Articles by Francesco A. Castano on ArticleSnatch.com

Is Muscle Gain or Fat Loss The Key To Improving Body Building Vascularity?

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Body building is a hobby that encourages a wide range of goals, and vascularity for many weight lifters ranks extremely high on the agenda, as those who have a prominent appearance of veins in the arms denote strength and power. With this in mind, body builders aim to find the key to producing a vascular appearance, wondering whether veins are a function of building substantial muscle mass, or if there is a certain diet structure that must be observed for veins to become visible. Although many weight lifters attempt to produce maximum muscle gain in an effort to boost vascularity, this is only one of two factors in achieving such a goal. A far more critical factor in enhancing vein prominence is body fat percentage, which results from proper diet techniques. When a body builder is gaining muscle mass, often times body fat increases, and although muscles are growing at a constant pace, definition declines, and vein appearance does not improve (and frequently worsens), which prompts certain body builders to find a solution (such as bogus supplements promising to enhance vein appearance), yet when fat loss is focused upon, vascularity naturally improves. **End Summary** Topics: vascularity]]> veins]]> body fat]]> body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> build muscle]]> fat loss]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight lifting program teaching the exact techniques for muscle growth without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling weight lifting equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Will A Weight Training Hobby Lead To A Destructive Muscle Building Addiction?

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Bodybuilding is a hobby that takes discipline and consistency in order to encourage dramatic muscle gain, with weight lifters committing themselves to regular workout sessions, consuming strict meal plans, and attempting to achieve sufficient rest each evening. For those who have the time to conveniently perform a weight lifting session each day, and who are able to observe the proper meal plan without difficulty, bodybuilding does not become an overwhelming chore, but certain bodybuilders lack any organization whatsoever, and find themselves struggling to balance life with proper weight lifting and diet variables, yet they feel so attracted to achieving muscle gain or fat loss results that they begin abdicating responsibilities in other, far more critical areas of life in favor of their bodybuilding pursuits. This is why planning is of paramount importance to bodybuilding success, as having a specific time devoted to weight lifting, as well as segments of the day where meals are consumed, will ensure that there is no daily struggle to choose between bodybuilding workouts and family or work. **End Summary** Topics: body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> build muscle]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a weight training routine for building muscle mass without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling fitness equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Are Weight Lifters Who Avoid Food Before Sleep Harming Muscle Growth?

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Many bodybuilding theories exist in regards to producing maximum muscle building with the smallest possible body fat percentage, with bodybuilders experimenting with diet variables, including whether to consume food prior to sleep, in order to enhance progress. Some bodybuilders understand the importance of a bedtime meal, but others avoid consumption of food prior to sleep, especially weight lifters who either gain fat quickly when aiming for muscle gain, or who are focusing specifically on fat loss, and wish to boost the rate of progress. The theory is that eating prior to sleep increases the risk of fat gain, and although there is no inherent harm to body fat levels when consuming a late meal, because many diet routines are designed with an incorrect use of calories and carbohydrates, not to mention improper meal division, which can detract from metabolic rate, eating before sleep encourages fat increase for many, and some in the bodybuilding world classify later eating as harmful towards body fat control. **End Summary** Topics: body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> fat]]> build muscle]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> fat gain]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight training program teaching the exact techniques for muscle gain without bodybuilding supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling weight training equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Is A Workout Meal Prior To Weight Training Beneficial In Improving Muscle Gain?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Nutrition is one of the most confusing aspects of muscle building, and many bodybuilders achieve poor progress specifically due to serious diet errors. Those who aim to build muscle mass are often wondering exactly when they should consume meals, especially in relation to the weight training workout itself, with some aiming for a complete meal prior to their workout, and others avoiding food before an intense weight lifting session, with a feeling that more fat burning will occur when food is restricted prior to an exercise period. Obviously, these wide range of opinions create much frustration for the bodybuilder who is seeking maximum muscle gain, but there is a correct answer as it pertains to eating before weight lifting, in that doing so is extremely beneficial for muscle building. In fact, intensity must remain extremely high for a workout to consistently boost muscle mass, and this becomes overwhelming for most when attempting to perform a weight lifting session on an empty stomach. **End Summary** Topics: body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle building]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a weight training program for muscle gain without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, teaching exactly how to lose fat without supplements.

Can Full Weight Lifting Range Of Motion Enhance The Likelihood For Muscle Injuries?

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Bodybuilders seeking significant muscle gain frequently focus upon range of motion when aiming to improve the effectiveness of a workout session, with some abbreviating the distance of each rep in order to increase weight, with other bodybuilders focusing upon the widest range of motion in order to stimulate the greatest number of muscle fibers for each weight training workout set. Obviously, opposition between these two philosophies leaves most bodybuilders wondering which technique is more productive, and many bodybuilders, due to articles promoting the advantages of full range bodybuilding form, choose a complete range of motion, believing that they will achieve superior muscle gain. This concept is perfectly acceptable when using relatively light weights and high reps in a particular weight training workout, as the joint and tendon stress is small, and therefore bringing a muscle through a longer distance each rep will not lead to adverse consequences. **End Summary** Topics: body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> build muscle]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight training program teaching the exact techniques for muscle growth without bodybuilding supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, teaching exactly how to burn fat without supplements.

Are Abdominal Crunches Required To Produce Bodybuilder Level Stomach Muscle Definition?

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Bodybuilders often seek to improve the abdominal muscles, as this particular area will greatly contribute to producing a powerful looking physique. In hopes of achieving the most impressive abdominal shape, bodybuilders regularly pursue body weight exercises such as crunches or sit-ups, and may even increase resistance by adding weight to induce failure within a lower rep range, taxing the abdominal muscles with sufficient intensity to theoretically improve appearance. But is the opinion that crunches are the most potent abdominal exercise yet another in the plethora of bodybuilding misconceptions? Not quite, but the idea that direct abdominal training is the key to improving stomach appearance is a extremely misleading connotation, as exercise is actually the least important concept in producing lean abdominal definition, since a proper diet is the foundation supporting the success of any correctly structured abdominal muscle enhancing routine. For abdominal muscles to reach the impressive appearance all bodybuilders seek, muscle size need not necessarily increase by any significant margin, but body fat, which covers abdominal muscles and hides their shape, must decline dramatically to improve definition, which is the very goal that all bodybuilders seeking to enhance the mid-section are striving for. **End Summary** Topics: ab]]> abdominal]]> mid-section]]> stomach]]> diet]]> body building]]> weight training]]> fat loss]]> muscle]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight lifting program teaching the exact techniques for muscle growth without bodybuilding supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, teaching exactly how to lose fat without supplements.

Is Stretching Truly An Important Bodybuilding Method For Avoiding Muscle Injuries?

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Stretching has long been touted as the most effective muscle injury prevention mechanism available, and thus is used by numerous bodybuilders prior to weight training workout sessions to reduce the risk of muscle strains and tears. Much time is spent performing various types of stretches depending upon which muscle is focused upon, and there is no doubt that increasing flexibility can allow for superior range of motion during weight training exercises, and also can reduce the likelihood of various muscle injuries. Yet, despite the advantages of stretching, for the bodybuilder who is hoisting heavy poundage during weight training workouts, there is a far more effective injury prevention technique that can be executed in concert with, or even in lieu of stretching, and is ignored by far too many bodybuilders. Warm up sets are, by far, the most powerful weight training workout injury avoidance method, as they prepare a muscle for upcoming stress, and when integrated properly within a weight training workout plan, they can prevent the pain and discomfort that often surfaces in muscles and joints. **End Summary** Topics: body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle building]]> workout]]> stretching]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight lifting program teaching the exact techniques for muscle building without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, where you will find his natural weight loss diet program.

Is Producing A Muscle Pump or Burn During Weight Lifting Workouts Essential For Muscle Gain?

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Many bodybuilders who wish to build substantial levels of muscle mass aim to achieve a muscle burn or pump during their weight lifting workout sets, feeling that such a sensation is indicative of muscle overload and breakdown, therefore improving the chances for muscle growth. Bodybuilders will even specifically search for the muscle burn or pump by modifying certain weight lifting workout methods in order to encourage such a feeling, and often tell other bodybuilders how their workout session was extremely effective or describe a specific weight training exercise as feeling superior specifically due to the muscle burn or pump that is part of each set. But, is there a serious drawback to this bodybuilding concept? Certainly, any weight lifter is well aware of the muscle burn and pump fascination, as bodybuilders often speak of this phenomena, but how exactly is the muscle burn or pump produced, and are the techniques that foster such a sensation actually conducive towards muscle growth? **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle gain]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight lifting program teaching the exact techniques for building muscle mass without bodybuilding supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling fitness equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Can Disappointing Muscle Gain In The Chest Necessitate Weight Lifting Pre-Exhaustion?

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

One of the most common muscle groups to focus upon is the chest, with many bodybuilders seeking substantial muscle growth in the pecs through performing numerous sets of intense bench pressing. Despite most weight lifting routines centering upon the bench press as the primary upper body muscle building exercise, there are numerous bodybuilders who produce frustrating results in the chest region, and are searching for an alternative to the bench press for significant muscle growth. Many bodybuilders may still be unaware as to the real reasons why the chest in many cases does not develop as quickly as other smaller muscle groups, and substituting the bench press is not a viable resolution, since this particular exercise is very potent in adding chest muscle, that is, assuming that the triceps and shoulders do not fail prior to the pecs, which occurs far too often. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle gain]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight lifting program teaching the exact techniques for muscle gain without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling weight lifting equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Is A Weight Lifting Spotter Required For Significant Muscle Growth?

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

One of the most important bodybuilding concepts for maximum muscle building is reaching muscular failure, where a bodybuilder takes a certain weight training exercise to a level of fatigue where no further repetitions are possible, and this necessitates some form of spotting on certain exercises, especially those involving the chest and legs, so many choose to enlist the help of a weight training partner so that they can always have a safety mechanism to reduce the risk of injury. Even bodybuilders who otherwise prefer performing bodybuilding workout sessions alone decide to locate a partner specifically to protect themselves when reaching failure on certain weight training exercises, and for those who cannot find a friend for such a purpose, they will likely join a gym and interrupt other busy weight lifters to provide spotting during various sets, which is not only frustrating to any bodybuilder who seeks to complete a workout without distraction, but realistically, finding such a spotter is not always easy depending on the time of day and type of training facility. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle mass]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a workout routine for muscle gain without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling fitness equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Will Weight Training Build An Ideally Shaped Biceps Muscle?

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Many bodybuilders seem to focus upon improving two muscle groups beyond all others, with the abs and biceps becoming the primary goal of many weight training workout plans, often harming total body development. The biceps are an especially popular muscle group due to becoming the de facto standard sign of physical fitness, representing bodybuilding superiority, with a great number of bodybuilders obsessing over producing the largest, most aesthetically striking biceps pose. Far too often, weight lifters will even neglect direct triceps exercise, a vital upper arm component, in sole favor of biceps development, rejecting the importance of training complimentary muscle groups. In the pursuit of the ideal biceps contour, bodybuilders experiment with numerous techniques, and do so with the hopes of carving a particular biceps shape, usually patterning their goal after another's success, and wanting to produce similar type of progress themselves. They, of course, will adopt an identical routine, with the feeling that by doing so, arm shape will mirror the weight lifter they aspire to emulate, but after many weeks of effort, will find that the biceps do not respond quite as expected. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle building]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> biceps]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a weight lifting routine for building muscle mass without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling protein powder at guaranteed lowest prices.

Are Healthy Fats A Beneficial Bodybuilding Diet Nutrient For Muscle Building?

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The popularity increase of healthy eating in recent years has spawned research in natural nutrients that can serve to enhance long term health, with one of the most widely advertised being Essential Fatty Acids (EFA), which are beneficial fats that have been shown to reduce cholesterol, enhance immune system function, and aid in sustaining normal body function (such as healthy skin). Because of this, these EFA sources have become common in the diets of many, and have even caught the attention of bodybuilders as a method of providing energy while enhancing long term health. But will fat actually assist in muscle building? This is a question many bodybuilders are asking, especially considering how some have proclaimed that a group of fat based foods can assist in hormone increase, and will therefore improve muscle gain when implemented properly within a bodybuilding diet framework. This idea has especially captured the attention of many bodybuilders who have adopted a pessimistic view of carbohydrates due to having gained substantial body fat on common carbohydrate focused muscle building diet routines. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle gain]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a bodybuilding program for building muscle mass without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling weight lifting equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Are Common Weight Gain Diet Strategies Counterproductive To Bodybuilding Progress?

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Numerous bodybuilders begin weight training to improve confidence levels, with some being overweight and needing both muscle gain and fat loss, while many others begin the process significantly under what they feel is an ideal body weight, and because they consider themselves to be excessively thin, decide to embrace weight training with the hopes of quickly rectifying this unwanted trait. The common places they visit for help are either bodybuilding magazines or Internet web sites that provide weight gain diet plans, and the feeling is, by adopting such eating strategies when coupled with regular weight training, the body will begin to systematically gain weight, and appearance will greatly improve. The problem with such a thought process is that many variables are necessary in creating an effective muscle building workout and diet plan, and when a weight lifter wishes to gain weight, he or she is not also searching for a robust waistline or a second chin, but rather noticeable muscle gains, which will enhance appearance and increase body weight. **End Summary** Topics: weight gain diet]]> gain weight]]> body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle gain]]> workout]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight lifting program teaching the exact techniques for muscle building without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, teaching exactly how to lose weight without supplements.

Can Brief Breaks Between Weight Training Sets Promote Greater Muscle Gain?

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

One of the many bodybuilding variables that weight lifters must consider when constructing an effective workout system is rest between sets, with some believing that short rest periods provide a greater amount of muscular overload, leading to larger muscle gains. This idea is based on the overall body fatigue felt when participating in a weight training workout with short rest between workout sets, as the assumption is, if such a workout is more challenging physically, the muscle gains will therefore be superior compared with longer rest between sets. The flaw in this theory is that the fatigue felt when rest periods between weight training sets are shortened does not stem from superior overload to muscles, but rather surfaces due to increased involvement of the cardiovascular system, where the heart is pumping far greater to support the continuous workload, similar to a heavy jogging session. As a result, the weight used during workout sets declines sharply during short rest periods, and this actually reduces total overload, hampering muscle growth. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> build muscle]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a weight lifting routine for building muscle mass without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling weight lifting equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Can A Weight Lifter Burn Muscle Mass With Aerobic Exercise?

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Many bodybuilders are perplexed regarding aerobic activity, with some feeling that such effort is helpful in controlling body fat levels, while others preferring the idea that aerobic exercise can burn muscle mass, or limit further muscle building. The latter group's concern has forced many bodybuilders to avoid aerobic activity during muscle building periods, and even prohibit aerobic exercise when fat loss is the primary focus, but for many, the question remains as to whether the aerobic activity hysteria is well founded, or if this idea is rather a part of bodybuilding mythology. Most bodybuilders do realize the positive impact of aerobic activity in fat burning, but the worry begins when considering the impact on muscle mass, and this idea has compelled certain bodybuilders to replace moderately intense aerobic sessions with power walking, feeling that this type of activity is properly intense for fat burn, but beneath the output necessary for muscle loss. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle gain]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> aerobic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a bodybuilding routine for muscle gain without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling exercise equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Is Weight Training In The Morning Helpful For Muscle Growth?

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A frequently asked bodybuilding question involves the best time to train, with many wondering if morning weight lifting sessions are superior for muscle growth. In fact, numerous bodybuilders make a schedule change to wake up earlier so that they can complete their weight lifting session, feeling that doing so is the best method for consistent muscle building. Yet, is this actually so? The answer is not as obvious as some may believe. A critical bodybuilding technique for achieving maximum muscle growth is intensity, meaning that full effort must take place throughout each weight lifting set, and this concept involves disciplined mental focus that will determine the type of overall muscle growth. In order for a weight lifting session to provide a sufficiently intense level of focus and output, the bodybuilder must physically feel energized to engage in the given weight lifting session, and this very factor will influence when a bodybuilder best schedules a weight lifting session for sustained muscle growth. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle gain]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a bodybuilding program for muscle building without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, where you will find his natural fat loss diet program.

Do High Rep Bodybuilding Workouts Enhance Muscle Definition?

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

One of the most sought after bodybuilding goals is definition, where body fat is shed so that muscles appear far more aesthetically pleasing, yet exactly how is such a goal achieved while sustaining already built muscle mass? This question has left many bodybuilders perplexed and frustrated as they experience considerable muscle loss when attempting to enhance muscular definition. While some may understand that improving definition is dependant upon modifying specific diet variables for significant fat loss, others feel as if specific weight training principles are the primary fuel for improving muscle definition. When adopting such a mindset, one of the most popular bodybuilding techniques is to enhance rep range, where lighter weight is utilized to allow for a greater than normal number of reps per set, and quite a few bodybuilders believe that this weight training method will propel muscle definition to new levels, therefore some adopt an exclusive lower weight and higher rep approach to weight lifting during a fat loss cycle. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle building]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a workout plan for muscle building without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, teaching exactly how to lose weight without supplements.

Are Isolation Weight Training Exercises Wasteful For Maximum Muscle Gain?

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A widely believed bodybuilding concept asserts the superiority of compound weight lifting workout plans as compared with isolation movements; proponents claim that the most efficient method of muscle gain involves choosing weight lifting workout routines that stimulate the greatest number of muscle groups. Moreover, followers of this type of weight training believe that because the amount of weight used in compound exercise is greater than isolation movements, total muscle growth should also be substantially superior, and therefore a workout session should center around compound exercises as its foundation. But many take this idea one step further, removing all isolation exercises from their workout routine, focusing completely on compound workouts, with the feeling that this will offer the most significant muscle mass increase. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle gain]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a weight training program for building muscle mass without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling fitness equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Is The Low Carb Bodybuilding Diet A Detrimental Muscle Building Tool?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A critical factor in achieving bodybuilding success is muscle definition, which is directly linked to body fat percentage. In search of the perfectly sculpted physique, bodybuilders need to consider various diet methods, and carbohydrates receive significant criticism in bodybuilding circles, with articles regularly written on how carbohydrates lead to excess body fat levels, and because of this overwhelming negativity, many weight lifters pursue muscle gain with a higher fat, lower carbohydrate approach, with hopes of sustaining a reasonable body fat percentage. But is there a point where carbohydrate consumption can decline excessively, reaching a point where muscle building becomes very difficult, if not impossible? For those riding the current bodybuilding bandwagon, the answer would seem to be no, but reality is often far different than what regularly promoted bodybuilding notions are saying. Excessive carbohydrates will cause body fat percentage to skyrocket, blurring muscle definition, and many find themselves battling a portly mid-section and love handles due to larger than necessary carbohydrate consumption. **End Summary** Topics: body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle gain]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a weight lifting routine for muscle gain without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, teaching exactly how to lose fat without supplements.

Are Free Weights More Potent Than Machines For Muscle Building?

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

An apparent agreement exists within the bodybuilding field regarding the superiority of free weights compared with machines for muscle building, to the level where machines have been defined by dedicated bodybuilders as virtually worthless for those who desire maximum muscle building. Furthermore, many of those same bodybuilders will claim that gyms outfitted with machines are doing so in order to cater to the lazy who thrive off of nice, shiny, attractive muscle building workout equipment, and who wish to avoid grueling, muscle building workouts. This theory has been propagated so frequently and by such a vast number of bodybuilders that there must be validity to such a claim; or, could this actually be yet another of the many muscle building misconceptions? Bodybuilders realize that, free weights are clearly not less effective than machines when used properly, as they allow a muscle complete range of motion, and require a level of coordination that is not inherent in machine equivalent exercises, therefore free weights will increase the potential for muscle gain, but to what degree? **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle gain]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a workout routine for muscle building without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling fitness equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Can Bodybuilding Supplements Offer The Easy Path To Muscle Gain?

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Whenever the term "natural bodybuilding" is mentioned, those who participate in such a hobby think of grueling weight lifting workouts and disciplined bodybuilding diet routines, but one additional variable, supplementation, is deemed a requirement for any individual to excel in gaining muscle to his or her natural bodybuilding potential. Since using steroids is avoided due to their serious health risks, bodybuilding supplements become the legal and "safe" drug alternative that bodybuilders feel compelled to consider. Because few who dabble with bodybuilding supplements have performed their weight lifting routines without using such products, they are unable to test the true impact of the bodybuilding supplements they regularly consume, and therefore, mistakenly attribute any muscle building or fat loss to these products, even when making changes to a weight lifting or diet routine that, in fact, is the foundation for any fruitful fat loss or muscle building venture. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> build muscle]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight training program teaching the exact techniques for muscle gain without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, teaching exactly how to burn fat without supplements.

The Reason Why High Volume Weight Training Workout Plans Can Prevent Muscle Gain

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Anybody who has pursued bodybuilding with the goal of substantially increasing muscle size knows that volume is one of the most important techniques in producing such results. Most who understand the potency of higher volume weight lifting workout plans find themselves nearly addicted to exercise, spending large amounts of time performing numerous weight lifting sets, trying to blitz their muscles with as much effort as possible. The problem is, by pursuing high volume weight lifting sessions on a continuous basis, the muscles reach a point where recuperation becomes difficult, and this is where negative side effects begin to develop. The bodybuilder feels weaker, the amount of weight used in each exercise declines, and the desire that once existed for weight lifting fades, to the point where workouts are skipped, and muscle size soon begins to decline significantly. Some have the discipline to continue their weight lifting workout sessions despite these side effects, and what soon surfaces is the enemy of any bodybuilder who wishes to produce maximum results; **End Summary** Topics: body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle building]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a workout plan for muscle gain without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, teaching exactly how to lose weight without supplements.

Are TV and Music The Cure To Muscle Building Boredom?

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Certain weight lifters who have been training for muscle gains realize that weight lifting workouts can become mentally difficult to withstand, especially during high volume cycles, and this emotional barrier causes some to abandon the weight training process before substantial results are achieved. Yet, there is a proven method that enhances motivation, and can even inspire a weight lifter to put forth far more effort than otherwise seems realistic. A wide range of individuals use music in their spare time to lift mood when feeling less than stellar, and this is one of the most powerful bodybuilding workout aids for enhancing focus. On the surface, it would seem that any background noise may in fact distract a bodybuilder from his weight lifting workout obligations, but this is not so, as the mind, when focusing on a weight lifting set without music, is more incline to begin repelling from pending stress, while music can provide a pleasant diversion from this reality, one that incredibly can cause a bodybuilder to hoist more weight and perform a set with greater intensity than is otherwise possible. **End Summary** Topics: body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle building]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight training program teaching the exact techniques for muscle building without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, teaching exactly how to burn fat without supplements.

Are Steroids The Only Path To Massive Muscle Gain?

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Steroids have been popular for many years, evolving from a habit that was once confined to sports and professional bodybuilding to a regular high school recreational activity used to improve speed, strength, and muscle mass beyond natural levels. Obviously, as with any substance that fosters external results, since the enhancements are visibly apparent, those using steroids or growth hormone are easily convinced that they are healthier than before, yet temporary positive appearance changes are frequently not synonymous with what occurs on a cellular level. In addition to sports enthusiasts who wish to enhance performance, many underweight bodybuilders are in search of the fastest way to enhance muscle size, and when they see professional bodybuilders using massive amounts of illegal drugs to produce 100 or more pounds of additional lean body size, they feel as if this must be the road to achieve what they define as success. Yet, what many forget is that muscle building, a hobby that has constantly associated itself with healthy living, morphs into a risky, potentially life ending pursuit when steroids or growth hormone become acceptable options. **End Summary** Topics: body building]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> muscle mass]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> steroids]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a diet and weight training program teaching the exact techniques for muscle building without supplements or drugs. He also owns IncrediBody.com, an online fitness superstore selling weight training equipment at guaranteed lowest prices.

Is Weight Lifting Without A Workout Partner The Best Bodybuilding Motivation Tool?

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Bodybuilding is a hobby that demands significant weight lifting discipline and consistency, and many feel that having a partner with similar goals can increase mental focus and enhance the effectiveness of each weight lifting workout. This theory is true for many, but there are also some who actually find that solo weight lifting workouts provide an environment for enhanced dedication and consistency when compared with relying upon a weight lifting workout partner. Surprisingly to many, there are those who feel that weight lifting partners actually hinder long term results, and are able to achieve far superior muscle building or fat loss progress alone, without the benefit of a weight lifting partner. Despite certain weight lifters experiencing a strong desire to train with the help of a friend, locating a man or woman who has a comparable daily schedule and who wishes to attend on the agreed upon day and time each week can prove difficult. Even when locating a potential candidate, we all seem to experience agenda conflicts regardless of how well intentioned we may be, and two seemingly compatible weight lifters are likely to find themselves at odds. **End Summary** Topics: bodybuilding]]> weight training]]> weight lifting]]> muscle]]> build muscle]]> workout]]> fat loss]]> exercise]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Francesco Castano authors MuscleNOW.com, a bodybuilding routine for muscle gain without supplements or drugs. He also owns FatVanish.com, where you will find his natural weight loss program.