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 double kettlebell clean to push press is a full-body kettlebell exercise that builds strength, power, and conditioning in one explosive movement. Learn proper technique, common mistakes, and how to program it for athletic performance or conditioning.
Cable shrugs build thicker traps by combining constant tension with a shrug path that travels up and back, recruiting the upper and middle trapezius together in a way barbell shrugs can’t. Learn the setup, coaching cues, common mistakes, and programming guidelines for this underrated upper back accessory. Ideal for wrestlers, powerlifters, and anyone chasing real upper trap development.
The 45-degree back extension with medball rotation adds loaded thoracic rotation to a classic glute-ham hyper, building a stronger, more resilient posterior chain while priming your lower back for heavy deadlifts, squats, and hinge work. Learn how to perform it correctly, the common mistakes to avoid, and how to program it as a warm-up or finisher for wrestlers, powerlifters, older lifters, and general fitness clients. Strength coach Brandon Smitley breaks down the cues, muscles worked, and progressions in this complete exercise guide.
The kettlebell sumo RDL with band resistance combines accommodating resistance with effective hip hinge training to develop glute strength, improve deadlift lockout mechanics, and teach proper movement patterns for athletes of all levels. This versatile exercise variation addresses the mechanical limitations of traditional Romanian deadlifts by adding band tension that increases resistance precisely where conventional loading decreases, creating sustained posterior chain engagement throughout the complete range of motion. Whether you’re a beginner learning fundamental movement patterns or an advanced powerlifter seeking targeted accessory work, this banded kettlebell variation delivers comprehensive hamstring, glute, and adductor development with minimal equipment requirements.
Discover the short seated alternating cable row, a powerful dual-purpose exercise that builds upper back strength while improving hip and thoracic mobility in one efficient movement. This comprehensive guide breaks down proper form, equipment setup, and programming strategies to help you master this unique cable row variation that targets your lats, rhomboids, and middle traps. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance posture, reduce back stiffness, and maximize their cable machine workouts with this game-changing posterior chain exercise.
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.
Discover the front foot elevated split stance low cable row, a dynamic exercise that combines single-arm cable row strength building with full-body stability training for superior back development. This functional movement helps improve posture, enhances hip mobility, and teaches integrated strength patterns that translate directly to athletic performance and everyday activities. Learn the proper setup, execution techniques, and programming strategies to master this game-changing back exercise that delivers results beyond traditional seated cable rows.
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.