6 Exercises That Build Championship Wrestling Strength

The best exercises for wrestling and combat sports athletes go far beyond the bench press and squat — they target the specific strength qualities that actually win matches. In this guide, THIRST Gym performance coach Brandon Smitley breaks down the six exercises he relies on most after a decade of training wrestlers and grappling-based athletes, covering everything from lateral power development and single leg strength to grip training and end-of-match conditioning. Whether you are a high school wrestler working toward college competition or a grappler looking to take your mat performance to the next level, these exercises will help you build the impulse, absolute strength, and power endurance your sport demands.

Best Exercises For Combat Sport Athletes

Discover the best exercises for combat sport athletes training in MMA, wrestling, boxing, and jiu-jitsu. This complete strength and conditioning guide covers essential movements for building grip strength, explosive power, rotational force, and fight-specific endurance that directly transfer to the cage and mat. Learn how to program grip-intensive rows, loaded carries, medicine ball throws, landmine variations, and sport-specific lifts like zercher squats and sumo deadlifts to dominate your competition.