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How to Build Muscle Fast and Avoid Shoulder Injuries [ June 30th, 2009 ] Posted in » Build Muscle

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By Jason Ferruggia

Many moons ago when people asked me how to build muscle fast I told them that they had to squat, deadlift and bench press. That was before I injured my own shoulder and saw it happen to countless others. It happened again yesterday. My friend and ex training partner called and told me he tore his rotator cuff while benching heavy over the weekend. This did not come as shocking news. This bench press has been injuring shoulders and tearing pecs since the first time it was ever performed.

Back in the golden days of the Iron Game, when the military press was the main upper body exercise of choice, nobody ever heard of rotator cuff injuries or pec tears. It was only after the bench press achieved extreme popularity that shoulders and pecs started getting obliterated at record rates.

The bottom position of a heavy bench press puts your shoulders in a very vulnerable and dangerous position. Some people can tolerate this for decades. For others it will only take a few years. But sooner or later it’s bound to happen. It’s really not a question of if, but when. The flat bench press will eventually lead to some kind of shoulder problems or pec tear in the majority of lifters who do it heavy enough and long enough.

Like a lot of you, I have always been obsessed with learning more about how to build muscle fast, and the bench press has long been a staple in popular mass building programs. For years I proudly proclaimed it to be a great size and strength building lift and measure of upper body power. Nothing made me happier than helping one of my athletes add 50 pounds to his bench in the off season and watching him go to camp and destroy the competition.

But after 20 years in the game, having been witness to far too many injuries resulting from the flat bench press and getting my own shoulder cut open recently, I have finally had to look myself in the mirror and admit the truth that I have been hesitant to come to grips with for far too long…

Bench pressing sucks!

I have discussed this issue with many of the worlds top shoulder specialists in recent months and they are all in full agreement.

That’s not to say that you can never bench again. I know many of you will refuse to stop and I can relate to that mindset. If you get tested on the bench or compete in powerlifting, of course you have to do it. For the rest of you, who still love to press big weights and impress your friends and gym members I recommend you do so with extreme caution.

Make sure your technique is picture perfect and you bring the bar down to the right spot while properly activating your upper back and lat muscles. Secondly, don’t use the flat bench for more than 4-6 weeks without switching to a safer version of a barbell press like an incline or floor press.

The smartest route, however, is to get rid of this destructive exercise forever. There are far more effective movements that will build mind blowing strength and size in your chest, shoulders and triceps while saving you years of frustrating and costly injuries.

While the bench press is probably the most dangerous exercise most of you are doing on a regular basis, it is not the only harmful one. Unfortunately many of you are probably doing damage to other body parts without even realizing it.

To learn how to build muscle fast and to discover the most effective and safest exercises that will replace the bench press and many other useless movements, check out MuscleGainingSecrets.com today… before it’s too late.

Train smart,
Jason Ferruggia

Jason Ferruggia is a world famous fitness expert who is renowned for his ability to help people build muscle as fast as humanly possible. He is the head training adviser for Men’s Fitness Magazine where he also has his own monthly column dedicated to muscle building. For more How to Build Muscle Fast tips, check out musclegainingsecrets.com

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Squat Thrusts - Bodyweight Calisthenics Video

Squat Thrusts are another bodyweight calisthenics exercise that uses a lot of different muscles and blurs the line between strength training and endurance training.  I like to do squat thrusts for time instead of reps.  Reps and sets are great if you are doing a bodybuilding workout… but for squat thrusts I find racing the clock to be more effective and fun.

Here is a video of Squat Thrusts:

When you are ready to organize your bodyweight exercises into a progressive program specifically designed to improve fitness, burn fat and build an attractive, athletic body, here are some recommendations:

Option 1:

workout-without-weightsWorkout Without Weights is my flagship bodyweight workout program. If you like building you own workout programs (following a proven, progressive method), this is for you.

There are SIX progressive workout programs here that give you the freedom to choose the bodyweight exercises you use from a list of 190 bodyweight exercises. Just pick the exercises you want to work on, fill in the printable, reusable Workout Journal Sheets… and you’re ready for a great bodyweight only workout you can do at home!

Don’t underestimate the power to achieve your fitness, fat loss and physique building goals using only bodyweight exercises… especially when you follow a PLAN of progression that keeps you improving.

Option 2:

Ultimate Gymless Workout

The Ultimate Gymless Workout is for those who want a PROGRESSIVE SERIES or bodyweight workouts where the bodyweight exercises are chosen for them. There are really TWO complete workout programs here… the Optimum Fitness & Physique program and the Above & Beyond program.

First, alternate through the Fitness, Fat Loss and Strength & Size workouts to build the strong, lean, athletic body you’ve always wanted. Then put your newly developed body to the test with the Above & Beyond workouts. And did I mention, these workout use only bodyweight calisthenics exercises and can be done in the comfort of your own home?

Remember… progression is the key for any workout to improve fitness, burn fat and build an athletic body. After all, if you are not progressing then nothing is going to change. And that means you workouts are nothing more than a waste of time. So, make sure to put your bodyweight workouts together in a way that keeps you progressing toward the ultimate goal of a strong, lean, athletically muscular body!

<- Back to 10 Bodyweight Calisthenics Exercises You Can Do At Home (Videos)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

June 29th, 2009 | 1 Comment

Pushups - Bodyweight Calisthenics Video

The classic push up is one of the most well known bodyweight exercises.  Most exercisers think the push up is only an upper body builder.  But the fact is, the push up is a full body exercise.

You must keep your core and lower body tight in order to complete the push up.  And you often see the core and lower body give out before upper body strength… leading to a really sloppy and ineffective exercise.

Here is a video of pushups:


Pushups & Calisthenics — powered by ExpertVillage.com

When you are ready to organize your bodyweight exercises into a progressive program specifically designed to improve fitness, burn fat and build an attractive, athletic body, here are some recommendations:

Option 1:

workout-without-weightsWorkout Without Weights is my flagship bodyweight workout program. If you like building you own workout programs (following a proven, progressive method), this is for you.

There are SIX progressive workout programs here that give you the freedom to choose the bodyweight exercises you use from a list of 190 bodyweight exercises. Just pick the exercises you want to work on, fill in the printable, reusable Workout Journal Sheets… and you’re ready for a great bodyweight only workout you can do at home!

Don’t underestimate the power to achieve your fitness, fat loss and physique building goals using only bodyweight exercises… especially when you follow a PLAN of progression that keeps you improving.

Option 2:

Ultimate Gymless Workout

The Ultimate Gymless Workout is for those who want a PROGRESSIVE SERIES or bodyweight workouts where the bodyweight exercises are chosen for them. There are really TWO complete workout programs here… the Optimum Fitness & Physique program and the Above & Beyond program.

First, alternate through the Fitness, Fat Loss and Strength & Size workouts to build the strong, lean, athletic body you’ve always wanted. Then put your newly developed body to the test with the Above & Beyond workouts. And did I mention, these workout use only bodyweight calisthenics exercises and can be done in the comfort of your own home?

Remember… progression is the key for any workout to improve fitness, burn fat and build an athletic body. After all, if you are not progressing then nothing is going to change. And that means you workouts are nothing more than a waste of time. So, make sure to put your bodyweight workouts together in a way that keeps you progressing toward the ultimate goal of a strong, lean, athletically muscular body!

<- Back to 10 Bodyweight Calisthenics Exercises You Can Do At Home (Videos)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

June 28th, 2009 | 1 Comment

Mountain Jumpers - Bodyweight Calisthenics Video

Mountain jumpers (Adam calles them Ones and Twos in the video) are very similar to Mountain Climbers except you use both legs at the same time instead of in an alternating fashion. 

This is a great example of how an effective bodyweight exercise does not have to be complex.  While you might think Mountian Jumpers are simple by looking at the video… give them a try and I’m sure you’ll find them challenging.  These are the types of bodyweight calisthenics workouts I like to do for time instead of reps.

Here is a video of Mountain Jumpers (Ones and Twos):

When you are ready to organize your bodyweight exercises into a progressive program specifically designed to improve fitness, burn fat and build an attractive, athletic body, here are some recommendations:

Option 1:

workout-without-weightsWorkout Without Weights is my flagship bodyweight workout program. If you like building you own workout programs (following a proven, progressive method), this is for you.

There are SIX progressive workout programs here that give you the freedom to choose the bodyweight exercises you use from a list of 190 bodyweight exercises. Just pick the exercises you want to work on, fill in the printable, reusable Workout Journal Sheets… and you’re ready for a great bodyweight only workout you can do at home!

Don’t underestimate the power to achieve your fitness, fat loss and physique building goals using only bodyweight exercises… especially when you follow a PLAN of progression that keeps you improving.

Option 2:

Ultimate Gymless Workout

The Ultimate Gymless Workout is for those who want a PROGRESSIVE SERIES or bodyweight workouts where the bodyweight exercises are chosen for them. There are really TWO complete workout programs here… the Optimum Fitness & Physique program and the Above & Beyond program.

First, alternate through the Fitness, Fat Loss and Strength & Size workouts to build the strong, lean, athletic body you’ve always wanted. Then put your newly developed body to the test with the Above & Beyond workouts. And did I mention, these workout use only bodyweight calisthenics exercises and can be done in the comfort of your own home?

Remember… progression is the key for any workout to improve fitness, burn fat and build an athletic body. After all, if you are not progressing then nothing is going to change. And that means you workouts are nothing more than a waste of time. So, make sure to put your bodyweight workouts together in a way that keeps you progressing toward the ultimate goal of a strong, lean, athletically muscular body!

<- Back to 10 Bodyweight Calisthenics Exercises You Can Do At Home (Videos)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

June 27th, 2009 | Leave a Comment

One Leg Squats - Bodyweight Calisthenics Video

One Leg Squats are very challenging and test not only your leg strength… but your balance and coordination as well. I challenge anyonw who thinks bodyweight exercises are “too easy” to give these a try.  Plus, you will immediately identify lower body imbalances that you might not normally know exist when doing squats with both legs at a time.

Here is a video of one leg squats:

When you are ready to organize your bodyweight exercises into a progressive program specifically designed to improve fitness, burn fat and build an attractive, athletic body, here are some recommendations:

Option 1:

workout-without-weightsWorkout Without Weights is my flagship bodyweight workout program. If you like building you own workout programs (following a proven, progressive method), this is for you.

There are SIX progressive workout programs here that give you the freedom to choose the bodyweight exercises you use from a list of 190 bodyweight exercises. Just pick the exercises you want to work on, fill in the printable, reusable Workout Journal Sheets… and you’re ready for a great bodyweight only workout you can do at home!

Don’t underestimate the power to achieve your fitness, fat loss and physique building goals using only bodyweight exercises… especially when you follow a PLAN of progression that keeps you improving.

Option 2:

Ultimate Gymless Workout

The Ultimate Gymless Workout is for those who want a PROGRESSIVE SERIES or bodyweight workouts where the bodyweight exercises are chosen for them. There are really TWO complete workout programs here… the Optimum Fitness & Physique program and the Above & Beyond program.

First, alternate through the Fitness, Fat Loss and Strength & Size workouts to build the strong, lean, athletic body you’ve always wanted. Then put your newly developed body to the test with the Above & Beyond workouts. And did I mention, these workout use only bodyweight calisthenics exercises and can be done in the comfort of your own home?

Remember… progression is the key for any workout to improve fitness, burn fat and build an athletic body. After all, if you are not progressing then nothing is going to change. And that means you workouts are nothing more than a waste of time. So, make sure to put your bodyweight workouts together in a way that keeps you progressing toward the ultimate goal of a strong, lean, athletically muscular body!

<- Back to 10 Bodyweight Calisthenics Exercises You Can Do At Home (Videos)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

June 26th, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Mountain Climbers - Bodyweight Calisthenics Video

Mountain climbers are a challenging calisthenics exercise.  This rhythmic motion exercise will get your heart pumping and your breathing heavy.  Mixing Mountain Climbers into your bodyweight workout is going to make the intensit level shoot through the roof.

Here is a video of Mountain Climbers:

When you are ready to organize your bodyweight exercises into a progressive program specifically designed to improve fitness, burn fat and build an attractive, athletic body, here are some recommendations:

Option 1:

workout-without-weightsWorkout Without Weights is my flagship bodyweight workout program. If you like building you own workout programs (following a proven, progressive method), this is for you.

There are SIX progressive workout programs here that give you the freedom to choose the bodyweight exercises you use from a list of 190 bodyweight exercises. Just pick the exercises you want to work on, fill in the printable, reusable Workout Journal Sheets… and you’re ready for a great bodyweight only workout you can do at home!

Don’t underestimate the power to achieve your fitness, fat loss and physique building goals using only bodyweight exercises… especially when you follow a PLAN of progression that keeps you improving.

Option 2:

Ultimate Gymless Workout

The Ultimate Gymless Workout is for those who want a PROGRESSIVE SERIES or bodyweight workouts where the bodyweight exercises are chosen for them. There are really TWO complete workout programs here… the Optimum Fitness & Physique program and the Above & Beyond program.

First, alternate through the Fitness, Fat Loss and Strength & Size workouts to build the strong, lean, athletic body you’ve always wanted. Then put your newly developed body to the test with the Above & Beyond workouts. And did I mention, these workout use only bodyweight calisthenics exercises and can be done in the comfort of your own home?

Remember… progression is the key for any workout to improve fitness, burn fat and build an athletic body. After all, if you are not progressing then nothing is going to change. And that means you workouts are nothing more than a waste of time. So, make sure to put your bodyweight workouts together in a way that keeps you progressing toward the ultimate goal of a strong, lean, athletically muscular body!

<- Back to 10 Bodyweight Calisthenics Exercises You Can Do At Home (Videos)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

June 25th, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Jumping Jacks - Bodyweight Calisthenics Video

Jumping jacks are a classic calisthenics exercise. I like to use these in between bodyweight exercises that are more strength related (like pull ups, push ups or squats), to give the body a little rest while still keeping the heart and lungs working.  You’ll find that this kind of limited rest workout is great for building unending endurance and burning off a lot of fat.

Large rest periods are something bodybuilders or weight lifters need when using weighted resistance.  But since you are only using your own bodyweight, you can keep the intensity high by replacing your rest periods with bodyweight calisthenics exercises like jumping jacks.

Here is a video of jumping jacks:


Jumping Jacks & Calisthenics — powered by ExpertVillage.com

When you are ready to organize your bodyweight exercises into a progressive program specifically designed to improve fitness, burn fat and build an attractive, athletic body, here are some recommendations:

Option 1:

workout-without-weightsWorkout Without Weights is my flagship bodyweight workout program. If you like building you own workout programs (following a proven, progressive method), this is for you.

There are SIX progressive workout programs here that give you the freedom to choose the bodyweight exercises you use from a list of 190 bodyweight exercises. Just pick the exercises you want to work on, fill in the printable, reusable Workout Journal Sheets… and you’re ready for a great bodyweight only workout you can do at home!

Don’t underestimate the power to achieve your fitness, fat loss and physique building goals using only bodyweight exercises… especially when you follow a PLAN of progression that keeps you improving.

Option 2:

Ultimate Gymless Workout

The Ultimate Gymless Workout is for those who want a PROGRESSIVE SERIES or bodyweight workouts where the bodyweight exercises are chosen for them. There are really TWO complete workout programs here… the Optimum Fitness & Physique program and the Above & Beyond program.

First, alternate through the Fitness, Fat Loss and Strength & Size workouts to build the strong, lean, athletic body you’ve always wanted. Then put your newly developed body to the test with the Above & Beyond workouts. And did I mention, these workout use only bodyweight calisthenics exercises and can be done in the comfort of your own home?

Remember… progression is the key for any workout to improve fitness, burn fat and build an athletic body. After all, if you are not progressing then nothing is going to change. And that means you workouts are nothing more than a waste of time. So, make sure to put your bodyweight workouts together in a way that keeps you progressing toward the ultimate goal of a strong, lean, athletically muscular body!

<- Back to 10 Bodyweight Calisthenics Exercises You Can Do At Home (Videos)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

June 24th, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Dive Bombers - Bodyweight Calisthenics Video

Dive Bombers are another bodyweight exercise made famous by the Navy SEALS. The reason… they are great for building full body strength and endurance.  While the classic push up is a full body exercise, most people only think of it as an upper body exercise. 

With the Dive Bomber there is no question that your entire body gets into the action.  In my opinion, any exercise that works a lot of muscles groups and movement patterns at the same time.

Stop treating your body like a bunch of parts like bodybuilders do, and start training your body the way it was meant to be trained.  Use a lot of full body movements like the Dive bomber and blur the lines between strength training and endurance training.

Here is a video of Dive Bombers:

When you are ready to organize your bodyweight exercises into a progressive program specifically designed to improve fitness, burn fat and build an attractive, athletic body, here are some recommendations:

Option 1:

workout-without-weightsWorkout Without Weights is my flagship bodyweight workout program. If you like building you own workout programs (following a proven, progressive method), this is for you.

There are SIX progressive workout programs here that give you the freedom to choose the bodyweight exercises you use from a list of 190 bodyweight exercises. Just pick the exercises you want to work on, fill in the printable, reusable Workout Journal Sheets… and you’re ready for a great bodyweight only workout you can do at home!Don’t underestimate the power to achieve your fitness, fat loss and physique building goals using only bodyweight exercises… especially when you follow a PLAN of progression that keeps you improving.

Option 2:

Ultimate Gymless Workout

The Ultimate Gymless Workout is for those who want a PROGRESSIVE SERIES or bodyweight workouts where the bodyweight exercises are chosen for them. There are really TWO complete workout programs here… the Optimum Fitness & Physique program and the Above & Beyond program.

First, alternate through the Fitness, Fat Loss and Strength & Size workouts to build the strong, lean, athletic body you’ve always wanted. Then put your newly developed body to the test with the Above & Beyond workouts. And did I mention, these workout use only bodyweight calisthenics exercises and can be done in the comfort of your own home?

Remember… progression is the key for any workout to improve fitness, burn fat and build an athletic body. After all, if you are not progressing then nothing is going to change. And that means you workouts are nothing more than a waste of time. So, make sure to put your bodyweight workouts together in a way that keeps you progressing toward the ultimate goal of a strong, lean, athletically muscular body!

<- Back to 10 Bodyweight Calisthenics Exercises You Can Do At Home (Videos)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

June 23rd, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Body Weight Lunges - Bodyweight Calisthenics Video

Body Weight Lunges are a great example of a bodyweight exercise that makes multiple improvements.  For example, you not only build lower body leg strength, but you also improve your balance and coordination as well.  I don’t recommend adding any weight to this movement until you first master the bodyweight lunge first.  You need to have proper form with this exercise, so take it slow and learn it correctly the first time around.

Here is a video of the Body Weight Lunge:

When you are ready to organize your bodyweight exercises into a progressive program specifically designed to improve fitness, burn fat and build an attractive, athletic body, here are some recommendations:

Option 1:

workout-without-weightsWorkout Without Weights is my flagship bodyweight workout program. If you like building you own workout programs (following a proven, progressive method), this is for you.

There are SIX progressive workout programs here that give you the freedom to choose the bodyweight exercises you use from a list of 190 bodyweight exercises. Just pick the exercises you want to work on, fill in the printable, reusable Workout Journal Sheets… and you’re ready for a great bodyweight only workout you can do at home!Don’t underestimate the power to achieve your fitness, fat loss and physique building goals using only bodyweight exercises… especially when you follow a PLAN of progression that keeps you improving.

Option 2:

Ultimate Gymless Workout

The Ultimate Gymless Workout is for those who want a PROGRESSIVE SERIES or bodyweight workouts where the bodyweight exercises are chosen for them. There are really TWO complete workout programs here… the Optimum Fitness & Physique program and the Above & Beyond program.

First, alternate through the Fitness, Fat Loss and Strength & Size workouts to build the strong, lean, athletic body you’ve always wanted. Then put your newly developed body to the test with the Above & Beyond workouts. And did I mention, these workout use only bodyweight calisthenics exercises and can be done in the comfort of your own home?

Remember… progression is the key for any workout to improve fitness, burn fat and build an athletic body. After all, if you are not progressing then nothing is going to change. And that means you workouts are nothing more than a waste of time. So, make sure to put your bodyweight workouts together in a way that keeps you progressing toward the ultimate goal of a strong, lean, athletically muscular body!

<- Back to 10 Bodyweight Calisthenics Exercises You Can Do At Home (Videos)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

June 22nd, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Alternating Lunges - Bodyweight Calisthenics Video

Alternating lunges are a great example of being able to do bodyweight exercises in an alternating fashion. Just think of it, most of the activities of sport, work and life are not done while strapped into a machine or sitting.

Most movements are done by alternating first one arm and then the other, or alternating one leg and then the other. Training in this alternating fashion is very beneficial for improving fitness and athletic ability.

Here is a video of Alternating Lunges:

When you are ready to organize your bodyweight exercises into a progressive program specifically designed to improve fitness, burn fat and build an attractive, athletic body, here are some recommendations:

Option 1:

workout-without-weightsWorkout Without Weights is my flagship bodyweight workout program. If you like building you own workout programs (following a proven, progressive method), this is for you.

There are SIX progressive workout programs here that give you the freedom to choose the bodyweight exercises you use from a list of 190 bodyweight exercises. Just pick the exercises you want to work on, fill in the printable, reusable Workout Journal Sheets… and you’re ready for a great bodyweight only workout you can do at home!

Don’t underestimate the power to achieve your fitness, fat loss and physique building goals using only bodyweight exercises… especially when you follow a PLAN of progression that keeps you improving.

Option 2:

Ultimate Gymless Workout

The Ultimate Gymless Workout is for those who want a PROGRESSIVE SERIES or bodyweight workouts where the bodyweight exercises are chosen for them. There are really TWO complete workout programs here… the Optimum Fitness & Physique program and the Above & Beyond program.

First, alternate through the Fitness, Fat Loss and Strength & Size workouts to build the strong, lean, athletic body you’ve always wanted. Then put your newly developed body to the test with the Above & Beyond workouts. And did I mention, these workout use only bodyweight calisthenics exercises and can be done in the comfort of your own home?

Remember… progression is the key for any workout to improve fitness, burn fat and build an athletic body. After all, if you are not progressing then nothing is going to change. And that means you workouts are nothing more than a waste of time. So, make sure to put your bodyweight workouts together in a way that keeps you progressing toward the ultimate goal of a strong, lean, athletically muscular body!

<- Back to 10 Bodyweight Calisthenics Exercises You Can Do At Home (Videos)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

June 21st, 2009 | Leave a Comment

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