The prone IYTW complex is a no-equipment shoulder health exercise you can do anywhere to strengthen your upper back, improve scapular stability, and bulletproof your shoulders. Learn how to perform all four positions correctly, the most common mistakes to avoid, and how strength coach Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym programs this warm-up drill for powerlifters, combat athletes, and youth athletes alike.
The unsupported hip airplane is a progression of the classic hip airplane drill that builds hip mobility, glute activation, and single-leg stability simultaneously, making it one of the most effective dynamic warm-up exercises for athletes and lifters. By removing external support, this variation forces your foot, ankle, and deep hip stabilizers to work in coordination while your hip rotates through its full range of motion. Add five to ten reps per side before squats, deadlifts, or any athletic activity to prime your hips and feel the difference immediately.
Discover how to build bulletproof trunk strength that will transform your squat, bench press, and deadlift performance through proven powerlifting techniques that go far beyond traditional ab training. This comprehensive guide reveals the anatomy, bracing methods, and specific anti-extension, anti-rotation, and anti-flexion exercises that elite strength athletes use to create maximum force transfer and spinal stability under heavy loads. Learn the programming strategies and exercise progressions that will turn your midsection into an unbreakable foundation for lifting personal records while maintaining long-term spinal health.