Three Simple Summer Workout Tips for Male Readers

Corey Grenz at age 30

Since summer is right around the corner (June 21st), here are three workout tips to help male readers get in the best shape possible. 

1. Use Full Range of Motion When Lifting: This is the simplest step in this article to improve because most guys don’t go to full range of motion when they lift weights. The most common errors are the following. First, when performing Dumbbell Chest or Shoulder Presses most men don’t go all the way down stopping at 90-degrees or less at the elbow joint. This problem is also seen on Biceps Curl variations and Pull-Up or Pulldown variations as many people don’t extend their elbows all the way. Yes, you might be able to lift more weight. However, you are going to make yourself tighter and set yourself up for a potential injury later. 
2. Use the Progressive Overload Principle and Track Your Progress: This is the one step that would improve fitness enthusiast’s progress substantially. Either increase reps or increase the weight if the goal is met. For example if your goal is to get 3 sets or 8-10 reps any you can do 10 reps on all 3 sets increase the weight. With the new weight if you can’t hit between 8-10 or even go less than 8 reps, keep the weight the same and try to increase the reps the next workout. By using a training diary and tracking everything you start to figure out what works best for your body. 
3. Use “Big Bang” Exercises for the Lower Body: Just like the dinosaurs are becoming extinct, so are doing good, hard multi-joint lower body exercises like squat and deadlift variations. Guys forget how much benefit these exercises have in building muscle, improving hormone production and having a calorie burning benefit. Yes, they are not easy but how much success in life is? Step up to the challenge, do these exercises and watch what happens to your body later on. 

The next post will cover tips 4-6.