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We got all these articles!
The original articles here at More-Athletic Magazine. Some long, some short. Some technical, some simples. Some with programs, some with theories. Have a scroll through and see if there is something that tickles your fancy.
Latest
A Whole Load of Random Wisdom
Tom
We tweet random wisdom. Sometimes. We also stick em all here in case you want to scroll through them. On the one hand, you may like it - they touch on all areas and may remind you of what matters and make you realise you don't know stuff you'd like to know. On the other hand, they may be infuriatingly short bits of info which you would like more info on but we don't give you. It's still good for you, I'm sure google will have the answers if you want it bad enough.
The Home of The School of Fitness
Mr Delia Steele
Welcome to the school of fitness. One by one, in simple lessons, we will teach you fitness.
You need this.
The School of Fitness - Lesson 10: Consistently Be Consistent
Mr Delia Steele
You have to be consistent all the time. That's why they call it consistency! This is the difference between the trainees who achieve and those who stop-start forever and always feel like they are starting from square 1.
The School of Fitness - Lesson 9: Many ways to Skin a Cat
Mr Delia Steele
Perhaps not literally, we look at the philosophy that there are many ways to Skin a cat. No cats will be harmed in this Lesson.
The School of Fitness - Lesson 8 - Get Specific or Get Nowhere
Mr Delia Steele
Below we are going to explain how it's essential to specialise. And generalise. But in order to specialise.
The School of Fitness - Lesson 7: The Ron Burgundy Principle: "It's Science"
Mr Delia Steele
"Women have a brain a third the size of us, it's Science" - Ron Burgandy from the film Anchorman.
The School of Fitness - Lesson 6: The Magic of Progressive Overload
Mr Delia Steele
Progressive Overload. You need this. It might not be linear, it might not always go to plan, but you need this none the less.
The School of Fitness - Lesson 5: The Iron Law of the 6 Pack
Mr Delia Steele
This is the simple truth for anyone who wants a six pack. If that's you, read accept and remember this.
The School of Fitness - Lesson 4: You're not as special as you think.
Mr Delia Steele
Lunchbreak is over! Get back to your desk to learn this afternoon's School of Fitness Lesson on Singular Philosophy!
The School of Fitness - Lesson 3: Everybody wanna be a bodybuilder, nobody wanna lift heavy weights
Mr Delia Steele
There a very few ways around doing the things that need to be done. We don't know any of them.
The School of Fitness - Lesson 2: Do Smart Work
Mr Delia Steele
Doing the right stuff usually beats doing the wrong stuff or doing right stuff wrong.
The School of Fitness - Lesson 1: "Do Work"
Mr Delia Steele
"Do Work" - Coach Dos Remedios - a strength coach who comes with a catch phrase. We are all jealous.
About the School of Fitness
Mr Delia Steele
Welcome.
Before deciding to read the Iron Law of the 6 pack, the Genetic Lottery, The Ron Burgandy Principle or any other lessons in The School of Fitness you might want to know what it's all about. Read on so you know the logic behind the nonsense, the sense behind the silliness and the message behind the madness.
Variety Is the Spice of Life
Peter Chown
Variety makes life more interesting and it's the same with your training, and mine too. But being British we don't like much change do we?! But you would be missing a big trick to making BIG GAINS! I speak to a lot of guys like you when I'm at work in the gym or training at Muscle Limits or Old Ironworks and 9 times out of 10 I hear the same thing, and that is most people stick to the same training routine, usually 8-10 reps per set, each bodypart once a week, or something similar.
The Art of Pulling - Volume 1
Nat Pero
There are a humongus amount of exercises in the world of fitness that are effective at building big strong, powerful back muscles. Here, Nat Pero was commissioned to simply outline a few options available to increase pulling power. He starts with some classic bodybuilding and progresses into some more integrated exercises that challenge the whole body. If you haven't changed your back workout for a while there is bound to be something here to get you thinking, and there is bound to be something here to get you sore!
Developing Agility for Sport
Pat Dale
Agility is about speed. Fast movement, fast change of direction. If you want to improve your agility, first you need to increase your horsepower by training for strength & power in the gym, then you need a variety of speed and agility drills. In this article Pat Dale talks more on agility training principles and takes us through a few drills.
Developing Speed for Sport
Pat Dale
Some of us are carthorses built for strength whilst others are greyhounds built for speed – genetics, specifically our muscle fibre make up - plays a large part in what physical activities we excel at. The athletes you see winning the 100 meters in the Olympics are as much bred as they are trained! However, even if Mother Nature was not on your side, your speed can be improved by dedicating some time to specific sprint training. Being fit, strong and skilled will all contribute to your success at your chosen sport but regardless of your position on the field, the defining factor for many sportsmen is speed. In this article we’ll examine speed and quickness and provide you with a workout designed to help you improve your straight line running speed.
Push it - a rundown of great pushing exercises
Nat Pero
Mr Pero was again commissioned to write one of the simplest articles ever. I said, oi pero, pick a bunch of exercises that stress the body in a horizontal push pattern (chest exercises then), stick em in an article I said, talk about whether they are bodybuilding or more integrated, when you would use them and why. Mr Pero did just that, although I don't think he appreciated my attitude.
Shoulders Maketh The Man
Nat Pero
Whether you have a bodybuilding style 'shoulder day' or simply include them in your training while working on other stuff - you still need to spend considerable time training your shoulders with overhead (or vertical) pressing movements, possibly adding some isolation moves as well. Here, Nat Pero discusses a range of the best shoulder training exercises.
Mastering the Turkish Get Up
Nat Pero
When sports coaches mention core training the immediate picture that springs to most peoples mind is that of someone laying on the floor performing reams of crunches or sit-ups. It certainly isn't one of standing from a horizontal position whilst holding a weight above your head! However, this is a vague description of the Turkish Get Up (TGU).
Super Sweet Exercise you Should be doing - Chapter I - Volume 3 - The Snatch Balance
David Fleming
If you're new to training or have an extensive background in training like a clueless maniac - this series on barbell exercises is ideal to get you doing real exercises and doing them right. Having brought you the Snatch Grip Deadlift and Overhead Squat, next up we bring you a discussion of the Snatch Balance.
Proper Fitness Coaching
Tom Whelan
Information on Tom's one to one exercise coaching services in Piccadilly:
Better Movement, Better Performance Part II
David Fleming
This is a starting point for those who want to learn quality movement. By carefully learning the drills in this article you will be less likely to get injured and on the road to being a better athlete. These are not static stretches but careful, focused joint control drills that will relax your nervous system, free your joints and teach you to control your body...
Super Sweet Exercise you Should be doing - Chapter II - Volume II - The Spiderman Push Up
David Fleming
If you don't like Spiderman - then look away now as this is even more painful than to watch the films. However, if you're feeling brave, read on and discover the many benefits of the Spiderman Push Up and learn another great exercise to get you stronger and More-Athletic without using any gym kit.
What is Running?
Tim Rees
Paul has decided to start running. He goes to a little running shop tucked down a side street; this place is for proper runners, runners who really know their stuff. After a couple of hours hammering his credit card he’s feeling empowered and ready to ‘pound the pavements’. So, this is what it feels like to be a runner. How can he fail with all this stuff?
Periodisation, Peripheral Vision & Range of Motion Testing
David Fleming
Senor Fleming hits us with his usual geeky spiel here. If you sometimes find you can’t seem to follow the program and perform as you expected - maybe you need to auto-regulate a tad. If you’re a wimp, this may help you back out of a final few sets - but, more importantly - if you’re a badass, or think you are and you train in a T Shirt that says "I don't have bad workouts" and if you like to sing "pimps don't cry" to yourself at the slightest hint of an off day - this little article might help you check yourself before you wreck yourself. (Apologies for everything I just wrote).
Pendlay Rows
David Fleming
I've got a thing about barbells. They’re awesome! If you're keen to get big and strong you should develop a pretty close relationship with one. As such, here is another article describing the correct technique of a great barbell exercise, the Pendlay Row.
Glenn Pendlay is a US Olympic Weightlifting coach. He learned to lift from the great Russian coach Alexander Medvedyev and to top it all, he has a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Having produced 90 national weightlifting champions, when he speaks about strength, I listen!
Super Sweet Exercises - Chapter 1, Volume 1 - Barbell Movements - Snatch Grip Deadlifts
David Fleming
Introducing Mr Fleming's own personal series on some of the best exercises out there. This series takes a look at a number of exercises that are brutally effective and will give one excellent value for money. Mr Fleming calls them super sweet, most would call them f'ing hard - either way they are worth learning!
The L-Sit
David Fleming
This super sweet instalment is the first using purely your own bodyweight for resistance. Not many people can do this, but it’s worth the time it takes to master. Abdominals are all too often trained with futile little exercises while lying around on the floor. If you’re guilty of doing high rep silly ab work, give this a try and get some serious strength in your mid section!
Could lack of grip be holding you back?
Scott Laidler
Grip strength is a much overlooked issue when it comes to resistance training. A high level of grip strength is essential for martial artists, MMA fighters, gymnasts, bodybuilders and power lifters alike. A decent level of 'garden variety' grip strength is also needed for swift and easy completion of everyday activities such as moving furniture or holding shopping bags. If your still asking your mum to open jars for you this article may help you get some pride back.
More-Athletic Mindset
David Fleming
This article was commissioned in order to help you see the big picture when you hit the gym. If you adopt the More-Athletic Mindset, then every time you train you will not only be in line to reach your goals faster, but you will be setting yourself up for even better performance and an even better physique down the line. Magic. With knowledge comes power I guess.
You don't knows *HIT
Pat Dale
This article will appeal to both the lazy and the sadomasochistic. The lazy will probably end up disappointed , the sadomasochistic may want to reconsider their position. Either way if you're time crunched, or like to think you're hardcore and train harder than most, this classic system of torture may lead you to huge gains in muscle mass in record time.
15 Strength and Performance Tips
James White
The more of these you do, the higher your chances of a seriously impressive physique and performance. Here we asked James White for 15 basic tips that people need to consider when setting out to stimulate some serious gains in strength and athleticism. Have a quick read to see if there is anything missing from your program.
The Muppet Show
Peter Chown
Pete is a nice guy, it's not easy to piss him off, but it would seem that someone has managed it! Bottom line: don't take drugs, especially for training when you don't even know what you’re doing in the first place, share your equipment with others and treat people with respect. Sounds like school? Read on to keep yourself on the straight and narrow.
Quick notes on the Deadlift
James White
As the meat and drink of any strength and conditioning program worth its cheese, the deadlift, as always, warrants discussion. In this article James reels off a few quick thoughts on this mother of all strength exercises.
Are You a Time Waster?
Scott Laidler
No time to train? Spending all day in the gym? Scott Laidler discusses how to get down to business and get results fast.
The Rant
Pat Dale
So there is nothing like a good rant now and again is there? In this article Pat Dale gets himself worked up, flips out and makes a few strong points about the fitness industry
Head Position and Hamstring Function
David Fleming
If like most, you were taught to look up when squatting and deadlifting then this will make you think, and may help you lift more weight.
If you don't squat and deadlift, you should read this anyway and then go learn how to squat and deadlift.
Big OR strong?
Simon Hammonds
Simon Hammonds discusses the difference between strength and hypertrophy training.
The 5 biggest mistakes you can make in the gym
Scott Laidler
There are many mistakes that the average weekend warrior, gym rat or Mcdonald's addict makes in the gym. Here are the 5 biggest according to Scott Laidler.
Mentally Challenged!
Peter Chown
We feared it was going to happen; we knew it was coming; the signs were there, and finally it has. Chown has gone Mental. If you wanna get big fast, or if your results are not what you hoped for - maybe you should go mental too...
4 Extremely Important Supplements for Fat Loss, Strength, Performance and Health.
James White
Right, so we all agree you can't out train a crappy diet? If you are carrying around too much adipose tissue, if your arm wobbles when you wave, or if you cannot see your abs, you need to put better stuff in your mouth. Similarly, if you want to get stronger, bigger, faster, and harder, what you eat directly affects the results you get. In this world of shortcuts, McDonalds, KFC, mass gainer protein shakes and marketing fuelled nonsense, it is easy to get confused, tricked into spending money on expensive supplements you don't need and easy to get off track.
Fat Loss - No Fluff, No Fads, No Lies, NO MERCY!!! - The Ultimate Fat Loss Explanation
Paul McCambridge
Fat loss is a complicated subject. More lies have been told by more people in order to sell more rubbish in this area than anything else we can think of. At this mag, we can't bloody stand it. Fat loss is science - applied. If you need to lose some fat, read this and you will not be tricked off track again with crappy diets, unnecessarily repetitive floor-based forward flexion drills or fad based vibrating rubbish (you know what I mean). It's still hard work, but it does really help if you know what you’re doing!!!
Managing work, rest and recovery.
David Fleming
The pursuit of muscle and performance or fat loss and physique splendidness for that matter is a tricky game. If you mindlessly attack the gym with Linkin Park blaring in your ears, forcing yourself to failure and then to 5 more reps on every single set, chances are you will have some kind of effect on your body. However, if you plan, schedule and think more carefully about your training, the chances are that greater success will come your way. David Fleming explains...
14 Random Fat Loss Tips
James White
Many people are fat. It is a shame but it’s not a lost cause. If you need to shed some body fat, you need to sort your nutrition, and get a decent exercise program going. If you’re not in the mood for the big picture, just read this for now and pick a few things to change immediately.
Biomotor Ability
Paul McCambridge
In the teaser to his Biomotor Ability series, Paul introduces us to an easy way to decide where our training time should be spent. What is your priority? What do you need to do to be better at your sport?
Pain!!!!
David Fleming
In his latest revolutionary article, Mr Fleming tries to explain to us that pain is not just weakness leaving the body, but is in fact a signal from our body that something isn't right. Apparently, 'run it off' isn't always the best advice! Take home message, if something hurts, hunt the cause, find a correction and don't ignore it or just treat the symptom.
Better Movement, Better Performance
David Fleming
Sitting around doing nothing damages our bodies. But then again exercising damages our bodies and we are all doomed! Well, try not to panic, that's not the point. The ultimate way to health and performance is to be intelligent in our training. It's important to train hard: for sport; fat loss; or for developing insane amounts of bicep bulge. Mr. Fleming discusses the importance of incorporating focused joint mobility and movement health drills into your daily routine in order to facilitate awesome movement and performance in training.
Super Sweet Exercises - Chapter 1, Volume 2 - Barbell Movements - Overhead Squats
David Fleming
Introducing Mr Fleming's own personal series on some of the best exercises out there. This series takes a look at a number of exercises that are brutally effective and will give you excellent value for money. Mr Fleming calls them super sweet, most would call them f*'ing hard - either way they are worth learning!
hill training
Martin Lewis
On one hand, the problem with running up hill is that it is considerably more difficult than running downhill. On the other hand, the benefits of effective, well planned hill training are quite considerable. Martin Lewis explains...
What are your fitness standards?
Andrew Stemler
An introduction to the CrossFit philosophy. If you need a kick up the ass or a new challenge this may open your mind a little.
The Bleep Test
Andrew Stemler
Andrew Stemler reminds us of the merits of the good old Bleep test. Whether you love it or hate it, it does have its uses.
Biomotor Ability - Speed
Paul McCambridge
The speed article! Without focus you will lose pace. In this article Paul discusses some training principles for maintaining explosive pace, brings in some training progressions and also asks will Theo Walcott maintain his devastating pace throughout his career, although he neglects to ask how many more years it will be until he learns to kick. Remember, you're either first or your last!
Peter Chown on Leg Training
by Peter Chown - (but you guessed that right?)
This article is on leg training and was written by Peter Chown....Peter Chown wrote this article.
Introduction to training for strength.
David Fleming
Apparantly there is more to life than 3 sets of 10, not all reps are the same and building muscle and training for strength are not neccessarily the same thing - David Fleming explains...
Gymnastics Moves
Andrew Stemler
Andrew Stemler on the joy and frustration of learning gymnastics as an inexperienced adult, it is fun and cool he points out...but we may need to curb desires of celebrating our next goal with a double back flip and not get too carried away at first!
So you want to be a Bodybuilder?
Peter Chown
This man knows what it takes to succeed. If your thinking of taking your training to the next level and getting on stage, read this!
A Lazy Mans Training Guide
James White
We are not supporting the notion that being lazy is Ok, especially in the gym. After all, its very much one of those get out what you put in kind of things. But some people are lazy, and some genuinely dont have much time (or are lazy). So instead of mocking these unfortunate individulas, we have decided to ask Mr White to write a quick article on what these people can do to get the most bang for the buck from what they do do.
Are You Ready to Train?
David Fleming
Cavemen didn't warm up so you dont have to? Well, as Mr Fleming will point out, theres a chance you spend a little more time on the Xbox 360 or stuck at a desk than most cavemen. You may find that your biomechanics are not quite what they could have been if you haven't been hunting and living wild since you were are child. However all is not lost, and with a few mobility exercises, a little nervous system activation and a bit of focus you will be ready for action. .
Combat Core Training
Pat Dale
In this article, Pat brings us a great way of adding the element of unknown and surprise to your core training. The argument, you don't always know what is coming when you fight, so why should you in your workouts? Read this if you want to add some variety to your training
Biomotor Ability - Flexibility
Paul McCambridge
It's important, but it's complicated. We had to strap Paul to his chair to make him write this, but we got there in the end and we barely had to whip him at all. This is a pretty long article but will give you a nice look at all the options available to you if you want to improve your flexibility. More practical clips and tips will be coming soon! Ok, read on, read it all. Don't get lazy now.
Bodybuilding Basics - Big Bad Back Training
Peter Chown
This is big Pete’s big basic guide to good old fashioned back training. As many guys in the gym don't realise, you will find your back located directly behind your front, and can work it by pulling/rowing style movements (think - opposite of a bench press). You with me? Read on to find out the basics to building a huge muscular back!!
Bodybuilding Basics - Chest Training
Peter Chown
Yes it's true; Pete actually tried to name this article Pectacular Training. Not wishing to dwell on that, let's just move onto the all important chest edition of the bodybuilding basics series.
The Rant II
Pat Dale
Its that time of the month again for Pat, he has gotten himself all worked up and let fly at some of the more annoying things that seem to be hanging around our industry. On the agenda, hamster wheels, sports drinks for people trying to lose fat and the themed exercise classes. go on Pat!
An intro to Bodyweight Training
Nat Pero
Unless you’re living on the moon where gravity doesn't exist (joke), wherever you are you can put yourself through a gruesome workout. The more you know about training, the less kit you need to put yourself through your paces. You don't need a gym with a treadmill and a bunch of machines, you need a bit if knowledge and your own chubby posterior.
Bodybuilding Basics - Calf Training
Peter Chown
Next up in the basics series, Calf training.
You know what to expect from Pete now, patience, consistency and good form. Especially with calves - particularly difficult for some but according to Mr Chown anyone can have great calves with persistent effort
Intro to Resistance Band Training
Nat Pero
Resistance bands can add great versatility to your training. They can be used to manipulate the strength curve to help blast through a plateau; to replace the gym when you’re on the road or to activate/stimulate muscles.
Biomotor Ability Series - Strength
Paul McCambridge
Next instalment in the biomotor series...how to get strong! Paul brings us a description of key principles and a program to get you started.
Planning your program - 10k to Marathon planning
Martin Lewis
This is a no nonsense, all business, piece on planning your training leading up to a distance run - 10k to Marathon first timers/enthusiasts may find it useful. The guy who wrote it is tall, skinny and can run very fast for a very long time.
Rotational Training
James White
We generate much of our power is through rotation. Rotation is an essential element of human movement. All our muscles are designed to function in a 3d world. When training for performance, health and physique it's important to remember to include some rotation, not just for your "core" but for the movement systems and pulleys that link your body together...
The Big Bang
Nat Pero
This article contains 3 workouts and some wisdom from Nat Pero. Big bang exercises bring BIG results. Find out more:
Developing Explosive Power Part 2: A Closer Look
Nat Pero
Explosive power probably stands alone as the most important weapon in the majority of sportsmen's' and women’s arsenal. After examining explosive power and evaluating how it can be developed during part one, part two takes a closer look at some of the explosive kettlebell exercises mentioned within the article.
Developing Explosive Power with Kettlebells: 1
Nat Pero
Without doubt, explosive power is the single most important attribute in modern professional sport. Activities that involve running quickly, jumping high and throwing speedily and over long distances all rely on the ability to generate force rapidly.
Fighting Fit, Fit for Fighting.
Pat Dale
Many people are involved in martial arts: from boxing to judo to the newly popular sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Even people who have no intention of never stepping onto the mat or into the ring are training to give themselves the physiques of these super-tough athletes. By and large, fighters have good physiques – lean, muscular, good core strength, athletic and fit – but what is the best way to train for a sport of such complex demands? In this article we’ll be looking specifically at conditioning for fighting...
Bodybuilding Basics - Shoulder Training
Peter Chown
Need an emergency increase in shoulder size? This instalment of the Bodybuilding Basics Series focuses on sticking slabs of muscle on your shoulders fast. 6 weeks on this beginner workout followed by 6 weeks on the more advanced and you might just need a new set of t shirts.
10 of the best
Peter Chown
Peter Chown was asked to share a few of his favourite exercises with us. Here is what he picked
Kettlebells - the basics, no hype, no crazy claims, just real training info.
Nat Pero
There are many ways to stimulate physiological changes in the body - at this magazine we are dedicated to bringing you practical information on all of them. In this article, Nat Pero discusses the benefits of swinging around a heavy cast iron ball within your fitness regime.
Lift Right - Quick Tips for Bigger Lifts.
James White
Want bigger lifts? Want to shift more weight in the gym? Want more muscle? Master the Power lifts and your on the way. Here are some key points for shifting heavy barbells.
Wrist Pain in the Front Squat
Andrew Stemler
Wrist pain hampering your front squat? Read this, do as your told.
Why not make it a double? (10k to marathon training advice)
Martin Lewis
For those serious about getting massive improvements in their 10k and marathon times, this article addresses the idea of training twice a day. You will need to be highly commited to your programme, very focused and probably should ask your mum to wash your kit, but the benefits could take your performance to the next level!
Biomechanical Efficiencies
Martin Lewis
Please read this if you forgot how to run, or if you think you think you need a bit of a service.
10 Key Points for Packing on Muscle and Size
James White
Need muscle? me too. Here are 10 things to check for more muscle fast...
The big 6 – the money exercises YOU should be doing
Patrick Dale
We are all for hammering home the basics here at More-Athletic Magazine. Pat Dale takes his turn to reel off a few of the most effective exercises there are, the ones we should all be doing, the ones many avoid because they are hard or they just dont know how. Heres Pat's big 6...
Intro to Strength Training - Part II
David Fleming
A follow up to Mr Fleming's original article on strength training - this will even contain a programme for you to follow (if you want to).