We have all heard for years that the Big 3, or the bench press, deadlift, and squat, are essential movements for building overall mass and establishing a foundation of muscle. It’s true, of course. The chances of running into any sort of accomplished bodybuilder who admits he has never used three exercises are pretty close to nil. However, there are many advanced bodybuilders who do lessen the use of these movements, or even eliminate them completely, in the later years of their careers. They often cite the need for detailing their muscle bases, but the truth is that many the physiques of many bodybuilders, as they advance in age, cannot stand up to the brunt trauma that these exercises deliver. The joints, tendons, and muscles do wear down over time, as does cartilage in your joints which does bear much of the weight during the movements. Here are some more precise reasons why the “Big 3” might need to be moved out of your training protocol as you advance in your training years.

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There are a few different ways you can train in the gym. Do you train like a person who walks on eggshells, timid of an injury and never really ready to push yourself to the limits? Do you train halfheartedly, giving incredible focus to some body parts while neglecting others? Or do you train all-out, like a man with nothing to lose? If you are looking for a leg workout which allows you to completely saturate the upper thighs with blood and delivers serious growth, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get started.

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Many powerlifters, and a few bodybuilders, believe the front squat is a very effective movement for adding mass to the front quadriceps. While it’s true that squats are an amazing movement for adding mass, it’s not always guaranteed that this movement can be completed safely and without incident. Trainers should be completely aware of the risks and pitfalls associated with this injury.

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Entering 2008, IFBB Professional Bodybuilder Vic Martinez was perhaps the brightest star in the bodybuilding universe. Sure, Jay Cutler had just defeated him for the 2007 Mr. Olympia title, but the judging decision was questioned by many in the industry, including many in the Cutler Camp. The world watched with excitement as Victor prepared for the 2008 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic, where he attempted to win again, over Dexter Jackson and a very upstart Phil Heath.

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If you’re a bodybuilder who enjoys the soreness and limp you experience following an incredible leg workout, then you probably already know the woes of trying to do intense cardio with sore legs. Many bodybuilders consider weight training and cardio training to be two separate things. In reality, since both utilize the legs, careful planning should take place to ensure your cardio doesn’t interfere with your weight training, and vice versa.

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Q:  I've been doing lying leg curls forever, and thought I was getting pretty good development. My new training partner said he never does them because they aren't full range. He said he does standing leg curls and then does stiff-legged deadlifts to get his hamstrings fuller. Honestly, I don't think our hams are that different, or that his are better. Is there a "better" hamstring exercise?

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