Flex Flex_UK__March_2018 | Page 49

chin level in front of me.” It’s three to four sets of 10 to 15 reps, including two-count peak-contraction holds on the final five reps of each. REAR-DELT FACE-OFF With the end of the grueling session in sight, Buendia moves on to rear delts—still on the cable apparatus, he prefers face-pulls to other common rear-delt moves like bentover raises and reverse pec-deck flyes. “Face-pulls provide for a great stretch in the rear delts,” he explains. “Rear delts can be tough to stimulate because it’s harder to engage that mind- muscle connection, but the face- pull makes that process easier. It’s better than the reverse pec deck in my opinion because so many people do that wrong, using their rhomboids or lower traps to bring the weight back.” To do the face-pull, stand in front of a high pulley and grasp each end of the rope attachment with an overhand grip, your palms facing each other. Lift your elbows up to shoulder level and to the sides. Now lean back to counterbalance your body against the weight and, keeping your elbows elevated, pull the rope back toward your head until your hands are alongside your ears. Squeeze, then reverse to the start, not letting the weight stack touch down between reps. “Really reach forward and open your lats on the negative,” Buendia stresses. He’ll do four sets of JEREMY BUENDIA BIRTH DATE Sept. 26, 1990 HEIGHT 5'8" WEIGHT 183 lbs (contest); 200 lbs (off-season) BIRTHPLACE San Jose, CA CURRENT RESIDENCE Murrieta, CA CONTEST HIGHLIGHTS 2014–2017 IFBB Men’s Physique Olympia, 1st; 2014 San Jose Pro Physique, 1st; 2013 Sacramento Pro Physique, 1st; 2013 Greater Gulf States Pro Physique, 1st; 2013 NPC Junior USA Championships men’s physique, Class B and overall (earned pro card) WEB jeremybuendiafitness.com; Instagram @jeremy_buendia; youtube.com/user/jeremybuendia; Facebook @buendiaproperformance MARCH 2018 | FLEX 47