Dumbbell Shrugs and Dumbbell Upright Rows are two popular exercises used to target the upper trapezius muscles of the back and shoulders. While they both will help develop the traps, there are differences between the two exercises in both form and function. Dumbbell Shrugs primarily target the upper trapezius and can be performed with heavy…
When it comes to building strength and muscle mass in the lower body, few exercises are as effective as Deadlifts and Rack Pulls. Both exercises work the major muscle groups in the legs, back, and core, and are often used by powerlifters, bodybuilders, and athletes alike. However, even though they are very similar movements, there…
I’ve used countless medicine balls over a 20-year career as a college Strength and Conditioning Coach and Sports Scientist. Recently, I bought and tried out 10 of the most popular medicine balls currently on the market. I bought a variety of different brands and styles and tested them out over the course of a few…
In the weight room, there are countless exercises that can help strengthen and grow the muscles of the arms. Among the most popular are the Incline Dumbbell Curl and the Hammer Curl and both are great options for hitting the biceps at the end of a workout. But what sets these exercises apart, and which…
When it comes to building upper body strength and improving athletic performance, two exercises that can be extremely effective are Rope Climbs and Pull-ups. Both exercises require a significant amount of upper body and grip strength, but there are some key differences between the two that might make one more suitable for certain individuals or…
Rope climbing is an incredibly challenging and rewarding exercise that can help you build upper body strength, endurance, and coordination. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance or simply someone who wants to take on a new fitness challenge, learning how to do Rope Climbs is a great way to challenge yourself. However,…
If you’re looking to add strength and size to your arms, dumbbells are a versatile and effective tool to help you achieve your goals. So, even if you don’t have access to a barbell or fancy machines, don’t worry! Some of the best exercises for arms are done with dumbbells and there is also plenty…
Hanging Knee Raises and Crunches are both core exercises used to target and strengthen the abdominal muscles. But, that’s about where the similarities end. The two exercises are very different in how they are executed, the equipment needed to do them and the level of difficulty they provide. In this article, I’m going to teach…
Hanging Knee Raises and Hanging Leg Raises are two very similar core exercises done hanging from a bar. They sound similar and they also look quite similar, but there is a distinct difference between the two. In short, Hanging Knee Raises allows the lifter to bend the legs while Leg Raises keep the legs straight….
I’ve always loved the NFL Combine. A series of events to evaluate the physical characteristics of the best college football players each year. It’s basically an Olympic decathlon for potential NFL Rookies. When I train players for the combine, one of the things we always do is look at previous years’ results to see how…