Why Use Gym Chalk: Increased Grip For Improved Strength

gym chalk on floor

For years, the use of gym chalk (magnesium carbonate) was reserved for the most serious powerlifters or weightlifters or gymnastics gyms. Recently, the increased popularity of functional fitness that incorporates powerlifting, weightlifting, and gymnastics into everyday workouts has made gym chalk a must-have for all gyms. But the question is: does using chalk increase grip … Read more

Should You Stretch Before or After Lifting Weights?

stretch before or after workout

If you’re new to exercise you might wonder if you should stretch before or after a workout. The recommendation from strength and conditioning coaches and scientific research is to perform a full-body dynamic warm-up including dynamic stretching to increase heart rate and blood flow to muscles before exercising. After working out you should perform static … Read more

Why Heart Rate Matters When Working Out

heart rate track workout

Knowing your heart rate when exercising can give you vital information about the intensity of your workout (how hard it is on the body), how your body will adapt to the training and the number of calories you’ve burned. As a general rule: the harder you’re working, the higher your heart rate will be. However, … Read more

DOMS Explained: Why Muscles Get Sore After Working Out

DOMS 101 - Muscle Soreness After Workout

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is the body’s response that causes sore muscles after working out. Muscle soreness after a workout is a completely normal reaction from the body. You may notice that DOMS is present after either new workout programs, heavy eccentric (muscle lengthening) exercise, or plyometrics (jumping and landings). DOMS shows up as … Read more