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Latest by C. VanDoren

shirtless muscular man ripped in gym holding lat pulldown bar standing up ready to exercise at home

Maximize your muscle growth: A personal trainer’s 12-week bulking blueprint

Are you looking for guidance in the gym when it comes to building muscle? Follow these tips when making a 12-week bulking workout plan.
Elliptical and rowing machine

Elliptical vs. rowing machine: Which low-impact cardio machine is right for you?

Are you looking to optimize your cardio routine but don't know which machine is the most effective? Learn about the elliptical and rowing machine.
Man lifting weights dumbbell row exercise arms gym

I’m a personal trainer, and this 5-day dumbbell workout plan gets real results at home

Do you only have access to dumbbells for your weighted workouts? Try this 5-day workout program for full-body gains.
Toast with spinach

I’m a nutritionist, and these are the 7 healthy foods I tell my clients to eat every day

Looking to make simple food swaps to improve your nutrition? Discover seven healthy foods to eat every day.
woman leg resistance band on vibration plate machine

Do vibration plates work? What science says

You have likely heard about vibration plates, but do they actually work? Discover what the science says.
Clean bulking.

The perfect macro split for bulking: Protein, carbs, and fats explained

Are you trying to bulk but don't know what you should be eating? Try this macro formula for the best results.
Fasting image

5 benefits of fasting: What science says about this ancient practice

Are you considering trying fasting? Learn five science-backed benefits of this eating method.
An athlete doing the single-arm reverse lunge and overhead press

The overlooked vitamin for lifters: How vitamin K2 supports bones and performance

Discover the benefits of vitamin K2 for lifters. From stronger bones to improved lifting performance, learn how this nutrient supports bone health and enhances your workout efficiency.
Man looking at supplement ingredient label.

Want to build muscle faster? These are the supplements I swear by

Are you trying to put on size? Discover the best supplements for muscle growth.
protein meal eggs sausages and beans

How to eat more protein without overhauling your entire diet

Interested in reaping the benefits of a high-protein diet? Utilize these simple and effective tips for upping your protein intake.
best workout supplements

Does creatine really give you energy—or just help you lift more?

Does creatine give you energy? Find out if this supplement can replace your pre-workout.
Shutterstock shirtless man wearing shorts outside doing tricep kickbacks exercise with resistance band

These are my go-to resistance band exercises for beginners (and they really work)

Are you a beginner interested in trying resistance bands? Utilize these seven exercises for a full-body workout.
Man on treadmill walking using machine in gym

Can you trust the heart rate data from your treadmill?

Treadmill heart rate monitors offer rough estimates but can be inaccurate due to sensor issues. Learn how to track your heart rate reliably and use treadmill metrics effectively.
Tray of fish and seafood on ice.

11 low-carb foods that make weight loss easier and more satisfying

Are you following a low-carb diet to lose weight? Discover 11 low-carb foods that can help.
cardio

Elliptical vs. treadmill: Which one burns more fat and builds more strength?

Looking to build your cardiovascular endurance? Discover whether the treadmill or elliptical should be your go-to.
Man with shirt off in gym lifting one dumbbell

Build serious strength with the push, pull, legs 3-day workout split

Are you looking for the perfect 3-day workout split? Consider this push, pull, legs method.
Man swimming freestyle.

Beyond running: Cross-training workouts to boost endurance

Running isn’t the only way to build endurance. Discover how strength, low-impact cardio, and mobility work can boost your stamina without stressing your joints.
Man laying on back doing butterfly knees, fallout stretch

Do you really need rest days? Here’s what science and experts say

Rest days are essential for muscle recovery and performance—but how many do you really need? Learn when to take time off, how to train smarter, and how elite athletes approach recovery.
Man holding two burgers.

Cheat meals for bodybuilding: How to enjoy them without setbacks

Cheat meals can support bodybuilding by fueling workouts and improving consistency. Learn how to use them wisely without derailing your goals.
A personal trainer and his student doing a Bosu goblet squat in a gym.

I’ve trained fitness clients online and in person — here’s how to know what’s best for you

Is there a clear winner in the online vs. in-person personal training debate? Find out which is right for you.
muscular muscle man in gym holding weight machine resistance training weightlifting

9 impactful bulking tips for more efficient muscle gains

Are you trying to build muscle? Incorporate these nine bulking tips to see the best results.
Salsa, avocado, lime

7 anti-inflammatory snack pairings that help your body recover faster

Discover 7 powerful anti-inflammatory snack pairings that help reduce soreness, support recovery, and keep you energized—perfect for athletes and active lifestyles.
Pepitas, mixed beans, lentils, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, amaranth and

Fibermaxxing is the internet’s latest nutrition trend—and it actually makes sense

Fibermaxxing is the trending nutrition strategy focused on high-fiber foods. Learn its benefits, risks, and how to try it safely.
Fasting image

Can you really reset your health in 72 hours? What to know about the 3-day water fast

Curious about the 3-day water fast? Discover how it may help with weight loss, detox, and blood sugar—plus safety tips, side effects, and more.
Man doing TRX Bulgarian split squats

What your workout is missing: Unilateral lifts for balance and power

Can unilateral lifts fix strength imbalances? Discover why these exercises belong in your routine.
Oatmeal.

5 fast and delicious meals to fuel muscle growth all day

Fuel muscle growth with these 5 quick, high-protein meals. Perfect for busy days, they’re simple to prep, full of flavor, and ideal for recovery.
post workout recovery

Boost your nutrition with these smart vitamin and mineral combos

Want better nutrient absorption? These 5 food pairings combine key vitamins and minerals to support energy, bone health, and overall wellness.
Sliced watermelon on a cutting board

L-citrulline: The watermelon nutrient that could supercharge your workouts

Discover how L-citrulline, found in watermelon, improves blood flow, reduces muscle soreness, and enhances workout endurance. A natural way to fuel your fitness.
person holding a bagel sandwich in a car

Cutting carbs could be killing your gains

You have likely heard that cutting carbs will help you get in shape, but this science says otherwise.
weighted vest

Morning vs. evening workouts: Which is better for your fitness goals?

Is working out in the morning or evening better? Find out what the science says about exercise timing.
Man showing muscles, eating healthy vegetarian salad

The ultimate bulking meal plan: What to eat, shop for, and prep

Do you have a goal of building muscle? Utilize this simple guide to optimize your eating routine.
Man riding an exercise bike

Recumbent bike vs. stationary bike: Which one is better for your goals?

Do you want to improve your cardio fitness but don't know whether to use a recumbent bike or a stationary bike? Find out which is best for you.
Man in the gym doing cable bicep curls on the cable machine

Build big biceps with just a cable machine using these 5 exercises

Do you want to build strong arms with only a cable machine? Try these five effective bicep exercises.
Battle ropes

The underrated gym tool that torches fat and builds full-body strength

Battle ropes can help you engage your core, build muscle, and burn calories. Try these five battle ropes workouts.
Elliptical.

Why you might want to skip the elliptical: A trainer’s take on its limitations

Are you constantly using the elliptical but not seeing desired results? You may want to try these cardio machines instead.
Chicken breast and broccoli

I’m a trainer, and these are the 11 foods high in leucine I always recommend

Discover the best high-leucine foods to support muscle growth, recovery, and metabolism. Includes expert tips and plant-based options.
Dinner plate with cooked meat and vegetables

Why dinner timing could make or break your fitness goals

Timing your dinner can impact both your sleep quality and digestion. Discover the ideal dinner time based on your goals.
Man doing leg curls

Hamstring workouts at home: 5 trainer-approved leg curl alternatives

Don't have access to a leg curl machine but need to target your hamstrings? Try these five effective alternatives.
Man working out lifting weights strength training shirtless in gym

How long does it take to actually see results from weight training?

You're putting the hours in at the gym, but when should you see results? Discover how your body is responding.
Man in the gym doing cable bicep curls on the cable machine

This overlooked training method can supercharge your strength and size

Are you looking to take your workouts to the next level? Tweak your form by trying eccentric training.
Man exercising with medicine ball.

A personal trainer’s favorite medicine ball moves for sculpted abs

Are you looking for a complete ab workout using only a medicine ball? Try these seven effective exercises.
Men using elliptical trainers at a gym

Elliptical vs. stationary bike: Which is a better workout?

Elliptical vs. stationary bikes — which is a better workout? Learn about the most popular pieces of equipment for cardio workouts.
Calisthenics moguls

You don’t need a gym to get fit—just follow this 28-day calisthenics challenge

No gym? No problem. Torch fat, build muscle, and boost mobility with this 28-day calisthenics plan—no equipment needed, beginner-friendly, and expert-backed.
A pitcher of avocado oil beside a sliced avocado on a wooden board.

Cut the salt, not the flavor: Top low-sodium foods to add to your meals

Many Americans consume too much sodium, posing a risk to their cardiovascular health. Discover nine low-sodium foods.
weighted vest

Does soreness mean muscle growth? Here’s what I’ve learned from years of training

Does soreness mean muscle growth? Find out what your body is actually telling you.
Man doing standing cable chest press exercise in gym on cable machine

The only cable machine workout guide beginners actually need

Are you interested in incorporating the cable machine in your routine but don't know where to start? Try these 10 effective exercises.
running shoes people exercising jumping group class outdoors

How to run faster in HYROX and crush your race time

Have you completed a HYROX in the past but are looking to achieve a PR at the next? Utilize these tips to improve your running speed.
men bench press spotter gym

Barbell vs. dumbbell bench press: Which one is best for your strength goals?

Is the barbell or dumbbell bench press more effective? Discover which belongs in your training program.
Kimchi in a bowl

Why every man should eat fermented foods for better gut health (plus 5 easy picks)

Are you looking to adjust your diet to support your gut health? Incorporate these five fermented foods.
shirtless muscular man ripped in gym holding lat pulldown bar standing up ready to exercise at home

The best way to time your workouts around intermittent fasting windows

Is combining intermittent fasting with exercise a good idea? Find out how to juggle both and reach your fitness goals.