The woodchop exercise is a powerful and effective movement that targets and strengthens the core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back. Contrary to its name, you don’t need an actual axe to experience its benefits. In the gym, there’s a much safer alternative using a cable machine with an adjustable pulley system. Here’s…
A classic debate among fitness professionals is whether the abdominals should be divided into upper and lower sections. Some experts argue that the abdominals function as a single muscle, with no distinction between upper and lower portions. However, research suggests otherwise—you can selectively recruit different segments of a muscle depending on the type of exercise…
Most strength programs marketed for self-defense are nothing more than conditioning routines disguised as strength training. They often feature circuit-style workouts with a random mix of weighted self-defense movements. Not only is this ineffective, but it also increases the risk of overuse injuries. A better approach is to focus on developing strength in the weight…
Every year from May to September, I do a medicine ball circuit outdoors at least once a week. It’s a fantastic conditioning method that gets you in shape fast. If you want six-pack abs, add this circuit to your regimen—it works far better than a treadmill, elliptical machine, or stationary cycle. Plus, you get outside…
Yesterday, I introduced you to a 39-year-old client who came to me complaining about knee pain. From now on, I’ll call him “Bobby”—in honor of a hockey legend who had over a dozen knee surgeries that ultimately ended his career. Everything with Bobby was going great. His knee pain disappeared, he learned to squat properly,…
I came across this unique abdominal exercise about a decade ago in The Bodybuilding Truth by Nelson Montana. According to Montana, abdominal development is largely genetic, and traditional movements like sit-ups and leg raises are more effective for the psoas (hip flexors) than for the abs. He argues that the abdominals respond best to contraction…