Michael Wood, CSCS

Michael Wood, CSCS, is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Content Manager for JeFit app. Michael is a former Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at the University of Connecticut and Exercise Physiologist at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. He is the Founder of Michael Wood Fitness, named twice to "Top 100 Trainers in America" by Men's Journal and voted Best of Boston by Boston Magazine. Michael previously taught at the University of Connecticut and Boston University. He is the author of TBC30: 6 Steps to a Stronger, Healthier You.

11 Nutritious Foods to Include in Your Diet for Improved Workouts

French toast with carmelized bananas

You may have heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: You are what you eat. If you’re eating a lot of junk food, you’re going to feel like junk. But if you’re eating healthy, you’ll feel great. When it comes to working out, getting in shape – and remaining as such – helps boost your metabolism, burns fat, and builds muscle. However, to do that, you need to eat the right foods to support your workouts and help your body recover after a tough workout session.

11 Nutritious Foods to Include in Your Diet for Improved Workouts Read More »

Optimizing Heart Rate for Exercise and Health Benefits

Cardiovascular exercise is key to achieving and maintaining health and fitness. Determining the optimal duration, intensity, and frequency of cardio sessions can be guided by metrics such as heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and heart rate recovery (HRR). Here, we explore evidence-based guidelines for weekly exercise duration, intensity for health and weight loss,

Optimizing Heart Rate for Exercise and Health Benefits Read More »

Should Mobility be Part of My Strength Training Routine?

In a world where gym time is often limited, many gym enthusiasts wonder: Is adding flexibility and mobility work to my routine really worth it? While it’s tempting to dedicate every minute to lifting, research and experts suggest that warm-up, mobility drills, and flexibility exercises are necessary. These types of movements can significantly enhance your

Should Mobility be Part of My Strength Training Routine? Read More »

Dumbbell Exercises are Essential for Muscle Development

When it comes to building a strong, defined chest, barbell exercises are often at the forefront. However, adding dumbbell exercises to your routine can significantly enhance muscle development, stability, and overall strength. Dumbbell exercises offer unique benefits and, in many cases, activate more muscle fibers than traditional barbell exercises. Here’s a closer look at why

Dumbbell Exercises are Essential for Muscle Development Read More »

4 Best Shoulder Exercises to Build Muscle and Strength

Building strong, muscular shoulders not only enhances your physique but also plays a crucial role in improving upper body strength and stability. Standing shoulder exercises are particularly effective as they engage more muscle groups compared to seated alternatives, recruiting your core, stabilizers, and lower body for better overall muscle activation and balance. Here, we explore

4 Best Shoulder Exercises to Build Muscle and Strength Read More »

These Jefit Core Exercises are Essential in Any Workout Plan

Core strength is the foundation of a well-rounded fitness program. A strong core stabilizes the spine, supports balance, and enables efficient movement across a wide range of exercises. In everyday life and in sports, the core is engaged in nearly every motion, from standing up to lifting objects or jumping and sprinting. Strengthening core muscles

These Jefit Core Exercises are Essential in Any Workout Plan Read More »

Boost Your Forearm Strength: Exercises & Tips for Lasting Gains

Forearm strength is critical for grip, stability, and performance in both daily activities and fitness. Building forearm strength requires knowledge of the forearm’s muscle structure and strategic exercise choices. In this guide, we’ll look at the muscle groups involved, top exercises, exercise intensity tips, and what it means if your forearms feel weak days after

Boost Your Forearm Strength: Exercises & Tips for Lasting Gains Read More »

Nutrition for Strength Training: Meal Plan for Muscle Growth

Strength training demands not just physical effort but also precise nutrition to achieve the best outcomes, especially if lean muscle gain is the primary goal. Proper meal timing, macronutrient distribution, and nutrient-dense food choices make a significant difference in supporting muscle recovery, fueling workouts, and aiding muscle growth. This nutrition guide provides a full-day meal

Nutrition for Strength Training: Meal Plan for Muscle Growth Read More »

Best Exercises for Each Major Muscle Group Backed EMG Data

When it comes to building strength and muscle, choosing the right exercises can make a huge difference in results. Electromyography (EMG) studies provide valuable insights into which movements activate muscles the most, allowing you to target each muscle group effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the best exercises for the legs, back, chest, shoulders, core,

Best Exercises for Each Major Muscle Group Backed EMG Data Read More »

Best Back Exercises for Maximum Muscle Activation

When it comes to building a strong, muscular back, choosing the most effective exercises is essential. Electromyography (EMG) studies have provided valuable insights into which exercises recruit the most muscle fibers, making them the most efficient for back development. This article will explore the best back exercises for barbell, dumbbell, machine, and bodyweight workouts based

Best Back Exercises for Maximum Muscle Activation Read More »

Top Chest Exercises Backed by EMG Studies

When it comes to building a powerful chest, the effectiveness of different exercises varies based on the equipment you use. This article breaks down, what we believe are, the best chest exercises in four categories: barbell, dumbbell, machine, and bodyweight—supported by electromyography (EMG) studies. 1. Barbell Chest Exercise: Flat Barbell Bench Press The flat barbell

Top Chest Exercises Backed by EMG Studies Read More »

Scroll to Top