Front Rack (Barbell) FFE Split Squat

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.

Off-Set KB Drop And Catch Lateral Lunge

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.

Hatfield FFE Reverse Lunge

The Hatfield front foot elevated reverse lunge is one of the most effective single-leg exercises for building lower body strength and size, combining hand-assisted stability with an increased range of motion to load the glutes, quads, and hamstrings heavier than a traditional reverse lunge ever could. In this exercise index breakdown, I walk through setup, technique, programming recommendations, and exactly when to use this variation. It’s also one of my go-to single-leg movements for lifters dealing with low back issues who still want to train hard.

Hatfield Reverse Lunge

The Hatfield reverse lunge is a single-leg strength exercise that uses a safety squat bar and band pegs (or a second barbell) for stability, allowing you to load heavier than a traditional reverse lunge while training the glutes, hamstrings, and quads unilaterally. In this guide, I break down the setup, technique, biomechanics, and programming recommendations so you can use this lunge variation to build lower-body strength, size, and athletic performance. It’s also one of the best lunge variations for in-season athletes and lifters managing low back issues.

Hatfield FFE Split Squat

The Hatfield front foot elevated split squat is one of the most effective single-leg exercises you can add to your training, combining safety squat bar loading with stability support to take balance out of the equation and let you push heavier weights for strength and hypertrophy. In this exercise index breakdown, Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym walks you through the setup, technique, programming recommendations, and the biomechanical reasons this variation builds bigger glutes, stronger legs, and better mobility. Learn how to add this powerful split squat variation to your powerlifting accessory work or athletic development program today.

PRI Wall Supported Zercher Reach

Discover how the PRI Wall Up Supported Zero Reach can eliminate chronic lower back pain and improve hip mobility using nothing more than a wall and proper breathing technique. This powerful postural restoration exercise addresses anterior pelvic tilt, activates key muscle groups, and can be performed anywhere to provide immediate relief and long-term movement improvement. Learn the step-by-step technique that physical therapists use to help clients achieve better spinal alignment and reduce pain in just minutes per day.

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.

Cross Connect Copenhagen Plank

Master the Cross Connect Copenhagen Plank, an advanced core exercise that combines lateral stability with dynamic cross-pattern movement to improve athletic performance and functional strength. This challenging variation of the traditional Copenhagen plank targets your hip adductors, obliques, and deep core muscles while simulating natural gait mechanics for better movement quality. Learn proper technique, programming guidelines, and key benefits of this minimal-equipment exercise that transforms how your body moves both in training and daily life.

Alternating Forward Lunge

Master the alternating forward lunge, a powerful quad-dominant exercise that builds lower body strength using just two dumbbells and minimal space. This dynamic dumbbell lunge variation targets your quadriceps while improving athletic performance through deceleration training, making it perfect for strength building, conditioning workouts, and sports-specific training. Learn proper forward lunge technique, discover when to avoid this knee-dominant exercise, and explore programming strategies to maximize your leg workout results.