Simplifying the Bench Press-One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to get their bench max up is training with lots of sets and reps! Strength gains come very easy, and so do personal records, as long as you keep the reps down and weight up while attacking your weak points on the bench press. I remember when I was younger; I thought I knew everything about Big Benching. Many people including... [Read more]
The 5×5 system is one of the oldest muscle building programs in the book and has stuck around forever. 5×5 is good and 5×5 is bad; it just depends on the situation. There are a few ways that the 5×5 muscle building system is implemented. The first way that people use the 5×5 system to build muscle is that they warm up to a weight and then stick with that weight for five sets... [Read more]
The 300 movie workout is the talk of the fitness world. It’s helped actors chisel Greek Statue bodies while causing weight loss and calorie burning for the rest of us. The 300 workout is legendary, having been featured in Men’s Health and on ESPN. Everyone’s looking for the 300 workout on the ‘Net. So I made mini-version of the workout for the average guy and gal, see those... [Read more]
Now that you’ve made the commitment to starting a workout program, the next step is choosing a gym that you will feel comfortable going to on a regular basis. If it isn’t, chances are you aren’t going to stick with any type of regular plan and will eventually just stop going altogether. By being sure your gym is a good fit for you, you help take yourself one step further to realizing... [Read more]
Anabolic Steroids Bodybuilders generally follow different cycles than other athletes because of their goals. Bodybuilders use steroids for two purposes, to increase muscle mass and decrease bodyfat. Such other factors as endurance, stamina, and strength are secondary and while important for training purposes, play no role on a bodybuilding stage. Cycling means alternating periods of anabolic steroids... [Read more]
No Pain, No Gain. Is this aphorism just a fitness myth and downright bad advice? A lot of people seem to think so. As a bodybuilder with 25 years of training experience and more than two dozen trophies on my shelf, I have another perspective to offer you. Success with your body and in every area of your life is all about stepping outside of your comfort zone and that means embracing pain. No Pain No... [Read more]
This exercise is an excerpt from Nick’s new book “The Best Arm Exercises You’ve Never Heard Of“…68 unique exercises for the biceps, triceps and forearms. If you’re looking to break through a plateau, get some training variety or just have some fun in your training again definitely check this book out! The Best Arm Exercises You’ve Never Heard Of If you want... [Read more]
Having a good spotter is very important. For one if you have a reliable spotter who motivates you, your bench press journey on Critical Bench will be that much more successful. The thing about training partners is that it’s always hard to find someone who is as dedicated to training as you are. However, when you do find a training partner who is as dedicated, reliable and understands the “art”... [Read more]
Nothing pisses me off more than skinny guys who complain about their inability to gain weight. “Waaaaa (said in a whining baby voice ala Artie Lang and Howard Stern), I have a really fast metabolism.” “Waaaaa, it’s harder for me than most people to gain weight.” Jason Ferruggia Former Hardgainer “Waaaaa, I don’t have the appetite to eat that much.” “Waaaaa, I have terrible genetics.” “Waaaaa,... [Read more]
Sleep Depravation Sleep Depravation When we deprive ourselves of sleep, there is a delicate cycle that we disrupt. Let us now share with you that cycle: Phase one begins as soon as the sun sets, when the pineal gland starts to release melatonin, a hormone released in the absence of light and responsible for making us sleepy. When you lay down in your bed at this time, your muscles relax, heart rate... [Read more]
