What does it mean to be Human? Well if you reflect on your thoughts and behaviors and those of the individuals around you on this planet since the beginning of our existence here I think you will likely come to the conclusion that to wear the label Human is not exactly endearing or desirable.

The death and destruction that we have brought to ourselves, others and the environment is clearly evident. As you reflect on this how do you feel knowing that you also are one of those Humans? I suspect that some may wish they they could somehow disown their species.

Before you choose to give up on your species however I would like to suggest that your conclusions may need to be reassessed. It is possible that we have all been seduced into “thinking” that all this death and destruction is part of our true nature.

Of course, if it were, we would not be happy or satisfied with ourselves, would we? In fact wouldn’t we feel trapped in something that none of us really desires? Isn’t that the reason many of us have been on a spiritual path, to try to alter or change this sad state of affairs?

If you follow me so far I think you will recognize that inside each of us there is a Being that recognizes that there is something wrong with our current state. This Being has to have an awareness of what is good for us and what is not good for us.

It has

My name is Greg Ryan. For the last twenty years I have counseled thousands of personal trainers, fitness directors and gym owners on how be successful in the health and fitness industry. No matter where I go in the world, no matter the size of the gym the biggest reason for their lack of success is all the same. My question is, “Do you want to be a mediocre Personal Trainer or do you want to be a GREAT one?

Most of you will only be good ones if you are lucky. Only about five percent of you will be GREAT. What I mean by being a great personal trainer falls into three categories: love what you do, self employed and make a six figure income consistently. Here is how:

Part B: B is for Business

When running a personal training business there are four virtues you want to live by; Honestly, Authenticity, Modesty, and Generosity.

Honesty

When someone asks you a question about exercise, fitness, or a health in general, it is ok to say, “I do not know the answer to that.” Don’t stop there, close the deal. Find the correct answer, and explain your findings. That action will give you more brownie points and build more credibility than anything.

Authenticity

The more transparent you can be, the more your clients, players and customers will respect you. I do not paint them a pipe dream picture.

Modesty

Keep your head on straight. As in golf, you are only as good as your last shot or your last

Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuiders’ training regimes.

It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.

In this article we’ll take a close look at the lat pulldown using a machine.

MUSCLES TARGETED: latissimus dorsi, teres major, middle trapezius, rhomboids

PREPARATION

Grasp the lat pulldown bar with a closed, pronated grip.
Grip sHould be slightly wider than shoulder width.

STARTING POSITION

Sit down on the seat facing the machine.
Position the thighs under the pads making sure the feet are flat on the floor.
Lean slightly backward.
Extend the elbows fully.
This is the starting position for all repetitions.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Pull the bar down towards the chest.
Touch the bar to the chest in one smooth movement.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Let the elbows slowly extend back to the beginning position.
Keep the torso in the same position.
Repeat or finish set.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this