Biomechanics

Biomechanics covers how your joints, muscles, and movement patterns work together during lifts, sports, and everyday training. Understanding it helps you improve performance, build muscle more efficiently, and reduce injury risk by dialing in technique, exercise selection, and programming.

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The essentials for biomechanics — then explore the latest posts below.

What muscles does cycling work? A physiologist’s guide to building power

What muscles does cycling work? A physiologist’s guide to building power

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS avatar
Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert
Jan 18, 2026 · 10 min read

Cycling primarily works the quadriceps, gluteus maximus, and hamstrings, while the core and hip–lower back stabilizers brace the pelvis to transfer force through a closed-kinetic-chain pedal stroke. If you only push down on the pedals you can leave “half your potential power” unused and increase knee load—here’s how biomechanics and bike fit help you recruit ...

What causes newbie gains? The science behind rapid strength growth

What causes newbie gains? The science behind rapid strength growth

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS avatar
Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert
Dec 23, 2025 · 10 min read

Newbie gains are caused primarily by rapid nervous-system adaptation—especially improved motor learning and motor-unit recruitment—so most strength increases in the first 4–8 weeks occur before substantial new muscle is built, and untrained lifters can gain more than 5× as much strength over 21 weeks as trained lifters. Here’s how this short 6–12 month “hyper-responsive” window ...

What is ego lifting? The gym habit that can wreck your joints and your gains

What is ego lifting? The gym habit that can wreck your joints and your gains

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS avatar
Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert
Dec 19, 2025 · 12 min read

Ego lifting is using a weight that exceeds your current capacity for that exercise on that day, forcing you to cheat form or shorten range of motion to complete reps. It may feel like progress, but it shifts stress off the target muscle and onto joints and passive tissues—setting you up for stalled gains and ...

Henry Cavill weight training: The physiology behind the Man of Steel’s physique

Henry Cavill weight training: The physiology behind the Man of Steel’s physique

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS avatar
Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert
Dec 07, 2025 · 10 min read

Henry Cavill’s “superhero” build (reportedly ~190–210 lb on screen) is achieved by combining high‑mechanical‑tension lifting to stimulate hypertrophy with metabolic work (including fasted cardio) that increases lipid oxidation, allowing simultaneous muscle gain and fat loss (“recomposition”). Here’s how recovery, neuromuscular adaptation, and joint-protective programming make that body composition sustainable instead of short-lived “ego lifting.” “When ...

What do elliptical trainers do for your physique and longevity?

What do elliptical trainers do for your physique and longevity?

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS avatar
Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert
Dec 07, 2025 · 13 min read

Elliptical trainers are more than a backup plan when every treadmill is taken. Here is what they actually do to your muscles, joints, heart, and hormones, and how men can use them for real results. “When guys ask me what do elliptical trainers do, they usually underestimate them. Used with real intent and proper form, ...

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