Books that Can Motivate Powerlifters

Strength training books are ideal for motivation those who are new to the industry. As the name suggests these books are geared towards powerlifters. For novice or non-powerlifters, who are looking for general strength training advice, these powerlifting/ strength training books are very beneficial. One of the must read books for lifters is “The Westside Barbell Book Of Methods” published by Westside Barbell. The 236 pages of this book are full of training advices. Louie Simmons explains the various ways that will help the lifters to produce strength.



Simmons, the legendary powerlifter and strength trainer of Westside Barbell, presents his many years of experience in powerlifting through this book. Being the strength consultant for numerous college football teams including Clevland Brown, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks, Louie’s book is also a great resource for the serious sports people. Some of the strength training methods that “The Westside Barbell Book Of Methods” includes are Conjugate Method, Dynamic Effort Method, Maximal Effort Method, Reactive Method, and Contrast Method.

The Westside Barbell Book Of Methods is specially aimed at competitive powerlifters and serious sports people. In fact, this powerlifting book can be a perfect choice for the intermediate to advanced lifters.

The second edition of “Science and Practice of Strength Training”, written by Dr. Vladimir Zatsiorsky and Dr. William Kraemer, explains the principles and concepts involved in strength training. The book comes with many changes including three new chapters contributed by Dr. Kraemer. These chapters focus on young athletes, women and seniors. The book explains that no one program can work for a person all the times. It describes the complexity involved in strength training programs and provides simple approaches while dealing with specific circumstances. “Science and Practice of Strength Training” provides great insight into the new physiological concepts that are now incorporated in the practice of strength training.

Both the strength training books describes the various methods of strength conditioning, the importance of timing in strength exercises, and ways to prevent injuries.

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Creative Ways to Stay Fit

Obesity is a major problem in USA that often causes several deadly diseases. Americans often avoid incorporating exercises in to their daily routines. Moreover, the excuse – they hardly have the time for regular fitness sessions. However, it is perfectly possible to juggle a tight routine and find time for exercise. Today we will be discussing fitness tips that can be used by the Americans who lead a hectic lifestyle.



Wake up early- Waking up early will allow devoting time to exercise sessions; better yet, there is no need to cut down other important activities. Studies indicate that those who workout in early mornings tends to stick to the routine as compared to those who opt for exercising during other times.

Add variety to the workout routine- It is important to mix and match the different varieties of exercises. It will add novelty to the workout sessions and will help to avoid boredom after few days. An ideal fitness routine should incorporate both non-aerobic exercises such as strength training, weight lifting and aerobic exercises, which may include running, jogging, and free-hand exercises.

Opt for group exercises- Workouts are fun when you team up with your family or friends. In addition, the motivation for exercising is higher when you have a partner.

Listen to music- Research studies indicate that the rhythm of music provides the exercisers with feel good moments and helps them to stay focused. A great way to perk up the exercise routine is to load the MP3 player with your favorite songs and listen to them while running on the treadmill or lift weights.

Utilize the spare time- On holidays and on days when you are feeling low, go for a long walk, cycle to a faraway place, or visit the gym. Exercise helps to increase happy hormones (endorphins) and these, in turn, uplifts the mood.

A busy lifestyle should not be the reason for avoiding workout sessions. Use your creativity to include fitness routines in your everyday life and you will be blessed with a healthy body and a sound mind.

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Exploit Belt Squat Machine for Strength Training Exercises

Squat is a type of strength training exercise that is excellent for the lower body. It works on areas such as hips and thighs, and helps to strengthen ligaments and bones of the lower part of the body. Squats also help to tighten the abdominal core muscles and enhance the size and strength of buttocks and legs. Squats can be of various types such as full squats, box squats, back squats and front squats. The different varieties of squats help the exerciser to mix and match the strength-training workout sessions so that it remains fun and interesting.



A great way to start squat training is to go for the Belt Squat Machine. This innovative fitness equipment enables a person to enjoy a full squat training on areas such as legs and glutes. In addition, with this machine, you do not need to put a bar on your back.

The Belt Squat Machine is easy to use. Adjust the plates on the weight pegs, place your feet on the platform, connect the cable with the squat belt and start the exercise session! There is sufficient platform space so that you do not need to bother about issues such as stability and safety. This fitness equipment also provides the perfect opportunity to perform a number of squats such as box squats, split squat stances, and even stationary lunges.

The Belt Squat Machine is not restricted to squat training alone. You can do pull-throughs by attaching the pair of web handles. Add a single handgrip and perform exercises such as curls, rows and tricep extensions. Deep grip pulls can be performed by using V- Grip. You can also attach a lat pull-down bar and perform Zercher squats.

As described above, the Belt Squat Machine is perfect for those who love in indulge in squat training. However, at the same time it will hardly disappoint those who love performing other forms of strength training exercises.

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Fight Your Way Back to Good Health

Many of us have gone through the trauma of relishing benefits of a new exercise routine and then being forced to stop it because of a nasty injury. While it is not possible to continue with the workout sessions with a bruise, there is no need to put a total end to the workout sessions either. You should enjoy a healthy lifestyle while your body is taking time to heal itself. You can consider the following points-

• When you have a serious injury, it is better to opt for a healthy diet that contains all the essential nutrients. Avoid any extreme diet but do not forget about your ideal calorie intake either. Consult the doctor about your nutritional requirements and enquire whether you can take any health supplements.



• Stretching is a good way to keep you healthy while recovering from an injury. Depending on the type of injury, you can opt for static or passive stretching. In static stretching, a person is required to assume a position and hold it on for few seconds or minutes without any assistance. In contrast, passive stretching involves use of an external aid (a person or any device) for further stretching of the muscles. Remember to be careful while stretching.

• Apply your imagination and creativity while exercising during an injury. For example, if you have a leg injury, you can try light weight lifting with the arms. Spinning classes are ideal for those who have an injured arm.

• You can pamper your body and mind with some relaxing massages. They are known to soothe the tensed nerves and stretch those muscles, which cannot be stretched in the usual way. In addition, massages will also help to eliminate the pain and increase blood circulation in the body.

Think positive, use your free time intelligently and most importantly, listen to your body. Remember that no injuries will last forever.

Stay healthy and happy!

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Powerlifting Tips for Beginners: How to Increase Bench Presses

Some simple techniques can help powerlifters to increase the weight on their bench press. And both novice and experienced lifters can incorporate these techniques in their strength training programs. Powerlifters need to focus on one thing – to improve the total amount of weight that they can press for one rep. The following tips will help the lifters to increase their maximum single repetition lift.



First, the lifter must learn to conserve their energy. One must learn the strength training techniques that will help them to lift the largest amount of weight by utilizing the smallest amount of energy possible. For this, the lifters must use their spotter for lifting the bar out of its rack. Try to do some effective handoff using the spotter; make sure handoff is quick and smooth. Be quick, but controlled while bringing the bar to the chest during the eccentric phase. Also, try to involve all the muscle while doing the lift.

Another effective strength training technique is to reduce the distance one move the weight. In powerlifting both weight and distance are important. The lifters must learn to reduce the distance to be able to move largest amount of weight without increasing the amount of power. While doing bench press, try to arch your back as much as possible; this helps in increasing your bench press. The shoulder blades must be squeezed together – this helps in keeping the bench in contact with shoulders throughout the lift. Powerlifters know the importance of breathing exercises and the one must keep that in mind while doing bench presses. Take deep breath into your chest and hold it in the eccentric phase; release the breath slowly in the concentric phase. Use the triceps to lock your arms out – this will help in locking out the weight. But remember not to raise the weight higher.

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