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Resistance Band Chest Press: Benefits & How To Do It

March 23, 2021 By Jess Billitz

Sculpted pecs are arguably the most sought-after muscles in athletic men, with a chiseled chest ranking only second to washboard abs on the “attractive” scale (discovered in a 2009 study).

But when the line for the bench press wraps around the power rack — or the gym owner doesn’t receive the unofficial “Chest day is Monday” memo before locking up — it’s time to get creative!

Untangle (and dust off) that rubbery stretchy band in the basement, and don’t let that preworkout buzz fizzle out. Introducing the long-overlooked resistance band chest press:

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Resistance Band Chest Fly: Muscles Worked & How To Do It

March 23, 2021 By Jess Billitz

The bench press evolved into the most iconic exercise of all time, changing the bodybuilding world forever when the “Russian Lion” performed a record-setting 362 lb floor press in 1899.

It’s the foundation for any Monday chest day. It’s the only stat that matters when you’re chatting in the power rack line. And, if you can bench double your body weight, you’ve reached “elite” status.

But dabbling in non-barbell chest exercises, especially a substantially lower-weight one like the classic fly, ignites a battle you never want to wage: ego vs. mass.

Introducing … the resistance band chest fly, a Monday evening plateau-buster (and pec sculptor).

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Jim Stoppani’s 6-Week Shortcut To Shred [Full Review]

March 18, 2021 By Jess Billitz

Shortcut to Shred

6.5/10

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Quick Review:

It’s clear Shortcut to Shred produces some results—potentially chopping down on 6% of total body fat in six weeks would be incredible. You’ll also be doing familiar exercises based on science-backed research. However, it would be tough for the average guy to sustain unless you have 6 hours to spare, lots of extra cash to burn on supplements, and an unlimited supply of motivation. Pair that with the prescribed 14 Pixy Sticks and 600mg+ of daily caffeine and you’ll be raising your eyebrows at this whole program.

Jump to the Full Summary

Experience Level	Beginner
Workout Days	6
Goal	Fat loss

Pros:

Uses familiar gym exercises
Enough variation to fight boredom
Based on science and research

Cons:

Too intense for beginners
Lots of supplement promotion
Dangerous caffeine recommendations

Let’s face it.

The only “shortcuts” to bulking up and shredding fat are unsafe, unsustainable, or flat-out illegal.

So when Jim Stoppani—a health consultant to the stars with a doctorate in exercise physiology to his name—began flaunting a program called “6-Week Shortcut to Shred”…

That was a bit of a head-scratcher.

But we’re going to give him the benefit of the doubt.

After all, he does have a solid reputation in the fitness community, and this 6-week program is quite grueling, to say the least.

So let’s jump right in and find out more about this program.

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Weight-Lifting Injury Rates (Is It Really That Dangerous)

March 11, 2021 By Jess Billitz

It’ll stunt your growth. It’s dangerous. You know it causes arthritis and high blood pressure, right?

If you’re a member of the bodybuilding or weightlifting worlds, you’ve heard these unsolicited, elevator-style TED Talks — ironically from those with zero experience — at least once or twice.

You bite your tongue and take the high road, avoiding this confrontation for two reasons:

Most of what they’re spewing is untrue (it’s an argument not worth your time).
Weightlifting isn’t entirely risk-free (the old “quit while you’re ahead” scenario).

Those 300-pound deadlifts, rapid-fire pull-up reps, and 30 weekly squat sets could all trigger cascading physical effects that can leave you sidelined for weeks or even months.

Or worse … in an operating room.

Check out these 17 weight lifting injury statistics to put the risks into a better perspective!

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Can Exercise Reduce Stress? (Here’s What Statistics Say)

March 11, 2021 By Jess Billitz

The connection between exercise and stress can turn your mind into a battlefield.

The research, physiology, and your past experiences all agree. A run or CrossFit class can soften the mental load, make a gloomy day a tad brighter (thanks, endorphins!), and even motivate you!

But … life always manages to get in the way.

The defeating work-school-relationship combo sways you in the opposite direction. Lacing up your Nikes, loading the barbell, or hitting the treadmill are more mental challenges than anything.

It pits the same-old internal war: “I know it’s good for me and will help me feel better. But I can’t find it in me to take that first step.”

Maybe the research will do the trick and offer that final motivational nudge. Gains aside, here are 11 exercise and stress statistics to prove once and for all its benefits for the mind.

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