5 Overlooked Accessories That Add 50+ lbs to Your Total

Most powerlifters are missing out on fifty pounds or more on their total because they’re overlooking five critical accessory exercises that build core stability, upper back thickness, and unilateral leg strength. This comprehensive guide reveals how to properly execute and program the dead bug, Croc row, Bulgarian split squat, JM press, and suitcase carry to address weak links in your squat, bench press, and deadlift. Learn the exact progressions, loading parameters, and programming strategies that can add serious pounds to your powerlifting total in just six to eight weeks.

Heels Elevated Transformer Bar Squat

The heels elevated transformer bar squat delivers powerful quadriceps development and front squat mechanics without the wrist mobility demands or upper back strength limitations that hold most lifters back from traditional front squatting. By combining strategic heel elevation with the Kabuki Transformer Bar’s adjustable anterior loading system, you can achieve exceptional squat depth while maintaining a vertical torso position that maximizes quad engagement and minimizes lower back stress. This specialized variation allows you to load heavier than goblet squats while training the same beneficial movement patterns that make front squats so effective for building leg strength and athletic power.

5 Overhead Press Mistakes That Are RUINING Your Gains (Quick Fixes Inside)

If you’ve been struggling to add weight to your overhead press for months, you’re likely making one of five critical technical mistakes that instantly limit your shoulder strength and pressing power. These common overhead press errors – from improper bar path to poor breathing technique – can be corrected immediately to unlock significant strength gains and break through frustrating plateaus. Master these essential pressing corrections today and finally start building the impressive shoulder strength you’ve been working toward.

Heels Elevated Front Squat

Master the heels elevated front squat with this complete exercise guide that transforms your quad development and squat technique. Learn proper setup, equipment options, and step-by-step execution to maximize lower body strength while maintaining perfect vertical positioning. Discover why this powerful variation helps you overcome mobility limitations and achieve deeper squats with better muscle activation.

Smitley Shrug

Discover the Smitley Shrug, a revolutionary compound exercise that combines rear delt raises, face pulls, and shrugs into one powerful upper back movement that allows you to use significantly heavier weights than traditional isolation exercises. This innovative dumbbell exercise targets your upper traps, rear delts, and rhomboids simultaneously, making it the ultimate time-efficient solution for building serious upper back mass and strength. Perfect for both home and gym workouts, the Smitley Shrug delivers maximum muscle-building potential with minimal equipment requirements.

Lateral Bound To Box Jump

Master the lateral bound to box jump, a powerful plyometric exercise that combines lateral power development with explosive vertical jumping ability. This multi-planar movement is particularly effective for basketball and volleyball athletes, teaching your body to efficiently transfer horizontal momentum into vertical force for improved athletic performance. Learn proper technique, programming guidelines, and sport-specific applications to maximize your explosive power development.

Deadlift Technique Masterclass: Setup To Lockout

Master the deadlift with this complete guide covering proper technique, stance selection, and programming strategies to break through strength plateaus and hit new personal records. Learn the four critical components of deadlift success – from anatomical considerations and mobility requirements to mental preparation and advanced training methods that work for both beginner and experienced powerlifters. Discover common deadlift mistakes, targeted solutions for weakness at different lift phases, and evidence-based programming approaches that optimize your training frequency and intensity for maximum strength gains.

Lateral Hurdle Hop To Box Jump

Master the lateral hurdle hop to box jump, a powerful plyometric exercise that combines explosive lateral movement with vertical power development to enhance athletic performance across multiple sports. This compound movement trains the stretch-shortening cycle while building multi-directional power, making it an essential exercise for athletes seeking to improve agility, vertical jump height, and overall lower body explosiveness. Learn proper technique, equipment setup, and programming strategies to safely integrate this advanced plyometric drill into your training routine.

Slam Ball Slam

Slam ball exercises offer a unique training approach that combines explosive power development, cardiovascular conditioning, and functional strength building through their distinctive sand-filled design that eliminates bounce and recoil. Unlike traditional medicine balls, slam balls force you to retrieve the weight after each explosive throw, creating a challenging full-body workout that targets multiple fitness goals simultaneously. Whether you’re seeking athletic power development with lighter weights, metabolic conditioning with moderate loads, or functional strength building with heavier slam balls, this versatile exercise can be programmed to match your specific training objectives and fitness level.

Double KB Front Rack In-Place Lateral Lunge

Master the double kettlebell front rack in-place lateral lunge, a powerful compound exercise that combines anterior loading with lateral movement patterns to develop functional strength, improve hip mobility, and enhance athletic performance. This comprehensive guide breaks down proper kettlebell positioning, movement execution, and programming recommendations to help you maximize the benefits of this challenging frontal plane exercise. Learn how the unique front rack position creates superior core stability and upper back engagement while the lateral lunge component targets your glutes, adductors, and posterior chain for complete lower body development.