An Insight into Lean to “Ripped”-with Natural world champion Physique Competitor Jay Magee

Weight Loss

Weight loss or fat loss is probably the most common goal of our clients here at The Cut. This can easily be achieved for most by simple lifestyle changes, applying some basic nutrition principles and adding structure to their eating habits. But then we have some clients with the intention of getting “ripped” which “on paper” is also simple, but the reality is it requires a different mindset and level of sacrifice to just “lose a bit of fat.

 

Jay Magee is the 2019 WNBF official UK and World pro men’s physique champion and UKDFA British champion, which was achieved in only his second year competing. Jay is co founder of Reborn to Transform which is an online coaching company merging bodybuilding, movement analysis and rehab…. So it’s fair to say Jay knows a thing or two about being lean and getting other people there too.

 

Q- 2019 was your second year competing, but obviously you have been lifting weights for a lot longer prior to the season. What is your background in fitness and what made you want to compete? Was competing always part of the plan for you?

I have been lifting weights since I was a kid (not always properly), my dad ran a gym in Manchester that myself and my friends would get the bus down to and train at. Ever since then I was hooked and trained in some capacity. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career within the industry and I become a qualified personal trainer 9 years ago. 

2 years ago I realised I needed a new goal and a few friends from the gym I coach at who compete themselves said with my shape I’d do well in Mens Physique.  

 

Q- Why did you choose the governing bodies that you did to compete under?

I chose to compete in the UKDFBA because as a natural competitor I wanted to compete in a federation who’s values matched my own. They have a strict 10 year drug free policy and test using both a urinalysis test and a polygraph at every competition. They are also affiliated to the  WNBF which is the biggest and most prestigious natural body building federation in the world. Lastly out of the two main natural feds in the UK, UKDFBA are the only ones to have a Mens Physique class. I have also competed in untested federations and won shows including an Arnold’s Europe qualifier and then competed in the Arnold classic in Barcelona. 

 

Q- When you are not competing what does your normal training week look like?

So I’m either in prep to compete or in an improvement season which will lead in to that particular prep. What my week looks like depends on what stage I am.  Firstly we structure frequency and volume to prioritise areas we feel we need to improve and areas that fit the criteria of my class. Mens Physique judges are looking for a lean, fit, muscular physique that is balanced and aesthetically pleasing. They like nicely shaped overall muscle, a small waist, good V-taper and good abs. At the moment I’m running a 2 on 1 off with the split as follows:

-Push 1 

-Full body pull 

-Rest

-Push 2 

-Lower and lats

-Rest 

-Repeat

The amount of cardio will depend on whether we are in prep, and at what stage, or an improvement season. As I’m currently in the middle of an improvement season although we do still programme a little cardio in, it’s literally only 20 mins fasted on a non training day for the nutrient partitioning effect this gives you and more importantly the ability to improve work capacity in my back off sets. 

 

Q- How long would you allow for a prep for a competition?

We normally allow around 14-16 weeks to be safe, however I respond very quickly and am normally almost stage ready after around 10. During both preps to date we were ready earlier than we anticipated and we decided to enter warm up shows last minute. We actually won both shows, one of which was the Arnold’s qualifier. 

 

Q- Going by your IG account you are lean all year round but stepping on stage is a different level. What changes do you make to your training? 

I wouldn’t say lean all year round but we do like to stay within a body fat range that will not cause a level of inflammation that will impair building tissue. 

As I mentioned above I get lean quite quickly so we don’t have to do anything dramatic early, we start by creating a negative energy balance through either output, nutrition or both and then manipulate as needed depending on how I’m feeling. 

It will get to a point however where it doesn’t matter how your feeling and you do whatever is required to take you from lean to stage shredded. The trick is ensuring you don’t reach that point too early (nor too late) so you’re not dragging your arse for unnecessary amounts of time as this can cause unnecessary muscle loss (some is inevitable).

Something else we do to ensure we progress in our training right up to show day is programme change at the right time. The aim during prep is to at least preserve tissue throughout which means at least matching log book numbers on a week to week basis, however this obviously becomes more difficult the deeper into prep you go and calories (units of energy) become more scarce. 

By starting a new programme at around the 8-9 week out mark as you get closer to show day, those log book numbers you need to beat are less daunting and more manageable than for example a set of log book numbers you’ve built up over say a 15 week programme that you’ve followed. 

 

Q- How strict are you with your nutrition outside of contest prep? 

I still follow a nutrition plan however incorporate free meals into that plan depending on how I’m looking. At the moment I’m on 3 free meals per week. 

 

Q- How does nutrition change during prep? Is there any room for cheat meals or days off?

Im not a fan of the word cheat meals as the word itself suggests it’s not controlled or that it’s a free for all, we do have strategic refeeds to mitigate diet fatigue. 

I will still have rest days depending on how my training is structured however more often than not there will be some element of cardio on that rest day even if we are not training with weights. 

 

Q- Being someone that is pretty comfortable with the lifestyle that keeps you lean, how does taking it up a notch and getting “ripped” effect you emotionally and physically? What are the biggest challenges you face? 

Physically during the last few weeks of prep I felt terrible. I was moody, irritable, probably not much fun to be around and I didn’t have much patience for anything that didn’t remotely relate to my own selfish needs. 

I constantly felt hungry and food was constantly on my mind. Even when I did inhale my food it felt like I hadn’t even scratched the surface.

When getting stage lean the biggest battle you will have to face is with yourself.  Every day you will play chess with your own mind and every day that game becomes a little harder. I removed external temptations to some degree. I asked friends and family to avoid asking me to events where I may be put in a position. However there is no getting away from those voices inside your own head. Those voices that would tell me there is a square bar in the cupboard and that one wont hurt, or to add extra oats to your bowl. 

I would try and justify these things to myself as a good idea too, maybe because I was looking flat or that it would improve my next training session but in reality if you want to achieve true condition then you have to learn to control these voices, and I did. You have to learn to weirdly enjoy these daily battles with yourself as this is the only way you’ll succeed. 

You will go weeks maybe months without feeling you have any energy whatsoever, you’ll feel like you have lead in your legs and running through your veins, basic tasks will require a pep talk to get yourself motivated to do them so imagine the mental fortitude you’ll require to perform cardio and put yourself in a position to go and lift twice your body weight for reps in the gym.

You need to have a strong support network as those people closest to you will have to be selfless at a time when you are completely selfish. You will sacrifice a great deal however your level of sacrifice will match your reward.

 

Q- Do you think for non personal trainers who balance a busy work schedule in an office this is an achievable goal? Would you ever discourage getting stage “ripped” as a goal?

I would never discourage anyone from a goal, however I would certainly sit down and explain to them exactly what they need to be willing to do and the sacrifices they would need to make in order to achieve that particular goal. I would make sure they have a support network ready to put you before themselves and that their particular “why” was strong enough to see them through those difficult parts of prep I mentioned above. 

 

Q-What do you prioritise the most important factors for an individual trying to get lean when they come to you for coaching?

Why they want to do this and what their current position is. I asses a number of factors which all help me understand where an individual currently stands including:

What their health markers look like/ how are they sleeping/ how much tissue (/muscle) do they currently have/ how long have they lifted weights for/ what is their training split like/where are calories currently at/ how is their relationship with food/ how much cardio are they currently doing/ what’s their mental and emotional state/ why do they want to do this/ how is their support network/ how’s digestion/ do they have social events or holidays coming up. 

 

Q- People outside of the fitness industry always seem surprised that coaches hire coaches. To what capacity do you work with a coach? And what are the reasons you do? 

I work with my coach year round but during a prep especially. Even as a coach, you need someone who can asses your situation objectively and make decisions without emotion or personal feelings. If I were to coach myself this would obviously be impossible as I would have an emotional attachment to my own goal. I have worked with my coach Calum from The Muscle Mentors I first decided to compete and I do leave pretty much everything in his hands. He gives me a plan and I execute it, it’s that simple. I trust him (which is essential) and as he’s extremely good at what he does I’m also always learning from him too. 

Q- What common mistakes do you see in approaches to getting lean or ripped?

 Doing too much too soon and firing all the bullets in your gun at once. This is usually lots of cardio from the start and an aggressive deficit straight away.

Another mistake we see is not spending enough time “prepping for your prep”, this means making sure your body is functioning as well as possible and in a prime position to be placed in an environment to lose body fat (think of this as almost like your mini off season). Taking calories high and output low gives you longevity with the variables you intend to manipulate week to week. 

Q-What advice would you give to somebody looking to achieve “stage level ripped”

 Hire a coach, give yourself enough time, ensure your “Why” is stronger than your “why not”, understand it’s going to be one of the hardest things you will ever do but remember its a choice and the reward will be worth the sacrifice provided you wanted it for the right reasons in the first place. 

Get your house in order!!

For great training advice please give Jay a follow on IG- jaymagee_wnbff_pro

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Cable crossover

Set the pulley station to above shoulder height on each side, removing any cable attachments.

Grab the left pulley with your right hand, right pulley with your left hand creating a X with the cables.

Retract your shoulder blades, keep your arms in a fixed position then extend your arms to a point they can’t extend no further.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Cable Extension

Set the pulley station to its highest setting, attaching two rope attachments.

Hold the ropes with a neutral grip, in a flexed position.

This is your start and end position of every repetition.

Keeping your upper arms in a fixed position, extending your arm to a point they can’t extend no further.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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DUMBBELL TRICEP EXTENSION

Pick up your dumbbells with a neutral grips, sitting on the edge of the bench.

Lie back, and extending your arm so that its directly in line with your shoulder.

This is your start and end position of every repetition.

Keeping your upper arms in a fixed position, flex your arm allowing the dumbbells to travel towards the side of your head.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Reverse Curl

Load your barbell in your training area.

Pick up your barbell with a shoulder width grip, and palms facing your body.

Pull your shoulder blades together, with your bicep facing the same direction as your knees and toes.

This is your start and end position of every repetition.

Keeping your upper arm in a fixed position, curl the barbell until you get to the point in which you’re unable to curl no more.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Zotttman Curl

Pick up your dumbbells and sit at the edge of your bench.

Pull your shoulder blades together, with your bicep facing the same direction as your knees and toes.

This is your start and end position of every repetition.

Keeping your upper arm in a fixed position, curl the dumbbell until you get to the point in which you’re unable to curl no more.

Pause for a moment, then rotating your forearm so that your thumbs are facing one another and reverse the movement to the start position.

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Hammer Curl

 

Pick up your dumbbells and sit at the edge of your bench.

Pull your shoulder blades together, with your bicep facing the same direction as your knees and toes.

Rotate your forearm so that your thumbs are facing forward.

This is your start and end position of every repetition.

Keeping your upper arm in a fixed position, curl the dumbbell until you get to the point in which you’re unable to curl no more.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Cable Curl

Set the pulley station to the lowest setting, attaching a cambered bar.

Hold the cambered bar with your palms facing you, then take 3 steps back.

This is your start and end position for each repetition.

Pull your shoulder blades together, with your biceps facing forward.

Keeping your upper arm in a fixed position, curl the bar until you get to the point in which you’re unable to curl no more.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Preacher Curl

Place a dumbbell at the head of your bench, then set your bench at approximately 75* angle.

Pick up your dumbbell then place your upper arm-armpit at the head of the bench, with your palm facing you.

This is your start and end position for each repetition.

Keeping your upper arm in a fixed position, curl the dumbbell until you get to the point in which you’re unable to curl no more.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Spider curl

Place your dumbbells at the head of your bench, then set your bench at approximately a 30* angle

Pull your chest into the bench, then grab each of your dumbbells.

This is your start and end positon for each repetition.

Pull your shoulder blades together, with your biceps facing forward.

Keeping your upper arm in a fixed position, curl the dumbbell until you get to the point in which you’re unable to curl no more.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Seated DB curl

Pick up your dumbbells and sit at the edge of your bench.

Pull your shoulder blades together, with your bicep facing the same direction as your knees and toes.

This is your start and end position of every repetition.

Keeping your upper arm in a fixed position, curl the dumbbell until you get to the point in which you’re unable to curl no more.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Ham curl

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Step Ups

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glute bridge

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Hip Bridge

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45 Back Extension

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RDL

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Trap bar deadlift

Stand in the middle of the hex/trap bar with your feet in approximately a shoulder width stance.

Maintaining a neutral spine, in a synchronised manner bring your hips towards your calves, whilst also allowing your knees to move in the same direction as your toes. You should be able to grab the handles of the bar, if you’re unable to, raise the bar by placing blocks underneath the plates. This is your start and end position

Take a tight grip of the handles and stand, reverse the movement by allowing your knees to move forward and hips down.

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Alternating lunges

With the dumbbell in your hands and to your sides, find yourself in a position where feet are approximately hip width apart

You’re going to take approximately a dynamic step forward, allowing your front knee to move forward whilst the rear knee moves towards the floor. Without pausing in the bottom position, push through the ground to return to a standing position. This is the start and end of every repetition.

Repeat for the stated reps in your program before switching sides.

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Goblet squat

Hold the Dumbbell in a vertical manner just below your chin, your feet should be approximately shoulder width apart. This will be your start and end position for every repetition.

Start the movement by allowing your knees to move in the same direction of your toes, whilst your hip is moving towards the platform in a synchronised manner. Once you’ve reach the bottom, pause then push through your legs to return to your starting position.

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Hack Squat

Load the weight plates on to the machine, then place your shoulders underneath the pads whilst setting your feet on the platform approximately shoulder-width apart (this is your start and end position for every rep).

Your feet should be a in position which allows you to push through the centre of your feet.

Extend your knees, and take the hack squat off the lock setting. Start the movement by allowing your knees to move in the same direction of your toes, whilst your hip is moving towards the platform in a synchronised manner. Once you’ve reached the bottom, pause then press through the platform to return to your starting/end position.

Repeat for the stated reps in your program before switching sides.

*Focus on keeping your lower back on the back pad, if your back comes of the pad you’ve reached your end range-of-motion.

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back Squat

Have the bar behind your neck, resting on your shoulders.

Your feet should be approximately shoulder width apart. This will be your start and end position for every repetition.

Start the movement by allowing your knees to move in the same direction of your toes, whilst your hip is moving towards the platform in a synchronised manner. Once you’ve reach the bottom, pause then push through your legs to return to your starting position.

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Split squat

Find yourself in a staggered stance approximately a step forward/back difference, the front foot should be flat and the rear foot should be on the toes (mobility permitting). This would be your start and end position for every repetition.

You’re going to allow your rear knee to move towards the floor, whilst your front knee is moving in a motion forward towards your toes.

When your rear knee is close to touching the ground, pause then push through both legs to reverse the motion to the start position.

Repeat for the stated reps in your program before switching sides.

*If your front heel comes off the ground during your repetitions, adjust your stance.

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Leg Extension

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Rfe split squat

Find yourself in a staggered stance approximately in front of a step which should be no greater than 6” high, place your toes on the step and your front foot should be flat. This would be your start and end position for every repetition.

You’re going to allow your rear knee to move towards the floor, whilst your front knee is moving in a motion forward towards your toes.

When your rear knee is close to touching the ground, pause then push through both legs to reverse the motion to the start position.

*If your front heel comes off the ground during your repetitions, adjust your stance.

Starting with bodyweight is appropriate for many on a RFE, or holding on to a squat stand to aid balance.

Repeat for the stated reps in your program before switching sides.

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Y Raise

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Face Pull

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cable Lateral raise

Set the cable to its lowest setting using a D handle attachment, then choose the appropriate weight.

 Stand beside the cable station with an extended arm, feet close to the base whilst leaning away from the machine.

 This is your start and end position of every repetition.

Initiating the movement with your shoulders, pull the D handle from beside your leg diagonally to a position which is parallel with the floor.

 Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Dumbbell Lateral raise

Place your dumbbells at the end of the bench, before taking a seat.

Grab your dumbbells with your thumb facing the same direction as your biceps, sit nice and tall.

 This is your start and end position of every repetition.

 Keep your arm in a fixed flexed position throughout the set.

 Initiating the movement with your shoulders, bring the dumbbells to a position which is parallel with the floor.

 Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Dumbbell Shoulder Press

Set your bench at 90* (or 75* if you struggle to press vertically).

 Sit on the edge of the bench, feet approximately shoulder-width with the dumbbells resting on your thighs, bring the dumbbell in line with your shoulders and elbows facing the floor.  

 This is your start and end position of every repetition.

 Press towards the ceiling, aiming to bring your elbows towards one another without the dumbbells hitting.

 Pause for a moment whilst your arms are fully extended, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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Single arm row

Your dumbbell should be roughly a step-in front of you.

Place one knee on the bench, then take a lateral step to create a wide base (approximately shoulder width).

Whichever knee is on the bench, place its corresponding arm on the bench which will place your torso parallel to the floor.

Pick up the dumbbell with your free hand, the dumbbell should be directly below your shoulder.

This is your start and end position of every repletion.

Initiating the movement with your middle back, pull the dumbbell towards your hip.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start position.

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An Insight into Lean to “Ripped”-with Natural world champion Physique Competitor Jay Magee

Place your dumbbell vertically in the head position of your bench.

Grab the dumbbell at the handle with your hands overlapping one another, then create a hinge joint with your shoulder blades and the bench.

Extend your arms so the dumbbell is in line with your head.

Keeping your arms slightly flex (5-10*), allow the dumbbell to move overhead and towards the ground, stopping at a point in which the dumbbell can move no further.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start/end position.

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Straight arm pull down

 

Set the cable to its highest setting, then attach 2 ropes.

Grab the end of the ropes, then take 2 steps back away from the cable station.

Maintaining a neutral spine, push your hips back and pull your chest forward to create a 45* angle with the floor.

Keep your arms fully extended, pull the ropes towards your waist to a point in which you can’t pull back no further.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start/end position.

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Pull Ups

Ensure you can reach the pull up bar without jumping. If you’re unable to place a step underneath the pull up bar.

Grab the pull up bar with approximately 1.5x shoulder width.

This is your start and end position of every repetition.

Pull yourself towards the bar, once you’ve reached a position when you can pull no further, this is your end range.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start/end position.

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Chest Supported Row

Set your bench at approximately a 30* angle, then place your dumbbells at the head of your bench.

Pull your chest into the bench, then grab each of your dumbbells.

This is your start and end position for each repetition.

Initiating the movement with your middle back, pull the dumbbells in a diagonal manner towards your waist till you can’t move no further.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start/end position.

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Seated Row

 

Sitting on the machine, make sure your feet are supported.

Reach forward and grip your cable attachment with your palms facing one another.

This would be your start and end position of every repetition.

Keep your torso upright, initiating the movement with your middle back pull your elbows back till you can’t move no further.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to the start/end position.

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Lat Pull Down

Set your thigh padding to a position that ensures the sole of your foot doesn’t move, whilst standing grab your attachment and secure yourself under the thigh padding.

This is your start and end position for every repetition.

Leaning back slightly and pull the attachment vertically towards your torso.

Pause for a moment, before reversing the movement to your start/end position.

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Push ups

Starting in a prone position, set your hand just outside shoulder width at a 45 degree angle relative to your torso.

Bring your knees and your hips off the ground, so that your body is in neutral (this is your start and end position for every rep).

Press into the ground until your arms are fully extended, then lower your body in a controlled manner towards the floor.

*Your body should be moving in a synchronised manner.

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Cable Press

Pick the handles and take a seat on your bench, your arms should be in a neutral position.

Extend your arms, so your fist is approximately the same height as your armpit but now rotate so that you’re in a pronated grip (this is your start and end position for every rep).

In a slow controlled manner, you’re going to move your upper arm towards the bench. The upper arm should be in approximately a 45 degree relative to your torso. When you’ve reached a point when your upper arm can move no further, press the handles in the opposite direction of the bench until your arm are fully extended.

*Your bench should be central of the cable station.

*Your handles should be should height

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Cable Fly

Pick the handles and take a seat on your bench, your arms should be in a neutral position.

Extend your arms, so your fist is approximately the same height as your armpit. Your elbow should also be slightly bent (this is your start and end position for every rep).

In a slow controlled manner, you’re going to move your upper arm in a circular movement towards the pulley, before returning to your start/end position.

*Your bench should be central of the cable station.

*Your handles should be shoulder height

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Incline Machine

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Dumbbell Chest Press

Sit on the edge of the bench, feet approximately shoulder-width with the dumbbells resting on your thighs then lie back so that you’re in a supine position on your bench.

Your dumbbells should be above your elbows, whilst your upper arm should be approximately 45 degrees to your torso (this is your start and end position for every rep), palms in the same direction of your feet.

Press the dumbbells towards the ceiling, until your arms are fully extended then lower the dumbbells in a slow controlled manner to your start position.

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BarBell Chest Press

Sit on the edge of the bench, feet approximately shoulder-width, lie back so you’re in a supine position. Your eyes should be directly underneath the barbell.

Place your hands on the barbell with an overhand grip, approximately 1.5x shoulder width.

Extend your arms to un rack the bar, slowly set the bar to a position perpendicular of your shoulders (this is your start and end position for every rep).

Lower the barbell in a controlled manner towards your chest, your arms should be approximately 45 degrees to your torso. When you’ve reached a point when the barbell can get no lower press the barbell towards the ceiling, until your arms fully extended.

*If you’re training in a facility where you can set the hooks to your preferred height, choose a height in which when you’re un-racking the bar you’re not protracting/over extending to remove the bar.

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