Forward bounding is a simple, low-equipment sprint mechanics drill that reduces ground contact time and builds the reactive, springy strength fast athletes rely on. Learn how to perform forward bounding correctly, the muscles it targets, common mistakes to avoid, and how to program it for sprinters, combat athletes, and youth athletes. All you need is a straight line and some open space to start running faster and moving more efficiently.
The front rack barbell front foot elevated split squat is one of the most complete single leg exercises you can program — combining deficit range of motion, heavy barbell loading, and a serious trunk and upper back demand. Learn the full setup, front rack options, step-by-step technique, common mistakes, and exactly how to program it for strength or hypertrophy. Whether you’re a powerlifter, a combat sports athlete, or just want stronger legs, this is the split squat variation worth mastering.
The front rack barbell split squat is one of the best ways to load single-leg strength heavier than dumbbells or kettlebells allow. Learn proper setup, cross-arm grip technique, common mistakes, and programming for wrestlers, MMA fighters, powerlifters, and general strength athletes. A complete guide to building unilateral lower-body strength with just a barbell and a rack.
Learn how to perform the feet-elevated crunch, a strict, isolated ab exercise that targets the rectus abdominis while taking the hip flexors and lower back out of the equation. This step-by-step guide from Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym covers setup, technique, common mistakes, loading options, and programming to help you build a stronger mind-muscle connection. Perfect for beginners, lifters, and combat sports athletes looking to train their abs with quality over ego.
Learn how to perform the back elevated banded hip abduction, a simple glute activation drill that teaches athletes to actually feel their hips work. This step-by-step guide from Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym covers setup, coaching cues, common mistakes, and programming for warm-ups. Discover why this bridge-position band exercise beats standard clamshells for building real hip strength before you squat, deadlift, or compete.
The supine band straight-arm lat pullover is one of the most underrated minimal-equipment exercises for building your lats through a full range of motion while improving overhead shoulder mobility and core control. In this complete guide, THIRST Gym owner Brandon Smitley breaks down the setup, biomechanics, common mistakes, and programming so you can train your lats effectively with nothing but a resistance band. A must-read for powerlifters, combat sports athletes, swimmers, and anyone training in a home or garage gym.
The band-resisted cat-camel is a simple upgrade to the classic cat-camel that builds real thoracic mobility, recruits the serratus and core, and assists you into deeper spinal extension. Learn how to set up, perform, and program this resistance band mobility drill for powerlifters, combat sports athletes, swimmers, golfers, and anyone with a stiff upper back. Brought to you by Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym in Terre Haute, Indiana.
The offset kettlebell drop and catch lateral lunge to slant board is a deceleration drill that teaches athletes to put on the brakes, yield into the hip, and stop cleanly before redirecting. Ideal for bigger, tighter athletes who struggle with lateral movement, this slant board exercise builds change-of-direction control, hip mobility, and single-leg stability. Learn the full setup, coaching cues, common mistakes, and programming from Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Learn the offset kettlebell drop and catch lateral lunge, a powerful deceleration and change-of-direction exercise that teaches athletes how to plant, brake, and stop efficiently. Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym in Terre Haute, Indiana breaks down the biomechanics, coaching cues, common mistakes, and programming for wrestlers, combat athletes, and anyone looking to move more athletically. A must-know drill for building resilient, injury-resistant change of direction.
The prone IYTW complex is a no-equipment shoulder health exercise you can do anywhere to strengthen your upper back, improve scapular stability, and bulletproof your shoulders. Learn how to perform all four positions correctly, the most common mistakes to avoid, and how strength coach Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym programs this warm-up drill for powerlifters, combat athletes, and youth athletes alike.