New Product Announcement: Haulin' Hooks Tri-Bells

Unique Fitness Concepts is proud to announce we now carry Haulin' Hooks Tri-Bells, These are a great tool for working your triceps effectively from multiple cable angles.

Created to outperform common triceps ropes, patent pending Tri-Bells deliver by providing resistance exercisers (bodybuilders, weightlifters, athletes etc) with superior conditioning effects.

It all begins with a revolutionary new *“ball type” gripping method, made possible by Tri-Bells Hi-tech hemispheres, which more equally distributes resistance throughout the triceps muscles. Combine that with an ultra flexible aircraft cable suspension system and the advantages over thick, inflexible triceps ropes becomes obvious in terms of freedom of movement and muscles stimulation it promotes. In addition to and in stark contrast to dull, “unsanitary” triceps ropes, Tri-Bells suspension cables feature soft rubber coverings in multiple attention grabbing colors which can be easily cleaned before or after use.

Commercial grade Tri-bells come with a full lifetime replacement guarantee and are available in three separate models; Single palm 4”, twin palm 4” and a two handed single 6” hemisphere designed to provide a safe and effective alternative for dumbbell overhead extensions.

With an impressive list of innovations, patent pending Tri-bells are sure to become a favorite of current and next generation bodybuilders, weightlifters and athletes seeking exciting new ways to maximize triceps development and improve sport performance.

(* provides distinct advantages for athletes seeking enhanced throwing performance)



Visit Unique Fitness Concepts for more training advise, exercise videos, tips, and equipment.

Listen to you Body When Trying a New Exercise Routine

You know the situation. You're anxious to try a new exercise or routine that you read about in a magazine or heard from a fellow gym-goer and is supposed to be the next great thing since sliced bread. It may be true and by all means try it out. But LISTEN to your body's response to the routine. What's good for the goose may not always be good for the gander. If it doesn't feel right or you don't get the expected results drop it and move on.

A case in point is today I did giant sets for back. I love performing supersets, especially for arms. I alternate a biceps and triceps exercises for each set and I always get a great workout and pump. Today I wanted to try something else for back so I stepped the superset up one level to giant sets. I usually do about 16 sets for back so I planned on doing five back exercises in the giant set with three rotations for a total of 15 sets. The five exercises in order were pull-ups, barbell rows, front pull-downs, dumbbell rows, and seated cable rows.

I was extremely excited and psyched up for this routine as I was certain that I would get a great pump and finish the workout in about half the regular time. I started out great in the first rotation with 15 strong reps for pull-ups and followed by a strong showing in the remaining four exercises of the giant set. I completed the first giant set in about five minutes. I then rested for about two minutes to get my strength back and I proceeded to start the 2nd of the three giant sets. When I started the 2nd set of pull-ups I knew I was in trouble. I struggled immensely and I was only able to complete 6 reps. My tank was already almost empty.

I completed the next two giant sets and the routine but the results were not what I had anticipated. I was so worn out and energy depleted from the intensity of doing consecutive back exercises that it was a struggle to complete the routine. My strength and endurance were both compromised resulting in a mediocre workout. The conclusion was that working back is so taxing that I never had an adequate chance to recover during the routine. Giant sets may work well for other body parts but not for me when working back.

I am glad I experimented and tried this routine. How else can I find out what works best? Remember, always try new exercises and routines to keep your attitude fresh and your muscles growing. But always remember to completely analyze the routine for best results.

Visit Unique Fitness Concepts for more training advise, exercise videos, tips, and equipment.

Dips for Massive Triceps, Shoulders and Arms

Dips are a great exercise which you can include in almost and upper body routine.

There are three keys to remember for performing dips:
1) Descend all the way down until your shoulders are parallel with the dipping bars.

2) Warm up properly to prevent shoulder injury.

3) Include a dipping belt for added resistance.

Visit Unique Fitness Concepts for more training advise, exercise videos, tips, and equipment.

Get Huge Arms with Biceps and Triceps Supersets

The Proper technique for performing biceps and triceps supersets for arms.

Key features:
1) Perform the 2nd exercise immediately upon completion of the first.
2) Keep rest to a minimum between sets to approximately 1 minute.
3) Do not go heavy in these as you will be tired as the goal is continual effort.

The Many Benefits of Outdoor Cardio Training

There are many benefits of performing your cardio work outdoors. The pleasant weather, fresh air, numerous exercise options, and exhilarating scenery to name a few. Cardio is the perfect complement for weight training. Sort of like a ying and yang. Two very different ways of training, almost opposite by nature, but both contribute the whole health of the person.

I always look forward to the “adventure” of outdoor cardio especially bike riding. You never know where the wind will take you that particular day. To experience all of the sensations of a bike ride really has its benefits when compared to weight training which is often done in the same environment day in and day out. That is why it is so important to break up your weight training routine with other fitness activities. The uniformity of it can lead to staleness and result in lack of progress. So keep your fitness attitude fresh with a well-rounded routine of weight training and cardio. Have a great summer and make sure you take advantage of all the outdoor exercise possibilities!

Visit Unique Fitness Concepts for more training advise, tips, and equipment.

How to Perform Seated Cable Rows for Back

How to perform seated cable rows for back which works the lats and middle muscles of the lower back. The keys to the exercise are:

1) Keep your legs slightly bent.
2) Arch your back.
3) Extend your arms for a full and complete stretch.

One Arm Dumbbell Curls on the Preacher Bench

The proper technique for performing one arm dumbbell curls on the preacher bench. The keys to this exercise are:

1) Use a moderate weight you can handle for 8 - 10 reps.
2) Keep constant tension on your biceps throughout the movement.
3) Do not bounce the weight at the bottom of the curl.

Triceps Extensions with a Rope Attachment

Here is our next video in our exercise how-to series: Triceps extensions with a rope attachment.

The three keys are:

1) Keep your elbows at your side.
2) Maintain constant tension on your triceps
3) Do not rest though the entire movement.

Standing Barbells Curls for Biceps

The Proper technique for working biceps with a cambered bar. The three keys to the exercise are:

1) Keep your elbows at your side.
2) Lift the barbell slowly up and down to keep constant tension on the biceps.
3) Do not rest or throw the bar into your chest at the top of the movement.

Dumbbell Concentration Curls for Biceps

Check out the next installment of our how-to video exercise series. This one shows the proper form and benefits of dumbbell concentration curls for biceps. Perform this exercise correctly and you will notice a tremendous improvement in biceps strength, tone, and shape.

The Proper Technique for Abdominal Leg Raises

Instructional Video By Unique Fitness Concepts showing the step by step technique for abdominal leg raises. The keys to this exercise are the following:
1) Keep your knees slightly bent and your legs together.
2) Ascend and descend slowly.
3) Pause and contract your abs at the top of the movement.

Weight Training and Cardio Complement Each Other Well

In ancient bodybuilding times (prior to the 80's) it was often believed that the bodybuilder should not incorporate cardio training into their workout regiment to prevent the burning of too many calories and resulting in limited bodybuilding gains or "getting small". As we've all subsequently learned this train of thought could not be further from the truth. Cardio and weight training complement each other extremely well and should always be included as part of your training routine. Cardio training gives you the necessary stamina for weight training and weight training offers added strength and toning for optimal cardio performance.

Nowadays all competitive bodybuilders rely heavily on cardio training in addition to diet to burn fat. There is a fine line between burning fat instead of muscle and experience will teach you what your targeted heart rate should be for optimal fat burning. Just compare some of the smoother bodybuilder of the 70's to the champions today and you will see exactly what I mean regarding the correct cardio mix.

Betty White Keenan SNL Scared Straight Skit Use Weightlifting Belts from Unique Fitness Concepts

Check out the hilarious Saturday Night Live Scared Straight skit with Keenan and Betty White. The weightlifting belt Keenan is wearing is extra large six inch tan leather sold to Saturday Night Live by Unique Fitness Concepts

The Proper Technique for Performing Dumbbell Lateral Raises

Here are the keys to the exercise:

1) Use a light to moderate weight. If the dumbbells are too heavy then you risk injury and compromise form.

2) Turn your hands to the outside as you lift the weight. This action will work the delts to a higher degree.

3) Do not use momentum of other muscles to move the weights. This would totally defeat the purpose of the exercise and minimize the necessary work of the shoulders.

4) The rest time between sets should be at a minimum at 30 - 45 seconds. The shoulders recover quickly and you can decrease the overall time it takes to achieve a burn and exhaustion for the exercise with decreased rest in between sets.

The Proper Technique for Performing One Arm Triceps Extentions with a Dumbbell

Unique Fitness Concepts added another YouTube instructional exercise video on the proper technique for one-arm dumbbell triceps extensions. This is a great exercise to really isolate the triceps muscle which you can even do in the privacy of your home.

How to Perform the Biceps Preacher Curl

Instructional workout video on the proper technique in performing the preacher or Scott curl.

Mind Over Muscle Will Help You Obtain Your Fitness Goals

Everyone seems to be in a huge hurry to have that great looking fit body. Who would blame that train of thought as most anyone would want that end result easily obtained and quickly. But you have to pay your gym dues as what you put into your training is what you'll get out of it. It's an old cliche but very, very true. All goals are obtainable but they need to be addressed one step at a time. It will not do you any good if you're fixated on that Mr. or Ms. Olympia body when you only have six weeks of training under your belt.

Your thoughts and goals would be much better served if you focus on the immediate task at hand. That means focus and think through every workout, every body part, every set, and every rep. This focus will enable you to dial in on the immediate task at hand and help you get the most out of your workouts. You'll be pleasantly surprised as how powerful the mind-muscle connection can be and you'll be much closer to that end result you are seeking.

Also visit Unique Fitness Concepts for more training advise, tips, and equipment.

The Proper Technique for Seated Calf Raises

The Proper Technique for Seated Calf Raises is the first in a series of videos by Harvey Reich fitness trainer and natural bodybuilding champion on the proper techniques for bodybuilding, powerlifting, and general weight training exercises.

New Product Announcement: Gym in a Bag - All in One Portable Gym System

New Product Announcement: Unique Fitness now sells the Gym In A Bag - All in one portable gym system. This product is perfect for those days that you’re short on time and need to workout at home. Also works great in your hotel room when you're on the road. You can get a great entire body workout with this system anywhere. Comes complete with four different resistance bands, cuffs, door attachment, collapsible steel bar, hooks, carrying case, instructional exercise flip chart, and DVD by fitness pro Kim Lyons.



For sale now at Unique Fitness Concepts

Don't Be Intimidated If You Are New To The Bodybuilding Gym

Everyone has to start somewhere and that includes bodybuilders. Even the great champions such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, and Jay Cutler all had their first day at the gym as a novice weight lifter or bodybuilder. Often the initial goal of weight trainers differ at the start. For example, some start working out to enhance their sports career in football, baseball, or track. Others have a more personal motivation for working out with weights such as trimming fat or gaining muscle mass. Eventually when progress in the form of bulging muscle appear and the physique starts to come into shape the interest often turns to more advanced bodybuilding goals such as competing.

However, along the way all weight trainers need advice and help. Don't be intimidated by your fellow experienced gym members. You may be surprised, but most bodybuilders(there are always some jerks who won't) will be more than willing to spend a few moments with you for a spot, a correction of lifting form, or even posing advice. Their mindset is that that they were all in your shoes at one time and they want to promote and cultivate their chosen sport. Bodybuilding is a sport of gym camaraderie and you will soon be part of that fraternity when your face is seen enough times at the gym and you make friends with your fellow lifters who share a common goal. Someday soon you'll be the one assisting a beginner with a helpful smile!