thehenchnerd

Why You Shouldn’t Bench Press, Squat, and Is Deadlift Overrated?

A creative visual of a gym with traditional equipment like the bench press and squat rack covered in warning tape, while dumbbells and resistance bands are highlighted as safer alternatives for injury prevention, appealing to men over 40.

As we age, our bodies don’t respond to the same exercises in the same way. The risk of injury goes up, recovery takes longer, and the pressure to stay strong can feel more intense than ever. But staying in shape after 40 doesn’t mean sticking to the same old routines—especially when they involve risky exercises like the bench press, squat, or deadlift.… Read the rest

Does Creatine Work? Your Guide to What Supplements Muscle Growth

An epic gym scene featuring a glowing collection of muscle-building supplements like creatine, protein powder, HMB, ZMA, Omega-3, and BCAAs on a bench. Next to them stands a muscular man wearing a “Snake Oil” t-shirt, representing the contrast between effective supplements and overhyped, dubious products. The background shows gym equipment, enhancing the serious yet humorous tone.

Does creatine work? If you’ve ever wondered how effective creatine is or what supplements muscle growth, you’re in the right place. This guide explores creatine’s effectiveness, how it compares to other supplements, and answers the big question: Does creatine work better than other supplements for muscle growth?

Welcome to your comprehensive supplement guide.… Read the rest

Rest-Pause Training: The Best Way to Gain Muscle Quickly?

“Middle-aged man in a gym performing an intense rest-pause workout, lifting heavy weights with focus and determination, set in a powerful, dramatic gym environment with emphasis on hard work and strength.”

If you’re anything like me, the search for a training method that maximises gym time while still providing serious muscle gains is an ongoing quest. One day, I stumbled upon rest-pause training—and believe me when I say it changed the game for me.

Now, I’ll be honest. This method isn’t a walk in the park (gains come in the form of volume or intensity, you can’t serve two masters), but the results are nothing short of spectacular.… Read the rest

Super slow Strength Training: a Doug Mguff Masterpiece

A muscular tortoise lifting weights in a gym, symbolising the concept of super slow strength training by Doug Mguff. The tortoise is muscular, performing slow and controlled movements, with dramatic lighting emphasising its build and focus. Gym equipment is blurred in the background, highlighting the tortoise’s effort and determination.

For men over 40, the importance of maintaining muscle strength while protecting joint health is paramount. This is where super slow strength training, pioneered by Doug McGuff, comes into play. The technique prioritises slow, controlled repetitions to maximise muscle engagement, minimise injury risk, and still deliver impressive gains. But does this method really work?… Read the rest

How to Never be Skinny Fat Again: Your Lean and Muscular Guide

A skinny fat man undergoes a transformation to the photo on the right-m he's now lean and muscular

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt frustrated by a soft, undefined physique despite being relatively slim? You’re not alone! The skinny fat phenomenon affects countless individuals, but here’s the good news – it’s entirely beatable and rather easy to understand. Once you beat it, welcome to your lean and muscular physique.… Read the rest

Debunking the Muscle Confusion Myth: The Truth About Workout Variety

A cartoon image of a humanised muscle in the gym - the muscle looks confused as the article explores the muscle confusion myth and workout variety

Imagine you’re at the gym, and you spot a chap doing a different workout every day, swearing it’s the secret to massive gains. Welcome to the world of muscle confusion, a concept that’s been buzzing around fitness circles like a hyperactive protein shake. But is there any truth to the muscle confusion myth, or is it just another fitness fad destined for the dustbin?… Read the rest

How to Spot Examples of Bro Science and Tackle Fitness Industry Lies

A highly muscular figure stands flexing in front of various fitness-related objects, including supplements, books, and fitness magazines. The image represents the idea of "bro science" and "fitness industry lies," symbolising the misleading advice and false promises often promoted in fitness circles, such as exaggerated supplement claims and pseudoscientific workout routines. The background includes books and products that often perpetuate myths, while the figure's exaggerated physique echoes the unrealistic expectations pushed by the fitness industry lies

The fitness industry is filled with claims, hacks, and “guaranteed results” that you see everywhere, from your local gym to social media influencers. But how do you know which advice to follow and what is pure examples of bro science? If you’ve ever found yourself questioning the advice on muscle building or fat loss, you’re not alone.… Read the rest

How to Master the Mind to Muscle Connection and Enhance Muscle Activation

“A focused man in his 40s lifting a dumbbell slowly, with visible muscle engagement and concentration in a gym. The background is dynamic yet minimalist, emphasising the man’s deliberate and controlled movements, representing the mind to muscle connection.”

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to get more out of their workouts, even though they’re lifting lighter weights? The secret might lie not in how much they lift, but in how well they’re engaging their muscles. This process is known as the mind to muscle connection, a powerful technique that can boost your strength, hypertrophy, and can enhance muscle activation.… Read the rest