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 hamstring walk is a concentric-only finisher that torches the hamstrings while doubling as prehab and injury-prevention work. Because it emphasizes knee flexion without heavy eccentric loading, it’s one of the few hamstring exercises you can program in-season without adding soreness. Learn how to set it up, coach it, load it, and program it for athletes in any sport.
The three-way ankle is a resistance-band complex that trains ankle inversion, eversion, and plantar flexion to strengthen the peroneals and lower leg. Ideal for ankle sprain rehab, return-to-play work, and shin splint prevention, this simple band exercise builds the stability athletes need to stay healthy. Learn the setup, coaching cues, common mistakes, and programming from strength coach Brandon Smitley.
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 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.
The offset kettlebell front rack carry with waiter carry is a full-body loaded carry that builds abdominal strength, shoulder stability, and hip health all at once. In this complete guide, strength coach Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym breaks down the biomechanics, coaching cues, and programming for using this offset kettlebell carry as a finisher, conditioning tool, or warm-up. Learn how to load, position, and program it for wrestlers, powerlifters, combat athletes, and everyday lifters alike.
Learn how to perform the back elevated banded hip abduction, a simple glute activation drill that teaches athletes to actually feel their hips work. This step-by-step guide from Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym covers setup, coaching cues, common mistakes, and programming for warm-ups. Discover why this bridge-position band exercise beats standard clamshells for building real hip strength before you squat, deadlift, or compete.
The band-resisted cat-camel is a simple upgrade to the classic cat-camel that builds real thoracic mobility, recruits the serratus and core, and assists you into deeper spinal extension. Learn how to set up, perform, and program this resistance band mobility drill for powerlifters, combat sports athletes, swimmers, golfers, and anyone with a stiff upper back. Brought to you by Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym in Terre Haute, Indiana.
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.
Standing rack-supported hip CARs are a simple, effective hip mobility drill that uses controlled articular rotations to unlock your hip’s full range of motion — flexion, extension, and rotation. Learn how to perform this versatile mobility exercise, the common mistakes to avoid, and how to program it as a warm-up or mobility filler for squats, deadlifts, wrestling, and athletic performance.