Saturday, January 3, 2015

Matty Wiggins Are you a new bodybuilder looking to build muscle fast? If so, you can just do any old random workout. A structured workout with built-in progressions and planned variation will get you the best results.
Most training "noobs" fall into one of two possible traps. Many just hit the gym with no other real goal in mind except to get a "burn" or "pump". Then the guy will typically spend the entire time benching and curling - maybe using the random set of machines...all in the name of getting a "pump". On the other side of the spectrum, "noobs" will get the latest hardcore bodybuilding magazine, and stick themselves on a 6-day, double split (or something else just as stupid), thinking that if it's good for pro bodybuilders, it will be good for them. In all reality - both methods completely suck. For anybody that's completely new to training, the best way to build muscle fast is to concentrate on the basic, compouund lifts, and making slow, incremental progress. By "incremental progress", I mean to steadily work on the basic exercises with a given set and rep range, striving to add extra weight to the bar every single workout. Here is a sample program:
  Workout #1: 
Squat - 3 sets x 5
reps Bench Press -3 x 5
 Deadlift - 1 x 5
  Workout #2: 
Squat - 3 sets x 5
reps Standing Overhead Press - 3 x 5
 Power Cleans - 3 x 5
 Workouts are performed 3 days per week, alternating days training with days off. So your weeks would look something like this:
 Wednesday - Workout #2
 Friday - Workout #1 Week 2:
 Monday - Workout #2
 Wednesday - Workout #1
 Friday - Workout #2
 The critical key to success with this kind of workout is constant progression - always be adding weight to the bar. While putting another 10 pounds on the bar for the deadlift and squat, 5-15 for the bench, and 5-10 for the overhead presses every workout would be ideal, it very well could be as little as 2.5-5 pounds each workout. Eventually, you're going to get to a point where you can't put more weight on the bar, and still get all your sets/reps with good form, and you'll have to assess yourself:
 1 - You're not fully recovering from your workouts. This could mean something wrong in your diet, not getting enough vitamins, not resting enough, etc.

 2 - You're trying to add too much weight, too soon. You don't need to concern yourself with what anybody else in the gym thinks - as long as there's more weight on the bar (even if it is only 2.5 pounds), then you're progressing, and that's what is important.

 3 - You added exercises or changed the workout...therefore goofing it up.

 4 - You're doing everything right, but you're simply just hitting a peak of what you're capable of at your current bodyweight. If it's anything but the last scenario, just fix it and keep on keeping on.
If you're into sports that involve a lot of jumping, hopping and bounding, plyometric exercises are indispensable in training your body to move, hit, run and throw faster. And while it develops speed, plyometrics also enhances muscle coordination and increases power. Hockey, basketball, soccer and other track sports are just some of the disciplines that can benefit from a regular plyometrics routine. By explosive movements, plyometrics do not only develop body strength, they also enhance mental alertness. Speed and power are the hallmarks of any plyometric exercise and plyo push ups are no exception. It takes push ups to a whole new level because of the sheer amount of force it applies to the ground to raise the upper body. By triggering the so-called fast-twitch muscle fibers, or those muscles that help you gain strength, you double your upper body strength in no-time at all. As an added benefit, your chest looks better, too.
The basic plyometric push up starts with a regular push-up position. Distribute your weight evenly between your hands placed underneath your shoulders and the tips of your toes. Make sure that your back is flat and your legs are straight. Keep your head up and your eyes look forward. Breathe in and slowly lower yourself down to the floor until your chest is about a couple of inches from the floor. Hold this for two seconds and then with on explosive movement, exhale and push off enough so that your hands leave the floor. Return to the starting position by landing back softly. Repeat the exercise for as many times as you can. A variation to the basic plyo push up is known as the clap plyometric push up. Begin with the usual position. Then, as in a regular plyo push up, push yourself up in the air explosively. While in mid air, clap your hands in front of your body before landing back on the floor. Clap plyo push ups require a very quick and alert body and mind. This exercise requires very quick hand movements, since you have to clap before gravity pushes your body back to land. Another variation of the plyo push up is the triple clap plyo push up. You must keep in mind that this is a very advanced form of exercise which you must do only when you've already mastered the first two types of plyo push ups. To begin this routine, follow the same initial position of a regular push up. Do the same explosive movement to raise your upper body off the floor. Then while in mid air, clap in front of your body, behind your back, and again in front of your body before landing on the floor on your palms. Plyo push ups and its variations are a great way to give your chest the kick it needs for strength and power. Incorporate this in any part of your routine. However, make sure that you do your plyo push ups in a well-cushioned surface to prevent any injury.
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