Bench-pressing doesn’t ultimately matter in bodybuilding, which is all about muscle, not metal. Because the bench press has been ordained the best arbiter of upper-body strength, most of us want to truthfully answer that clichéd query with a big number. Thankfully help has arrived if you’re in need of touting a more impressive max. The Bench Press is a great
Some people add core work into their routine with a singular goal in mind: getting those abs. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, functional core exercises do a lot more than tighten and tone—they also help you build up the strength you need to go about your everyday activities with ease. When it comes down to it, there are a
When it comes to your backside, here's the bottom line: To lift your butt, you have to build muscle. Building new lean muscle will help develop a backside with a natural well-rounded shape. This 5-minute strength training circuit targets the glute muscle from every angle to develop a perky, well-rounded shape. Whether you were born with a flat-as-a-pancake fanny or
We all know wisdom isn’t the only thing that comes with age. Our bodies change, too. But some of the things women associate with the tip over 40—muscle loss, a slowed metabolism, stubborn fat, lower energy—don’t have to be your destiny. There are plenty of ways to maximize your results. What follows is a high-intensity workout and training guide for lasting fitness. This full-body circuit that targets
High-intensity plyometric moves, like the ones in this plan, target several muscles simultaneously and keep your heart rate elevated the entire time you’re exercising. Result: You burn more calories and fire up your metabolism long after the workout is over. These explosive movements require almost no equipment, either, so you can work up a sweat no matter where you are. Check out the plan, workouts,
There is only one body-weight exercise you can think of for hitting pecs—pushups—and those get old after a while. Why pushups? It’s both their simplicity (everyone knows them; they require zero equipment) and that they test strength and cardio capacity. Pushups are the ultimate adapter exercise. They can be done anywhere. They recruit more than half the muscles in the
What’s the key to getting a curved, firm, and totally tight backside? A full-scale attack on the muscles. Sure, your classic squats will help on your quest for a bubbly bikini booty, but squats and their many variations are far from the only move you should be doing if you want to make progress. There are plenty of good reasons to get
Sure, if you want to lose weight you need a diet that works for you (and, your lifestyle) and regular bouts of exercise. But that doesn't mean you need to be going all-out every single day with sweat-dripping cardio or heavy weight-lifting to see results. Research shows that yoga can help in a weight-loss routine because it can boost flexibility, increase mental focus, and yes, burn fat. If you're just
Looking for more ways to work your thighs than endless squat and lunge variations? It’s your lucky day. While you may already know spot toning doesn’t really work, you can turn to certain moves that target your inner and outer thighs for some extra TLC. These creative moves, work your thighs in ways you didn’t know were possible. (But don’t psych yourself out—while they may
If you think yoga is only about stress relief and stretching, think again. This centuries-old practice can serve as a rigorous workout. With an emphasis on breathing and correct alignment, our exclusive plan consists of six yoga-inspired moves that will get you in shape in just 12 minutes a day, two days a week. The beauty of this routine is
