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

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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.

Sandbag Ground To Shoulder

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The sandbag ground to shoulder is a full-body strength and conditioning exercise that builds hip extension power, grip strength, and core stability using nothing more than a sandbag. Learn proper technique for both the direct ground-to-shoulder variation and the lapping technique for heavier loads, plus programming recommendations for athletes and combat sports competitors. This exercise is a staple in the THIRST Gym training arsenal for wrestlers, fighters, and anyone looking to build practical, real-world strength.

Single Arm DB Split Jerk

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The single arm dumbbell split jerk is a powerful Olympic lifting variation that builds explosive upper body strength, unilateral coordination, and split stance athleticism using just one dumbbell. This exercise is ideal for coaches working with teams, athletes with limited equipment access, or anyone looking to develop split jerk mechanics without a barbell. Learn proper technique, coaching cues, and programming recommendations to get the most out of this versatile power exercise.

Single Arm DB Push Jerk

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The single arm dumbbell push jerk is a full-body power exercise that uses an explosive lower body drive to launch a dumbbell into a locked-out overhead catch position — developing both power production and absorption in a single movement. Learn proper front rack setup, dip-and-drive mechanics, and how to land and absorb the load safely overhead. Program it for three to five sets of three to five reps per arm to build athletic upper body power without a barbell or platform.

Single Arm DB Push Press

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The single arm dumbbell push press is a powerful unilateral exercise that combines a lower body dip with an explosive overhead press to build upper body power and improve athletic performance. Learn proper rack position, foot stance, and the dip-drive-punch technique to maximize force transfer through a single arm. Programmed for three to five sets of three to five reps per side, this exercise is ideal for athletes, wrestlers, and anyone serious about developing explosive pressing strength.

2025 Year in Review: Real Talk on Content Growth, Gym Ownership & What’s Next

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Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym recaps the 2025 year across YouTube, the THIRST More Podcast, Instagram, and online coaching, sharing real analytics, business challenges, and what is changing heading into 2026. From hitting YouTube monetization and growing to 6,000 subscribers to navigating a gym relocation due to eminent domain, this post covers the full story behind a year of growth and hard lessons for a working strength coach and small gym owner. If you are a strength athlete, powerlifter, wrestler, or coach looking for honest insights from someone in the trenches, this is the recap worth reading.

Kickstand Goblet Squat

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The kickstand goblet squat is a quad-dominant squat variation that uses a staggered stance to emphasize one leg at a time — with nothing more than a single dumbbell or kettlebell. Learn proper setup, technique, and programming for this effective unilateral accessory exercise. Perfect for garage gym athletes, beginners, and anyone looking to add single-leg quad work without machines.

Cable Zercher RDL

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The cable Zercher RDL is a beginner-friendly hip hinge variation that uses a cable machine and tricep extension bar to target the glutes and hamstrings in the stretched position. Whether you’re a new lifter learning the hip hinge pattern or an experienced athlete looking for a fresh posterior chain accessory exercise, this movement delivers consistent tension and quality muscle stimulus. Learn proper setup, technique, and programming recommendations in this complete exercise breakdown from THIRST Gym.

Forced to Move: Our Gym’s Eminent Domain Story

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When the State of Indiana informed us that eminent domain would force our gym to relocate, we faced a three-and-a-half-year journey through commercial real estate challenges, failed property deals, and financial uncertainty that tested everything we built over seven years. This complete guide shares our experience relocating THIRST Gym in Terre Haute, including environmental assessment obstacles, building code requirements, and the unexpected lessons that transformed us from gym renters into property owners. If you’re considering gym ownership, facing a forced business relocation, or navigating commercial real estate for your fitness facility, this story reveals the financial realities, strategic decisions, and ultimate silver linings that came from one of the most challenging periods in our business history.