The 5 Best Tricep Exercises for Size & Strength (Backed by Science)

Discover the top five science-backed tricep exercises for building maximum strength and size, including the close grip bench press, JM press, overhead cable extension, rope push-down, and board press. Learn how to train all three heads of the tricep — long, lateral, and medial — with proper technique, programming recommendations, and progression strategies. Whether you’re a powerlifter looking to add plates to your bench press or an athlete chasing bigger arms, this complete tricep training guide from THIRST Gym covers everything you need.

Tall Kneeling Band Pull Apart

The tall kneeling band pull apart is a resistance band exercise that builds upper back strength, rear deltoid development, and postural control by eliminating the compensation patterns that make traditional standing variations ineffective. Learn proper tall kneeling setup, pulling mechanics, and how to program this movement as a warm-up, superset, or high-rep finisher. All you need is a light to moderate resistance band and a commitment to intentional reps.

KB Sumo RDL with Band RNT

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.

How to Design Your Own Strength Program (Step By Step Guide)

Learn how to write your own strength and conditioning program from scratch with this complete guide covering training frequency, exercise selection, and session structure. This comprehensive framework walks you through organizing your mobility work, power development, main strength movements, accessory exercises, and conditioning into an effective program tailored to your goals and schedule. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced lifter, discover the essential principles of program design that deliver real results in the gym.

Why 90% of Lifters Bench Press Wrong (It’s Not What You Think)

Nearly 90% of lifters approach the bench press with the wrong mental focus, limiting their strength potential regardless of how perfect their technique appears. This comprehensive guide reveals the single mental shift that can immediately add pounds to your bench press by changing how you think about generating force during the press. Learn why pushing yourself away from the barbell instead of pushing the bar up creates superior biomechanical advantage, plus discover practical implementation strategies and supplemental exercises that reinforce this game-changing approach to pressing strength.

5 Overlooked Accessories That Add 50+ lbs to Your Total

Most powerlifters are missing out on fifty pounds or more on their total because they’re overlooking five critical accessory exercises that build core stability, upper back thickness, and unilateral leg strength. This comprehensive guide reveals how to properly execute and program the dead bug, Croc row, Bulgarian split squat, JM press, and suitcase carry to address weak links in your squat, bench press, and deadlift. Learn the exact progressions, loading parameters, and programming strategies that can add serious pounds to your powerlifting total in just six to eight weeks.

Supine Stability Ball Cable Lat Pullover

The supine stability ball cable lat pullover transforms traditional lat training into a comprehensive full-body exercise that builds back strength while simultaneously engaging your hamstrings and core for total posterior chain development. This cable machine variation provides an intense lat stretch in a supported thoracic extension position, making it an ideal accessory movement for maximizing lat hypertrophy and improving upper back mobility. Learn proper setup, execution technique, and programming strategies to incorporate this innovative stability ball exercise into your strength training routine for enhanced back development and functional core stability.

4 Science Backed Protocols That Boost Power Output By 12%

Research shows that ninety percent of athletes are missing out on twelve percent of their available power output due to suboptimal training methods. This comprehensive guide breaks down four scientifically validated protocols that can immediately boost your explosive power and athletic performance, whether you’re preparing for competition or breaking through a training plateau. Learn how to implement post activation potentiation, compensatory acceleration training, dynamic neuromuscular facilitation, and velocity-based ramping to unlock the power you’re currently leaving on the table.

Heels Elevated Transformer Bar Squat

The heels elevated transformer bar squat delivers powerful quadriceps development and front squat mechanics without the wrist mobility demands or upper back strength limitations that hold most lifters back from traditional front squatting. By combining strategic heel elevation with the Kabuki Transformer Bar’s adjustable anterior loading system, you can achieve exceptional squat depth while maintaining a vertical torso position that maximizes quad engagement and minimizes lower back stress. This specialized variation allows you to load heavier than goblet squats while training the same beneficial movement patterns that make front squats so effective for building leg strength and athletic power.

Single Arm Seated Cable Row With Opposite Reach

Master the single arm seated cable row with opposite reach, a dynamic upper back exercise that combines traditional cable row strength training with athletic rotational movement patterns. This innovative variation targets your lats, rhomboids, and posterior deltoids while improving rib cage mobility and core stability, making it perfect for athletes seeking both muscle hypertrophy and functional performance. Learn proper technique, programming recommendations, and discover why this cable machine exercise outperforms standard bilateral rowing movements for comprehensive back development.