Lifting weights is a powerful means of developing muscle mass and strength. Unfortunately, many men make rapid progress initially, and then either level out or experience a string of nagging injuries. This top 10 features proven products to help the lifting enthusiast break through plateaus and achieve a more mobile, healthy and functional physique.
10. ASICS© GEL-Neo33™
When looking for a good high-performance running shoe you can use at the gym, you want to find something that is relatively flat (not a huge heel lift), has some arch support and allows for multiplanar foot movement. Shoes with large heel springs or bubbles make it difficult to shift body weight posteriorly, which is important for all squatting, deadlifting and lunging variations. ASICS® has developed a new shoe that serves these purposes well and is also incredibly comfortable. Named for the 33 joints in the foot, ASICS® GEL-Neo33™'s sole has enough flexibility to allow the foot to move functionally, but enough stability to allow maximum force generation.
9. Chalk
When men start to get really strong, grip becomes a limiting factor in their ability to move more weight in both lower body- and upper body-pulling exercises (like deadlifting, rowing and chin-up variations). Because having a strong grip also sends a neural signal to the shoulders for improved stability, the trickle-down effect of having a weakened grip is significant. Carrying some simple gymnastics chalk around your gym bag will quickly cure this common problem. The chalk keeps your hands dry, makes your grip tighter and prevents subtle rotations of the bar within your hands, and you can get a year’s supply for less than $20. Chalk is a great investment for any lifter and a necessity for the super strong.
8. Active Release
Most lifters spend the overwhelming majority of their efforts on the training stimulus, and spend minimal energy on recovery and regeneration. Over time, faulty movement patterns and muscular imbalances can perpetuate a host of problems that eventually cause the lifter to break down. Active Release Technique (ART) is a manual technique utilized by chiropractors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and some massage therapists designed to break up adhesions and restrictions within soft-tissue structures that may limit performance or cause pain. It’s not uncommon for lifters to walk out of a single appointment with fluid range of motion not experienced in years. While certainly not the only effective soft-tissue technique, scheduling a regular appointment with an ART practitioner is a great way to maximize your progress in the gym, without being hampered by nagging pains and injuries.
7. Ultimate MMA Conditioning by Joel Jamieson
Joel Jamieson is one of the world’s leading experts in training for the rigors of MMA battle. In his book, Jamieson provides the most comprehensive and user-friendly description of energy-systems training currently available. Loaded with conditioning progressions and protocols, Ultimate MMA Conditioning will help you get in the best shape of your life, and give you unique insight into why certain methods work, and why progress from others is short-lived. Although written for training fighters, Jamieson's book is a must-read for anyone dedicated to pushing the outer limits of their physical capacities.
6. Bigger Stronger Faster
At its core, Bigger Stronger Faster is a documentary about steroid use in America. More broadly, it’s a story that uncovers many of the myths of training and the truth behind the success of many of today’s top athletes. From telling interviews with experts and congressmen to surprising same-day, before-and-after supplement photo shoots, Bigger Stronger Faster is filled with entertaining anecdotes, insightful lessons and demonstrations of superhuman strength. A must-watch for any lifter.
5. Heavy Ropes
As training increases, so too does the desire to find new training methods to spice things up, both mentally and physically. Heavy ropes have gained quite a bit of traction over the last few years as a new means of core training and conditioning. They're a great option to improve upper-body work capacity or conditioning when your legs need a break. There are no easy exercises with heavy ropes; this may just be the challenge you’ve been waiting for.
4. BioSteel Advanced Recovery Formula
With so many supplement choices and the outlandish, borderline-immoral marketing claims of some companies, it can be difficult to sift through the garbage and really determine what works. BioSteel was originally founded to fuel elite athletes, but their Advanced Recovery Formula is a perfect option for any gym junkie. It contains an optimal mix of carbohydrates, whey and casein protein, branch chain amino acids, and a special blend of ingredients to facilitate digestion and absorption. This BioSteel formula was specifically designed to help men that push their limits recover faster and develop lean muscle mass.
3. Gourmet Nutrition by Dr. John Berardi, Michael Williams and Kristina Andrew
When it comes to maximizing progress in the gym, few things hamper the progress of men as much as a poor diet. In reality, many men aren't sure what they should be eating or when to eat it. Gourmet Nutrition is a cookbook packed with delicious recipes for every major meal throughout the day and snacks in between. It also has preparation instructions and tips so you don’t have to live in the kitchen in order to eat well. A guide dictates which meals are "anytime" meals, and which are best reserved for "post-workout." The "Super Smoothie" recipes alone are worth the prices of admission
2. Maximum Strength by Eric Cressey
Fitness is a constantly evolving arena, with trends that cycle through an emphasis on different physical qualities. While endurance and muscle building have been the predominate focus in the past, world-renowned strength and conditioning coach Eric Cressey makes a strong argument for why maximum strength training will soon take over, and provides a plan for how any man can stay ahead of the curve. In Maximum Strength, Cressey provides a 4-phase 16-week training program with a unique combination of self-myofascial release, mobility and activation dynamic warm-ups, comprehensive strength training strategies, and specific nutrition guidance. The process is designed to help any man achieve an elite level of health, fitness and strength.
1. Training = Rehab, Rehab = Training from Dr. Charlie Weingroff
Half powerlifter, half physical therapist, half manual therapist, and half strength and conditioning coach (yes, you read that right), Dr. Weingroff has a unique appreciation for the process of truly maximizing human performance. In this 12-hour 6-DVD set, Weingroff lays out his philosophy and methodology behind a phenomenal training approach to maximize an individual’s physical capacities and drastically reduce their risk of injury. This is how you become a monster in the gym.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario