Bodybuilding

How to Perform Press Cubes

Published

12 years ago

August 28, 2012

F Kyle

Press cubes are also muscles, and they have to be worked the same way as other muscle types - a maximum of twenty repetitions in the four approaches. Of course, in this case, it is necessary to perform the exercise with additional weights. Otherwise, the body quickly adapts.

Understanding Press Cubes In Bodybuilding

Press Cubes are exercise equipment used in bodybuilding and other strength training activities. This equipment helps to improve the stability and power of the muscles, as well as their overall size.

Press Cubes are a great way to increase the intensity and help build muscle mass quickly and efficiently. They are also great for targeting specific muscle groups, which is why they are so popular among bodybuilders.

With press cubes, you can target different areas of your body to get the best results from your workouts. Press cubes, also known as dumbbells, can be used at home, in the gym, or at any weight training facility. They are relatively cheap and easy to store. And transport.

The press cube is designed with a weight plate in the middle, attached to two hinged arms (attached to weights) that rotate around the center of the bar. This makes it easy for you to perform movements like shoulder presses, triceps presses, and lateral raises.

The increased stability allows you to exert more power on each exercise and target specific muscles by rotating your body or positioning your feet at different angles.

Remember that it is more effective to perform 20 repetitions of twists on units with the additional weight of 40-50 kg than thousand crunches without weight. In addition, the press needs time to recover, and it makes no sense to train daily.

Why A Bodybuilder Needs Press Cubes

Press cubes are one of the most essential pieces of equipment for bodybuilders. They help to build muscle and strength in the upper body while also helping to improve balance and stability. Press cubes can be used for various exercises, including bench presses, overhead presses, and squats.

Cubes can also increase core strength and stability when performing other exercises. Furthermore, press cubes are an effective tool for improving posture and overall body alignment. With proper use of press cubes, a bodybuilder can maximize their gains while reducing their risk of injury.

When a bodybuilder wants to maximize their gains, press cubes should be used in the following manner:1. Perform your main lifts for 5-6 sets of 6-8 reps. Most people perform their main lifts for 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.

When trying to gain weight and size, it is best to use a higher rep range due to the amount of power needed per set.2. After completing your first set, does 10 total repetitions before moving on to the next set instead of resting in between each set (see video).

In other words, when you reach the halfway point of your set, stop and do 10 repetitions before continuing.3. Perform 4-5 sets per muscle group.

The Perfect Press Cubes Technique

The vacuum in the belly is considered the secret to a perfect press. In addition to exercises for press muscle mass, are important workouts affecting the inside support of muscles, giving the stomach? One of the best exercises is the vacuum in the stomach.

A technique of this exercise is as follows: standing straight, pulling your stomach as hard as possible, imagining the navel for the spine, holding your breath, freezing for a few seconds, then exhaling. Gradually increase the time. Repeat 15 times daily.

Lower press - home workout: Make the lower press with a solid V-shaped help as special exercises and home training when you learn to feel those lower abdominal muscles.

How could you feel those muscles? Standing in front of a mirror, strain the lower part of the press, trying to "squeeze out" the lower abdomen. Repeat again and again until it does not require effort at all. Then, do the same thing lying down.

In addition to lower-press workouts, you can do pushes and pull-ups at home.

Step-By-Step Press Cube Technique

Bodybuilding press cubes are a great way to build strength and muscle mass. However, it can be difficult to perform them correctly without proper guidance. This article will discuss the steps needed to perform bodybuilding press cubes correctly.

We will also discuss the benefits of this exercise and how it can help you reach your fitness goals. By following these steps, you will be able to get the most out of your bodybuilding press cube workouts and ensure that you are performing them correctly.

Step One

Determine your desired press angle. The first step in using a bodybuilding press cube is determining your desired press angle. This can be done by setting up a barbell with a lightweight (5-10lbs) and performing push-ups while keeping the chest high and straight. Once you have completed approximately 10 push-ups, record your results in this form: "Chest-High" or "Neutral."

The corresponding pressing position will be given below the recorded pressing angle. You will also use this number and the total weight of that barbell to perform all calculations.

Chest-High: 24 degrees

Neutral: 0 degrees

Step Two

Determine your desired press weight. The second step in using a bodybuilding press cube is determining your desired pressing weight. This can be done by setting up a barbell with the desired pressing angle and performing push-ups while keeping the chest high and straight. Once you have completed approximately 10 push-ups, record your results in this form: "Chest-High" or "Neutral."

The corresponding amount of weight that can be handled will be given below the recorded acute angle. You will also use this number and the total weight of that barbell to perform all calculations.

Chest-High: 50lbs

Neutral: 100 lbs. You can also perform "Push Ups" while having a friend or trainer measure your hand spacing, allowing you to calculate your desired pressing angle.

Chest-High: 46-50 degrees

Neutral: 74-76 degrees.

Must Read: Push-ups For Building Muscle

Must Read: How to Learn To Do One-Arm Pull-ups?

Presses to Burn Belly Fat

Here is a list of rules meant to help you to burn belly fat and get a nice press:

-Do not use a large number of repetitions and lighter weights. This will not help you lose fat.
-Define your individual calorie needs. Once a week, lower the daily calorie intake by 100 - 150 below average.
-Perform cardio 3-5 weekly for 8-12 hours before or after weight training.
-Cardio should be high-intensity and last for a maximum of 30 minutes. High-intensity cardio burns fat more efficiently than usual and without prejudice to the muscle.
-Do not limit the salt in the diet; drink plenty of clean water.
-Reduce the number of calories every week to the extent to which this is necessary.
-Do not perform the "carbohydrate depletion" if you do not want the collapse of muscle mass

A secret of cubes and a flat stomach. The secret of cubes on a press is genetics and overall thinness. The press is visible only when the body fat is less than 10%. Even if the press is not pumped, it is guaranteed at 8.9% flat, beautiful, bold animal.

But if fat levels are above 14%, it does not matter what the press is because no one sees under a layer of fat. Two-thirds of the work on the press is diet, and only one-third is training and weight training.

How to Measure Body Fat?

Measure the level of fat in two ways. I was first using simple plastic clips like calipers. You measure the thickness of the fat folds and then see the fat percentage in the tables.

The second method is an electronic fat analyzer, which transmits a low current through the body, and the resistance level determines body fat percentage. It occurs as a single unit, like the scales-detect fat.

It is essential to note that you must feel how the press works during each exercise. Without this, it is impossible to understand whether you are doing the exercise. The second secret of a flat stomach is the proper diet.

How Body Fat Inconveniences a Bodybuilder

Body fat is essential to a bodybuilder’s diet and exercise routine, but it can also be a significant disadvantage. Body fat can limit the muscle a bodybuilder can gain and make it more difficult to maintain muscle mass. It can also increase the risk of injury, fatigue, and other health problems.

In addition, too much body fat can make it difficult for a bodybuilder to show off their hard-earned muscles during competitions. Therefore, bodybuilders must keep their body fat levels in check to maximize their performance and achieve their goals.

Dieting

A diet is a set of eating behaviors that help dictate what an individual can and cannot eat. The two most common types of diets are a fad and traditional diets. Fad diets are the latest diet trend which usually involves drastically cutting certain food groups, such as carbohydrates or fat.

Traditional diets focus on satisfying hunger through healthy choices in food without worrying about weight loss or restriction. Some people follow specific regimens of each type. Still, it is often up to the individual how they want to proceed with their diet plan as long as they stay within specific guidelines related to food intake and body weight.

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F Kyle

The "GYMRAT" of this blog, Pro-blogger and Fitness Instructor since 2008

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Bodybuilding

2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts

Published

5 months ago

September 5, 2024

Zizou

Natural bodybuilding competitions are designed to promote and celebrate athletes who build their physiques without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. These events emphasize fair play, health, and the natural development of muscle mass and definition.

The second edition of natural bodybuilding competitions has gained momentum globally, particularly focusing on drug-free athletes. These competitions are hosted by various organizations like the INBA/PNBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders).

In 2024, several notable events have been planned, including the INBA Natural Universe and INBA World Cup, both of which emphasize natural bodybuilding through rigorous drug testing policies. These events aim to showcase competitors who adhere to strict drug-free protocols, and winners often earn pro cards allowing them to compete in higher-level professional competitions.

These competitions focus on categories like men's bodybuilding, classic physique, and women's figure and bikini, among others. Athletes undergo polygraph and urine tests to ensure compliance with natural bodybuilding standards. The winners often receive medals, trophies, or pro status

Drug Testing

Participants undergo rigorous drug testing to ensure they are not using banned substances. This can include urine tests, polygraph tests, and other methods to maintain the integrity of the competition.

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Judging Criteria

Athletes are judged based on several factors, including:

Muscle Mass: The size and volume of muscles.
Symmetry: The balance and proportion of the physique.
Conditioning: The level of muscle definition and leanness.
Presentation: Posing routines and overall stage presence.

Preparation

Competitors often spend months preparing for these events, focusing on strict diet plans, intense workout regimens, and posing practice. The goal is to achieve peak physical condition on the day of the competition.

Community and Support

Natural bodybuilding competitions foster a sense of community among athletes who share a commitment to health and fitness. Many competitors form lasting friendships and support networks through these events.

Starting training for a natural bodybuilding competition is an exciting journey! Here are some key steps to help you get started:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to compete in a specific category like Men’s Physique or Women’s Figure? Setting clear goals will guide your training and nutrition plans.

2. Create a Training Plan

Focus on a well-rounded training program that includes:

Compound Movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups are essential for building overall muscle mass.
Isolation Exercises: Target specific muscles to enhance definition and symmetry.
Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or reps to continuously challenge your muscles.

3. Follow a Structured Diet

Nutrition is crucial for muscle growth and fat loss:

Caloric Intake: Calculate your daily caloric needs based on your goals (bulking or cutting).
Macronutrients: Balance your intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Aim for high protein to support muscle repair and growth.
Micronutrients: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

4. Incorporate Cardio

Cardio helps with fat loss and improves cardiovascular health. Include both steady-state and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions in your routine.

5. Practice Posing

Posing is a critical aspect of bodybuilding competitions. Practice regularly to perfect your form and presentation on stage.

6. Rest and Recovery

Allow your body to recover with adequate sleep and rest days. Overtraining can lead to injuries and hinder progress.

7. Stay Consistent and Patient

Building a competition-ready physique takes time and dedication. Stay consistent with your training and diet, and be patient with your progress.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Consider working with a coach or trainer who specializes in natural bodybuilding. They can provide personalized advice and help you stay on track.

9. Join a Community

Engage with other natural bodybuilders for support and motivation. Online forums, social media groups, and local gyms can be great places to connect.

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Qualifications

The qualifications for natural bodybuilding competitions vary slightly between organizations but generally follow these principles:

Drug-Free Status: Athletes must demonstrate they have been drug-free for a specific period, typically between 5 to 10 years. They are required to pass a drug test, usually through urine samples or polygraph tests, to prove they haven't used banned substances like steroids, hormones, or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Membership Requirements: Competitors often need to be members of the organizing federation. For example, in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), athletes must have a valid WNBF membership to compete.

Amateur and Pro Divisions: Most competitions have both amateur and professional divisions. To qualify for a pro division, an athlete must first win an amateur event or obtain a “pro card” by performing exceptionally in a recognized event.

Age and Gender Categories: Athletes are categorized by age and gender. Categories typically include juniors (under 23), open divisions, masters (over 40), and grandmasters (over 50).

Entry and Registration: Competitors must pay an entry fee and complete registration. For certain competitions, a pre-qualification based on past performance may be required.

Distinction Between Natural and Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

The main differences between natural and steroid-based bodybuilding revolve around the methods used to build muscle and the resulting impacts on the body. Here are some key distinctions:

Natural Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Achieved through consistent weight training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. Muscle growth is gradual and sustainable.
Health: Generally safer with fewer side effects. Promotes overall health, including better cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, and increased bone density.
Appearance: Natural bodybuilders tend to have a more balanced and proportionate physique. Muscle definition is less extreme compared to steroid users.
Recovery: Recovery times are longer, requiring more rest between intense workouts.
Competitions: Natural bodybuilding competitions often have strict drug-testing policies to ensure participants are not using performance-enhancing drugs.

Related Article: T3 Application in Building Muscle Mass

Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Steroids significantly accelerate muscle growth and strength gains. Results are more dramatic and achieved in a shorter time.
Health Risks: Steroid use can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects like mood swings.
Appearance: Steroid users often have a more “enhanced” look with larger muscle mass, visible veins, and extreme muscle definition, even in the off-season.
Recovery: Faster recovery times due to the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids, allowing for more frequent and intense training sessions.
Side Effects: Visible side effects can include acne, hair loss, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), and changes in secondary sexual characteristics.

Choosing Between the Two

Natural Bodybuilding: Ideal for those who prioritize long-term health, sustainable muscle growth, and a balanced lifestyle.
Steroid-Based Bodybuilding: Often chosen by those seeking rapid and extreme muscle gains, but it comes with significant health risks and ethical considerations.

Take Away

The main advantage of participating in natural bodybuilding events is the emphasis on health and sustainability. Natural bodybuilding promotes muscle growth through consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, leading to gradual and sustainable results. This approach minimizes health risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs, such as liver damage and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, natural bodybuilding fosters a balanced and proportionate physique, and the strict drug-testing policies in competitions ensure a fair and level playing field for all participants. This focus on overall well-being and ethical competition makes natural bodybuilding a healthier and more sustainable choice.

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Bodybuilding

Primal Movements: Our Ultimate Guide for Maximum Results

Published

5 months ago

August 29, 2024

Zizou

Primal movements are fundamental, natural movements that our bodies are designed to perform. Incorporating these into your training can enhance strength, mobility, and overall fitness. Here’s an ultimate guide to primal development and movements for bodybuilders:

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Understanding Primal Movements

Primal movements are basic, functional movements that mimic the natural actions humans have performed for thousands of years. These movements are essential for developing a strong, balanced, and resilient body. They can be categorized into seven primary patterns:

Push
Pull
Squat
Lunge
Hinge
Rotate
Gait (Locomotion)

The Seven Primal Movement Patterns

Push

Description: Involves moving a weight or resistance away from your body.

Examples: Push-ups, bench press, overhead press.

Muscles Worked: Chest, shoulders, triceps.

Pull

Description: Involves drawing a weight or resistance towards your body.

Examples: Pull-ups, rows, bicep curls.

Muscles Worked: Back, biceps, forearms.

Squat

Description: A fundamental lower-body movement where you lower your hips from a standing position and then stand back up.

Examples: Bodyweight squats, barbell squats, goblet squats.

Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.

Lunge

Description: A single-leg movement that involves stepping forward, backward, or to the side and lowering your hips.

Examples: Forward lunges, reverse lunges, lateral lunges.

Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.

Hinge

Description: Involves bending at the hips while keeping a neutral spine.

Examples: Deadlifts, kettlebell swings, hip thrusts.

Muscles Worked: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back.

Rotate

Description: Involves twisting or rotating the torso.

Examples: Russian twists, woodchoppers, cable rotations.

Muscles Worked: Obliques, abdominals, lower back.

Gait (Locomotion)

Description: Involves movements that propel the body forward.

Examples: Walking, running, crawling, bear crawls.

Muscles Worked: Full body, with emphasis on legs and core.

Benefits of Primal Movements

Functional Strength: Primal movements enhance your ability to perform everyday tasks efficiently and safely.

Improved Mobility: These movements promote flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of injury.

Balanced Development: By working multiple muscle groups, primal movements ensure balanced muscle development.

Core Stability: Many primal movements engage the core, improving overall stability and strength.

Increased Caloric Burn: Compound movements like these burn more calories, aiding in fat loss and conditioning.

Incorporating Primal Movements into Your Training

Warm-Up: Start with dynamic stretches and light cardio to prepare your body.

Compound Exercises: Focus on compound exercises that incorporate multiple primal movements.

Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or resistance to continue making gains.

Variety: Mix up your routine to prevent plateaus and keep your workouts interesting.

Recovery: Ensure adequate rest and recovery to allow your muscles to repair and grow.

Sample Primal Movement Workout

Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.

Workout:

Push: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of push-ups or bench press.

Pull: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of pull-ups or rows.

Squat: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of bodyweight or barbell squats.

Lunge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg of forward or reverse lunges.

Hinge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of deadlifts or kettlebell swings.

Rotate: 3 sets of 15-20 reps of Russian twists or cable rotations.

Gait: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds of bear crawls or sprints.

Cool-Down: 5-10 minutes of static stretching and deep breathing exercises.

1. Warm-Up and Mobility Drills

Start your workout with primal movement-based warm-ups to prepare your body. For example:

Dynamic stretches: Incorporate lunges with a twist, leg swings, and arm circles.
Mobility drills: Include exercises like hip circles, cat-cow stretches, and thoracic rotations.

2. Compound Exercises

Add primal movements as the core of your workout. Here’s how you can structure it:

Push Day: Combine bench presses with push-ups.
Pull Day: Mix pull-ups with rows.
Leg Day: Integrate squats and lunges with deadlifts.

3. Supersets and Circuits

Create supersets or circuits that include primal movements:

Superset Example: Pair squats with pull-ups or push-ups with lunges.
Circuit Example: Rotate through exercises like kettlebell swings, bear crawls, and Russian twists with minimal rest.

4. Functional Training Days

Dedicate one or two days a week to functional training focused on primal movements:

Sample Functional Workout

- Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic stretching.
- Circuit: 3 rounds of:
  - 10 push-ups
  - 10 pull-ups
  - 15 squats
  - 10 lunges per leg
  - 15 kettlebell swings
  - 20 Russian twists
  - 30 seconds of bear crawls
- Cool-Down: 5 minutes of static stretching.

5. Active Recovery

Use primal movements on active recovery days to promote mobility and flexibility:

Activities: Light yoga, walking, or gentle bodyweight exercises like lunges and squats.

6. Progressive Overload

Gradually increase the intensity of primal movements by adding weights or resistance bands:

Example: Start with bodyweight squats, then progress to goblet squats, and eventually barbell squats.

7. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to how your body responds to these movements and adjust accordingly:

Modify: If a movement feels too challenging, modify it to suit your fitness level.
Rest: Ensure you’re getting adequate rest and recovery to prevent overtraining.

Sample Weekly Routine for Primal Movements

Monday: Push Day

Bench Press
Push-Ups
Overhead Press

Tuesday: Pull Day

Pull-Ups
Rows
Bicep Curls

Wednesday: Leg Day

Squats
Lunges
Deadlifts

Thursday: Functional Training

Circuit of primal movements (as outlined above)

Friday: Active Recovery

Light yoga or walking

Saturday: Full-Body Workout

Combination of push, pull, squat, and hinge movements

Sunday: Rest Day

By incorporating these primal movements, you’ll enhance your functional strength, mobility, and overall fitness. If you have any specific goals or need further customization, feel free to ask! Happy training.

For optimal performance in primal movements before a bodybuilding competition, consider these supplements:

Pre-Workout Supplements: These can provide energy and enhance performance. Look for products containing creatine, nitric oxide stimulators, and caffeine.

Post-Workout Supplements: Essential for recovery, including protein powders, BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), and multivitamins.

Fat Burners and Metabolizers: These can help in reducing body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Ingredients like green tea extract and L-carnitine are popular.

Adaptogens: Supplements like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea can help manage stress and improve endurance.

Conlusion

Primal movements, which include squatting, lunging, hinging, twisting, walking, pushing, and pulling, benefit from a strong foundation of functional strength and mobility. Ensuring your body is well-nourished and recovered will help you perform these movements effectively.

Incorporating primal movements into your bodybuilding routine can lead to significant improvements in strength, mobility, and overall fitness. By focusing on these fundamental patterns, you can build a well-rounded, resilient body that performs well both in and out of the gym.

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