Category: Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding: articles about building muscle (both size and strength) for a more powerful physique.

Suitcase Deadlift

Below is a video demonstration of the suitcase deadlift.

I think the first time I ever really noticed this movement was when I reviewed the Savage Strength Training System.  This movement can be done with a kettlebell, barbell, or even a dumbbell.

I did this exercise for the first time last night.  I really like the way it hits the oblique/core muscles–something I want to work on.  As mentioned in the video, suitcase deadlifts can also help you improve your grip strength. This also hit my shoulders, traps and upper back.  I plan to incorporate this lift as a regular part of my training.

Another thing I like about it is the ability to train muscles effectively with less weight than I would use with the standard/sumo deadlift.

 

 

Beer, Muscle, and Testosterone

One of the tips mentioned in the Renegade Diet is minimizing the consumption of beer (or avoiding it altogether).  Turns out this “manly” drink can have some very unmanly effects on your physique.

It doesn’t take a degree in nutrition to know beer isn’t good for you.  It is a source of empty liquid calories–alcohol alone has 7 calories per gram.

The negative effects of alcohol don’t stop there.  Alcohol is a diuretic and negatively affects hormones associated with building muscle and losing fat (cortisol, growth hormone, etc).

But beer has yet another ingredient: hops.  Hops are very high in chemicals called phytoestrogens, which act like estrogen in the body.  It seems even moderate, regular drinking with beverages containing these chemicals can produce “estrogenlike effects” in humans.  Men who have abused alcohol to the point of liver disease often suffer from testicular failure and feminized physiques.1

I’m not saying a couple of beers every once in a while will ruin your physique.   But I think you should keep this information in mind when setting up your overall nutrition plan.

Reference:

1.  Alcohol Health Res World. 1998;22(3):220-7. Alcoholic beverages as a source of estrogens.