ARMS: I train Biceps and triceps on the same day, 3 times a week and they still won't grow, why?
Solution: Too many guys are unaware that their arms are most probably overworked. Remember that if you're doing
your pulling exercises like rows and pull-ups, you're working your biceps. If you're doing your presses like bench presses and shoulder presses, you're working your triceps.
For two weeks, I want you to stop doing direct bicep & tricep work and instead put more intensity into your pulling and pressing exercises. You'll be shocked at how your arms respond!
ABS: I can easily do hundreds of crunches. They have become so easy and yet I don't see a whole lot of ab development. Are my abs just not responsive?
Solution: Try doing those crunches with a 25 pound plate held above your chest. Bring the reps down to around 12-15.
If that's still too easy, increase the weight to 45 pounds. In order to build the muscle you desire in your midsection your
abdominal muscles need to be challenged with progressive increases in resistance. Hundreds of reps might be good
for your ego, but will do little for aesthetically improving the look of your abs!
CHEST: Whenever I train my chest, I only feel it in my front shoulders. Is there anything I can do to bring the focus
to my chest muscles?
Solution: Most guys have this problem. When you lay back you will probably find that your shoulders are natually raised higher than your chest, thus putting the majority of stress on the front shoulder muscles. Try bringing your shoulder blades back and pinch them to the bench. This will help to bring your shoulders back and out of the exercise. It will raise your chest up, so that your chest now becomes the primary muscles working!
BACK: My lower back is always aching after my back workout and even when I train my legs. Why?
Solution: First & foremost, consult with you doctor before doing anything. You want to rule out a more serious injury.
Many guys complain of the very same thing. The culprit is often lower back muscular endurance.
Try doing some more lower back extensions and make sure to strecth those tight hamstrings. By stengthening the errector spinae muscles, you'll notice far less back pain and marked improvement in strength!
LEGS: My legs are my smallest and weakest body parts and I train them using very heavy weights and lower reps twice a week. Should I go even heavier?
Solution: You need to switch things up! Try using moderate weight and increase your rep range to between 15-20.
This higher volume may very well recruit more muscle fibers and force more blood into those stubborn muscles.
Just remember, The best workout is the one that you're not currently on!
CARDIO: I hate cardio because I find it boring! Even worse, I can only tolerate the treadmill, but it hurts my knees when I raise the intensity and run! What can I do to protect my joints and still get amazing results?
Solution: Treadmill Hill Sprints! Going uphill places huge demands on your legs and glutes in addition to
your heart and lungs so you're getting a strength workout on top of regular cardio. The steep incline forces you to
lean forward. This is not only safer, but it will especially protect your knees because you'll be working your knee
joints at a reduced range of motion. Sprinting and leaning forward also trains your body for proper acceleration,
core control and agility.
Problem's Solved!
James Villepigue CSCS
James Villepigue CSCS
James Villepigue, CSCS is an International Best Selling Author of over 22 books. Over the last 8 years, he has built one of the most successful fitness book franchises in history.
He has been involved in the health and fitness industries for over 17 years. With over one million copies of James’ books sold, he has helped many hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world—of all ages and from all walks of life—achieve extraordinary results to their body’s & their lives.
James is most passionate about sharing his mastery of getting people in their absolute best shape.
James has appeared on and is the Featured Fitness Trainer of “The Regis & Kelly Show" , The Maury Show and many other TV and radio shows. In addition to his books, he has written for national magazines like Fitness, Women's World, Muscle-Mag, Oxygen, Cosmopolitan, Self and Marie Claire.
James earned degrees from the New York College of Health Professions and Hofstra University, and is a graduate of the highly acclaimed Institute for Professional Empowerment Life/Business Coaching. He is Nationally Certified as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS©), under The NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), a certified personal trainer with ACE (American Council on Exercise), ISSA (The International Sports Science Association) and the NBFE (National Board of Fitness Examiners).