How Rare is a 600lbs Deadlift? (Revealed!)

Close Up of a Man's Foot and a Loaded Barbell Set Up For a Deadlift

A 600lbs deadlift is extremely rare, and the vast majority of recreational gym-goers will never achieve this. Additionally, whether someone can accomplish a 600lbs deadlift will mainly depend on their training experience and their body weight. As an example, an intermediate lifter, someone who typically has around 2 years training experience, should be able to … Read more

Deadlift Your Way to Bigger Traps? Fact or Fiction? (Here’s What You Need to Know)

Close Up of a Man Preparing to Deadlift

The traps are actively involved in deadlifts. As your torso goes from a forward lean to an upright position, the traps will be stimulated by a dynamic isometric hold. You can build your traps further from deadlifts by progressively adding weight, but also by varying your reps and intensity to stimulate new muscle growth in … Read more

Soft Biceps Even When You Flex? Here’s Why & How to Fix it!

The Back of a Muscular Man Who is Holding a Biceps Flexing Pose

The main reason your biceps are soft when you flex them is because they’re carrying a layer of fat. It’s impossible to spot reduce fat from the body or to control where fat may form. You should ensure that you properly contract the muscles when training biceps. Additionally, don’t go too heavy when working biceps, … Read more

Always Tired After Deadlifts? Here’s Why They Leave You So Drained!

An Athletic Man Preparing to Perform a Deadlift

It’s natural to feel tired after deadlifts because it’s such a big lift. The deadlift is a compound exercise that incorporates many muscles of the body, and therefore it can be taxing on the Central Nervous System. You should also be wary of factors such as your deadlift volume, intensity, and whether you’re getting enough … Read more

Lats on Fire After Deadlifts? Don’t Panic! Here’s What You Need to Know

A Man in the Gym Preparing to Deadlift

Your lats should not be sore after deadlifts, but there are a few reasons this may occur. Firstly, it’s important to realise that the lats work isometrically to ensure that the bar stays close to your legs. Plus, if your arms aren’t fully extended during the deadlift, so even the slightest bend in the elbow, … Read more

Cheat Day Paradox: Feeling Skinny After Going Overboard? Here’s Why!

A Plate and Bowl Full of Junk Food and a Measuring Tape

The main reason you look skinnier after a cheat day is because a cheat day will replenish depleted glycogen stores, which will make the muscles look fuller and more pumped. Furthermore, a cheat day will boost your metabolism, so you’ll be burning more calories the following day. It is also estimated that leptin production in … Read more

Understanding Balanced Strength: Should You Barbell Row As Much As You Bench Press?

A Muscular Man Holding a Heavy Weight Plate

When it comes to building that classic upper body you’ll be hard-pushed to find two better exercises than barbell rows and bench press. However, something that’s always puzzled me is the difference in weight that I use to perform the two movements. I wasn’t sure whether my ratios were good or whether I had a … Read more

Pause or Power Through? Should You Pause at the Bottom of Your Bench Press?

A man in a red vest performing the bench press

To pause or not to pause, that is the bench press question? There are various techniques you can use to improve your bench press, strength, and muscle-building capabilities. However, one of the most popular methods is the paused bench press, as opposed to the standard touch-and-go bench press. So, I’ll discuss the pros and cons … Read more