The “Best of SAF” series features articles that were published as part of the original SeriousAboutFitness.com site that ran from 2002 to 2010. This article was originally published in July 2005. Of all the articles I wrote for the original SeriousAboutFitness.com, I feel this is one of the most valuable for those wanting to learn how to train and make consistent progress. . . . Doug Schneider

Originally published on SeriousAboutFitness.com: July 1, 2005

Photo right: Always-in-shape Chantal Dicaire, the first woman I ever trained. Chantal won multiple national and international fitness titles, ultimately earning an IFBB Pro Card before retiring from competing. The photo appeared in the original article; it was taken by Dave Paul in April 2005.

There’s a common misconception about weight training – many people think, the more you do the better. Frankly, nothing could be further from the truth or the professionals would be in the gym every waking hour of the day.

The truth of the matter is, it doesn’t take all that many sets and reps per muscle group to stimulate growth – in fact, far fewer than most people think – and sometimes the way to induce more growth when a certain routine stops working can be to do less, not more. So, while working more may earn you more money and eating more may make you put on weight, more and more time in the gym often doesn’t translate into better progress, at least as far as muscle development is concerned. Less can be more – way more.

The “Best of SAF” series features articles that were published as part of the original SeriousAboutFitness.com site that ran from 2002 to 2010. The first sentence in this article includes the statement: "The number-one body part women want to improve is their butt." This article first appeared in July 2004, more than seven years ago, but I feel that statement is just as true today, which is why we're reprinting this piece now. . . . Doug Schneider

Originally published on SeriousAboutFitness.com: July 1, 2004

Photo right: Beautiful Christy Wolfe, a champion figure competitor and the first Girls of SAF model.

The number-one body part women want to improve is their butt – even someone with an award-winning physique like Western Ontario Figure Champion Christy Wolfe. Christy has been competing for three years and has worked hard toning and shaping her nether region.

"After I leaned down for my first competitions I noticed from my physique pictures that my butt had disappeared," says Christy. "I had literally worked it off!"

The “Best of SAF” series features articles that were published as part of the original SeriousAboutFitness.com site that ran from 2002 to 2010. This article was originally published in January 2007. It was written by Kary Odiatu, a champion fitness competitor and motivational speaker, who was a national-level winner in Canada and competed as a pro in the IFBB. The information Kary gives and the message that is delivered are still relevant today. . . . Doug Schneider

Originally published on SeriousAboutFitness.com: July 1, 2004

Photo right: Beautiful Christy Wolfe, a champion figure competitor and the first Girls of SAF model. The photo appeared in the original article; it was taken by Doug Schneider in June 2005.

"If your body is telling you to slow down, listen to it. If your body says you should keep going…then keep going."
-- Lynn Swann (NFL football all-star)

Like an automobile lurching and stalling in need of gas, or one zooming along after a tune-up, the human body provides hints as to how it would like to be treated. Unfortunately, athletes are not always the best at listening to the signals their bodies are producing. They are so focused on improving and competing that they ignore anything that may get in the way, including injuries. A dedicated athlete with a strong work ethic will often work through pain, avoiding rest and recuperation. Like a driver ignoring the warning light on his or her dashboard, they are inviting disaster.

The “Best of SAF” series features articles that were published as part of the original SeriousAboutFitness.com site that ran from 2002 to 2010. This article first appeared in July 2005, but the information it contains is as valuable today as the day it was written. . . . Doug Schneider

Originally published on SeriousAboutFitness.com: July 1, 2005

Photo right: Sensational Christy Wolfe, a champion figure competitor and the first Girls of SAF model.

It is a well-documented fact that ultraviolet (UV) radiation – be it from the sun or tanning beds – may cause skin cancer. Although it has long been believed that sunburns are the necessary predecessor to cancer, newer studies have shown that even moderate tanning and the use of tanning salons can also be dangerous. This has alarmed the medical community, for their warnings appear to go unheeded as skin cancer rates steadily increase year after year as the tanning industry grows.