According to sports scientist Dr Mike Israetel, we’re doing a bunch of exercises that ‘suck’. Well, not completely. But for a programme specifically dedicated to optimising hypertrophy as much as possible, we want to steer clear of some of these moves, to make the most of our precious gym time. ‘Look, all love and respect,…
For Averil Mohammad, 72, from Barnet, classical reformer Pilates has become a panacea for the pain from a torn rotator cuff. Here, she shares how the exercise has helped her rebuild her relationship with her body. This time two years ago, I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t shower and I couldn’t pull up my trousers. At…
You don’t need to monopolise every piece of kit under the sun to build a bigger, stronger back, despite what you may see on your local gym floor. According to hypertrophy researchers Dr Mike Israetel and Dr Pak Androulakis-Korakakis, it’s about choosing the right exercises with discernment, and taking them to failure. In a new…
We’re all short on time, which means that selecting the correct exercises is paramount. According to exercise researcher Dr Milo Wolf, there’s a few gym staples that just aren’t pulling their weight when it comes to actual muscle growth, and in some cases, they might even be holding us back. Whether it’s poor range of…
Setting out to reduce body fat and build muscle at the same – otherwise known as changing your body composition – is among the most common goals for fitness newbies and gym fanatics alike. Adjusting this tissue ratio without major changes in weight can lead to better performance, health and aesthetics. However, general advice of…
The world has gone wild for Aldi’s £150 reformer Pilates machine. Since launching just three days ago, the supermarket chain has been forced to introduce a ticketing system after customers physically fought to get their hands on one, with Tiktokkers revealing three-hour waits, 5.30am wake-ups and queues down the street, and some successful buyers now…
In 2023, Pilates stole the crown from strength training for the most-booked workout class on ClassPass, with reservations up 92%. It reigned supreme in 2024, with another +84% increase in bookings. But its popularity isn’t necessarily reflective of the benefits; while it may be the most sought-after form of exercise right now, the science shows…
Let’s be honest: not all exercises were created equal. Some moves have earned a permanent spot in our workouts without actually pulling their weight. To help you swerve wasted time and zero gains, exercise scientist Dr Mike Israetel shares his list of exercises that he believes simply aren’t worth your sweat. ‘There are no stupid…
It’s not uncommon to see specialist training plans aimed at over-60s, over-50s, and even – worryingly – aimed at those in their 40s and 30s. But do you really need to completely switch up your approach to the gym once you hit half the century mark? Short answer: no. Let us explain why. What Really…
By now, we’re well versed in the benefits of strength training, and can count on improving bone density and decreasing risk of injury and cardiovascular disease when we pick up those weights. And increasingly, resistance exercises are being recognised as key to longevity, too. A meta analysis found that people who perform resistance training are…
