Jill's Path To Fitness

Curl Bar

Reverse Barbell Curls for Upper Arm Mass

Normal 0

In today’s world of synthol and esciline, many bodybuilding fans have sat and had a chuckle at the sight of a professional bodybuilder with ridiculously oversized upper arms, and extremely skinny forearms. It’s a classic and painfully obvious sign that the bodybuilder has used site injections, since it’s virtually impossible to gain size on the biceps without gaining size on the forearms. After all, the forearms grip the weight used in curls and do handle the same weight that the biceps are required to curl. Most professional bodybuilders are blessed with decent forearm development, or it arrived pretty quickly when they trained to achieve pro caliber biceps.

However, in the amateur ranks (where good genetics aren’t a given as they are in the pro ranks) it’s not uncommon to see bodybuilders with sub-par forearm development. Many see forearm development as genetic – you either have it or you don’t. And many trainers avoid all forearm training, as they believe that it detracts from their biceps’ size and appearance.

This isn’t the case. If you have skinny forearms, you might have tried the traditional training exercises; namely, many variations of wrist curls. These are great for building up the “ball” of muscle located at the base of the elbow. However, many bodybuilders often neglect a very popular movement known as reverse barbell curls. These curls are completed much like traditional barbell curls, except the trainer utilized a reverse (overhand) grip on the bar. This exercise trains the forearm extensors, the biceps, and the brachio radialis.

Another reason to train the forearms independently is that the forearms are often the failure point in many exercises such as deadlifts or barbell rowing. Focusing upon wrist and forearm strength can allow you to hold the barbell for just a few additional reps, which can lead to new personal best lifts.

Just as it’s impossible to build up arms to your maximum potential without squatting, it’s impossible to grow decent sized arms and forearms without eating adequate calories to sustain growth. A surplus of calories is required to spurn new growth, even if it does lead to new (and temporary) body fat gains. Very rarely will you see a guy with big arms who is ripped 365 days a year.

If your forearms are lagging, add reverse barbells to your workout regimen. Whether as a core exercise, or just a movement to rotate in and out of your repertoire, you’ll likely see added mass and strength as a result.
About the Author

Dane Fletcher is the world’s most prolific bodybuilding and fitness expert and is currently the executive editor for BodybuildingToday.com. If you are looking for more bodybuilding tips or information on weight training, or supplementation, please visit www.BodybuildingToday.com, the bodybuilding and fitness authority site with hundreds of articles available FREE to help you meet your goals.

Caring For Your Metal Bar Stools

From wrought iron featuring dramatic loops, curls, twists and designs to heavier gauge steel that features exquisite lines and a decidedly modern look, more and more people are flocking to the versatility and beauty of metal bar stools. Caring for your metal bar stools isn’t a complicated procedure, but there are certain pieces of advice that must be followed if you are to get the most out of your purchase.

Cleaning

In most cases, cleaning your metal bar stools with simple soap and warm water will be more than enough, but it is important that you dry off the metal surfaces so that no rusting occurs. You also want to wash them as soon as you can since older dirt, food and dust will be more difficult to clean. If you are stymied with a spot that really doesn’t want to come out, go ahead and use some mild dishwashing detergent, but make sure that you don’t leave any residue on the metal once you are done. Clean and dry the surface when you are finished and if you want to go the extra mile, use filtered water to even out the ph level.

Placement

Probably the biggest attraction of metal furniture is the fact that it can stand up to almost anything, including sun, rain and small children, but there are some placement tips you may want to keep in mind. If you are only using your stools outdoors, you may want to consider buying covers to keep direct sun and rain off of them when not in use. You also don’t want to keep your metal furniture directly over a heating vent since the constant and dramatic changes in temperature can weaken the metal, especially if you have thin wrought iron style bar stools.

Polish

Metal furniture doesn’t really need polishing, but it can benefit from waxing now and then. The wax acts like a barrier between the elements and the metal itself. Waxing doesn’t leave the metal slick, but it can make it slightly more difficult to grip, especially for older folks and for kids. This is particularly useful if you plan on using your furniture outdoors as well as indoors. You can also repaint your metal furniture every few years to hide dings and scraps that inevitably happen over time. The paint serves a similar purpose as the wax in protecting the metal from daily wear and tear.

Misc.

With all of the proper care listed above, you should be able to ward off rust for the time being, but it is almost inevitable that it will happen eventually. Use a hard bristled wire brush to scrape off any rust stains, and then retreat with either paint, wax or both. If you are in the process of rescuing neglected metal furniture, you can use sandpaper to help rid each piece of large rust spots. Simply remember to retreat and each item should have a fresh, decades long lease on life. Metal bar stools can add beauty and versatility to any décor, and with proper care, you won’t have to replace your items for years.

About the Author

Andrew Hampton is the marketing manager of
Simply Bar Stools
a leading supplier of
Modern Kitchen Bar stools
. Suitable for all types of Breakfast Bars, Cafe Bars or Kitchen Breakfast Bars.

Sunny 47-inch Threaded Curl Bar $34.99 Improve your workouts with this Sunny 47-inch Curl Bar. The threaded bar is made of solid steel.

CAP Threaded Ends Standard Barbell Curl Bar $24.63 CAP Barbell’s standard curl bar is designed to develop upper arm mass, strength and definition. This bar isolates and intensifies development of the bicep and forearm muscles while decreasing discomfort to the elbows and wrists.

Avalon Scroll-back Bar Stools (Set of 3) $118.49 Modernly classic scroll work decorates the back of these Avalon bar stools. This set comes with three (3) chairs ready to accent your bar area.

Impex Marcy Standard Workout Bench $123.03 This Standard Marcy workout bench from Impex features a multi-position back pad that adjusts for chest press and incline chest press exercises. This bench also spotlights a removable curl bar and a durable powder coated finish.

Verona Espresso Scroll-back Swivel Pub-height Stool $95.99 Add a touch of style to your home decor with this smooth scroll-back design pub-height stool. This stool features Asian rubber wood in an espresso finish with black bi-cast vinyl.