The sandbag Zercher step-up builds single-leg strength in your glutes and quads while keeping your torso tall and your joints happy. Learn how to choose the right box height, fix the most common step-up mistakes, and program it for strength, hypertrophy, or low-impact conditioning.
The double kettlebell clean to push jerk is a full-body power exercise that builds triple extension, explosive hip drive, and overhead stability with just two kettlebells. Learn proper clean and push jerk technique, how it differs from the push press, how heavy to go, and how to program it for strength, power, and conditioning.
The tall kneeling single arm high cable row with opposite reach trains the lats, upper back, glutes, and core while teaching proper rib and pelvis alignment. Learn how to set up, perform, and program this cable exercise to improve upper body mobility and full-body control.
The tall kneeling single arm high band row with opposite reach builds pelvic control, rib cage motion, and upper back strength using nothing but a resistance band. Learn the setup, coaching cues, common mistakes, and programming for this beginner-friendly positional exercise. A complete guide from Brandon Smitley at THIRST Gym in Terre Haute, Indiana.
The tall kneeling single arm high band row is a beginner-friendly resistance band exercise that teaches proper rowing mechanics, core rigidity, and hip position all at once. Learn the correct setup, execution cues, common mistakes, and rep-and-set programming for young athletes and new lifters. Find out exactly where this movement fits between the half kneeling row and heavier loaded pulling variations.
The kettlebell Jefferson curl is a slow, controlled loaded-flexion exercise that builds lower back strength, spinal mobility, and multifidi control at the same time. Learn how to perform it correctly, why loaded spinal flexion isn’t the enemy for healthy lifters, and exactly how to program it as a warm-up, recovery tool, or standalone back-strengthening movement.
The glute ham roller lateral lunge is a frontal plane exercise that builds adductor strength, hip mobility, and single-leg stability all at once. Learn how to perform it, the key coaching cues, common mistakes, and how to program it for wrestlers, powerlifters, and any athlete who needs stronger, more mobile hips. A simple, scalable way to train lateral movement and change of direction.
The elevated superman with med ball rotation is a posterior chain exercise that builds isometric strength through the glutes, hamstrings, erectors, and multifidus while training controlled spinal rotation. Using a plyometric box and two medicine balls, this superman variation locks in hip extension and makes an excellent warm-up or primer before lifting and conditioning days. It’s a smart, low-impact option for athletes and anyone working toward a stronger, more resilient lower back.
Learn how to perform the glute ham roller reverse lunge, a single-leg exercise that builds stronger quads and glutes while challenging hip stability. This joint-friendly reverse lunge variation uses a glute ham roller to support your back foot, making it accessible for athletes, powerlifters, and general fitness clients alike. Get step-by-step technique, common mistakes to avoid, and programming guidance from strength coach Brandon Smitley.
Master the hip turn to lateral pushout, a simple but powerful change of direction drill that trains athletes to reorient their hips, stay low, and explode into an aggressive lateral push. Learn the setup, technique, coaching cues, common mistakes, and programming to build faster, more reactive athletes. A perfect addition to any warm-up, hip turn series, or speed and agility training block.