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Home » Exercises » Page 3

Exercise Guides: How To's and Comparisons

These are posts that help you choose exercises to fit your goals and how to perform them safely and effectively.

The Top 6 Muscles Worked by Glute Bridges

By Heather Jacques
Last updated February 11, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The glutes are an important muscle group for almost every movement. Strengthening them through resistance training can improve your posture, performance, and aesthetics. Several exercises can be utilized to build your glutes, such as hip thrusts, glute kickbacks, and Romanian deadlifts.

If you’re new to glute training, getting proficient at the glute bridge is a great place to start. This exercise has  good carry-over to more advanced lower-body movements like the squat and deadlift.

Glute bridges are one of the few isolation exercises that can be heavily loaded, making them effective for building a bigger and stronger posterior chain. This exercise is easy to perform, simple to set up, and can be modified according to equipment availability.

The glute bridge primarily works the gluteus maximus in addition to various other leg muscles.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The Top 5 Bench Press Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated August 30, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The barbell bench press is a compound movement effective for gaining upper body strength and size. This exercise is extremely popular due to its minimalistic nature, prevalence in strength sports, and ability to train multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

This article will cover all of the muscles a traditional bench press works, and a few frequently asked questions about this exercise. While many multiple bench press variations exist, this article focuses on the flat barbell bench press.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Leg Extension Benefits and Muscles Worked

By Emma Lennon
Last updated August 30, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The leg extension machine is a staple in most commercial gyms. Leg extensions are an isolation exercise that targets the knee joint to activate the quadriceps. Here are some of the main benefits of the leg extension and an in-depth look at which muscles the leg extension targets.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The 5 Best Benefits of Planks

By Heather Jacques
Last updated August 30, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

A defined midsection and strong core are common hallmarks of an effective fitness routine. The core is made up of several muscles, including the rectus abdominis, external obliques, internal obliques, and transverse abdominus. In addition to flexing the torso, the core stabilizes and protects the spine.

The plank is one of the best exercises for the oft-neglected transverse abdominis and requires little to no equipment, is simple to learn, and can be scaled according to someone’s fitness level.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The 7 Best Compound Chest Exercises

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 11, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

If you want to sculpt your chest muscles, then you shouldn’t ignore compound chest exercises! These are lifts that use multiple muscle groups at the same time which, when done properly, could mean more gains. But, enough of the science talk, let us show you the 7 best compound chest exercises.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The 7 Best Gym Machines for Arms

By Kyle Risley
Last updated January 16, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

In the upper body region, arm workouts do more than just help build muscle mass. These muscle groups help improve overall strength, grip, and body posture in unison with a strong core. Over the years there have been plenty of workout routines that target specifically the upper arm but neglect other muscles such as the forearm, deltoid, and trapezius.

To level the playing field and create a balanced workout routine, here are the 7 best exercise machines that target different muscle groups in the arms.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises




The 6 Best Gym Machines For Weight Loss

By Kyle Risley
Last updated January 11, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

If losing weight and sculpting a toned body is your goal, you’ve come to the perfect place.

When it comes to losing weight, having a well-rounded training plan is essential. It’s about boosting your efforts and targeting specific muscle groups to lose weight. 

We reveal the six best gym machines for weight loss!

Get ready to discover the machines and exercises that will push your fitness journey to a new level, one rep at a time.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Inverted Row Benefits and Muscles Worked 

By Emma Lennon
Last updated July 1, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The inverted row is a highly customizable, upper-body exercise for lifters of any experience level. Read on to learn more about the benefits of the inverted row and the muscles worked. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The 5 Best Gym Machines for Chest

By Kyle Risley
Last updated January 16, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good chest workout to make you look and feel those gains you’ve been working so hard on. 

But if you thought some bench presses and free weights were doing the most for your chest muscles, you’d be wrong. 

In this article we’re looking at the top five gym machines for the chest, to help you get the shape and strength you’ve always wanted. 

So, drop the free weights, grab the pre-workout, and let’s get into it!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The Top 5 Leg Press Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated July 19, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The lower body is heavily judged in physique competitions and is rigorously trained in most comprehensive workout programs. Although fitness enthusiasts commonly joke about skipping leg day, training the lower body should be a priority regardless of a person’s goals. A popular exercise for lower-body training is the leg press.

The leg press is a machine-based, compound exercise that’s effective for increasing the size and strength of the lower body. A compound exercise means that multiple muscle groups are working at one time. 

The leg press primarily targets the quadriceps. However, stance can be adjusted to place more tension on the glutes and hamstrings. This exercise can also be performed one leg at a time to correct or prevent muscle imbalances.

Although the quads are the primary muscle worked by the leg press, read below to learn about other muscles involved in the movement.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Side Plank Benefits, Form, and Muscles Worked

By Emma Lennon
Last updated June 29, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Plank variations are excellent for building core strength and targeting multiple muscle groups throughout the upper body. The side plank is a variation that helps build lateral stability and targets obliques. Here’s how to perform the side plank with perfect form to reap maximum benefits, explaining how the side plank targets each primary target muscle group. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The Landmine Press: Muscles Worked, Benefits and Form

By Emma Lennon
Last updated June 29, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The landmine press is an effective upper-body pushing exercise that builds strength and muscle mass in the shoulders, triceps, scapula, and core. The landmine press can be performed one arm at a time (unilaterally) or bilaterally by gripping the barbell with both hands. Here’s how to perform the landmine press with proper form, key muscles worked, and benefits of this upper body exercise.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The 8 Best Deadlift Benefits

By Heather Jacques
Last updated February 11, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Few exercises exist for increasing strength, performance, and muscle mass in the shortest possible time. The deadlift is a popular compound exercise that trains multiple muscle groups simultaneously. 

The deadlift is a universal exercise that’s used in several strength sports, including powerlifting, strongman, and CrossFit. Choose from a number of variations based on goals, equipment, body type, and preferences. In addition to strength, the movement is also very effective for building lower and upper body muscle.

Moreover, the deadlift can support various other movements and daily activity. This article will cover the top eight benefits of deadlifts as well as some frequently asked questions.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Seated Cable Row Benefits, Form, and Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated January 26, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The back is made up of several different muscles and numerous exercises can target them. The cable row is a popular choice for building a stronger and bigger back. 

This article will detail the muscles worked by the cable row, how to perform the movement with proper form, and a few of its primary benefits.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



How to Perform the Overhead Press with Proper Form

By Heather Jacques
Last updated June 9, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Adding the overhead press, also known as the military or strict press, to a workout routine increases upper body strength. The overhead press is a compound movement that targets the anterior and lateral delts, upper chest, and triceps. If performed standing, it also helps improve core strength.

The lift has great carry-over to other movements, such as the clean and jerk, snatch, push press, and bench press. Overall, the overhead press is a very functional exercise that can benefit athletics and daily activities.

It’s important to note that performing the military press with proper form requires good shoulder mobility before attempting to press a lot of weight overhead. 

The overhead press is safe when applying proper form. This article will explain how to apply correct technique, including tips and common mistakes to avoid. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



T-Bar Row Benefits and Muscles Worked

By Emma Lennon
Last updated February 11, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The T-bar row is a compound back exercise that targets multiple muscle groups at once. This exercise has numerous benefits, including building a solid back, improving posture, and increasing overall strength. This article will dive into the muscles worked during T-bar rows and explore why it is a practical exercise.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



How to do Bulgarian Split Squats with Proper Form

By Emma Lennon
Last updated June 9, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The Bulgarian split squat is a unilateral exercise that targets multiple muscles in the lower body. This single-leg squat variation has numerous benefits when performed with proper form.

This article will explain how to perfect the Bulgarian split squat form, provide some helpful technique cues, and avoid common form mistakes when performing this challenging lower-body exercise.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Bear Crawls: Benefits, Proper Form, and Muscles Worked

By Emma Lennon
Last updated February 11, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Bear crawls are an excellent full-body workout that can be done anywhere, anytime, without equipment. As a compound bodyweight exercise, the bear crawl engages multiple muscle groups, including the core, shoulders, chest, and legs. We’ll look closer at the muscles worked during bear crawls, the benefits of this exercise, and how to do it with perfect form.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The 5 Best Gym Machines for Legs

By Kyle Risley
Last updated February 11, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Is there anything better than a good leg pump session? Today’s your lucky day!

In this article, we’re looking at the best gym machines for legs, breaking down what they do, how to use them, and their benefits. Plus, a closer look into the leg muscles might give you more insight into how to better work your legs. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises




The 6 Best Gym Machines for Back

By Kyle Risley
Last updated January 16, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Do you dream of a cobra back? Well, you can stop dreaming. 

In this article, we’re looking at the six best gym machines for back muscles. We’re exploring the benefits of each machine, how to use them, and how they might benefit you. 

Ready to break a sweat? We’re glad to hear it. Let’s get pumped!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises




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