Wednesday Wisdom

Continuing from last week’s first article on hypertrophy, this week we are going to look at a similar study. However, this time the research was conducted over a 10-week period. Longer term training studies provide more significant evidence of a training effect. Once again, this data comes from the McMaster University research group, headed by […]

Building or increasing lean muscle mass, is an important goal for many clients in the fitness industry. However, many of the well established training routines that lead to these goals, are often not compatible an environment with limited strength training equipment. Therefore, an important question that should be asked is there another training method that

In the last instalment of research reviews on the battling ropes, we are going to look at a study which looked at the effects of battling rope training has on muscle activity, when combined with whole body vibration. Vibration plates and more recently vibration foam rollers are now common place in many fitness training environments,

In this third instalment of research reviews on the battling ropes, we are going to look at a study which looked at the effects of battling rope training on aerobic fitness and baseball pitching performance. Given, that the traditional approach to in baseball has been to use running based programs to improve fitness, the authors

Last week we looked at the immediate (acute) effects of battling rope (BR) training. This week we are going to look at some research which has investigated the long-term effects of battling rope training on general fitness. Longer term battling rope studies are uncommon, therefore if battling rope training is going to become a more

The versatility of the battling ropes is well known among fitness trainers and coaches alike.  Previous research has shown regular training with battling ropes can improve grip strength, stimulate the aerobic energy system, recruit several important core muscles and improve metabolic conditioning in general populations. However the benefits of battling rope training is not restricted

HIFT improves strength, fitness and flexibility   In this final instalment of articles on high intensity functional training, we are going to look at an interesting military study which compared the effects of HIFT versus conventional fitness training on strength, fitness and flexibility in well trained younger male and female army personal. This may particularly

The Kettlebell swing is widely regarded as the ‘King’ of all Kettlebell exercises. It trains the commonly weak posterior chain muscles like no other exercise. It strengthens the core and has been found to combat back pain in many individuals. It’s hard to argue with its standing… As good as the swing is as a

In our third instalment in this series of articles on high intensity functional training, we are going to look at the results of another study, which investigated the effects of HIFT on body composition in sedentary overweight and obese women. Simultaneously reducing body fat and improving lean body mass is important to a large majority

The kettlebell pistol squat is an impressive looking exercise. Not only does it look good but the benefits reaped are second to none. The squat requires great strength, balance, coordination, symmetry and mobility. The movement is beneficial for everyone including professional athletes and regular Joes. There are numerous benefits for incorporating the pistol squat into