When Progress Stops...So you've been training for a while now. You've also been making steady progress: Higher training weights, increased number of sets and repetitions, more muscle mass and lower body fat percentage. Everything seems to be going along so smoothly

Fitness is a key to success...Though I work out most days of the week, I've never been one to follow the sport of bodybuilding. That may be surprising to many considering I have been working out at Muscle Beach in Venice, California a couple times per week

Shoulder Pain...Many times people experience shoulder pain in their active daily lives. The pain can become more severe at some times than at others. Though not unheard of for the rest of us, chronic shoulder pain is most commonly found with athletes. For those unfortunate individuals with constant shoulder pain, the cause is usually repetitive abuse of

Focusing On Results...During the first year of weight training, results generally come fairly steadily. Size, strength and shape all improve. However, sometime after this "honeymoon" period our progress can slow or even come to a complete halt. At this point our bodies have become accustomed to the regular stresses of weight training, and our improvements hit what is called a plateau.

Squats For Lower Back Pain ...A frequent complaint heard by personal trainers from a clients is "I will never do squats again, last time I did, I hurt my lower back". We can truly sympathize with someone who experiences any lower back pain and some of you may even agree that squats can cause the pain.

What is DOMS?...Most gym goers have heard at some time or another someone proudly complain about how sore his or her pecs, lats, etc. are after yesterday's "great workout". A common response to this is "Yeah, but that soreness shows muscle growth". But does it?

Free Weights vs Machines ...It's likely that most of us who have ever lifted weights have gotten our share of advice from gym gurus concerning the benefits or shortcomings of training with machines or free weights. Some will tell you that machines will make your muscles short and ugly; while others will say that free weights will snap your spine like a dry twig.

Achieving Results ...Why workout or exercise if you are not going to achieve the results you want? Just lifting weights or walking on the treadmill at the gym will not ensure that you get into the shape you may be seeking. How then do you achieve the results you desire

Too Much Pain - No Gain...Most gym goers have heard at some time or another someone proudly complain about how sore his or her pecs, lats, etc. are after yesterday's "great workout". A common response to this is "Yeah, but that soreness shows