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Showing posts from September, 2022

The 10 Best Dumbbell Exercises to Hit Your Lats

Even if you skipped Latin class or missed boarding school altogether, most lifters in the gym are familiar with their lats — the large, fan-shaped muscle that occupies most of your back. This makes sense because “latissimus dorsi” translates to “broadest muscle of the back side.” Well-developed lats enhance the breadth of your physique by filling the space between your rib cage and arms. The lats support your low back and transmit energy between your hips and shoulders during athletic endeavors. Finally, the lats are massive contributors to upper body pulling strength . Whether hoisting yourself over a wall at an obstacle course race or drawing in an opponent during a grappling sport, the lats are as useful as they are aesthetic. Credit: MDV Edwards / Shutterstock We all need a strong, substantial set of lats. You might already train them with pull-ups and pulldowns . Sure, those are great, but there’s an assortment of effective lat exercises that only require a few dumbbells. He

Powerlifter Jamal Browner Deadlifts a Historic 500 Kilograms (1,102 Pounds) in Training

Only days after a record-breaking performance at the 2022 USPA Raw Pro , powerlifter Jamal Browner might have just outdone himself with a new remarkable feat of strength . On Sept. 29, 2022, Browner captured a 500-kilogram (1,102-pound) raw traditional deadlift during a training session. He is the fourth known person to deadlift at least that much weight while on film . The 110-kilogram athlete used a sumo stance and overhand grip and wore a lifting belt and lifting straps to help with the historic pull.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Jamal Browner (@jamal_b15) [Related: How to Do the Goblet Squat for Lower Body Size and Mobility ] The historic nature of Browner’s deadlift naturally drew the attention of more than a few figures in strength sports. Browner received notable variations of praise from people like two-time International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Champion (2019, 2021) Russell Orhii , powerlifters Bo

How to Do the Hack Squat — Benefits, Variations, and More

When leg day rolls around, many lifters prioritize barbell exercises like squats and Romanian deadlifts. That’s a generally reliable approach for building size and strength, but an aversion to machine exercises can make lower body workouts less effective and it can make gains harder to come by. If lifters do incorporate machine-based movements, it’s often basic leg extensions or leg curls, and maybe a gratuitous set of calf raises . But one specific machine — a squat variation, in fact — can be the key to unlocking new muscle growth, increased strength, and improved joint health. Credit: Vladimir Sukhachev / Shutterstock The hack squat is very effective for building the legs and strengthening the knees and hips. It can be a staple in many routines, particularly for those looking to add muscle to their frame. It’s time to learn the ins and outs of this misunderstood machine. How to Do the Hack Squat Hack Squat Mistakes to Avoid Benefits of the Hack Squat Muscles Worked by the

Bodybuilding Legend Lou Ferrigno Keeps His Abs Ripped at 70-Years-Old

At a certain point, it might not be easy to maintain one’s fitness past a certain age. That goal doesn’t appear to be so rigorous for bodybuilding legend and Hollywood and television icon Lou Ferrigno. On Sept. 28, 2022, Ferrigno shared a post on his Instagram where he’s holding his shirt up in a selfie to showcase his tight abs at the age of 70. As he writes in the caption of his post, Ferrigno is “proud” to be able to stay “dedicated” and in shape after “58 years” of training and competition.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lou Ferrigno (@theofficiallouferrigno) [Related: The Best Dumbbell Ab Workouts for a Stronger, Better-Looking Core ] As a bodybuilder, Ferrigno competed in some intermittent capacity over the course of two decades. The first tentpole victory of his career was a breakout win in the 1973 International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Mr. America. That same year would see Ferrigno win the fi