Bodybuilding
Horizontal Bar Exercises For Building Strength
Exercises on the horizontal bar can help you develop most muscle groups, such as the lats, biceps, deltoid, press, hands - grip strength, arms, trapezoidal, and back muscles. Also, they are effective in building pecs muscles too. Their accessibility gives the easiness of horizontal bar exercises. Thus if you have no time or money to go to a gym, you can improvise it at home and start building muscles with success.
Exercises to the bar belong to the bodyweight exercises group and have a low risk of injury if you follow basic safety precautions. If you have never trained at the bar, then you maybe ask yourself how to learn to do these exercises. Nothing is complicated; grip the bar and try to pull up. Be persistent, do daily strength training, and after a few weeks, you can do full pull-ups.
Must Read: How to Learn To Do One Arm Pull-ups?
Since the bar can rub your bar, it is advisable to buy gloves for these exercises. You can make them from leather or other material. The most important thing is to wear them every time you do activities at the bar. Once you do pull-ups, be aware you will not get fast results.
So, be patient and do them with dedication every time. Along with this, all the time, follow the proper technique of execution. Grip the bar, and then slowly and evenly pull up your body. The tempo of these exercises should be slow, with no thrusts.
Before turning to complex exercises on the bar, you should thoroughly master pulling with both hands. It is an essential exercise everybody should perform correctly and thoroughly, and only then is time to go for more exercises on the bar.
To perform pull-ups correctly, you have to determine your goal - to increase strength or build muscle mass. Pull-ups are composed of two phases - positive and negative. The positive phase is when you pull up, and the negative is when you lower your body. To increase muscle strength and endurance, you must slowly pull up your body and drop it quickly. So, you put more accent on the positive phase.
The negative phase is fastly pulling up your body and lowering it slowly. In this case, muscles get increased volume. To build strength and power mass, you must keep your muscles in tension during all movement.
Read More: The Definitive Guide to the Push-Pull Legs Routine
Besides negative/positive movements, considerable importance also has the type of grip. Each of these grips puts more load on a specific group of muscles. People use pull-ups for building shoulders and lats muscles, while chin-ups develop bicep muscles.
When pulling with both hands as the basis of any activities on the bar is mastered, you can move on to more complex exercises, like in every training system. An excellent strength exercise on the horizontal bar is a bit more complicated. For its performance, one hand gripped the flat bar, and the other one the vertical bar.
The lower you make the vertical grip, the harder it would be to pull up your body. Gradually increase the number of repetitions until you get to ten or fifteen. This exercise is very effective for strengthening back muscles.
Another variation of standard pull-ups is wide grip pull-ups. It is a complicated exercise and requires long practice. It has excellent effects on breast muscles, which exceed all your expectations. To do it, you have to grasp the bar in a wide grip.
When pulling up, try touching the crossbar with your chest, relaxed biceps, and most butted blades. This exercise is on the bar for the back muscles and shoulder girdle. Also, it works with trapezoidal and lats groups of muscles.
A more complicated version of pull-ups is pull-ups behind your neck. This exercise has a high risk of injury, but if you manage to perform it properly, you can successfully train the lats, trapezoidal, round, and infraspinatus groups of muscles. When doing it, make sure your body is strictly perpendicular to the ground.
If you want to increase your biceps, you can do a close grip chin-up. You can choose to be assisted when doing this exercise if you feel not ready enough to do it. When doing it, you have to handle biceps contracting and not pull with the back. Also, it would be best if you kept your hands extended at the bottom and not balanced your body.
For building triceps, muscles perfectly work pull-ups with a neutral grip. Grasp the bar as one fist was over the other. Pull up your body, turning your head to left or right at the bar level. Try to change the hand's position between sets.
Read More: Pull-Ups Exercises
Exercises on the horizontal bar are efficient for building press muscles too. You can work abdomen muscles by raising the legs. This is quite a difficult exercise for beginners, since there is no support for the back, and do properly from the technical point of view is quite tricky. That's why it's much easier to use a wall bar that provides you with support for your back.
This exercise is mandatory not to allow your legs and torso to swing since it takes away the correct load on the press, and the routine becomes useless. The legs should be quickly and very slowly lowered. Namely, the slow rise of legs involves the work of lower press muscles.
You can hook your legs on the bar to strengthen your upper abdomen muscles and twist your body. The significant disadvantages of this exercise are that it is hard to do, uncomfortable, and risky. As you see, a horizontal bar is an excellent tool for building and strengthening muscle mass.
It is straightforward for standard pull-ups and can be an excellent alternative for your workout diversification. Once you gain experience, you can try another more complicated pull-up for great results. But the most important thing is to include a horizontal bar in your workout routine, following the proper execution.
Must Read: Seven Back Training Common Mistakes
Bodybuilding
Top Video Games for Bodybuilders in 2024
There are several video games that can be great for bodybuilders, combining fitness and fun! Here are some of the best options:
Ring Fit Adventure (Nintendo Switch)
The game uses the Ring-Con and Leg Strap to guide you through various exercises and adventures. It's a fun way to get a full-body workout while playing a game.
Fitness Boxing 2: VR Boxing Remastered (PlayStation VR)
It offers a full-body boxing workout with a variety of punches and combos. It's a great way to improve your fitness while enjoying a virtual boxing experience.
Must Read: Marvel-Inspired Training Clothing on Amazon
Just Dance 2024
This popular dance game gets you moving to the beat with a variety of songs and dance routines. It's a fun way to burn calories and improve your coordination.
Zumba Fitness
Burn It Off (Nintendo Wii): This game offers a fun and energetic Zumba workout, perfect for those who enjoy dancing and want to get a good cardio workout.
Yoga for Beginners
If you're looking for a more relaxing workout, yoga games can help improve flexibility and reduce stress. Many of these games offer guided yoga sessions that you can follow along with.
Gym Tycoon
This game lets you build and manage your own gym, complete with various workout equipment and fitness classes. It's a great way to learn about different exercises and how to create effective workout routines.
The Sims 4: Fitness Stuff Pack
This expansion pack for The Sims 4 adds fitness equipment and activities to the game, allowing you to improve your character's fitness and join the athlete career.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
While not a traditional fitness game, this classic game includes bodybuilding activities that can help your character gain muscle and improve fitness.
Knockout Home Fitness (Nintendo Switch)
This game offers a variety of boxing workouts that can help improve your strength and endurance.
Gym Simulator 24 (PC)
In this simulation game, you can build and manage your own fitness empire, creating workout routines and managing gym equipment.
Let's Get Fit (Nintendo Switch)
This game focuses on pure workouts, allowing you to set programs and follow along with digital trainers for a customized fitness experience.
Beat Saber (VR)
A popular VR game where you slash blocks to the beat of the music, providing an intense full-body workout.
Synth Riders (PlayStation VR)
This game combines freestyle dance and fitness, offering high-tempo tracks and multiplayer modes for a fun and energetic workout.
Yoga Master (PlayStation)
Designed by professional yoga coaches, this game offers a variety of yoga lessons and poses to improve flexibility and reduce stress.
Les Mills Bodycombat (PlayStation VR)
A martial arts-inspired workout game with a range of workout plans and coaching to keep you motivated.
OhShape Ultimate (PlayStation VR)
This game provides a full-body cardio workout with six sessions and two difficulty levels, designed to engage every part of your body.
These games offer a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility workouts, making them great additions to your fitness routine.
Related Article: Supplemental Breast Milk for Bodybuilders
Bodybuilding
2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts
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
Bodybuilding
Primal Movements: Our Ultimate Guide for Maximum Results
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:
Buy Cut Long 300 by Dragon Pharma
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:
Related Article: How Much Do You Know About B-AET? A Fat Burner You’ve Been Missing
- 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.
Read More: Cellular Alchemy to Restore Testosterone Levels
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.
-
Steroids2 years ago
VOX Testing: Why Bodybuilders Must Have It Tested Regularly
-
Steroids2 years ago
Shavers and Other Body Grooming Equipment for Bodybuilders In 2023
-
Steroids2 years ago
ChatGPT and Other Avenues to Find Great Bodybuilding Coaches
-
Steroids1 year ago
Best Oil Recommendations Before Competition for Subtle Shimmer
-
Steroids1 year ago
Powerlifting Vs Power Building: Find Out the Big Difference and When to Shift Between the Two
-
Nutrition1 year ago
Everything Nutritional Food: What’s Too Much Or Too Little
-
Beginners1 year ago
Tren Cycle for Beginners
-
Anabolic Steroids1 year ago
Legality of Anabolic Steroids In Latin America
-
Bodybuilding Products8 months ago
Telmisartan In Bodybuilding: An Expert’s Advice
-
Bodybuilding1 year ago
Competition Prep Cycle for Pro Bodybuilders
-
Bodybuilding10 months ago
List of FDA-Approved Peptides
-
Anabolic Steroids7 months ago
How Much Do You Know About B-AET? A Fat Burner You’ve Been Missing
-
Bodybuilding1 year ago
Chia Seeds in A Bodybuilder’s Diet: An Expert’s Advice
-
Steroids10 months ago
Trenbolone: Why it Remains A Beast In the Market
-
Anabolic Steroids1 year ago
Natural Steroids for Bodybuilding
-
Anabolic Steroids11 months ago
Start The New Year Strong With These Tips
-
Beginners1 year ago
Calisthenics: Secret to Building A Better Upper and Middle Body
-
Bodybuilding12 months ago
Unique Things That Have Redefined Mr Olympia Over The Years
-
Steroids6 months ago
Major Bodybuilding Peptides Explained
-
Product Reviews7 months ago
Top Vitamins for Skin Health
-
Bodybuilding Products7 months ago
TRT Add-ons: The Ultimate Guide
-
Bodybuilding6 months ago
Here Is How To know Your MRV (Maximum Recoverable Volume)
-
Bodybuilding9 months ago
How Much Is Too Much Cardio? Understanding Heart Rate Zones
-
Bodybuilding5 months ago
Hormone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Cycle Guide
-
Bodybuilding9 months ago
The Importance of Scaptions in Female Athletes