottom of the rep, avoid relaxing and fully straightening the arms to maintain tension.Focus on keeping your hands slightly in front of the body at the very bottom of the curl – this should prevent you from dropping the bar too far.
Benefits of the Barbell Curl
There are a number of reasons to incorporate the barbell curl into your training program. This section will consider 4 primary benefits associated with the exercise.
1) Stronger Grip
As highlighted, the barbell curl is not only an effective exercise for the biceps but the forearm muscles too. Increasing the strength of the forearm muscles will help to develop grip strength.The stress and strain placed on the forearms during the barbell will cause a significant adaptation and improve grip strength and wrist strength & stability.Enhancing these components will help with other resistance exercises that require a large degree of wrist and grip strength. Prime examples are the deadlift, loaded carries, hanging exercises, and weightlifting.
2) Injury Prevention
The biceps are responsible for bringing about flexion of the elbow joint as well as stabilizing and assisting in carries and pulling exercises.Having weak biceps can increase your risk of sustaining an injury to the biceps or the elbow as well as contributing to issues with grip thus negatively impacting your performance will certain exercises.Therefore, it is clear that incorporating bicep-orientated exercises like the barbell curl into your training is key for building strength and reducing the risk of sustaining an injury.
3) Increased Upper Body Size
Using the barbell curl as an accessory in conjunction with other accessory moves such as presses, dips, and rows can significantly impact overall upper body strength and size.Any lifter who is looking to gain weight in order to move up a weight class or improve for aesthetic reasons should consider incorporating barbell curls into their program.Likewise, those who are lacking in upper body strength and size and those who aspire to improve grip strength and joint health will benefit from the barbell curl.
4) Bigger Arms
The barbell curl is considered the ultimate bicep exercise for good reason and the most evident benefit associated with the barbell curl is an increase in upper arm girth.One of the biggest benefits of the barbell-based exercises is that the barbells allow you to lift the heaviest load possible (1) which causes the muscles to rapidly adapt in strength and size.Finally, as reflected on, developing the biceps not only has a positive impact on performance and joint health but having bigger arms may allow you to draw even more strength.
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Barbell Curl Variations and Alternatives
This section will provide detail on a number of barbell curl variations and alternatives that can be used to develop bicep size and strength.The variations and alternatives listed can be used if you find that progress has stalled with the barbell curl, need to add volume or are simply looking to freshen up your training.
Variations
1) Eccentric Barbell Curls
Emphasizing the eccentric phase of the barbell curl is one method of overloading the biceps and cause a large amount of damage to the muscle.Studies have found eccentric training to be a highly effective method for improving muscular size (2).For the eccentric barbell curl, complete the concentric phase as normal but lower the bar in a controlled manner back to the hips. This lowering phase should last 3-5 seconds.
2) Tempo Barbell Curls
The tempo curl is very similar to the eccentric method, however, the control can be applied to the concentric phase as well as the eccentric phase.The goal of this method is to maintain time under tension which has been found to be highly important in muscle mass development (3).A range of tempos can be used in tempo training however, considering that the goal is to increase time under tension, focus on 3-5 seconds per contraction.
3) Seated Barbell Curls
The seated variation of the barbell curl removes the bottom portion of the lift and entirely focuses on the upper portion.Because the range of motion is restricted, it is possible to lift a greater load with the seated barbell curl which can increase the demand placed on the biceps and cause a greater adaptation.
Alternatives
1) Hammer Curls
The hammer curl is a well known and renowned exercise for bicep and forearm development. The exercise targets the muscles of the arms from a different angle to help stimulate growth.The hammer curl is most commonly performed with dumbbells which are curled upward while being held in a neutral position (palms facing inwards). Although barbells have been found to highly activate the biceps most highly in the curl (4), dumbbells certainly have their benefits, specifically in terms of stability.
2) Preacher Curls
The preacher curl can be performed with a range of different pieces of equipment – barbells, EZ bars, and dumbbells.The exercise involves placing the upper arm onto an angled bench which entirely isolates the biceps by preventing the upper arms from moving.
3) Chin Ups
Although the chin-up is a compound exercise that works the lats as well as the biceps, it is a highly effective exercise for building strength and size in the arms.The exercise involves using an underhand grip on a pull-up bar and hanging. From the hanging position, pull hard so that the body rises up to the bar before dropping back down to the starting position.
Final Word
There is no doubt that the barbell curl is a highly effective developer of the biceps and should be especially be utilized by athletes and lifters who are looking to improve grip strength, arm strength & size and reduce the risk of upper extremity injury.
References:
1) Saeterbakken, Atle H.; van den Tillaar, Roland; Fimland, Marius S. (2011-03). “A comparison of muscle activity and 1-RM strength of three chest-press exercises with different stability requirements”. Journal of Sports Sciences. 29 (5): 533–538. doi:10.1080/02640414.2010.543916. ISSN 1466-447X. PMID 21225489.
2) Franchi, Martino V.; Reeves, Neil D.; Narici, Marco V. (July 4, 2017). “Skeletal Muscle Remodeling in Response to Eccentric vs. Concentric Loading: Morphological, Molecular, and Metabolic Adaptations”. Frontiers in Physiology. 8. doi:10.3389/fphys.2017.00447. ISSN 1664-042X. PMC 5495834. PMID 28725197.
3) Burd, Nicholas A; Andrews, Richard J; West, Daniel WD; Little, Jonathan P; Cochran, Andrew JR; Hector, Amy J; Cashaback, Joshua GA; Gibala, Martin J; Potvin, James R; Baker, Steven K; Phillips, Stuart M (January 15, 2012). “Muscle time under tension during resistance exercise stimulates differential muscle protein sub-fractional synthetic responses in men”. The Journal of Physiology. 590 (Pt 2): 351–362. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2011.221200. ISSN 0022-3751. PMC 3285070. PMID 22106173.
4) Marcolin, Giuseppe; Panizzolo, Fausto Antonio; Petrone, Nicola; Moro, Tatiana; Grigoletto, Davide; Piccolo, Davide; Paoli, Antonio (July 13, 2018). “Differences in electromyographic activity of biceps brachii and brachioradialis while performing three variants of curl”. PeerJ. 6. doi:10.7717/peerj.5165. ISSN 2167-8359. PMC 6047503. PMID 30013836.
The Best 3-Move Workout For Huge Triceps
Essentials Components for Tricep Growth
Maximizing the time spent in the gym is important, especially for those who find that they are tight on time. Trying to manage time while simultaneously ensuring that you are getting enough training volume to bring about change, can be challenging.Common methods of time-saving include using restricted rest times, supersets, tri-sets, and giant sets which allow an individual to work through a greater amount of volume in a shorter time-frame. This article will cover the best exercises & equipment, time under tension and will finish with an excellent 15-minute workout for building tricep size.
Exercise Selection
When it comes to exercise choice, the types of exercises you select should be based on the training goals that you currently have. There are two categories of exercise that should be considered – compound and isolation exercises. While both are effective, they have unique uses and benefits in strength training.Compound exercises are simply exercises that activate a range of muscles across a number of joints. Some examples of compound exercises include the deadlift, squat, and bench.Meanwhile, isolation exercises focus on one muscle group across only one joint. Some examples of isolation exercises include the tricep pushdown, bicep curl and front raise.While both types of exercises have been found to be beneficial for both strength and muscle hypertrophy (1), both have specific uses in resistance training.Compound exercises will certainly be most beneficial in terms of pure strength development considering that it is possible to lift heavier loads with the majority of compound movements.Isolation exercises are highly beneficial for ironing out any weakness and imbalances that may exist. They can also be used to target specific areas that are proving problematic.Finally, because isolation exercises place all the stress on one muscle group, it is possible that these muscles will respond more quickly thus leading to an increase in strength and size.The best training programs focus primarily on compound exercises and use isolation exercises supplementally in order to facilitate and accelerate the rate of change.
Equipment Selection
In terms of equipment, it would be wrong to suggest that one piece of kit is better than another. Instead, a combination of equipment should be used for the majority of training programs.In the following workout, every exercise is to be completed using the resistance band cables as they allow for a greater degree of muscular control.The reason why barbells and dumbbells are not used for this workout is that, although typically more weight can be lifted, muscle tension is not consistent throughout the range of motion. This is not to discredit barbells or dumbbells as they absolutely have their place in resistance training – however, as will be discussed in the following point, cables more efficiently maintain tension on the muscle.
Time Under Tension (TUT)
Time under tension or TUT is a very common exercise principle that is often used by those looking to build significant muscle growth. The TUT technique involves manipulating tempo to increase muscular tension (2). The three mechanisms of muscular hypertrophy are mechanical tension, muscle damage, and metabolic stress (3).The principle behind the TUT technique is to increase the amount of mechanical tension which will consequently increase the amount of muscle damage and metabolic stress.Causing muscle damage and metabolic stress will prompt a response from the body to begin the recovery process. It is this recovery process that causes an increase in strength and size.Often, individuals rush through repetitions too quickly which is not ideal when we consider the mechanisms behind hypertrophy.Finally, as referred to earlier, the reason that cables are used in this workout comes down to their ability to maintain tension on the muscles throughout the duration of the exercise.Therefore, the cables are the perfect option for all time under tension work.
Nutrition Considerations
While all of the above points are very important, they will not make a significant difference on muscle growth if your nutrition is not right.For muscle growth, there are two key considerations to be made – calorie and protein consumption. Both are needed in high quantities in order to enhance recovery and onset muscle growth (4).
Three Moves for Bigger Triceps
There are 3 simple tricep isolation exercises that are to be performed and the workout follows a very simple structure – 3 exercises, 5 sets x 15 reps and 20-second rests.The short rest between sets means that you are likely to generate a significant muscle pump – perhaps more so than you would if you were to perform 6 conventional exercises.In terms of weight, start with a light load. It may feel far too light during the first set however, because of the restricted rest periods, it’ll feel super heavy by set 4 & 5.Each set should take approximately 25-30 seconds which consequently means that the entire workout should take no longer than 15 minutes.It is recommended to complete this workout after completing a chest day or to pair it with bicep work.
Exercise
Sets x Reps
Rest
Tricep Pushdown
5 x 15
20 sec
Reverse Grip Tricep Pushdown
5 x 15
20 sec
Cable Lying Tricep Extension
5 x 15
20 sec
Technique Tips
It’s important to remember that each of the exercises in this workout is an isolation exercise. Therefore, to effectively isolate the triceps, movement should only be generated around the elbow joint.It’s not uncommon to see individuals moving through the shoulder to assist in this exercise. Additionally, on occasion, the hips may also shift in order to help drive the movement.When this occurs, it can reduce the amount of tension placed on the triceps and move it onto other muscle groups. Therefore, all movement out with elbow flexion/extension should be eliminated.
Tricep Pushdown
For the pushdown, set up the pulley to a high position, attach the rope and grip it using a neutral grip (palms facing each other).In the start position, the hands should be approximately in line with the height of the shoulders. Tuck both elbows tightly into the ribcage and lift the chest prior to pushing down.Drive the load down to the hips by hinging at the elbows only. Ensure that you squeeze the triceps tightly at the bottom of the movement in order to maximize time under tension.In addition, control the eccentric (or negative) portion of the movement and avoid the temptation to rush through each and every rep.When you reach the top of the rep, feel free to let the elbows shift forward very slightly to maximize the stretch of the triceps.The first set of your pulldowns should feel very manageable and set 2 & 3 should feel like warm-up sets.It is with set 4 and 5 that the triceps will really start to fatigue and burn. As fatigue builds, focus even more so on technique as fatigue can begin to interfere with how you move.
Reverse Grip Tricep Pushdown
Having completed the conventional tricep pushdown, immediately move into the reverse grip pushdown to keep the blood flowing to the tricep muscles.Quickly swap the rope for the bar attachment and take up an underhand grip on the bar. This change of grip will cause greater activation of the long head of triceps.The movement pattern of the reverse grip pushdown is exactly the same as the conventional pushdown, the only difference being the grip used.This time, focus on the backside of the upper arm and keep each rep controlled to maximize the stretch on the muscle.As with the conventional pushdown, remember to squeeze the tricep at the bottom of the exercise.
Cable Lying Tricep Extension
The final exercise, the cable lying tricep extension, places a great stretch on the triceps as a result of the mechanics involved in the exercise.For the cable lying tricep extension, set a flat bench in front of the pulley and bring the pulley down to a low position.Look to keep the upper arm in a vertical position and focus on flexing and extending the elbows.To maximize the tricep stretch, it is imperative that each rep is kept controlled throughout. Take your time as you flex the elbows before extending and slowly squeezing the triceps.Often with this exercise (and the majority of tricep exercises), individuals jerk the weight rather than focusing on maintaining control.Remember that the entire purpose of this workout is to increase time under tension. By performing quick and uncontrolled repetitions, you will fail to effectively do this.Take your time with the movements and keep the tempo slow. If you do this effectively, you will really feel the triceps burn!
Final Word
Significant changes in muscle size will occur providing ample protein and calories are consumed and in conjunction with a well-planned resistance training program.
Considering the important role that time under tension plays in causing muscular hypertrophy, this 15 minute, 3-move tricep workout can increase the size of the triceps.
References:
1-Gentil, Paulo; Soares, Saulo; Bottaro, Martim (2015-6). “Single vs. Multi-Joint Resistance Exercises: Effects on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy”. Asian Journal of Sports Medicine. 6 (2). doi:10.5812/asjsm.24057. ISSN 2008-000X. PMC 4592763. PMID 26446291.
2-Wilk, Michal; Golas, Artur; Stastny, Petr; Nawrocka, Monika; Krzysztofik, Michal; Zajac, Adam (June 13, 2018). “Does Tempo of Resistance Exercise Impact Training Volume?”. Journal of Human Kinetics. 62: 241–250. doi:10.2478/hukin-2018-0034. ISSN 1640-5544. PMC 6006544. PMID 29922395.
3-Schoenfeld, Brad J. (2010-10). “The mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy and their application to resistance training”. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 24 (10): 2857–2872. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e840f3. ISSN 1533-4287. PMID 20847704.
4-Stokes, Tanner; Hector, Amy J.; Morton, Robert W.; McGlory, Chris; Phillips, Stuart M. (February 7, 2018). “Recent Perspectives Regarding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training”. Nutrients. 10 (2). doi:10.3390/nu10020180. ISSN 2072-6643. PMC 5852756. PMID 29414855.
How to Add Inches To Your Guns
Here is how to add some size to your arms.
How do you make your arms bigger? Well there is obviously one simple answer to this, and that is to shop one size smaller…
All kidding aside, good arms can really make a physique pop and make everyone take notice
So what is the secret?
Well the secret to getting big is muscular hypertrophy, and that essentially means an increase in muscle mass. And this muscle mass is built by overcoming an external force ie – weights, it is really that simple.
Now let’s take a moment to look at the arms in particular which is a combination of the biceps and triceps.
The Biceps (biceps brachii):
The biceps consists of two heads (as per the name suggest), there is a ‘long head’ and a ‘short head’, and they work as a singular muscle and they are responsible for arm flexion.
The Triceps:
The triceps consists of three heads, again as per the name suggests. It has a long, head, lateral and medial heads, and is responsible for elbow extension.
So what exercises will help me achieve muscle hypertrophy?
Biceps:
Here is a rundown of some great exercises to give you that bicep peak bulging
21’s (curls):
The number “21” refers to the number of total reps you do in one set, but the “21” is also divided into three 7-rep segments that ultimately target the entire bicep.
1st 7 reps: For the first seven reps, go from the bottom of the movement up to the halfway point (with your arms at a 90 degree angle and hands at elbow level)
2nd 7 reps: Go from the halfway point up to the top of the bicep curl (hands up near shoulder level.
3rd 7 reps: Start at the bottom of the movement and complete a full range of movement all the way up
How To Perform 21s Bicep Barbell Curls
Stand upright and grab a barbell with an underhand grip.
Place your hands shoulders width apart and allow your arms to hang toward the floor.
Tuck your elbows tight to the sides of your body.
Curl upward until you make a 90-degree angle at your elbow.
Bring your arms back to full extension and repeat six more curls reaching the 90-degree angle at your elbow.
Now, from the 90-degree at your elbow position, curl the weight up until the barbell is one to two inches away from your shoulder.
Lower the weight back to the 90-degree elbow position and repeat six more times.
Now, allow your arms to return to full extension.
This time, curl your arms all the way to full extension.
Keep curling until the bar is about one to two inches away from your shoulder.
Repeat six more curls through this full range of motion to complete a total of 21 curls.
Kettlebell Curl – as the name suggests either using a kettlebell in each hand, curl as you would do with dumbbells or using a heavier kettlebell curl using both hands.
Concentration Curls
Sit on a bench with desired weight
Then lean forward and place your elbow to the base of your knee
You will be curling one are at a time
Palms facing upwards
Let the dumbbell hang towards your foot
Then curl up towards your shoulder while ensuring the elbow does not move
Bring the weight back down and repeat accordingly
Clairemont curls
Start in a similar position as you would do with seated dumbbell curls
Ensure the bench is slightly inclined
Grab the dumbbells and lean back
Then curl the weight, instead of down and up, you arms will be curling out wide and up
During the movement ensure your body does not move forward or cheats
Ensure the elbows stay tight and don’t flare out during the movement
Repeat reps accordingly
Spider Curl – using the flat part of an arm curl/ preacher curl bench. Grab your barbell or dumbbell, with palms facing upwards, bring the weight down while the elbow and triceps stay tight and close to the flat part of the bench. Fully extend then slowly contract back upwards.
Waiter curls
Grab one dumbbell, and cup it with both hands
Palms facing upwards
Ensure hands are either side of the handle
Start with the dumbbell hanging low
Then slowly curl the dumbbell using both arms towards your chest while keeping the elbows tight to the body
To ensure maximum bicep contraction try to push using your palms and not your fingers
Bring the weight back down and repeat accordingly
Triceps:
Here is a rundown of some great exercises to get your tricep horseshoe to pop
Weighted Dips – add weights to your body via a dipping belt, weighted vest or by holding dumbbells in between your legs
Closed grip bench press – similar to bench to hit the chest, this time being the grip closer to ensure that the triceps are taxed instead of the chest
Weighted bench dips – get yourself in between two benches, hands on one and feet on the other, and get someone to add weight to your legs. Then dip while keeping the weights balanced on your legs
Skull Crushers – lying down on a bench, bring the weight towards your head and then extend upwards to flex the tricep.
Body Weight Skull Crusher
Either set up a smith machine or use the fixed barbells or similar on a rack
Grab the bar with an overhand grip and ensure with a shoulder width stance
Ensure the rest of the body is rigid
Then lower your body down below bringing your head just below the bar
Then use your triceps to extend back up
Repeat again as required
Cable Skull Crushers
Set a bench next to a cable machine
Set the pulley to its lowest setting
Attach EZ attachment or similar to pulley
Make sure the bench is not too close so you have enough tension on the negative part of the movement
LIe back on the bench, and grab the attachment and extend above your head
The bring it back down slowly (the cable will ensure that you have to control the negative aspect of the movement)
Repeat accordingly
So there you have it, these bicep and tricep exercises will ensure your t-shirt sleeves are bursting at the seams and everyone will be asking if you have a permit for your guns.
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Double Up: A New Way To Build Even More Upper Body Mass Twice A Week
Taboo no more.
We all want a big chest. There are few things in this world that speaks for themselves like walking into a room with gorilla like pecs. While many of you guys will chalk it up to gear and supplements, the truth is you have to put in the hard work. But even with the intention there, are you maximizing your training to let your hard work show?
Training chest twice a week is a great way to add size, strength, and aesthetics to your upper body, but a lot of builders hit both days on the same note. Training heavy that first day is highly recommended but if you think you can go HAM on the second day you’re in for a rude awakening. It’s called surgery. We’re going to show you how to hit that second chest day off the week with trisets and giant sets that will have your heart racing and muscles twitching in no time.
Triset 1
Hammer strength banded flat chest press (4 sets of 10, rest 15 secs)
Contract for a half of a second at the top of every rep, and limit the range of motion at the bottom of this movement. Really work the top half, because you want to keep as much tension on the pecs as possible.
If you find the exercise to be too rough on the shoulders, try it without the resistance band.
Dumbbell side lateral raise (4 sets of 15, rest 60 seconds).
*Go straight from one exercise to the other for a Giant set.
With this exercise you want to concentrate on being strict in your movements. Put your ego aside and go to lower weights if you have but make sure you keep perfect form for all 15 reps… yes, even the last ones.
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Single arm high row – 4 sets of 10, rest 15 seconds – Both sides
You want a full range of motion with a stretch at the top and a slight flexing of the lats and scapular retractors in contracted positions.
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TRISET 2
Single arm dumbbell row – 3 sets of 10 reps, 15 seconds rest.
Complete this exercise with a full range of motion, giving you a squeeze at the top and a stretch at the bottom, letting your shoulder blade rotate and your rib cage..
Cable Crossover – 3 sets of 10-15 reps, 15 sec rest
Keep in mind that throughout the movement, the arms and torso should remain stationary; the movement should only occur at the shoulder join. You can hit different muscles by varying the point in front of you where your arms meet.
Prone-Incline dumbbell rear delt raise – 3 sets of 20, rest 120 secs
This last set will knock your socks off and give you that hurt so good you’re looking for. Remember to keep strict form, locking your core and hips – go through the full range of motion to truly feel the burn, no cheating.
Well there you have it, your second day upper body workout. This should give you the work you need to maximize that raging chest as well as keeping you injury free by being the Ying to the heavy day Yang.
Want The Ultimate Upper Body? Dips And Pull Ups Are The Trick
Never overlook these exercises.
Building an aesthetic physique is a goal that every bodybuilder should aspire to. Not everyone is capable of packing on as much muscle as a Phil Heath or a Kai Greene. Most people will only reach a certain level of muscle growth. If you’re a fan of mass monsters and wish to aspire to that body type, go for it. Track your macros closely, get that pump and get some gains. But if you’re genetically incapable of doing such a thing, which let’s face it most of are, then you’re probably going to have to settle for building an aesthetic, if not massively muscled, physique.
For most men and some women, building the upper body is a priority, not solely for aesthetics but for functional strength as well. Core strength is paramount for any athlete. Whether you’re looking to swing a golf club or build a massive chest, the core of your body plays a major role in perform the even the most simplest of actions.
The core of your body is like an engine and working it can improve upon your overall fitness. But since building muscle is definitely your priority, you should definitely use these two methods for building a strong upper body: dips and pull ups.
What makes these two so special? Well let’s dissect it.
Works Multiple Muscle Groups
Dips and pull ups are great for working more than one muscle group. The dip is essentially a pushing exercise that can not only work your chest, but your triceps and delts as well. The pull up works your back, specifically the lats in the upper quadrant. Pull ups are also great for working your biceps. The whole key to maximizing the potential of each exercise is to utilize proper form and technique.
If you swing your legs while doing pull ups to much of the focus will be shifted to your arms doing all the work rather than your lats. By focusing on keeping your legs steady it can essentially work your lower body as well. The dips can work your chest from different angles and, depending on how deep your reps are, can either completely focus on your pecs or multiple different muscle groups for an overall upper body workout.
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They Are Versatile
As athletes we are always looking to master a particular workout or technique. With pull ups and dips, the possibility of mastery near impossible. What does that mean exactly? Well, of course it’s possible to master the form and technique of the exercises, but they’re also very versatile.
If bodyweight dips and pull ups start to lose their luster, then you can always switch to using chains or a weighted vest or belt to further challenge yourself. Once your strength level grows you can challenge yourself by setting personal rep records. No matter how you look at it, there are always different ways to make pull ups and dips new and fresh.
Are dips and pull ups apart of your workout regimen? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
This 1000-Rep Arm Workout Will Add 2-Inches To Your Arms
“I should stop training my arms” – said no one ever.
If you are anything like most lifters, you love training your arms. A devout Roelly Winklaar fan, you start thinking about your next week’s bicep workout while performing the last set of dumbbell bicep curls.
Even though people love training their pythons, how many of them do you think are content with their progress? One of the reasons why people train their arms so often is that they are not satisfied with their workouts.
Most of the time, the problem is not with the lifter’s intent or performance but is with the workout routine itself.
If you cannot resist flexing your guns in car windows as you walk past them, have hit a plateau, or want to spice up your training, the 1000-rep arm workout is for you.
Introduction To The 1000-Rep Arm Workout
1. The 1000-rep arm workout is pretty straightforward and doesn’t contain any technical mumbo jumbo.
2. You will be doing five sets of 20 reps for five bicep and tricep exercises each, equaling 1000 reps total.
3. For the best result, strictly stick to the prescribed exercises, sets, reps, and rest periods.
4. The 1000-rep arm workout can be longer as compared to your vanilla workouts. Plan your gym sessions accordingly.
5. Since the 1000-rep arm workout employs extreme volume and intensity, you should not perform it every week. Start by following this program every alternating week and then switch to performing it once every three or four weeks.
The 1000-Rep Arm Workout From Hell
1. EZ Bar Curl – 5 Sets 20 Reps
The 1000-rep arm workout will take a toll on your joints, and the EZ bar can make your life a little easier. Before you begin training, perform at least a couple of warm-up sets with lighter weights.
Steps:
Stand upright while holding an EZ bar with a narrower-than shoulder-width grip.
As you breathe in, curl the barbell by bending at your elbows until your lower arms are perpendicular to the floor.
Make sure you are not using momentum to lift the weights.
Slowly return to the starting position and repeat for recommended reps.
2. Straight Bar Pushdown – 5 Sets 20 Reps
Alternate between bicep and tricep exercises so that your muscles are getting enough rest between sets.
Steps:
Stand facing a cable pulley machine with a shoulder-wide feet placement.
Set the pulley at the highest position.
Grab the straight bar attachment with an overhand grip.
Pin your elbows to your side as you push down the bar until your lower arms are perpendicular to the floor.
Return to the starting position and repeat.
3. Cable Curl – 5 Sets 20 Reps
You need to contract your biceps and triceps with every rep if you want to get the most bang for your buck. Going through the motions for the sake of it is not going to get your results. Establish a mind-muscle connection with your arms and squeeze the life out of them with every rep.
Steps:
Stand upright with a shoulder-wide stance while facing a cable pulley machine attached at the lowest setting.
Grab an EZ bar with an underhand grip.
Curl the bar while having your elbows glued to your sides.
Return and repeat.
4. Overhead Cable Extension (Rope Attachment) – 5 Sets 20 Reps
Since this is a high-intensity workout, don’t worry about following a rep tempo or going slow. Pump out the recommended repetitions with a decent speed, and let the intensity do its magic.
Steps:
Set the pulley at the highest adjustment.
Grab the rope attachment and face away from the machine.
Bend over at your waist until your torso is at a 60-degree angle with the floor.
Extend your arms straight and contract your triceps at the top of the movement.
Return to the starting position and repeat.
5. Double-Arm Dumbbell Hammer Curl – 5 Sets 20 Reps
As fatigue starts to kick in, feel free to lighten the weights but do not compromise on form and intensity. If you don’t feel a pump after 20 reps, it’s a sign that you need to lighten the weights and focus on contracting your muscles.
Steps:
While standing with a shoulder-wide stance, grab a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
Keep your elbows at your sides and curl the dumbbells towards your shoulders.
Pause and squeeze the life out of your pythons at the top of the lift.
Do both arms at the same time.
6. Lying Extension With Rope Attachment – 5 Sets 20 Reps
Steps:
Place a flat bench beside a cable pulley attached to the lowest setting.
Lie down with your back placed on the bench and your head next to the pulley.
Grab the ropes with both hands and perform a skull-crusher type movement.
Don’t let your elbows flare out as you perform the exercise.
7. Seated Barbell Curl – 5 Sets 20 Reps
Steps:
Sit on a flat bench and place a flat barbell on your thighs.
Grab the bar with a shoulder-width grip.
Curl the weights from the top of your thighs towards your shoulders.
Return to the starting position with a slow and controlled motion.
This exercise works on your bicep peaks.
8. Double-Arm Dumbbell Kickback – 5 Sets 20 Reps
Steps:
Stand upright with a shoulder-wide stance and grab a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip.
Bend over at your lower back until your torso is at a 60-degree angle with the floor.
Lift your elbows until they are slightly above your torso. Bring the dumbbells close to your chest.
With your elbows pinned at this position, extend your arms straight.
Contract your triceps at the top of the movement.
Return to the starting position and repeat.
9. EZ Bar Reverse Curl – 5 Sets 20 Reps
Steps:
Stand upright while facing a cable pulley attached at the highest setting.
Grab the EZ bar attachment with an overhand grip.
With your elbows pinned to your sides, curl the bar by bending at your elbows.
Contract your biceps at the bottom of the movement.
10. Bench Dip – 5 Sets 20 Reps
Steps:
Place two flat benches parallel to each other.
Sit down on a bench and place your hands next to your thighs.
Place the balls of your feet on the second bench.
Hinging at the elbow, lower your body down as far as you can, or until your upper arms are parallel to the floor.
Extend your arms straight to get back to the starting position.
Rest – 2 Minutes
After every set, make sure you are not resting for more than 120 seconds. Two minutes are all you need for catching your breath and ATP replenishment. By the end of the workout, you will be running on fumes, and you will have the most insane sleeve-ripping arm pump.
Conclusion
The 1000-rep arm workout routine will train your guns from every angle. It will help break plateaus and ensure overall arm development. While we recommend following the exercises mentioned in the article, you could use substitutes or perform your favorite lifts, given they target the muscles in the same way.
In the weeks where you will not be performing the 1000-rep arm workout, you can follow your usual (read: vanilla) bicep and tricep training routines.
How often do you train your arms?
Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Most Effective Exercises For Building The Biceps
Bicep Peak Developing Workouts
Although developing the arms is important for physique, it’s vital that they are not overdeveloped in comparison to the rest of the body.
For a comprehensive aesthetic look, all muscle groups should be developed at a similar rate otherwise the body may look out of proportion.
Strategic Muscle Growth
Instead of having the sole aspiration of developing the arms, it is important to use a more targeted approach.
If you are a bodybuilder, the goal is to develop a look that is aesthetically pleasing. Having 25-30 inch arms that don’t fit the rest of your body is not a good look.
Therefore, be wary of using exercising the arms too frequently and instead focus on being smart with your training and training quality.
For optimal bicep development, incorporate bicep work into your back or shoulder and tricep workouts. This will ensure that mass develops at an equal rate throughout a range of muscles.
Utilizing this method will not lead to building a significant amount of full-body mass but will also develop the bicep peaks optimally and proportionally.
Two Bicep Peak Developing Workouts
As mentioned earlier, the following two workouts should be incorporated into either back day or shoulder & tricep day.
For each of the following exercises, it is recommended to perform 1-2 warm-up sets. These sets should involve approximately 50% of the weight that you will use for the working sets.
In addition, ensure you only complete 3 or 4 reps and avoid working to muscular failure. The purpose of a warm-up is to enhance the mind-muscle connection and reduce injury risk (1).
Workout 1
Exercise
Sets x Reps
Barbell Curls
1 x 60-100 reps
Cable Hammer Curls – Rope Attachment
1 x 60-100
Workout Instructions & Technique
The first workout uses just one set and high reps. The reasoning behind this is because the biceps are primarily made up of slow-twitch, type 1 muscle fiber.
This means that biceps recover more quickly than other muscles and are more resistant to fatigue which is why it is recommended to train the biceps twice per week.
The sessions do not have to be excessively long, as demonstrated with workout 1. The recommendation is to use workout 1 in conjunction with a back workout.
This is because the biceps will have already experienced a great deal of stress during the back-based resistance exercises and therefore using a high-rep set works the biceps in a different way.
The 2 sets will take no longer than 5 minutes and will effectively force blood into the biceps, causes a build-up of fatigue and onset bicep growth
Barbell Curl
For the barbell curl, select a weight that is 30% below your 10 rep max for barbell curls. For example, if you can complete 10 curls at 100lbs, you would use 70lbs.
Start by aiming for 20-25 reps with this weight before slashing the weight by half and completing as many as you can.
If you reach the point of failure before 60 reps, drop the weight by half once again and continue until you complete a minimum of 60 reps.
Using 70lbs as an example starting weight, complete 20-25 reps, drop the weight down to 35lbs and work to failure; drop down further to 17.5lbs, if necessary.
When gripping the bar, use a grip that is slightly wider than shoulder-width to target the inner head of the bicep. In addition, move the weight onto the outer palms if possible.
In terms of pace, focus on a 2-second concentric contraction, squeeze the biceps tightly and then control the eccentric contraction, taking 3-4 seconds to return the bar to the hips
Cable Hammer Curl
For the cable hammer curl, the rope attachment means that you will use a neutral grip (palms facing each other) which will effectively work the brachialis muscle.
However, as you drive the load upward look to supinate your grip (turn the palms upwards). Doing this will effectively engage both bicep peaks.
Workout 2
Exercise
Sets x Reps
Superset 1:Barbell CurlTriceps Pushdown
2-3 x 8-12
Superset 2: Machine Preacher CurlsSeated Barbell Military Press
2-3 x 8-12
Superset 3:Concentration CurlsReverse Grip Tricep Pushdown
3 x 10-15, 1 x 20-25
Workout Instructions & Technique
The second workout utilizes 3 supersets and should be performed on shoulder & triceps days.
Because the exercises are supersetted do not rest at all until you have completed all of the reps. However, do take a 60-90 second rest between each superset.
Barbell Curl & Tricep Pushdown
For superset 1, use your 10 rep max weight for the 3 sets, after completing the warm-up sets. Ensure that you are using a shoulder-width grip for the curl.
It is imperative that you do not pyramid up during the warm-up sets as you want to avoid fatiguing the biceps prior to the working sets – remember, 3 or 4 reps will suffice.
For both of the exercises in this superset, cadence is highly important. As with workout 1, use a 2 second concentric and a 3-4 second eccentric.
Machine Preacher Curl & Seated Barbell Military Press
For the machine preacher curl, the main emphasis must be on the eccentric (or negative) portion of the exercise as eccentric training has been found to accelerate the rate of muscle growth (2).
In the preacher curl, the shoulder should be relatively relaxes as the upper arm is supported by the bench which should allow for a greater drive and control.
Look to bring the weight up by 1 second and use a 4-5 second descent to maximally load the biceps.
Concentration Curl & Reverse Grip Tricep Pushdown
When performing concentration curls, often it is the case that less weight is better. The focus of the exercise should be on the control and squeeze of the biceps, not the amount of weight lifted.
Focusing on the contraction can cause a greater degree of muscle activation (3) and consequent burn. Therefore, avoid the temptation to go excessively heavy and choose a weight that facilitates control.
To get the most out of the concentration curl, utilize a wrist twist at the top of the movement. Start with the dumbbell in a neutral grip, as you curl upward, supinate your grip.
At the very top of the movement, turn the wrist a little further to maximize supination. Imagining you are trying to get the pinkie to touch the nose is a good way to maximize wrist twist.
With the sets of 10-15 reps, select a weight that will allow you to complete a minimum of 10 and bring you to the point of muscular failure.
For the final set of 20-25 reps, drop the weight by 30-50%. The weight you use is dependant on how fatigued your muscles are at that point.
Final Word
The above workouts should bring about significant changes in bicep peak size for all individuals regardless of your level of conditioning. However, it may be particularly beneficial for those of beginner and intermediate level.
Look to perform these workouts for a period of 4-6 weeks before assessing how your body has adapted to this training stimulus. Feel free to then experiment with loads and rep ranges to see what works best for you.
References:
1-Herman, Katherine; Barton, Christian; Malliaras, Peter; Morrissey, Dylan (July 19, 2012). “The effectiveness of neuromuscular warm-up strategies, that require no additional equipment, for preventing lower limb injuries during sports participation: a systematic review”. BMC Medicine. 10: 75. doi:10.1186/1741-7015-10-75. ISSN 1741-7015. PMC 3408383. PMID 22812375.
2-Roig, M.; O’Brien, K.; Kirk, G.; Murray, R.; McKinnon, P.; Shadgan, B.; Reid, W. D. (2009-08). “The effects of eccentric versus concentric resistance training on muscle strength and mass in healthy adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis”. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 43 (8): 556–568. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2008.051417. ISSN 1473-0480. PMID 18981046.
3-Calatayud, Joaquin; Vinstrup, Jonas; Jakobsen, Markus Due; Sundstrup, Emil; Brandt, Mikkel; Jay, Kenneth; Colado, Juan Carlos; Andersen, Lars Louis (2016-03). “Importance of mind-muscle connection during progressive resistance training”. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 116 (3): 527–533. doi:10.1007/s00421-015-3305-7. ISSN 1439-6327. PMID 26700744.
Top 5 Exercises For Bulging Biceps
Buy some tickets to this gun show.
If there’s one thing that draws people to weightlifting and maybe even bodybuilding as a whole – it’s getting bigger muscles to show off. Biceps are one of the top muscles that people want to have bulging and flexing at all times. It’s one of the main muscles that people can always see – so when you catch someone checking them out, you can wink and give a little nod of satisfaction.
To help you get those massive biceps that you crave or maybe just to help you make them a little bigger than they already are – here is our list of the top five exercises to boost bicep mass.
#5. Preacher Curls
Preacher curls are a fantastic exercise to help boost the building of muscle mass in your biceps. This exercise isolates your biceps allowing for full range of motion without the additional involvement of your shoulder muscles – thus maximizing work done to your biceps.
Simply sit on a preacher bench and rest the back of your arms on the pad. Adjust the seat so that your armpits are in line with the top of the pad. Grab onto the bar with your hands shoulder-width apart and palms facing outward – then start to curl.
#4. Reverse Grip Rows
Reverse Grip Rows will place a greater stress and pressure on the biceps as opposed to straight rows – this makes them better at targeting the bicep muscles. Once again, isolating the biceps specifically is the best way to maximize muscle growth – making this another excellent addition to your bicep workouts.
To perform Reverse Rows, stand erect while holding a barbell with the palms facing up. Bend your knees slightly and bend at the waist (make sure to keep your back straight).Lift the barbell while keeping your torso stationary and keeping your elbows close to your body. At the top contracted position, squeeze your back muscles and hold for a second – then slowly lower the weight back to starting position.
#3. Cable Bicep Curls
Cable curls are an excellent way to take care of that deep tissue muscle fiber. Because of the constant tension from the cable – hitting that area of your biceps is a perfect way to really bulk up those muscles as you train. You can also use a rope attachment to mix up the workout and really maximize how you pump your arms up.
Make sure to slightly bend your knees to take the stress off of your back. Curl and bring your hands towards your shoulders until you reach maximum contraction of the biceps. Then slowly return to the original position.
#2. Concentration Curls
If you do this exercise while sitting, you will strongly prevent the amount of moment that goes into the execution of the exercise – one again isolating and emphasizing the bicep muscle (getting the point yet?).
While holding your upper arm stationary, curl the weight forward while contracting the biceps. Make sure only the forearms move. Continue this movement until the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Then slowly return to the original position.
#1. Barbell Bicep Curls
The classic and king to bulking up your biceps. The key to this exercise is to make sure you get the full range of motion and don’t let momentum cause you to lean back as you lift. This common mistake will prevent the biceps from truly getting the workout you want them to have. Barbell curls will allow you to lift much more weight than many of the other exercises we put on the list – allowing you to really power up those biceps with this exercise.
While standing, hold the barbell at shoulder width grip. Palms facing forward and elbows close to the torso. Curl the weights up until shoulder level and then slowly lower the bar back down to original position. Easy as pie.
Between these five exercises you should already be on the path to truly mammoth biceps. Once you start to notice the difference – feel free to show them off. Find any excuse to show off those arms you worked so hard for.
What is your absolute favorite bicep workout? Sound off in the comments below and share your thoughts. You an also share with us on Facebook or Twitter as well. Stay pumped.
Get Boulder Shoulders With These Exercise Variations
Make your shoulders grow.
Shoulder training can without a doubt be one of the more tedious types of workouts when in the gym. Some people think that side laterals and overhead presses are the only answers to building up the shoulder muscles. It can become a bit tedious and boring to perform the same few exercises in order to get massive shoulders. There needs to be some variations to your shoulder training if you want to avoid hitting a plateau and simply just to make things interesting.
Pre Exhausting Shoulders
This method will pre-exhaust all three areas of the deltoids and prove to give your shoulders a massive pump. The exercises included in this method are a mix of all the classic movements you’d expect out of shoulder training. They include the front dumbbell raise, the lateral dumbbell raise, and the rear delt barbell row. 3 sets of 12 reps for each of these exercise before going into your regular routine will help to emphasize growth and development in the three muscles of your shoulders.
Seated Military Press
This gem can work wonders for your shoulder development. The movement of the military press can not only build up the anterior delts but the other two muscle groups in the shoulders as well. Though you can perform the exercise standing, when it’s done in the seated position you don’t have to focus as much attention to balance which will ultimately engage your lower back muscles more than needed. You have deadlifts for that. Instead you’ll be able to focus completely on your shoulders.
Face Pulls
This exercise is great for multiple muscle groups, not just for the shoulders. Besides being a great way to build up your rear delts for impressive size and definition, this exercise can prove to build your upper back muscles as well as doing some work on your traps. It’s important to thrash the posterior delts just as much as you work your anterior delts in order to see symmetrical development.
Arnold Press
This exercise has increased range of motion and can absolutely hammer the anterior and lateral delts. It’s pretty similar to the dumbbell press so you won’t have to make too many major adjustments when doing this one. The key is to start with the palm facing you and then rotating the wrists as you push the weight upwards. Not only this one great for your shoulders, but it can work wonders to give you a bigger bench.
What do you do for you shoulder development? Let us know in the comments below be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
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How The Barbell Burpee Will Increase Full Body Strength
This variation of a traditional burpee is great for a workout.
The burpee alone is a challenging workout, let alone adding a bar. One that is comprised of both strength and cardiovascular movements, this workout is the perfect bodyweight exercise to increase full body strength and increase endurance. The burpee is further proof that bodyweight exercises can be just as demanding as any with weights.
But the barbell burpee is unique in that it adds additional elements to an already difficult exercise. Working with a combination of traditional burpee movements including a squat and a pushup, the barbell burpee adds the extra component of a power clean and push press with the barbell to make this is a highly effective exercise to do with a bar.
Used as an aerobic exercise in combination with strength training, the barbell burpee will increase cardio, strength, balance, and flexibility to give you an all-in-one workout to help burn fat and keep you on your feet and working your chest every time for however many reps you want.
Although difficult, the barbell burpee has great benefits and is worth adding to your fitness regimen. Able to attack all of your muscles, including your legs, glutes, core, back, chest, arms, and shoulders, along with the ability to raise your heart rate and get you breathing hard, this burpee is the perfect compound exercise to do with a bar each time.
For those looking to burn fat and increase endurance, as well as aid in power performance, the barbell burpee is great for athletes of any kind. Working many muscles at once also allows you less time working out with the barbell burpee.
All-Around Workout
The barbell burpee allows for increased strength in a variety of muscles including your lower body and upper body. Your legs and glutes are targeted during the jump back into a pushup position as well as the start to the power clean portion of the exercise. Once on the ground, your shoulders provide support as you descend into that all too familiar pushup using the bar as a point of support, especially with the jump up.
With more balance required for the burpee, your core activates and your arms and chest join the workout until that pushup is done as part of this burpee. The fun begins when you lift the barbell into a push press and rely on your fitness to take over as you lower the bar and continue with more reps.
By adding weight, your overall strength increases significantly as opposed to sticking with just your bodyweight (1). As a complex compound exercise, the barbell burpee is sure to fire you up on all cylinders and those gains will really show.
Promotes Fat Burn
As a physically demanding exercise, the barbell burpee is one that will burn off loads of calories, only supported by the fact that so many different muscle groups are being worked. With the ability to increase endurance, your metabolism will work harder for you and your ability to burn more calories will only intensify (2).
Fat loss happens when you consume less than you burn and while dieting can be tricky, the barbell burpee is one exercise to give you a great boost in calorie loss to start you on the right path towards fat loss and the jump and cardio portion of this is great for that.
Increases Endurance
When it comes to increasing your endurance and lung capacity, this workout is one that will do the trick. While running, cycling, or other cardio exercises will get you there as well, the barbell burpee is one that will boost your endurance while at the same time increasing strength and muscle growth (3). A long session of barbell burpees can be all you need for a good day’s work in the gym.
As fatigue sets in, your endurance will allow you to work longer and harder in all other aspects of your training and athletic performance. Along with working your circulatory system, muscular-skeletal system, and central nervous system, the barbell burpee will give your cardiovascular system a great boost to ensure a more effective and longer-lasting lift to add to the rest of your workouts to keep your working hard.
Enhance Explosive Power
Along with increased strength and endurance comes the ability for more power and explosiveness with workouts and competition. Barbell burpees will target your fast-twitch muscle fibers which allow for shorter bursts of speed and power (4). The back and forth jumping into and out of the pushup position mixed with the power of the press at the top will help generate increased speed and power for those looking to get the edge in their workouts.
Having speed and power is not only important for sprinters or jumpers, but for anyone looking to step their game to the next level and this burpee is great for that as you get moving on your hands and feet for a great workout to keep your gains flowing.
Time Efficient
Barbell burpees are time efficient since they include multiple muscles in many muscle groups, as well as targeting your cardio. While you do need a barbell for the barbell burpee, if one is not available, then a traditional burpee will provide almost all of the same benefits. For those who work or feel tight on time in the gym, adding barbell burpees to your workout routine is somewhat of a must.
You will look great, feel better, and know that even if you spent minimal time in the gym and more time off your feet, that you accomplished more with a barbell burpee to keep you doing things you love and start seeing gains.
How To Perform The Barbell Burpee
You will need a barbell and whatever desired weights you want. Place the barbell on the ground and grip the bar with your hands slightly more than shoulder width apart. Kick your legs back into a pushup position and lower to the bar. Push back up to complete the pushup and take your hands off the barbell.
Once on your feet, execute a power clean by lifting the bar to your waist, thrusting to your chest and completing a push press over your head, driving through your feet. Lower to the ground and repeat from the beginning. Keep a tight core and good form throughout to avoid strain or injury from this burpee exercise and rest is important to start seeing growth with all your reps.
Wrap Up
Burpees are never fun and can offer a real challenge for those still working on their fitness. But burpees are a great overall body exercise to get lean and put on muscle while also building a great foundation for endurance. Adding a barbell to the traditional burpee will only add to the fun and increase your gains. The barbell burpee can be challenging and will require balance and flexibility.
You will get better at the barbell burpee and be more fit, only encouraging those gains and increasing your confidence. Don’t let this deter you from maximizing your gains and allow yourself to thrive by adding the barbell burpee to your workout regimen so the rest of your workouts only add to it.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Baker, J. S.; Davies, B.; Cooper, S. M.; Wong, D. P.; Buchan, D. S.; Kilgore, L. (2013). “Strength and Body Composition Changes in Recreationally Strength-Trained Individuals: Comparison of One versus Three Sets Resistance-Training Programmes”. (source)
Ratamess, Nicholas A.; Rosenberg, Joseph G.; Klei, Samantha; Dougherty, Brian M.; Kang, Jie; Smith, Charles R.; Ross, Ryan E.; Faigenbaum, Avery D. (2015). “Comparison of the Acute Metabolic Responses to Traditional Resistance, Body-Weight, and Battling Rope Exercises”. (source)
Kazior, Zuzanna; Willis, Sarah J.; Moberg, Marcus; Apro, William; Calbet, Jose A. L.; Holmberg, Hans-Christer; Blomstrand, Eva (2016). “Endurance Exercise Enhances the Effect of Strength Training on Muscle Fiber Size and Protein Expression of Akt and mTOR”. (source)
Serrano, Nathan; Colenso-Semple, Lauren M.; Lazauskus, Kara K.; Siu, Jeremy W.; Bagley, James R.; Lockie, Robert G.; Costa, Pablo B.; Galpin, Andrew J. (2019). “Extraordinary fast-twitch fiber abundance in elite weightlifters”. (source)