Articles for hardgainers and other bodybuilders.

How to deadlift 400 pounds for 20 reps

The above photograph is of John B. Patterson training in the Australian outback, in 1986. Note the concrete weight plates. This photograph was published on

May 25, 2021

“I can’t build muscle. Why not?”

“I can’t build muscle no matter what I do. Am I a zero-gainer?” I’ve counseled many bodybuilders who told me that they couldn’t build muscle no

May 18, 2021

The Current State of Affairs, by Dr. Ken Leistner

Stuart’s note: This article by Dr. Ken Leistner was his first for HARDGAINER magazine, in the third issue. Then, in the fourth issue, he had

May 9, 2021

Dumbbell workouts: a grassroots article

From HARDGAINER issue #89 By Paul R. Ethridge Progression with dumbbell workouts can be difficult. Moving from, say, 70-pound dumbbells to 75-pound ones, means a

April 25, 2021

Bodybuilding and smoking

BODYBUILDING AND SMOKING Do any of the pro bodybuilders smoke? The two best physiques at the gym where I train both smoke. They work out together,

April 20, 2021

Five pivotal bodybuilding lessons

From 40 years experience, here are five of the key bodybuilding lessons I’ve learned: BODYBUILDING LESSON #1 For much of my youth, muscles were more

April 18, 2021

Protein supplements and other topics

From HARDGAINER issue #57 By Rich Rydin and Dave Maurice Protein supplements What about the different types of protein supplements, e.g., ion exchange whey protein?

March 20, 2021

Rows, incline bench press, and biceps fixation

I know you don’t like freestyle barbell rows. Which rows do you like? Those that don’t expose the lower back to injury. Of course, with terrible form,

March 16, 2021

Upright row, brother bodybuilders, forward raise, best food preparation tip, reverse-grip bent-over row, and seated dumbbell press

UPRIGHT ROW What’s the best width of grip for the upright row—on the smooth part of the bar, or on the knurling? Some perform the

February 16, 2021

Strength training and the older athlete, Part 1

From HARDGAINER issue #50 By Bill Starr I receive more inquiries from men in their thirties, forties and fifties than any other group. While their

January 20, 2021

For hardgainers and other bodybuilders