approach is from the inside out. Every time you inhale, you are in effect stretching the rib-cage cartilage. We take advan- tage of this fact by performing what are commonly called breathing squats. Breathing squats are performed like regular squats, but with the emphasis on breathing rather than thigh development. Because the movements are so

similar, we suggest you perform breathing squats on the same day as your leg workouts. Instead of heavy weight for 10 to 12 reps, we suggest 25 to 30 reps with a light weight. Inhale as deeply as you can, and then exhale as fully as possible. Follow a set of breathing squats with a set of dumbell pullovers, lying across a bench. Some books suggest lying lengthwise on a bench and using a barbell, but performing pullovers in this manner limits the range of movement. By lying across a bench you can fully arch and stretch the rib cage. Using a barbell will put most of the stress on the back and triceps muscles. A dumbell can be held in a manner that eliminates much of this strain.

As with breathing squats, the emphasis is on breath- ,.

ing, not the amount of weight used. (For a full description of squats and pullovers, see the training sections in this text.) We recommend performing 2 or 3 sets. Although it's personal preference, most bodybuilders like to perform the exercises at the end of their workouts.

Now that we have outlined a technique to improve your rib cage, the next order of business is to explain why. The first

and most obvious reason is cosmetic. A large rib cage gives you a larger chest measurement. All things being equal (i.e. similar pectoral development), the bodybuilder with the larger rib cage will look far more im- pressive in a side chest shot. You may be limited by genetics in developing large pectoral muscles, but you can compensate by displaying your moderate chest muscles on a large rib box.

There is another reason for developing a large rib cage. If you have the potential for developing thick pec- torals, a solid foundation is a necessity. No matter how large your chest muscles, they will never have that full appearance unless they are displayed on a well- developed platform.

A final reason for rib-cage expansion is health. Regular breathing squats give the heart and lungs a terrific work- out. As well, a large rib cage provides greater protection for the body's internal organs - its main function after all.

Rob Maraby is the author of the fastmuscles program, a Manual that shows the hard-gainer or bodybuilder how to gain lean muscle mass and strength in the shortest time possible! It works by targeting the central nervous system, allows ample recovery time for growth and minimizes the amount of food one has to eat to gain muscle mass http://www.how-to-gain-weight-fast.com/ disocver how to build a chest http://www.massivechest.com/