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Weight Loss Exercise

Weight Training Bench – Important Things You Should Know



If you are buying weight training equipment for a home gym one of the most important things you will need is a weight training bench. When choosing fitness equipment, you should never compromise on quality. There are several types of weight training benches and you will have to decide which one suits your needs best. Just keep in mind that the weight bench you choose must be strong and stable enough to provide support while you perform a variety of workout exercises.

A weight training bench is a standard piece of exercise equipment that provides support while you do weightlifting exercises. A weight bench can help you maintain proper form while working out with free weights. Weight training benches should be sturdy enough to withstand the strain of heavy weights. They also need a wide base to maintain stability. In most cases, the top surface of the bench is padded for comfort and safety of the user.

Flat Benches

A flat bench is the most common type of weight training bench. There are many exercises that can be performed on a flat bench, including flys, bench presses, and lying rows. Exercises that require you to be seated can also be done on a flat bench.

A flat bench is essential when performing bench press exercises with free weights. You can find flat benches that come with brackets to hold barbells. This accessory makes it easier, safer and more convenient to perform your bench press because it provides a place to set the weight before and after the lift.

You will also find flat benches that fold. This allows you to perform incline bench presses, decline bench presses, and many other exercises.

Hyperextension Bench

A hyperextension bench is a weight training bench designed to provide support for the abdomen and has padded braces behind the ankles and above the knees. A hyperextension bench is used for back exercises and exercises for the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings.

Abdominal Bench

As the name suggests, an abdominal bench is used to exercise the abdominal muscles. The bench can be set at different angles of decline to give you a more intense workout when doing crunches. Padded rollers at the highest end allow you to secure your feet so you can exercise your abs safely and effectively.

Preacher Bench

A preacher bench can help you maintain proper form and technique when doing arm curls. When doing biceps curls, for example, you sit on the weight training bench and place your arms on the padded surface that slopes away from you. In this position, you cannot use momentum to complete the biceps curls. Using a preacher bench isolates the biceps and provides a more intense workout.


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Weight Loss Exercise

Who is Dolvett Quince?



A couple of weeks ago the people at the Biggest Loser announced that Dolvett Quince would be joining Anna Kournikova and Bob Harper on the the Biggest Loser this season as one of the new trainers. I had to ask myself who is Dolvett Quince? So I looked around.

Who is Dolvett Quince?

Well Dolvett is a trainer with a personal fitness gym in Atlanta Georgia and after looking around a bit (I love Google) I was able to figure out that he is in fact a very popular person in the Atlanta social scene. Also Dolvett Quince is also the creator of  Me and My Chair – a workout video that is based completely around strengthening and toning your body using nothing but a chair.

Dolvett Quince Training Philosophy

Who is Dolvett Quince?

Dolvett Quince

Dolvett is only the 7th trainer in the hostory of the Biggest Loser so what can we expect from him? In interviews so far Dolvett has said that he will be tough but fair. We can take this to mean I would expect that he will be less intense than Jillian Michaels was but at the same time a very imposing guy in the gym. Being from a personal training 1 on 1 background we should expect him to understand the emotions going through people as they lose a lot of weight.

“I think in the process of training you develop your muscles and challenge yourself. Those endorphins are being built in your body and that can bring about a lot of emotion and people tend to vent,” he explained.

“During the training process you’ll see a lot of tears, some laughing, even some anger. It’s my job to be there for that person, not only as a trainer but as a friend in a lot of ways.”

Quince added: “That is why it is personal training. You want to be personal with that individual and make sure you are there for them and help them progress and get through those things.”

When do we Get to Meet Dolvett Quince?

Biggest Loser is Back soon. The new season of Biggest Loser is starting just next week on September 20th on NBC with new trainer Anna Kournikova, Dolvett Quince, and Bob Harper. Then we finally get a real answer to who is Dolvett Quince?


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Weight Loss Exercise

How to Lift Weights Properly for Strength Training



Ever wonder how to lift weights properly? Lifting weights is the best way to build muscle mass, gain strength, and improve your physique. However, strength training puts a lot of stress and pressure on your body especially when you begin working with heavy weights. Regardless of whether you are lifting heavy or lighter weights, it is vital to do so correctly. Before doing any strength training exercise, it is important to learn how to lift weights properly.

Always warm up before you begin your strength training exercises. Walking or jogging on a treadmill is a good way to limber up your muscles to avoid injury. There should always be a gym instructor or fitness professional present when you exercise. A gym instructor can show you how to do each exercise properly, what equipment to use, and how to use it.

How to Lift Weights Properly

How to Lift Weights Properly for Strength Training

How to Lift Weights Properly

Knowing how to lift weights properly will reduce the risk of injury and provide a more effective workout. The following tips are applicable when doing strength training exercises:

  • Choose a weight that allows you to perform 12 to 15 repetitions when you start out. Add more weights as you gain strength.
  • Control the weight and lift slowly from the original position. Return to the starting position slowly. Although you may be tempted to do so, do not allow the weight to drop quickly to the starting position. The downward motion is just as important as the upward motion. Both are necessary parts of lifting and will work your muscles in both directions.
  • When lifting, use your muscles to complete the motion and not momentum. Do not arch your back or rock your body to get the weights up. If you have to swing your body to lift weights, you may be trying to lift too much weight. Reduce the load and learn how to lift weights properly.
  • Move the weights through the full range of motion for the exercise. You should feel your muscles stretching and contracting fully with each repetition.
  • Don’t forget to breathe continuously while lifting. As you lift the weight, exhale through your mouth. Inhale through your nose as you lower the weight. A lot of people hold their breath when lifting weights. This is a dangerous practice as it can cause your blood pressure to spike.
  • Use a spotter when doing exercises where you may accidentally drop a barbell or dumbbell on yourself. Part of knowing how to lift weights properly includes making sure there’s another person close by to monitor you when you are working with free weights. You’ll be able to push yourself harder if you have a spotter who can help make sure you do not injure yourself as you make that final rep.

You always have to remember to be careful, mindful and focussed when lifting weights properly. Strength training can transform your body when done right.


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