The split stance cable lift builds rotational power, core stability, and hip mobility in a single athletic movement, making it one of the most versatile exercises for developing change of direction strength. Brandon Smitley breaks down the setup, the “into the cut” versus “out of the cut” variations, and programming recommendations for athletes, combat sports competitors, and general fitness clients alike.
The split stance cable lift is an underrated rotational core exercise that builds anti-rotation strength, hip stability, and change of direction performance for athletes, powerlifters, and combat sports competitors. Learn how to set up the lift with a cable machine and lift and chop strap, when to choose each foot position variation, and how to program it for serious carryover to sport and the platform.
The sandbag shoulder carry is one of the most effective loaded carry variations for building lateral trunk stability, oblique strength, hip mobility, and conditioning for powerlifters, combat sport athletes, and general fitness clients. Learn how to perform the sandbag shoulder carry with proper form, why it works as an anti-lateral flexion core exercise, and how to program it for both strength and conditioning blocks at THIRST Gym.
The best ab exercises aren’t the trendy ones flooding your social media feed — they’re the five movements backed by EMG research that actually build a stronger, more functional core. From the dead bug and Pallof press to the ab wheel rollout, hanging leg raise, and kneeling cable crunch, this guide breaks down exactly how to perform, progress, and program the most effective abdominal exercises for powerlifters, combat athletes, and general fitness enthusiasts. Stop wasting hours on endless crunches and learn how to train your rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis the right way.
The single leg hip flexor plank with hamstring feedback is a powerful isometric exercise that simultaneously strengthens the hip flexors and hamstrings while correcting pelvic alignment and improving overall hip mobility. By leveraging the functional relationship between the hamstrings and pelvis, this movement addresses anterior pelvic tilt, builds deep hip stability, and integrates core activation in a single drill. Add it to your warm-up before squats or deadlifts, use it on recovery days, or plug it in as a filler between heavy sets to maximize hip health and athletic performance.
The Copenhagen side plank march builds adductor strength, lateral core stability, and hip flexor endurance in a single challenging movement. This progression of the standard Copenhagen plank adds a marching component that increases trunk stability demands while maintaining isometric loading through the top leg adductors. Learn proper setup, technique, and programming recommendations to effectively incorporate this exercise into your strength and conditioning routine.
The double kettlebell front rack belt squat march combines belt squat hip loading with a double kettlebell front rack hold to build hip strength, core stability, and upper back endurance in one efficient exercise. Learn proper setup, technique cues, and programming recommendations for athletes and strength sport competitors.
The half kneeling pallof press with What’s That Strap is an advanced anti-rotation core exercise that builds exceptional trunk stability and rotational resistance using a cable machine. This comprehensive guide covers proper setup, execution mechanics, and programming strategies for this functional core training movement that benefits athletes, powerlifters, and anyone seeking to develop genuine integrated core strength. Learn how the specialized strap attachment reduces wrist strain while maximizing oblique activation and deep core engagement in this asymmetrical stability exercise.
The side plank with top leg march using a resistance band is a dynamic core exercise that simultaneously strengthens your obliques, hip flexors, and hip abductors with minimal equipment. This intermediate progression transforms the traditional side plank into a functional movement pattern that builds anti-rotation core stability while developing hip flexion strength crucial for athletes and runners. Learn proper form, programming recommendations, and how to progress this efficient resistance band core exercise for maximum results.
The tall kneeling cable straight arm lat pull down combines targeted lat development with integrated core stability training by forcing you to maintain a ribs-stacked-over-pelvis position that eliminates the lower back compensation common in standing variations. This accessory exercise delivers a two-for-one training effect, simultaneously building lat strength through pure shoulder extension while challenging your core’s ability to resist extension under load. Perfect for athletes seeking functional pulling strength or anyone looking to maximize training efficiency by combining upper back work with anti-extension core training in a single movement.