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.

Using the RIR-Based RPE Scale for Smarter Strength Training

General Fitness /

Introduction Tired of guessing how hard you should push during your workouts? The Repetitions in Reserve-based Rating of Perceived Exertion (RIR-based RPE) scale offers a smarter way to measure training intensity without relying solely on percentages or max tests. Whether you’re aiming to build strength, gain muscle, or avoid burnout, this autoregulation tool helps tailor […]

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Are Plyometric Exercises the Key to an Improved Vertical Jump?

General Fitness /

Introduction Are you looking to improve your athletic performance and jump higher than ever? A powerful vertical jump is more than just a flashy skill. It’s a sign of strong, coordinated and explosive legs. It reflects your ability to generate force quickly, which is essential for success in almost any sport. Developing that kind of

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Build Strength & Burn Fat: Combine Strength Training and Circuits

General Fitness /

Introduction When your goals are to build strength and decrease body fat, the path you choose in the gym matters. Many gym-goers stick to either traditional strength training or circuit training—but combining both can offer superior results. By leveraging the benefits of each, you can stimulate muscle growth, torch calories, and improve your overall fitness

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Build Stronger Hips with these 4 Hamstring Exercises

Exercise Tips /

Introduction When people think about building stronger hips, the glute muscles usually come to mind first. Another important area, though, for building and maintaining hip strength, are the hamstrings. The glutes are the biggest prime mover in hip extension, but the often neglected hamstring muscles are also important. Developing additional hamstring strength improves knee flexion

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How to Easily Calculate Your Muscle Mass and Fat

Nutrition Tips, Workout Tips /
man exercising with barbell

Introduction The amount of bodyweight someone carries does not distinguish between muscle and fat weight. Overall bodyweight does not paint a true picture of how well someone is doing regarding their diet and exercise. For example, when someone steps onto the scale, it tell them an overall weight, say 227 pounds. The real focus, though,

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Top Hip & Back Extension Exercises for Posterior Chain Power

General Fitness /

Introduction When it comes to strength training, the posterior chain—made up of the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back—is the powerhouse of the body. Exercises like the barbell hip thrust, prone hip extension, and back extension on a machine are vital for developing posterior strength, improving athletic performance, reducing injury risk, and enhancing posture. Scientific research,

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Best Exercises to Build Strong & Defined Shoulder Muscles

General Fitness /

Introduction Building strong and defined shoulder muscles, specifically the deltoids, requires a well-rounded approach that not only targets the superficial muscles but also strengthens the deep intrinsic stabilizers of the shoulder, like the rotator cuff. This strategy improves not only shoulder integrity, it helps prevent injury, and supports long-term gains as well. Why Start with

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Four Popular Jefit Chest Exercises Backed by Science

General Fitness /

Introduction Building a strong, defined chest is a common goal for gym-goers of all levels—and for good reason. The chest is a major muscle group that contributes not only to upper body strength but also to posture and athletic performance. Whether you’re training for strength, size, or endurance, certain exercises consistently rank at the top

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4 Must-Have Exercises Backed by Science for a Full-Body Workout

General Fitness /

Introduction When building a full-body strength routine, efficiency and effectiveness are key. Instead of cramming dozens of exercises into your workout week, research shows that a few well-selected compound movements can drive superior results. Four standout exercises—the barbell bench press, pull-up, back squat, and Romanian deadlift (RDL)—have repeatedly ranked among the top Jefit movements for

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Best Warm-Up for Strength Training, Backed by Science

General Fitness /

Introduction Warming up before a strength training session can mean the difference between a safe, effective workout and a subpar session—or worse, an injury. But the question remains: what’s the best way to warm-up before lifting weights? Should you row for five minutes, do a dynamic routine, or go straight into lighter sets before your

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