Featured Exercise - One Arm Dumbbell Rows

The one arm dumbbell row is a great exercise for both isolation and mass. You can use a very heavy weight with this exercise which really focuses on building the lats and middle back. Start this exercise by positioning yourself parallel to a flat bench. Place one knee on the bench and grab the dumbbell with the hand furthest away from the bench. Use the other hand for the necessary support on the bench. Arch you back and lift the dumbbell slowly all the way up until your back reaches a full muscle contraction. Your arm should then be flexed and in the upright position close to your side and against your chest. Try and hold the dumbbell at the top of the movement for one count for a peak contraction. Lower the weight slowly and under control so the muscle is working to its fullest capacity on the way down. Repeat for 8 - 12 reps and 3 - 4 sets. To complete the set switch the weight to your other arm and remember to also change the side of the bench you are on as well as the knee on the bench.

Consider using a strap or grip for the dumbbell as your forearms most likely will fatigue more quickly than your back. If done properly you will really notice an improvement in your lat sweep as well as more carved out detail in your middle back.

Visit Unique Fitness Concepts for more fitness articles, events, and information as well as 1000's of name brand fitness equipment products.

Keeping a Journal of Your Workouts

Keep a daily journal of your workouts. Include the exercises you perform as well as sets, reps, and how you feel throughout the workout. There is no better way to analyze your routine and keep tabs of your progress and sticking points.

When I started lifting I kept an extremely detailed journal of my workouts (sets and reps), diet (caloric, protein, carb and fat intake), and body weight and measurements. I was so excited to see almost weekly progress in my strength and size. This more than anything gave me the incentive to push myself above and beyond what I thought I could do. This was because I KNEW, and had actual physical proof of my progress. I learned that there was a direct correlation between the hard work I put in at the gym and my new found growth. I also learned to vary my routine when I analyzed my results and I saw that I was doing the same exercises for too long of a time period. I also had documented proof as to what worked and what did not when I tried a new exercise or varied an old one.

Keeping a weight training journal may sound a bit tedious to you but I am convinced that there is no better way for keeping close tabs on the entire bodybuilding lifestyle if you are a serious trainer.

Working Through Imbalances in Your Physique

I've received many questions about physique symmetry and balance over the years similar to the one below. My response has basically been the same. Do not compensate for an imbalance with one-sided exercises as you are leaving yourself susceptible to injury. Perform each exercise using the strictest of form and the imbalance will work itself out over time.

Question and Answers with Harvey Reich - Illinois Bodybuilding Champion:

Question: I’ve been working out for six months now and my left arm still seems to be bigger and stronger than the right. What is the most efficient way to correct this?
Fredo F. Mt. Vernon, IL

Answer: Hi Steve. I’d be willing to bet that you are left handed. Whatever inclination we are is naturally used more and would be more developed and stronger. If you keep working out on a consistent basis with good solid, balanced form this will eventually work itself out with your right arm catching up resulting in a more balanced eye pleasing physique.

D4DCHXYQNYB8

Obtaining a Peak in Your Biceps

I often get questions from bodybuilders regarding training techniques. Here is one of the better questions I've received regarding biceps training.

Question: I work my biceps constantly. They are getting bigger but I can't seem to get that peak on them that I see on other bodybuilders. What do you suggest I do?
Eric B.
Peoria, IL



Hi Eric. Unfortunately, a large part of a great bicep peak is the way your muscle is shaped at birth. In other words, it's part of your genetic makeup. However, you can improve if you regularly perform several peak contraction movements like concentration curls and Preacher or Scott curls. Remember to squeeze or flex your biceps at the top of the movement. Try that for your next few biceps workouts and over a few month's time you should notice an improvement.

Nothing Beats the Look of a Powerful Back

I've always admired bodybuilders and powerlifters who sport a powerful looking well-developed back. You know the type - the tapered V look that looks like there isn't enough room to hold that amount of muscle. All of the top bodybuilding champions like Arnold, Sergio Olivia, Ronnie Coleman, and the current Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler had the best backs of their respective eras. When these champs wrote about their back routines they always seem to be proud of the amount of work and effort it took to build this impressive body part. They usually performed at least 4- 5 different exercises to ensure that they hit all areas of their back. Although some of these aforementioned bodybuilders who were from "golden age" seemed to always train to much I have to agree with the number or exercises they performed on a regular basis for back.

In order to fully train the back properly one must address the upper, middle, and lower back almost as separate body parts. Here is one of my back routines and the associated part of the back it works.

1) Pull-ups: 4 sets of 10 - 15 reps and works the upper back and lats.
2) Seated Cable Rows: 4 sets of 8 - 12 reps and works the middle back.
3) Barbell Rows: 4 sets of 8 - 12 reps. Works lats and middle to lower back.
4) Hyper Extensions: 2 sets of 30 rep. Works the lower back.

As you can see the total of 14 sets works the entire back and will give you that powerful well-muscled back that all bodybuilders strive for. Try this routine for about four weeks and I'm certain that you will be pleased with the results.

Check out the video below and you can see back exercises performed with PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells.

View video for PowerBlock Ab & Back Exercises.

Please visit Unique Fitness Concepts for more fitness tips and exercise routines.

Discover What Motivational Factors Work For You

I've been lifting now for 35 years and there has been one consistent factor throughout that time and that is motivation. Motivation gets you going when you're feeling a bit lazy and don't want to go to the gym. Motivation gets you that one extra hard fought rep to make you grow. Motivation gives you the drive to be the very best you can be. All of the top bodybuilders have always used it to their advantage to get to the top of their profession.

Personally, I started out very weak and underweight and my motivation was to build muscle so I wasn't that 97 lb. weakling in the Charles Atlas comic book cartoon. As I got older my motivation changed from building up to trimming down and ridding myself of extra fat. During my workout I pictured myself with my stomach protruding and that thought alone drove me to push myself harder. The point is that I used a factor in my life that lit a fire under me to push myself beyond what I normally would do. The same should hold true for everyone. Think about it and choose something that will push you to excel. It may be an ex boyfriend or girlfriend or an irritating boss. Or maybe you want to look great in your swimsuit on the beach. Whatever your motivation is store it in your brain and bring it out when you're lifting to push yourself beyond where you would normally go.


Please visit us at Unique Fitness Concepts for more bodybuilding tips and routines.

Advantages of Training with Dumbbells

Some bodybuilders have gravitated to the weight training machines since they burst onto the gym scene in earnest in the 1970s. The machines are all well and good and they can add variations of exercises to your routine, but they do restrict your natural movement due to their design.

I've always liked training with free weights and especially dumbbells. Dumbbells give you freedom of movement and also work your core with certain exercises as well. You can also alternate between arms for a variation of the exercise which is not possible with machines. Once you've mastered the balance part for exercises like dumbbell presses and flyes you'll be able to better focus on the muscle group you're working due to the isolation nature of the movement. This in turn will lead to greater gains in strength and mass.

Here are some excellent dumbbell exercises for arms with PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells.

View video for PowerBlock Arm Exercises.

To see more videos of dumbbell exercises please visit us at Unique Fitness Concepts

Legs Take the Longest to Get Back Into Flow After Layoff

Well my comeback just completed two workout cycles. By that I mean I completed workouts for each body part two times. Without question legs seem to be the most difficult to get back into a good rhythm. For this second leg workout I did barbell squats first for three sets of 135x12, 185x12, and 205x15. Not bad for the second workout but my conditioning or lack thereof showed during this exercise. My rest time in between sets was probably twice as long as when I am in shape and my fatigue level was very high. I never quite recovered my wind which hindered my effectiveness for the rest of the workout. I finished the workout with calves - raises on the leg press and standing calf raises. I was able to get a fair calf burn but not a great pump which I again attribute to my conditioning. I will be hitting the cardio harder so my focus and energies can be with the task at hand and not fatigue.

Balance is the Key to an Eye Pleasing Physique

You've probably noticed this too but I've walked into the gym way too many times over the years only to see some of my buddies the "regular gym rats" who perform only a select few exercises and call it a day. They only exercise the "showy" muscles with disregard for the rest of the body. A fine example of this are the "cantaloupe smugglers". You know those guys, the ones who only work their pecs and biceps and look like they are carrying four large melons under their shirt. They probably think that they look strong or muscular. But with little muscular development elsewhere they in fact look horribly disproportionate and even silly. If you look closer at these guys they probably have spindly under-developed legs and look ludicrous in a shorts or a bathing suit. Another good example are guys who work everything but their abs. They may have a great back, chest, arms, legs etc. but if your stomach is not sporting some semblance of a six-pack you're not going to look in shape.

The whole idea here is proportion. I've been to many bodybuilding contests and the overall winner more often than not is not the biggest, strongest person in the contest with flashing oversized body parts. It's the guy or gal who is proportionally or evenly developed and has the fewest weaknesses. This type of physique will catch your eye at the pool or beach as being much more impressive than the cantaloupe smuggler type. Remember a chain is only as strong as its weakest link and this especially holds true for the human body.

It may not be fun to blast your legs with squats or do endless calf raises and sit-ups. But if you do work out the entire body in proportion there is no doubt in the end you'll be more than pleased with the results.

Visit Unique Fitness Concepts for more bodybuilding articles, routines, and advice.

The Cardiovascular and Psychological Benefits of Walking

First let me start out with the statement or fact that I believe that there is no better low impact aerobic exercise then walking. Walking is tremendous activity for every level age group and fitness level. It helps control weight, conditions the heart and strengthens the bones and you can easily make it as easy or as difficult as you like to suit your physical fitness needs. For example, I started walking at a leisurely pace when I began training again after an extended layoff just to get my motor running. I also did heavy or fast walking five times a week when I was in intense training for competition. Needless to say I was very pleased with the end result both times. Walking helped me "ramp up" or segues into more serious training and it was a great cardio top-off after a long day of lifting and dieting. I can't say that I enjoyed any fitness activity more than arming myself with my ipod and dog and marching away in a cool, soothing night throughout the neighborhood.

I have also find out that even though during my intense training periods where I really pushed my walking pace to 9 - 10 minute miles I was able to relax my mind and "think" about plans and activities that I would not be able to do while performing any other intense fitness activity such as free weight or machine circuit training. It seems that the rhythmic cadence of walking really freed up my mind to perform my most creative thinking of the day!

Walking should never be boring. The great thing about walking is that any two workouts never have to be the same. You can change the pace, environment, time of day... you get the point. With the limitless amount of change to keep you fresh you should never grow tired of it! You can also ramp up the intensity by adding hand, ankle, or wrist weights or even a weighted vest.

Effort and Consistency are Keys to a Great Physique

People always ask me what is the secret to building a great physique. Then They ramble on about the number of hours they put in at the gym and how hard they work, but they still look the same day after day, week after week, and year after year. The answer is really quite simple: effort and consistency. There's a direct correlation between the time and effort you put in at the gym and the results. You can spend all the time you want working out, but if you're just going through the motions you will never see a noticeable improvement. However, if you are consistent in your effort, eat clean, and get your rest, you will reap the benefits from that lifestyle. Remember it's all up to you.

Keep a calendar and log of your workouts. The calendar will help you maintain your regular workout schedule and the log will give a much more detailed picture of your progress and sticking points over time. Tracking your workouts will always give you a clearer overall picture and will help you plan your future workouts accordingly.

Learn more about health and fitness at the Unique Fitness Concepts Newsletters Archive

Featured Exercise - Seated Triceps Extensions

The seated triceps extension is a tremendous refinement exercise when completing your triceps routine. This exercise will help carve out that "horseshoe" look in your triceps. Perform this exercise while seated and begin the exercise by holding the dumbbell directly above your head. You can use your other arm as a brace to help keep your elbow in place. Slowly lower the weight behind your head until you feel a full stretch in your triceps. Then lift the weight back up to the point where your arm is almost locked out. Do not completely lock out your arm as this will keep constant stress on the muscle and will make it work harder.

Check out Unique Fitness Concepts for more exercise routines and tips.

Assess Your Physique for Maximum Gains

Monitor your body's progress and overall development by looking at yourself in a full length mirror. This is the best way to assess your overall progress as well as your body's strengths and weaknesses. A mirror will be brutally honest with you and if you heed its advice you can determine which body parts need extra work and be on your way to better more eye pleasing proportioned physique. Also get a qualified opinion as well. A training partner or a gym colleague with a keen eye will probably be able to give you an objective assessment. Remember to put you feelings aside when being critiqued by others. They will not look at you with rose colored glasses.

Visit Unique Fitness Concepts for additional workout advice, routines as well as one of the largest selection of fitness equipment and accessories available today.

Stay Alert When You Train

Keep Your Mind Alert When You Train. Prior to your workout it is imperative that you clear your mind from the day-to-day problems that can hinder your focus and concentration. Injuries often occur when you train and your mind is somewhere else. With intense concentration you’ll be able to focus and will yourself to new levels of improvement.

How should you Train? Fast Twitch or Slow Twitch Workouts

Generally speaking high reps work the fast twitch muscle fibers and are for definition and low reps work the slow twitch muscle fibers for mass. This is true as a general rule but to have a more complete and full physique you should be doing both high and low reps at some point during your weekly workout regiment. You can have a "light" or "heavy" day or you can finish out an exercise with some high rep burns. You'll feel the muscles more and you'll also be attacking both the fast and slow twitch fibers for a more complete workout which will result in an overall more eye-pleasing physique.

Visit Unique Fitness Concepts for more fitness tips, articles, and a wide product selection.

Featured Exercise - Standing Barbell Cur

Standing Barbell Curls have been an exercise standard since the beginning of bodybuilding and weight resistance training. If there is any muscle that is associated with strength and weight training it is the biceps. It is still a great basic exercise for building biceps mass. To start the exercise make sure that you are thoroughly warmed up to prevent tendon and muscle strain. Use a weight that you have to really push yourself to get 8 - 10 tough reps. Keep you elbows at your sides and slowly begin the curl by only moving your forearms. Do not swing the weight as this brings other muscles into play and diminishes the focus on your biceps.

At the peak of the movement do not throw the weight into your upper chest. Instead, pull the weight until your biceps are fully contracted with continuous tension on the muscle at all times. Slowly lower the weight keeping tension and the biceps flexed the entire way down. If you perform this exercise correctly you will fatigue the biceps quicker and you will certainly notice a marked improvement in your biceps mass and strength.

For more fitness tips and information check outUnique Fitness Concepts

Choosing a Training Partner

When choosing a training partner you should look for someone who has similar fitness goals to your own. Not identical but similar. It would be hard to integrate a partner's routine with your own if one partner has a goal of gaining mass while the other partner has a goal of losing weight. That being said, even if your goals slightly differ, by using what each you know best about training you can find a harmony and competitive atmosphere that would be beneficial to the both of you. Once you get used to each other's training habits you will both learn to work as a team and push yourselves further than you ever thought possible.

Check out our web site Unique Fitness Concepts for special deals on fitness equipment and accessories.

Day Number One Of Bodybuilding Comeback

My name is Harvey Reich and I'm currently 49 years old. I've been bodybuilding (on and off since age 30) for 35 years. The last time I devoted myself to the sport was 2005 when I last entered and won a contest, Natural Masters Illinois. I was 45 years old then. At that age I performed squats with 275 x 15 for multiple sets and I was also able to do pullups for 15 reps per set. I'm quite proud of those lifts. I still did supersets, giant sets, etc. and I was able to get into the best shape of my life culminating with the aforementioned title.  Subsequently, I started Unique Fitness Concepts (a fitness equipment supply company) and my energies have been fully devoted to the company. As a result my hard fought gains slowly faded with sporadic training over the past few years. I want to make a comeback and again win a masters title at age 50. This will be a daily journal of my quest to accomplish that goal.

DAY 1:  Worked chest today. I am coming off a shoulder injury which I occured while bench pressing back in May. I've rested since then (4 months) and today is the day! I started my chest workout with bench presses 135 x 12 (2), 155 x 12 (2) and 145 x 12. Shoulder felt pressure during the set but no pain. Hopefully it has healed. I was up to 225 x 8, but I must ease back into the routine so I don't re-injure my shoulder. Next I did three sets of dumbbell incline presses 60's x 10 (2) and 55's x 10.  I usually do barbell presses but the bench was well occupied and I didn't want to wait around or do another exercise instead. I finished chest off with dumbbell flyes 45's x 8 (3). My pecs were VERY fatigued early on but I pushed through ok. I finished with three sets of leg raises for abs, 60 reps total. At this stage I don't have great intensity but I think that will return in time with consistency of my workouts.

Using The Proper Grip Is Crucial

The proper lifting grips are crucial in avoiding injury when performing exercises like deadlifts, shrugs, and back pulls. You need to focus exclusively on the lifting task at hand and not whether your grips will hold out during the set. Any slip can be disastrous. For a powerful secure grip try Versa Gripps Pro Series weight lifting grips. It's the grip used by many of the top pros. Unique Fitness Concepts has them on special, regularly $52.50 only $47.25 after 10% saving with Coupon: 10GBLOG Versa Grips Pro Grips

For more fitness information please check out our website Unique Fitness Concepts which features 1,000's of fitness equipment products as well as articles, events calendar, exercise tips, and message board.

Keys to Performing Back Squats Correctly

Three key factors to performing back squats correctly:

1) Place your feet approximately 6 inches wider than your hips to maintain a good solid base.
2) Locate an area in front of you that is slightly higher than your line of vision. Keep your eyes fixed on that spot throughout the set. It will help with your balance and stabilization.
3) Flex the lumbar muscles in your lower back. This will help you keep your back arched and your form tight.

Follow these basic rules and you will soon find your repetition groove which will help you focus on the lifting task on hand and not balance and form issues.

For more fitness information please check out our website Unique Fitness Concepts which features 1,000's of fitness equipment products as well as articles, events calendar, exercise tips, and message board.