The offset TRX push-up with shoulder tap is one of the most advanced push-up variations for building unilateral pressing strength, serratus anterior activation, and anti-rotation core stability. Learn the complete setup, step-by-step technique, muscles worked, common mistakes, and programming for this suspension trainer exercise. Ideal for powerlifters, combat sports athletes, and anyone ready to progress beyond the standard push-up.
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.
The split stance cable lift builds rotational power, core stability, and hip mobility in a single athletic movement, making it one of the most versatile exercises for developing change of direction strength. Brandon Smitley breaks down the setup, the “into the cut” versus “out of the cut” variations, and programming recommendations for athletes, combat sports competitors, and general fitness clients alike.
The split stance cable lift is an underrated rotational core exercise that builds anti-rotation strength, hip stability, and change of direction performance for athletes, powerlifters, and combat sports competitors. Learn how to set up the lift with a cable machine and lift and chop strap, when to choose each foot position variation, and how to program it for serious carryover to sport and the platform.
The sandbag shoulder carry is one of the most effective loaded carry variations for building lateral trunk stability, oblique strength, hip mobility, and conditioning for powerlifters, combat sport athletes, and general fitness clients. Learn how to perform the sandbag shoulder carry with proper form, why it works as an anti-lateral flexion core exercise, and how to program it for both strength and conditioning blocks at THIRST Gym.
The best ab exercises aren’t the trendy ones flooding your social media feed — they’re the five movements backed by EMG research that actually build a stronger, more functional core. From the dead bug and Pallof press to the ab wheel rollout, hanging leg raise, and kneeling cable crunch, this guide breaks down exactly how to perform, progress, and program the most effective abdominal exercises for powerlifters, combat athletes, and general fitness enthusiasts. Stop wasting hours on endless crunches and learn how to train your rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis the right way.
The Copenhagen side plank march builds adductor strength, lateral core stability, and hip flexor endurance in a single challenging movement. This progression of the standard Copenhagen plank adds a marching component that increases trunk stability demands while maintaining isometric loading through the top leg adductors. Learn proper setup, technique, and programming recommendations to effectively incorporate this exercise into your strength and conditioning routine.
The double kettlebell front rack belt squat march combines belt squat hip loading with a double kettlebell front rack hold to build hip strength, core stability, and upper back endurance in one efficient exercise. Learn proper setup, technique cues, and programming recommendations for athletes and strength sport competitors.
The half kneeling pallof press with What’s That Strap is an advanced anti-rotation core exercise that builds exceptional trunk stability and rotational resistance using a cable machine. This comprehensive guide covers proper setup, execution mechanics, and programming strategies for this functional core training movement that benefits athletes, powerlifters, and anyone seeking to develop genuine integrated core strength. Learn how the specialized strap attachment reduces wrist strain while maximizing oblique activation and deep core engagement in this asymmetrical stability exercise.
The belt squat suitcase marching exercise combines unilateral kettlebell loading with dynamic belt squat work to simultaneously develop hip strength, core stability, and cardiovascular conditioning in a single movement pattern. This hybrid exercise challenges your obliques and anti-lateral flexion strength while building powerful hip flexors and single-leg stability, making it valuable for athletes, powerlifters, and anyone seeking functional strength without spinal compression. Whether programmed as a strength accessory or high-intensity conditioning finisher, this versatile variation delivers comprehensive training benefits that transfer directly to athletic performance and real-world movement demands.