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NEAT & Steps: The Quiet Multiplier for Lean Cuts
When people think about fat loss, they usually zoom straight to calories and workouts. And yeah, those matter. But there’s a third lever that often does more work than either of them, especially if your goal is getting lean without losing muscle. That lever is NEAT . If you’ve ever felt like fat loss stalls even though you’re “doing everything right,” NEAT is usually the missing piece. What Is NEAT (and Why It Matters So Much)? NEAT = Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. It

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
5 days ago3 min read


Mechanical Tension: The #1 Signal for Muscle Growth (and How to Create More of It)
If you’ve ever left the gym with a massive pump and still wondered, “Why am I not growing?”this is the missing piece. Muscle doesn’t grow because you did an exercise . Muscle grows because it experienced a strong enough stimulus to force adaptation. And among all the drivers of hypertrophy (pump/metabolic stress, muscle damage, novelty), mechanical tension is the one that consistently sits at the top of the list. Not “heavier weight no matter what.” Not “more soreness.” Not

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Jan 223 min read


The Difference Between Being Tired and Being Under-Recovered (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Feeling tired after training is normal. Feeling run down all the time is not. One of the most common mistakes lifters make, beginners and advanced alike is confusing normal fatigue with under-recovery . They sound similar, but they’re very different states, and treating them the same way is how progress stalls, motivation drops, and injuries sneak in. Let’s break down what’s actually happening inside your body and how to tell the difference. What “Being Tired” Actually Mean

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Jan 152 min read


How To Tell If Your Program Matches Your Goals
Most people don’t fail because they lack effort. They fail because their program doesn’t match what they’re trying to achieve . You can train consistently, sweat hard, and still feel stuck if your workouts are sending mixed signals. The body adapts very specifically to what you ask of it. If the ask is unclear or conflicting, the results will be too. This article will help you audit your training program and answer one simple but powerful question: Is what I’m doing aligned w

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Jan 83 min read


Essential Weightlifting Equipment for Beginners
What You Actually Need (and What You Don’t) Starting your weightlifting journey can feel overwhelming not because lifting is complicated, but because the fitness industry loves to convince beginners they need everything right away. Belts. Straps. Sleeves. Shoes. Gadgets. Apps. Most beginners don’t need more gear they need clarity . This guide breaks down the essential weightlifting equipment for beginners , what each item actually does, why it matters, and when (or if) you s

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Jan 12 min read


How to Make “Light Weights” Build Serious Muscle
When people think about building muscle, they usually picture heavy weights, loud grunts, and plates stacked high. And while lifting heavy can build muscle, it’s not the only way and for many people, it’s not even the most effective way. Light weights, when used correctly, can build impressive muscle size, strength, and control. The key isn’t the weight itself. The key is how you use it . Muscle doesn’t grow because something feels heavy. Muscle grows because it experiences

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Dec 26, 20253 min read


Perfect Form Isn't Just for Looks
It’s about getting the right stimulus to the right tissue, consistently and safely, so your body can adapt. When people hear “perfect form,” they often imagine rigid, robotic movement or lifting that looks textbook. But real progress doesn’t come from chasing aesthetics, it comes from intentional mechanics that your nervous system can trust and your muscles can actually respond to. Form Directs Tension Where Growth Happens Muscle growth depends on mechanical tension . Good

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Dec 18, 20252 min read


Strength Endurance vs. Hypertrophy vs. Power: Understanding the Three Pillars of Smart Training
Most people start lifting with one goal in mind: build muscle. But real, long-lasting progress in fitness comes from understanding how different training phases work together to develop a stronger, more capable, and better-balanced body. Strength endurance, hypertrophy, and power are often seen as separate goals, but in a well-designed program, each phase builds on the other, creating a foundation that supports long-term growth, better performance, and fewer injuries. This bl

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Dec 11, 20253 min read


Mastering the Big Four: Beginner's Guide to Squats, Deadlifts, Presses and Rows
If you’re new to strength training, you’ve probably already heard people talk about “the big lifts”, the Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press, and Row. These exercises show up in nearly every great program because they do something smaller movements can’t: they build full-body strength, train multiple muscles at once, and give you the highest return on your effort. Learning these four movements is like learning the alphabet of strength training. Once you master them, every other exe

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Nov 28, 20254 min read


Strength Training for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide
If you’re new to strength training, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or a crazy schedule, building strength is one of the most efficient investments you can make in your health. You don’t need hours in the gym, complicated equipment, or advanced programming. You just need the right approach that is simple, effective, and doable. This guide breaks down the fundamentals in a way that feels accessible, practical, and beginner-ready. 💪 Why Strengt

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Nov 20, 20252 min read


The Power of Dumbbells & Resistance Bands: The Perfect Starting Point for Beginner Lifters
When you’re new to strength training, the gym can feel overwhelming—machines everywhere, complicated barbell setups, and workout programs filled with terminology you’ve never heard before. But here’s the good news: You don’t need complicated equipment to build strength, muscle, and confidence. Two simple tool, dumbbells and resistance band, can take you further than you think. They’re accessible, joint-friendly, and incredibly effective for learning proper movement patterns.

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Nov 13, 20252 min read


Weekend Warrior Gains: How to Build Muscle When You Only Have Two Days
Most people believe that if you can’t train five or six days a week, you can’t build muscle. That’s one of the biggest myths in fitness. The truth is, with smart programming, intentional nutrition, and a focus on recovery, you can make real hypertrophy gains , even as a weekend warrior. Whether you’re juggling a demanding career, family life, or just trying to stay consistent, your muscle growth potential doesn’t disappear because of a busy schedule. It just requires a smarte

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Nov 6, 20253 min read


The Foundation Phase: Why Beginners Should Start With Stability & Form
When most people think about building muscle, they imagine heavy barbells, high-volume workouts, and intense training sessions that leave them exhausted on the floor. But there’s a little-understood secret in the strength and hypertrophy world: The strongest, most muscular athletes don’t start heavy, they start stable. Before you chase size and power, you build the foundation . This phase isn’t flashy. It doesn’t go viral. But it’s the difference between a physique that grows

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Oct 30, 20252 min read


The Power of Tempo Training: Slowing Down for Bigger Gains
In a world where speed and intensity are glorified, slowing down might feel counterintuitive. But when it comes to building muscle, strength, and control, tempo is one of the most overlooked variables in training. We often obsess over how much weight we’re lifting, how many reps we’re doing, or how often we hit the gym, yet the speed at which we move those weights can completely transform the results. Tempo is where true muscle engagement begins. It’s not just about lifting

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Oct 23, 20252 min read


Demystifying the Gym: How to Feel Confident and Avoid Gym Anxiety
Walking into a gym for the first time can feel like stepping into another world, flashing machines, the clang of weights, and people who...

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Oct 9, 20253 min read


Listening to Biofeedback, Not Just Numbers
How to Train Smarter by Tuning Into Your Body’s Signals Most of us have been conditioned to measure progress by numbers, how much weight...

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Oct 2, 20252 min read


Longevity Training: Building a Body That Lasts
When most people think of fitness, they picture short-term goals: dropping pounds, hitting a new PR, or adding size to their arms. While...

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Sep 18, 20252 min read


The Hidden Role of Core Strength in Every Lift
When most people think of the “core,” they imagine six-pack abs or endless crunches. But your core is much more than a set of muscles for...

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Sep 11, 20252 min read


Strategic Deloading: Why Taking a Step Back Can Push you Forward
When you think about building muscle, your mind likely jumps to intense workouts, heavy weights, and pushing yourself to the limit. But...

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Aug 14, 20253 min read


How to Build a Balanced Training Split for Strength and Aesthetics
When it comes to reaching your fitness goals, there’s often a divide: some chase strength, others pursue aesthetics. But here’s the...

Brandon Partin NASM - CPT VCS
Jul 31, 20253 min read
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