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.
Learn how to perform the glute ham roller reverse lunge, a single-leg exercise that builds stronger quads and glutes while challenging hip stability. This joint-friendly reverse lunge variation uses a glute ham roller to support your back foot, making it accessible for athletes, powerlifters, and general fitness clients alike. Get step-by-step technique, common mistakes to avoid, and programming guidance from strength coach Brandon Smitley.
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.
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.
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.
Single leg lateral hops in place are an essential plyometric exercise for developing lateral power, reactive strength, and single-leg stability in the frontal plane. This beginner-friendly movement requires no equipment and minimal space, making it perfect for introductory plyometric training while also serving as effective tissue preparation for advanced athletes before more intensive lateral training. Learn proper technique, programming recommendations, and how to integrate this foundational lateral hop exercise into your training routine for improved athletic performance and multi-directional movement capacity.
Single leg lateral hops are a foundational plyometric exercise that develops lateral power, ankle stiffness, and reactive strength for athletes at all levels. Learn proper technique, avoid common mistakes, and discover how to progress from this beginner-friendly movement to advanced lateral plyometrics that enhance sports performance. Perfect for youth athletes, team sport competitors, and anyone looking to improve lateral movement, change of direction speed, and frontal plane power development.
The front foot elevated kettlebell hamburger split squat is a knee-friendly split squat variation that combines anterior loading with strategic elevation to improve hip mobility while building serious lower body strength. This corrective exercise is perfect for anyone experiencing knee discomfort during traditional split squats and lunges, using a unique kettlebell positioning that creates space for proper movement mechanics. Learn the complete setup, execution, and programming strategies to make this single-leg exercise a valuable addition to your leg training routine.
Single leg forward hops are an essential plyometric exercise for developing reactive strength, hip stability, and unilateral power that directly transfers to sprinting, jumping, and athletic performance. Whether you’re a coach working with young athletes who need foundational movement skills or training advanced competitors who require dynamic warm-up drills, this low-impact bodyweight exercise builds the explosive qualities and lower leg resilience critical for athletic success. Learn proper technique, common mistakes to avoid, and how to program forward hops effectively across all skill levels.
Single leg hops in place are the foundational plyometric exercise every athlete needs to master before progressing to advanced power training. This comprehensive guide breaks down the biomechanics, programming strategies, and progression principles behind this deceptively simple movement that builds ankle stability, hip control, and unilateral force production. Whether you’re coaching young athletes or incorporating dynamic warm-up drills for elite performers, learn how to properly implement single leg hops to develop tendon resilience, reactive strength, and injury-resistant movement patterns.