Is there any reason that barbells would be indispensable from a serious stength-training program? Or are dumbbells just fine? [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on Jul 1, 2009 - 12 answers

What are some basic exercises to get ripped in the style of Fight Club Brad Pitt or Tupac, not the steroid style Arnold/body builder type? [more inside]
posted by four panels on Dec 16, 2008 - 27 answers

What is the best way for a fairly unmotivated but still moderately fit guy with a lot of time on his hands to build upper body mass in the comfort of his own home?
posted by zaebiz on Sep 29, 2008 - 17 answers

Fighting Blubber—The Gym Reassurance Questions. [more inside]
posted by wildrain2008 on Apr 20, 2008 - 10 answers

My boss has challenged me to complete some sort of marathon workout at his gym. I'm not very athletic, but if I can finish, my boss will buy all his employees an expensive steak dinner. I need tips -- especially as to what/when to eat. The workout is at 8pm tonight. [more inside]
posted by grumblebee on Jun 19, 2007 - 23 answers

Help me fix my stubborn rotator cuff. [more inside]
posted by dead_ on Dec 7, 2006 - 8 answers

Today at the gym I saw a couple guys (football players, as it happens) doing an exercise I hadn't seen before. They started with a 50lb dumbbell in one hand, bent over towards that side (that quad ~ 45 degree angle to the floor), the dumbbell fairly close to the floor. They then pushed off with that quad, jumped/transferred weight to their other foot so their body was completely under their arm, & did a military-press-like motion with the weight. They did 3 sets of 10 with each arm. What is this exercise called? Also, what is that general style of exercise called (more active/full body than simply isolating a particular group), & what are some other examples of this style?
posted by devilsbrigade on Jul 22, 2006 - 8 answers

Help me find this particular brand of square "free weights." [more inside]
posted by mykescipark on Apr 26, 2006 - 4 answers

What qualifications should I look for in a personal trainer? What do the ACE certifications actually mean? I'd like to hire a trainer for a few sessions, but I really don't want to hurt myself or hire a nut. Please help me sort through the options! [more inside]
posted by barnone on Feb 12, 2006 - 4 answers

GymFilter: I'm going backwards. [more inside]
posted by devilsbrigade on Sep 23, 2005 - 8 answers

What's the bare minimum of strength training I can get away with? [more inside]
posted by hamster on Jul 8, 2005 - 14 answers

I'll be in a developing country this summer, and most likely wont have access to any sort of gym with weights. (i do a lot of cardio and lift too) I've looked into travel weights andI've looked around, but all I have been able to find so far are $50 Aquabells water-fillable weights, which have a max of 16 pounds each. How can I keep my strength up this summer, while not having ways to lift? I've always done cardio and lifting with machines, so i know I can work out without them, i'm just not entirely sure how. Thanks!
posted by jare2003 on Apr 18, 2005 - 16 answers

I just moved into an apartment complex with a gym and have started working out, but I'm having a problem developing a routine. The place is basically treadmills, spinning machines, and a well-equipped weight room. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by billybunny on Jan 17, 2004 - 16 answers