Memories Of Muscle Beach – Where Beach Bodies Began

There’s a picture that appears in the muscle mags and a book or two that sneaks up on me occasionally and causes me to shudder. I’m 22, 250 pounds and a brand new resident of Santa Monica, California. I’m a donut covered with powdered white confectioner’s sugar and I stand conspicuously like a grinning duffer … Read more

Sick of Your Gym? – Tips for Gym Heaven

The more I read and travel the more I find the same issue coming up time and time again. I hear it from fellow powerlifters and get a ton of questions on how to deal with it. Though I train at Westside, my traveling and busy schedule still allows me to experience this first hand. … Read more

Remembering Muscle Beach – Where Hard Bodies Began

During these early years on the Beach, our band of eager athletes spent weekends and the long days of summer working out and honing our skills in the cool breezes of the Pacific. Those I shared the sand within the mid-to-late-thirties were the true founders of Muscle Beach, the people who established its reputation and … Read more

2003 Ironman Pro Invitational Results

Chris Cormier decided at the last minute to pull out of the show, with a dominant Jay Cutler taking it. However, second place went to Melvin Anthony, who took it over Flex Wheeler. Troy Alves came out of nowhere to place 4th. Aaron Baker’s comeback was also quite nice to see. Here are the scorecard … Read more

Bench Wars! Battle Tactics – How to Win?

The Onslaught Part One The dawning of the 20th Century on mankind radiated a relatively new rejuvenating recreation as the methodically repressive ‘Industrial Age’ made work easier for the average person. A new concept of body fitness came into being because many felt the human structure and it’s health unpreserved would dissipate.  The new concept was … Read more

What are Sets and Reps? – Why are They Important?

Most of you will already know this, so feel free to skip this paragraph. Other than a few anecdotes you won’t get much out of it. Sets and reps are notions to go by, suggestive guidelines that serve as a relative intensity-measure. When you do any given exercise you have to decide on a number … Read more

Self-Imposed Bodybuilding Limitations – Bodybuilding Success

The longer I’m around the iron game the more I realize that your attitude, expectations, and thought habits are the most important aspects of bodybuilding success. Everybody seems to have certain mental stumbling blocks.  “I can’t do anymore than 255 on the bench no matter how hard I try!”  Or… “My arms will never grow … Read more

Blueprint to a MASSIVE Chest! – Improve Your Workouts

Slowly but certainly the focus when training the body has shifted from muscular shoulders and a tiny waist, to building a chest that resembles the armor of a mythical soldier. The bench Press replaces the military press as the major lift for strength and bodybuilding was never the same again. Now every young lifter strives … Read more

Westside Barbell Benching Techniques

I am going to introduce you all to the wild and wacky side of training from the Westside. This article will outline the special and innovative exercises used by most ALL big time benchers who are produced through using the Westside Barbell system. Trust me, this stuff works. These movements I am about to outline, … Read more