Glycine: Tiny Amino, Tremendous Gains
Could the numerous benefits of this often overlooked amino contain the key to unlocking your gains? From growth hormone stimulation ...
Exercise Execution
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Acetylcholine: Stimulating Mind and Body
Of the major neurotransmitters, acetylcholine just might be the most important from a muscle building standpoint. As a major neurotransmitter ...
Lactic Acid: The Power of the BURN!
The ‘BURN’... both masochistically loved and hated at the same time. We’ve all felt it. We’ve all heard varying opinions ...
The Young and The Restless: Weight Training for Special Populations
Is it true that resistance training stunts growth in adolescents? And can lifting really reverse the ageing process in older ...
Partner Up!
In this day and age, exercise and general health have become not only a trend but a necessity. Townships and ...
The Effects of Carbohydrates on Your Workout – Part 1: Pre Workout
For many of us, carbohydrates seem to be the most important and most debated macronutrient when speaking on building muscle. ...
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Chest Dips
Dip your way to a bigger chest... Ben explains how for maximum effect!
Chest Presses
Ben's step-by-step guidelines for performing the best chest pressing movements for maximal muscle growth!
Trap 3 Isolation
Building an impressive physique starts with a strong foundation... these are an awesome tool to add to your arsenal!
Extension Movements
The best extension movements laid out step-by-step... time to build tremendous triceps!
Leg Presses
Ben's top-shelf tips for leg pressing your way to massive legs!
Rows for Back
The best rowing exercises, broken down BPak-syle!
Ab Leg Raises
General guidelines for all ab targeting leg raise movements
(unless specifically stated otherwise)
- before beginning the concentric portion, exhale all air from the lungs / diaphragm and suck in the stomach (bring ribs to the rib cage), remove any arch in the back, then contract the abs and begin the concentric
- maintain constant tension on the abs throughout; aim to maximally lengthen and fully shorten the abdominal wall (keep in mind that the function of the abs is to flex and extend the spine so pay attention to what’s happening at the spine); the moment the abdominal wall relaxes, begin again with the concentric portion of the movement.
- ideally, perform with relatively straight legs, with just a very slight and consistent bend in the knees
- roll hips / whole pelvic girdle up at the top (unless directed otherwise)
- maintain constant movement (no rest at the bottom)
- pay extra attention to staying under control; no swing on the way, plus don’t allow the body to just ‘fall’ through the negative
- to de-activate assistance from the quads and hip flexors, aim to activate the hams and / or glutes whenever possible.
* if you want to work the obliques in addition to the lower abs, simply add a twist at the top of the movement.
Hanging Leg / Knee raises (emphasizes lower abs)
Leg Raises (at the top of the movement)
Knee Raises (at the top of the movement)
- Exercise Specific:
- hang directly from a bar with hands shoulder-width apart, or instead use a ‘Roman Chair’ apparatus.
- For the Knee-Raise Variation: bend at the knees significantly and bring them straight up to the chest.
Lying Leg / Knee Raises (emphasizes lower abs)
Leg Raises: Can be performed on an decline bench as shown above if ability allows
Knee Raises: Depicted at the top of the movement
- Exercise Specific:
- can be done on the ground, or, if more advanced, on an ab bench with a slight decline; if done on a decline, come down only until the abdominal wall relaxes (likely around 45º)
- come up as high as possible depending on any potential lower back issues you may have; if your lower back is an issue, perhaps restrict the range somewhat turning this more into a slight pelvic roll.
- For the Knee-Raise Variation: bend at the knees significantly and bring them straight up to the chest
- Variation using Stability Ball:
> feet wide
> hands at sides
> grab ball with heels and roll the hips back as much as possible.
Pelvic Roll – toes to sky (emphasizes lower abs)
As depicted, can be performed on a decline bench if ability allows
- Exercise Specific:
- position legs at 90º straight up with knees locked (aim to keep them perfectly vertical throughout, don’t allow them to come backwards at all)
- execute by rolling the pelvis straight up and down (aim feet to the ceiling on the ascent).
‘Reverse’ Leg Raises – focus on top half (emphasizes lower abs)
Bottom position. Can be performed on a decline bench as depicted if ability allows
- Exercise Specific:
- roll pelvis back / up as high as possible (this is the start / end point)
- from here, maintaining straight legs, bring them back as close as possible to the head
- the movement is basically pulsing the legs back and forth within this short range (keeping the abs in a particularly shortened position).
