Debunking 7 Common Fitness Myths

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Welcome to The Ripped Report! Here’s what we’ve got for you today: 

• 7 exercise science myths that are hurting your fitness goals 

• Phil Heath’s top 10 muscle-building exercises for bodybuilding success 

• Jay Cutler’s tips for correcting squatting mistakes

TRAINING 

7 Exercise Science Myths

The fitness world is overflowing with information, and with new diets and workout techniques emerging constantly, misinformation is everywhere. One common misconception is that pushing yourself to the point of extreme muscle soreness after every workout equates to a successful training session. Similarly, many believe that endless crunches and planks are the secret to achieving a visible six-pack.

To help clear the confusion, we’ve debunked seven common exercise myths using gasp actual science to lead the way. From uncovering the truth about muscle soreness and spot fat reduction to exploring whether pre-workout stretching is truly effective, we break it all down. And what about the hype around fasted cardio? We’ve got that covered too. Let’s separate fact from fiction and bring clarity to your fitness journey.

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BODYBUILDING 

Heath’s Top 10 Bodybuilding Moves

Want to build muscle but don’t know where to begin? Maybe you’ve hit a plateau in your progress or need a fresh routine to maximize hypertrophy. Whatever your goal, seven-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler’s top 10 muscle-building exercises are here to help.

Cutler favored the dumbbell incline bench press over the traditional flat or barbell variations, praising its effectiveness in targeting the upper chest. For biceps, he prioritized preacher curls, a variation that enhances stability and emphasizes shoulder flexion for optimal muscle activation. Discover all 10 game-changing exercises that propelled Cutler to the upper echelons of bodybuilding and take your training to the next level.

TRAINING TIPS

3 Common Squat Mistakes 

The squat, often considered the king of all exercises, is a cornerstone of strength training. This powerful movement builds overall muscle strength and mass, enhances your ability to handle heavier loads, and improves functional movement patterns that carry over to nearly every other lift and athletic performance. However, small mistakes in execution can lead to significant setbacks.

Four-time Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler, has highlighted three common squat mistakes lifters make and how to fix them. Squatting is more than just bending at the knees — it involves intricate details often overlooked, such as proper hand and bar placement, an efficient walkout to conserve energy, and mastering breath and bracing techniques. Neglecting these fundamentals can lead to faulty mechanics, including excessive forward lean and knee instability. Understanding and correcting these nuances is crucial for a safe and effective squat.

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THE DROP SET 

An Honest Critique

• “It’s an eyesore.” That’s what Olympia-winning bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod said about one particular aspect of Nick Walker’s physique. Read more here.

• Are you looking for the perfect barbell for your home setup? These are the eight best curl bars for supporting Olympic weights, standard weights, and more. 

• If your grip slips during heavy lifts like the deadlift, you’re not alone. Here are the best grip strengtheners so your grip strength never fails you during a workout again. 

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