Training

Single Set Workouts Build Strength and Muscle?

by Chris Cannon

If you’ve spent any amount of time going through body building magazines or talking to “expert” gym rats then you already know the mainstream advice… – do X sets of Y reps (3 sets of 10, 5 sets of 5, etc.) – use free weights not machines – more time in the gym will give [...]

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Isometric Contraction: Secret Six Pack Abs Weapon Unleashed

by Chris Cannon

Isometric contractions, a.k.a. static contractions, occur when muscles exert force – causing tension, but without a changing their length.  They are closely identified with common flexibility activities like yoga and stretching, but also apply to strength training and especially abdominal development in all three areas, i.e.: Rectus Abdominus (your “six-pack” muscles) Transverse Abdominus (muscles that [...]

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Core Training: The Real TRUTH behind Core Training

by Chris Cannon

Almost everyone I speak to about core training says the same thing: “Oh, isn’t that just a fancy abs workout?” Well, yes and no. Sure, strengthening your abdominals, i.e. stomach area, is part of the story, but core training goes way beyond that.  When defining the core, we are focused on your entire midsection, a [...]

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High-Intensity Interval Training: A Superior Alternative to Steady-State Cardio for Serious Muscle Builders?

by Chris Cannon
Thumbnail image for High-Intensity Interval Training: A Superior Alternative to Steady-State Cardio for Serious Muscle Builders?

People who are “heavy” into resistance training keep asking me if and when it’s appropriate to add cardiovascular sessions into the mix. “Steady-state” cardio is often viewed as the main option for losing excess body fat, gained during the “bulk” up phase of most muscle-building programs.  It used to be the only way to expose [...]

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High-Intensity Resistance Training (HIRT) for Muscle Gain and Fat Loss

by Chris Cannon

Like everyone who wants to build muscle and lose unwanted body fat, I’m always looking for ways to do it in the least time possible. Ambitious, ain’t I? What is High Intensity Resistance Training all about? Most of my research and gym conversations keep leading me to high-intensity resistance training (HIRT).  HIRT is often called [...]

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