Biomechanics

Understand how your body moves and generates force to optimize exercise form, prevent injuries, and maximize performance. Proper biomechanics knowledge helps you lift more effectively and protect your joints for long-term training success.

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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 · 12 min read

Cycling primarily works the quadriceps, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and calves, while the core and hip and lower back stabilizers brace the pelvis to transfer force through a cyclical pedal stroke where the foot stays in contact with the pedal. If you only push down on the pedals, you can leave meaningful power untapped and increase ...

Weights or cardio first? How to sequence your workouts for muscle, endurance, and fat loss

Weights or cardio first? How to sequence your workouts for muscle, endurance, and fat loss

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS avatar
Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert
Jan 17, 2026 · 12 min read

For most men training for strength, muscle, fat loss, or general fitness, do weights before cardio, and do cardio first only when endurance is your top goal. The reason is simple: whichever workout you do first usually gets your best energy, your best form, and your best results. “If you can only train once, put ...

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 · 13 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. This can set you up for ...

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 · 11 min read

Henry Cavill’s “superhero” build (reportedly about 190 to 210 lb on screen) is achieved by combining high-mechanical-tension lifting to stimulate hypertrophy with metabolic work (including fasted cardio) that can support energy balance and lipid oxidation. Here’s how recovery, neuromuscular adaptation, and joint-protective programming make that body composition sustainable instead of short-lived “ego lifting.” “When we ...

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 provide low-impact, weight-bearing cardio that can improve aerobic fitness and help maintain or reduce body fat when programmed at sufficient intensity. 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 ...

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