It’s nature’s cruel joke: from May to July, just when we’re eager to exercise outside, grass pollen counts peak, making exercise sneezy, wheezy work for the one in four adults who experience hay fever.

It might be tempting to lock yourself in a gym or medicate yourself up to the eyeballs, but there are other options. In fact, taking meds might interfere with your workout: a 2021 study found that antihistamines slashed the exercise-induced increase in blood flow to muscles by 35 per cent, which impacted performance and recovery.

No wonder a study by Allergy UK found that 49 per cent of people with hay fever spend less time outside because of their symptoms — causing about a third of them to gain weight.

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The pursuit of hypertrophy often involves pushing boundaries. Dr. Mike Israetel, a renowned exercise scientist, recently shared his insights on legendary bodybuilder Dorian Yates’ beyond-failure training approach. Dr. Israetel’s analysis is part of his series on the Renaissance Periodization YouTube channel, where he critiques the famous workout routines of celebrities and bodybuilders.

When discussing failure in training, it’s essential to differentiate between two types: absolute failure and technical failure. Absolute failure occurs when you cannot complete another repetition, no matter how hard you try. On the other hand, technical failure is when you can’t perform another rep with proper form. While sacrificing form can allow for a few more reps, it’s not always advisable. And the six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates strongly advocated embracing absolute failure in training.

In a video titled “Exercise Scientist Critiques Dorian Yates’ HIGH-INTENSITY Training,” Dr. Israetel explained the nuances of Yates’ method. Those who employ volume training or a blend of intensity and volume typically cease at the technical failure to facilitate more sets. In contrast, the bodybuilding legends, Yates and Mike Mentzer favored absolute failure, aiming to exhaust their muscles within one or two sets thoroughly.

Dr. Israetel highlighted an advanced technique to go beyond failure, which Dorian Yates could have benefitted from. He suggested integrating lengthened partials: “Instead of having someone help you lock that full range out when you can no longer lock it out, go as much as you can. When you can barely move at all, then the set is over. Super failure integrated with lengthened partials… those to be superior for hypertrophy.”

Dr. Israetel emphasized that these methods are particularly beneficial for those who struggle to train intensely and feel the muscles working. “If you’re small and have trouble really training super hard, you’ve got to go to town on this kind of thing. It’s big,” advised the fitness expert. Moreover, Dr. Mike didn’t just critique; he also offered practical advice. He recommended an alternative to the incline curl that Dorian Yates would often do for his biceps.

Dr. Mike Israetel’s practical tip for gym-goers

While showcasing Yate’s incline curl, Dr. Mike recommended a simple exercise for you to do at home: Take an incline bench and adjust it to make it flat. Lie down on the flat bench and perform curls with dumbbells. Lower the dumbbells until they touch the ground, then lift them back up. “You get even more tension applied at the stretch, which will grow your biceps maybe even a little bit better than the incline curl,” he shared while demonstrating.

Furthermore, Dr. Israetel acknowledged Dorian Yates’ legendary status in bodybuilding. After examining Yates’ methods and his unique one-arm-at-a-time approach after failure, he was surprised and kind of liked his approach. According to his routine rating procedure, he gave the English bodybuilder “a legend out of 10.”

Dr. Israetel’s insights offer valuable perspectives for those seeking to push their limits in hypertrophy training. By understanding, the difference between absolute and technical failure and incorporating advanced techniques like lengthened partials, aspiring bodybuilders can optimize their muscle growth. Let us know what you think about his opinion.

Walking while strengthening your abs is an excellent method to multitask and maximize the effectiveness of your training program. As a nutritionist and dietitian, I stress the necessity of a comprehensive approach to fitness that includes not only exercise but also correct nutrition to fuel your body efficiently. Here are 11 techniques to strengthen your abs during a walking workout, as well as some nutritional suggestions to enhance the outcomes:
Maintain proper posture: Engage your core muscles by keeping your spine neutral and shoulders relaxed while walking.This not only strengthens your abs but also prevents injury.
Incorporate interval training: Add bursts of high-intensity intervals, such as brisk walking or uphill climbs, to challenge your core muscles and increase calorie burn.

Focus on mind-muscle connection: Concentrate on contracting your abdominal muscles with each step to maximize engagement and effectiveness.
Add resistance: According to Simrat Kathuria, dietitian, founder, the diet xperts, “Carry light hand weights or wear a weighted vest to add resistance and intensify your ab workout while walking.”
Practice belly breathing: Deep diaphragmatic breathing not only enhances oxygen flow but also engages your deep core muscles, including the transverse abdominis.
Include side bends: Incorporate side bends while walking to target the obliques and improve overall core strength and stability.

Try walking lunges: Walking lunges not only work your lower body but also engage your core muscles for balance and stability.
Utilize arm movements: Swing your arms purposefully with each step to engage your core and increase calorie expenditure.

Focus on form: Pay attention to your form and alignment throughout your walking workout to ensure proper muscle engagement and prevent injury.
Stabilize with unilateral movements: Incorporate unilateral movements, such as walking on uneven terrain or incorporating single-leg balance exercises, to challenge your core stability.
Stay hydrated and fueled: Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for supporting your muscles during exercise. Drink plenty of water and consume a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to fuel your workouts and aid in muscle recovery.