With 2014 winding down, I’d like to present to my readers the ten most popular articles of the year on my website. I’m also going to list 40 additional articles that are worth reading from 2014 (this way you have the top 50 articles). This has been a kickass year in terms of content. I’d like to offer a big thanks to all of my guest contributors and interviewees, and a huge thanks to all of the readers and fans who share my articles, send me before/after pics, and tag me on social media. Without you, the blog definitely wouldn’t be what it is today. I don’t know how I’ll top this in 2015 but of course I will try my best.

1. You Can’t Stop the Hip Thrust, and You Won’t Break Our Stride

THIS was the most popular article of 2014. I’m happy that this one took the top spot, as it was very personal to me. Ain’t no stoppin’ the hip thrust!

2. “You’re All a Bunch of Pathetic Weaklings,” Says the Steroid Using Powerlifter

I have a big problem with meatheads and powerlifters bullying and disrespecting other lifters, especially when they’re on steroids and the lifters they’re poking fun of are natural. THIS article addresses this concern.

3. 10 Things All Beginning Lifters Should Know

With all of the conflicting information out there, beginning lifters have their work cut out for them. I wrote THIS article to help out the beginners and clear up some confusion.

4. Do More than “Just Squat”

Squat until your heart is content. Just please add in other exercises! Click HERE to read my thoughts on the far from optimal “just squat” mentality.

5. Trust Me, You Have the Time: Fitness Excuses Under Scrutiny

Excuses are a dime a dozen. Click HERE to learn why all fitness excuses are a bunch of rubbish.

6. A Spectacular Glute Transformation

HERE is Casey Bergh’s amazing transformation. She’s a total badass, and y’all loved her story.

7. To Bulk and Cut or Not to Bulk and Cut

Click HERE to find out why I’m not a fan of bulking and cutting, and why I feel that slow and steady is the more appropriate course of action in fitness.

8. The Ten Worst Types of Personal Trainers

THIS article was a big hit. Are you one of these types of trainers? I hope not. Sure, the article was fun to write, but taking the pictures was even more enjoyable.

9. Long, Lean Muscles: Oh, the Irony

Yoga and Pilates are good forms of training. But if you want long and lean muscles, lift weights. Click HERE to find out why lifting weights is better suited for actually lengthening muscle and leaning out the body than Yoga or Pilates.

10. Serious Glute Development for Serious Lifters

HERE are some great glute transformation stories along with their training strategies, including Sasha Ann’s below.

Honorable Mentions

The articles below didn’t make the top ten spot, but many of these will whet your appetite.

1. Why People Must Squat Differently
2. How to Strip Plates Off the Bar After Heavy Deadlifts
3. What’s the Difference Between a Romanian Deadlift, American Deadlift, Stiff Legged Deadlift, and Straight Leg Deadlift?
4. Addicted to Fatigue
5. Sasha’s Glute Transformation Story
6. You Should Definitely Avoid this Movement
7. Why I Lift, and Why You Should Too
8. Ladies, Make Sure You Periodize (Pun Intended)
9. Allocating Volume to Maximize Muscle Growth
10. The Nordic Ham Curl: A Staple Exercise for Athletes
11. Quit Going So Darn Heavy on Hip Thrusts: Train Your Glutes, Not Your Ego
12. Glute Training: Pay Attention to the Eccentric Phase for Better Results
13. A Simple System for Progression: 3 Set Total Reps
14. 10 Training Tips for the Ladies
15. I Want to Do a Chin Up! 15 Tips to Improve Your Chinning Progress
16. What To Do When an Exercise is Causing Pain or Injury
17. The Bulgarian Split Squat Solution
18. Finding Your Ideal Squat Depth
19. The Glute Ham Tie-In
20. 3 Ways to Be An Insufferable Fitness Snob
21. Ignorant and Incompetent People Aren’t Aware of Their Ignorance and Incompetence
22. Not Seeing Results? You Might Be Lying to Yourself
23. What Are the Best Glute Exercises?
24. Are the Hamstrings Really Primarily Fast-Twitch?
25. All About Back Extensions
26. Core Stability Training for the Advanced Lifter
27. A Squat Devotee No More
28. What’s the Best Single Leg Exercise?
29. How to Do Band Hip Thrusts
30. Sprinting and Glutes
31. How to Increase Your Chin-Ups
32. How to Increase Your Bench Press
33. How to Increase Your Squat
34. How to Increase Your Deadlift
35. How to Burn the Glutes and Get a Glute Pump
36. How to Hip Thrust
37. Bret’s Booty-Blasting Protocol
38. What to Do When an Exercise is Causing Pain or Injury
39. 3 Tips for Faster Strength Gains
40. How to Make Your Rehab, Deloading, and Peaking More Effective