Continuing in the series of articles, I will provide you with a few exercises in each, that will be specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well. When this series of articles is complete, you will have an arsenal of exercises that will cover every muscle group in your entire body.
This is the last article in the series of articles, which I have provided you with a few exercises in each article, that are specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well.
Note: I do not recommend that you only target (or isolate) a single muscle group for a complete work out. When you attempt to "isolate" muscles by performing single-joint exercises, you are actually creating a body that is non-functional and will be more prone to injury. Essentially, you are creating a body that is a compilation of body parts, instead of a powerful, functional unit that works together.
Including this articles, you now have a total of seventy five exercises that target every muscle group in your entire body. Choose an exercise from each article and combine them for a total body work out routine. Remember to adjust the weight of barbells and dumbells etc... to your level, in order to avoid any injuries.
Always remember to warm up for at least 5 - 10 minutes before beginning a work out routine.
Part Fifteen: Calves Exercises
Standing Barbell Calf Raise
Main Muscle Worked: Calves Equipment: Barbell
This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the bar on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck).
Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. The knees should be kept with a slight bend; never locked. This will be your starting position. Tip: For better range of motion you may also place the ball of your feet on a wooden block but be careful as this option requires more balance and a sturdy block.
Raise your heels as you breathe out by extending your ankles as high as possible and flexing your calf. Ensure that the knee is kept stationary at all times. There should be no bending at any time. Hold the contracted position by a second before you start to go back down.
Go back slowly to the starting position as you breathe in by lowering your heels as you bend the ankles until calves are stretched.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Caution:
If you suffer from lower back problems, a better exercise is the calf press as during a standing calf raise the back has to support the weight being lifted. Also, maintain your back straight and stationary at all times. Rounding of the back can cause lower back injury.
Variations:
There are several other ways to perform a standing calf raise. A calf press machine instead of a squat rack can be used as well as dumbbells with one leg or two legs at a time. A smith machine can be used for calf raises as well. You can also perform the barbell calf raise using a piece of wood to place the ball of the foot. This will allow you to get a better range of motion. However be cautious as in this case you will need to balance yourself much better.
Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise
Main Muscle Worked: Calves Equipment: Dumbbell
Stand with your torso upright holding two dumbbells in your hands by your sides. Place the ball of the foot on a sturdy and stable wooden board (that is around 2-3 inches tall) while your heels extend off and touch the floor. This will be your starting position.
With the toes pointing either straight (to hit all parts equally), inwards (for emphasis on the outer head) or outwards (for emphasis on the inner head), raise the heels off the floor as you exhale by contracting the calves. Hold the top contraction for a second.
As you inhale, go back to the starting position by slowly lowering the heels.
Repeat for the recommended amount of times.
Note:
As you become stronger you may need to use wrist wraps to avoid having the dumbbells slip out of your hands.
Barbell Seated Calf Raise
Main Muscle Worked: Calves Equipment: Barbell
Place a block about 12 inches in front of a flat bench.
Sit on the bench and place the ball of your feet on the block.
Have someone place a barbell over your upper thighs about 3 inches above your knees and hold it there. This will be your starting position.
Raise up on your toes as high as possible as you squeeze the calves and as you breathe out.
After a second contraction, slowly go back to the starting position. Tip: To get maximum benefit stretch your calves as far as you can.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations:
You can use the smith machine or the seated calf raise machine in order to perform this exercise. Alternatively, you can also use dumbbells by placing one on top of each thigh.
Dumbbell Seated One-Leg Calf Raise
Main Muscle Worked: Calves Equipment: Dumbbell
Place a block on the floor about 12 inches from a flat bench.
Sit on a flat bench and place a dumbbell on your upper left thigh about 3 inches above your knee.
Now place the ball of your left foot on the block. This will be your starting position.
Raise your toes up as high as possible as you exhale and you contract your calf muscle. Hold the contraction for a second.
Slowly return to the starting position, stretching as far down as possible.
Repeat for your prescribed number of repetitions and then repeat with the right leg.
Variations:
You can perform this exercise also with both legs at the same time as well as using a seated calf raise machine.
Calf Raises - With Bands
Main Muscle Worked: Calves Equipment: Bands
Grab an exercise band and stand on it with your toes making sure that the length of the band between the foot and the arms is the same for both sides.
While holding the handles of the band, raise the arms to the side of your head as if you were getting ready to perform a shoulder press. The palms should be facing forward with the elbows bent and to the sides. This movement will create tension on the band. This will be your starting position.
Keeping the hands by your shoulder, stand up on your toes as you exhale and contract the calves hard at the top of the movement.
After a one second contraction, slowly go back down to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations:
There are multiple ways to perform calf raises. You can use dumbbells, barbells or various machines.
Take these exercises along with those from the previous articles, and combine them to create your own total body work out routine. In addition, put in place a healthy diet, and you will be well on your way to being healthy and fit.
Want some ideas for your abs? Give the Truth About Abs program a try.
Take a look at The Gabriel Method weight loss program, this guy lost over 200 pounds!
Continuing in the series of articles, which I will provide you with a few exercises in each article, that will be specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well. When this series of articles is complete, you will have an arsenal of exercises that will target every muscle group in your entire body.
Note: I do not recommend that you only target (or isolate) a single muscle group for a complete work out. When you attempt to "isolate" muscles by performing single-joint exercises, you are actually creating a body that is non-functional and will be more prone to injury. Essentially, you are creating a body that is a compilation of body parts, instead of a powerful, functional unit that works together.
Part Thirteen: Hamstrings Exercises
Clean Deadlift
Main Muscle Worked: Hamstrings Other Muscles: Forearms, Glutes, Lower Back, Middle Back, Quadriceps, Traps Equipment: Barbell
Begin standing with a barbell close to your shins. Your feet should be directly under your hips with your feet turned out slightly. Grip the bar with a double overhand grip or hook grip, about shoulder width apart. Squat down to the bar. Your spine should be in full extension, with a back angle that places your shoulders in front of the bar and your back as vertical as possible.
Begin by driving through the floor through the front of your heels. As the bar travels upward, maintain a constant back angle. Flare your knees out to the side to help keep them out of the bar's path.
After the bar crosses the knees, complete the lift by driving the hips into the bar until your hips and knees are extended.
Double Kettlebell Alternating Hang Clean
Main Muscle Worked: Hamstrings Other Muscles: Biceps, Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Lower Back, Quadriceps, Traps Equipment: Kettlebells
Place two kettlebells between your feet. To get in the starting position, push your butt back and look straight ahead.
Clean one kettlebell to your shoulder and hold on to the other kettlebell.
With a fluid motion, lower the top kettlebell while driving the bottom kettlebell up.
Front Box Jump
Main Muscle Worked: Hamstrings Other Muscles: Abductors, Adductors, Calves, Glutes, Quadriceps Equipment: Other
Assume a relaxed stance facing the box or platform approximately an arm's length away. Arms should be down at the sides and legs slightly bent.
Using the arms to aid in the initial burst, jump upward and forward, landing with feet simultaneously on top of the box or platform.
Immediately drop or jump back down to the original starting place; then repeat the sequence
Linear Acceleration Wall Drill
Main Muscle Worked: Hamstrings Other Muscles: Calves, Glutes, Quadriceps Equipment: None
Lean at around 45 degrees against a wall. Your feet should be together, glutes contracted.
Begin by lifting your right knee quickly, pausing, and then driving it straight down into the ground.
Switch legs, raising the opposite knee, and then attacking the ground straight down.
Repeat once more with your right leg, and as soon as the right foot strikes the ground hammer them out rapidly, alternating left and right as fast as you can.
Dumbbell Stiff Legged Deadlifts
Main Muscle Worked: Hamstrings Other Muscles: Glutes, Lower Back Equipment: Dumbbell
Grasp a couple of dumbbells holding them by your side at arm's length.
Stand with your torso straight and your legs spaced using a shoulder width or narrower stance. The knees should be slightly bent. This is your starting position.
Keeping the knees stationary, lower the dumbbells to over the top of your feet by bending at the waist while keeping your back straight. Keep moving forward as if you were going to pick something from the floor until you feel a stretch on the hamstrings. Exhale as you perform this movement
Start bringing your torso up straight again by extending your hips and waist until you are back at the starting position. Inhale as you perform this movement.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Caution:
This is not an exercise that is recommended for people with lower back problems. Also, it needs to be treated with the utmost respect paying special attention not to round the back forward as you move the torso down; the back should always be straight. Finally, jerking motions or doing too much weight can injure your back.
Variations:
The exercise can also be performed with a barbell also.
Take these exercises, along with those from the previous articles and the ones that will follow in the next few articles, and combine them to create your own total body work out routine. In addition, put in place a healthy diet, and you will be well on your way to being healthy and fit.
Always remember to warm up for at least 5 - 10 minutes before beginning a work out routine.
Want some ideas for your abs? Give the Truth About Abs program a try.
Take a look at The Gabriel Method weight loss program, this guy lost over 200 pounds!
Continuing in the series of articles, which I will provide you with a few exercises in each article, that will be specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well. When this series of articles is complete, you will have an arsenal of exercises that will target every muscle group in your entire body.
Note: I do not recommend that you only target (or isolate) a single muscle group for a complete work out. When you attempt to "isolate" muscles by performing single-joint exercises, you are actually creating a body that is non-functional and will be more prone to injury. Essentially, you are creating a body that is a compilation of body parts, instead of a powerful, functional unit that works together.
Part Fourteen: Abductors & Adductors Exercises
Abductors
Prone Hip Circles
Main Muscle Worked: Abductors Other Muscles: Adductors Equipment: Body Only
Position yourself on your hands and knees on the ground. Maintaining good posture, raise one bent knee off of the ground. This will be your starting position.
Keeping the knee in a bent position, rotate the femur in an arc, attempting to make a big circle with your knee.
Perform this slowly for a number of repetitions, and repeat on the other side.
Variation:
You can do this with a resistance band
Standing Hip Circles
Main Muscle Worked: Abductors Other Muscles: Adductors Equipment: Body Only
Begin standing on one leg, holding to a vertical support.
Raise the unsupported knee to 90 degrees. This will be your starting position.
Open the hip as far as possible, attempting to make a big circle with your knee.
Perform this movement slowly for a number of repetitions, and repeat on the other side.
Adductors
Lateral Box Jump
Main Muscle Worked: Adductors Other Muscles: Abductors, Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps Equipment: Other
Assume a comfortable standing position, with a short box positioned next to you. This will be your starting position.
Quickly dip into a quarter squat to initiate the stretch reflex, and immediately reverse direction to jump up and to the side.
Bring your knees high enough to ensure your feet have good clearance over the box.
Land on the center of the box, using your legs to absorb the impact.
Carefully jump down to the other side of the box, and continue going back and forth for several repetitions.
Lateral Cone Hops
Main Muscle Worked: Adductors Other Muscles: Abductors, Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps Equipment: Other
Position a number of cones in a row several feet apart.
Stand next to the end of the cones, facing 90 degrees to the direction of travel. This will be your starting position.
Begin the jump by dipping with the knees to initiate a stretch reflex, and immediately reverse direction to push off the ground, jumping up and sideways over the cone.
Use your legs to absorb impact upon landing, and rebound into the next jump, continuing down the row of cones.
Side Leg Raises
Main Muscle Worked: Adductors Equipment: Body Only
Stand next to a chair, which you may hold onto as a support. Stand on one leg. This will be your starting position.
Keeping your leg straight, raise it as far out to the side as possible, and swing it back down, allowing it to cross the opposite leg.
Repeat this swinging motion 5-10 times, increasing the range of motion as you do so.
Take these exercises, along with those from the previous articles and the ones that will follow in the next few articles, and combine them to create your own total body work out routine. In addition, put in place a healthy diet, and you will be well on your way to being healthy and fit.
Always remember to warm up for at least 5 - 10 minutes before beginning a work out routine.
Want some ideas for your abs? Give the Truth About Abs program a try.
Take a look at The Gabriel Method weight loss program, this guy lost over 200 pounds!
Continuing in the series of articles, which I will provide you with a few exercises in each article, that will be specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well. When this series of articles is complete, you will have an arsenal of exercises that will target every muscle group in your entire body.
Note: I do not recommend that you only target (or isolate) a single muscle group for a complete work out. When you attempt to "isolate" muscles by performing single-joint exercises, you are actually creating a body that is non-functional and will be more prone to injury. Essentially, you are creating a body that is a compilation of body parts, instead of a powerful, functional unit that works together.
Part Twelve: Quadriceps Exercises
Barbell Full Squat
Main Muscle Worked: Quadriceps Other Muscles: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back Equipment: Barbell
This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack just above shoulder level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder-width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times and maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position.
Begin to slowly lower the bar by bending the knees and sitting back with your hips as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until your hamstrings are on your calves. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel or middle of your foot as you straighten the legs and extend the hips to go back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Note:
This type of squat allows a greater range of motion, and allows the trunk to maintain a more vertical position than other types of squats, due to foot position and the higher bar position.
Barbell Lunge
Main Muscle Worked: Quadriceps Other Muscles: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings Equipment: Barbell
This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack just below shoulder level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
Step away from the rack and step forward with your right leg and squat down through your hips, while keeping the torso upright and maintaining balance. Inhale as you go down. Note: Do not allow your knee to go forward beyond your toes as you come down, as this will put undue stress on the knee joint.
Using mainly the heel of your foot, push up and go back to the starting position as you exhale.
Repeat the movement for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.
Caution:
This is a movement that requires a great deal of balance so if you suffer from balance problems you may wish to either avoid it or just use your own body weight while holding on to a fixed object.
Definitely never perform with a barbell on your back if you suffer from balance issues.
Variations:
There are several ways to perform the exercise.
One way is to alternate each leg. For instance do one repetition with the right, then the left, then the right and so on.
The other way is to do what I call a static lunge where your starting position is with one of your feet already forward. In this case, you just go up and down from that starting position until you are done with the recommended amount of repetitions. Then you switch legs and do the same.
A more challenging version is the walking lunges where you walk across the room but in a lunging fashion. For walking lunges the leg being left back has to be brought forward after the lunging action has happened in order to continue moving ahead. This version is reserved for the most advanced athletes.
Dumbbell Lunges
Main Muscle Worked: Quadriceps Other Muscles: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings Equipment: Dumbbell
Stand with your torso upright holding two dumbbells in your hands by your sides. This will be your starting position.
Step forward with your right leg around 2 feet or so from the foot being left stationary behind and lower your upper body down, while keeping the torso upright and maintaining balance. Inhale as you go down. Note: As in the other exercises, do not allow your knee to go forward beyond your toes as you come down, as this will put undue stress on the knee joint. Make sure that you keep your front shin perpendicular to the ground.
Using mainly the heel of your foot, push up and go back to the starting position as you exhale.
Repeat the movement for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.
Caution:
This is a movement that requires a great deal of balance so if you suffer from balance problems you may wish to either avoid it or just use your own body weight while holding on to a fixed object.
Definitely never perform with a barbell on your back if you suffer from balance issues.
Variations:
There are several ways to perform the exercise.
One way is to alternate each leg. For instance do one repetition with the right, then the left, then the right and so on.
The other way is to do what I call a static lunge where your starting position is with one of your feet already forward. In this case, you just go up and down from that starting position until you are done with the recommended amount of repetitions. Then you switch legs and do the same.
A more challenging version is the walking lunges where you walk across the room but in a lunging fashion. For walking lunges the leg being left back has to be brought forward after the lunging action has happened in order to continue moving ahead. This version is reserved for the most advanced athletes.
Lunges can be performed with dumbbells as described above or with a barbell on the back, though the barbell variety is better suited for the advanced athletes who have mastered the exercise and no longer have balance issues.
Dumbbell Squat
Main Muscle Worked: Quadriceps Other Muscles: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back Equipment: Dumbbell
Stand up straight while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs).
Position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position.
Begin to slowly lower your torso by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Tip: If you performed the exercise correctly, the front of the knees should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knees are past that imaginary line (if they are past your toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knee and the exercise has been performed incorrectly.
Begin to raise your torso as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel of your foot mainly as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Caution:
Be cautious with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more. The squat is a very safe exercise but only if performed properly. You may use wrist wraps for this exercise.
Variations:
As previously mentioned, there are various stances that can be used depending on what you want to emphasize.
You can also use a barbell for this exercise.
Dumbbell Step Ups
Main Muscle Worked: Quadriceps Other Muscles: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings Equipment: Dumbbell
Stand up straight while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs).
Place the right foot on the elevated platform. Step on the platform by extending the hip and the knee of your right leg. Use the heel mainly to lift the rest of your body up and place the foot of the left leg on the platform as well. Breathe out as you execute the force required to come up.
Step down with the left leg by flexing the hip and knee of the right leg as you inhale. Return to the original standing position by placing the right foot of to next to the left foot on the initial position.
Repeat with the right leg for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.
Note:
This is a great exercise for people with lower back problems that are unable to do stiff legged deadlifts.
Variations:
Just like lunges, this exercise can also be performed by alternating between the right and the left leg every time until all repetitions have been performed for both legs. Also, a barbell can be used for resistance.
Beginners can start with only the body weight, especially if they have balance issues
Take these exercises, along with those from the previous articles and the ones that will follow in the next few articles, and combine them to create your own total body work out routine. In addition, put in place a healthy diet, and you will be well on your way to being healthy and fit.
Always remember to warm up for at least 5 - 10 minutes before beginning a work out routine.
Want some ideas for your abs? Give the Truth About Abs program a try.
Take a look at The Gabriel Method weight loss program, this guy lost over 200 pounds!
Continuing in the series of articles, which I will provide you with a few exercises in each article, that will be specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well. When this series of articles is complete, you will have an arsenal of exercises that will target every muscle group in your entire body.
Note: I do not recommend that you only target (or isolate) a single muscle group for a complete work out. When you attempt to "isolate" muscles by performing single-joint exercises, you are actually creating a body that is non-functional and will be more prone to injury. Essentially, you are creating a body that is a compilation of body parts, instead of a powerful, functional unit that works together.
Part Eleven: Glutes Exercises
Kneeling Squat
Main Muscle Worked: Glutes Other Muscles: Abdominals, Hamstrings, Lower Back Equipment: Barbell
Set the bar to the proper height in a power rack. Kneel behind the bar; it may be beneficial to put a mat down to pad your knees. Slide under the bar, racking it across the back of your shoulders. Your shoulder blades should be retracted and the bar tight across your back. Unrack the weight.
With your head looking forward, sit back with your butt until you touch your calves.
Reverse the motion, returning the torso to an upright position.
Barbell Glute Bridge
Main Muscle Worked: Glutes Other Muscles: Calves, Hamstrings Equipment: Barbell
Begin seated on the ground with a loaded barbell over your legs. Using a fat bar or having a pad on the bar can greatly reduce the discomfort caused by this exercise. Roll the bar so that it is directly above your hips, and lay down flat on the floor.
Begin the movement by driving through with your heels, extending your hips vertically through the bar. Your weight should be supported by your upper back and the heels of your feet.
Extend as far as possible, then reverse the motion to return to the starting position.
Butt Lift (Bridge)
Main Muscle Worked: Glutes Other Muscles: Hamstrings Equipment: Body Only
Lie flat on the floor on your back with the hands by your side and your knees bent. Your feet should be placed around shoulder width. This will be your starting position.
Pushing mainly with your heels, lift your hips off the floor while keeping your back straight. Breathe out as you perform this part of the motion and hold at the top for a second.
Slowly go back to the starting position as you breathe in.
Variations:
You can perform this exercise one leg at a time.
Hip Extension with Bands
Main Muscle Worked: Glutes Other Muscles: Hamstrings Equipment: Bands
Secure one end of the band to the lower portion of a post and attach the other to one ankle.
Facing the attachment point of the band, hold on to the column to stabilize yourself.
Keeping your head and your chest up, move the resisted leg back as far as you can while keeping the knee straight.
Return the leg to the starting position.
One-Legged Cable Kickback
Main Muscle Worked: Glutes Other Muscles: Hamstrings Equipment: Cable
Hook a leather ankle cuff to a low cable pulley and then attach the cuff to your ankle.
Face the weight stack from a distance of about two feet, grasping the steel frame for support.
While keeping your knees and hips bent slightly and your abs tight, contract your glutes to slowly "kick" the working leg back in a semicircular arc as high as it will comfortably go as you breathe out. Tip: At full extension, squeeze your glutes for a second in order to achieve a peak contraction.
Now slowly bring your working leg forward, resisting the pull of the cable until you reach the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Switch legs and repeat the movement for the other side.
Variations:
You can perform this exercise with exercise bands.
Take these exercises, along with those from the previous articles and the ones that will follow in the next few articles, and combine them to create your own total body work out routine. In addition, put in place a healthy diet, and you will be well on your way to being healthy and fit.
Always remember to warm up for at least 5 - 10 minutes before beginning a work out routine.
Want some ideas for your abs? Give the Truth About Abs program a try.
Take a look at The Gabriel Method weight loss program, this guy lost over 200 pounds!
Continuing in the series of articles, I will provide you with a few exercises in each, that will be specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well. When this series of articles is complete, you will have an arsenal of exercises that will cover every muscle group in your entire body.
Continuing in the series of articles, which I will provide you with a few exercises in each article, that will be specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well. When this series of articles is complete, you will have an arsenal of exercises that will target every muscle group in your entire body.
Note: I do not recommend that you only target (or isolate) a single muscle group for a complete work out. When you attempt to "isolate" muscles by performing single-joint exercises, you are actually creating a body that is non-functional and will be more prone to injury. Essentially, you are creating a body that is a compilation of body parts, instead of a powerful, functional unit that works together.
Part Ten: Forearms Exercises
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl Over A Bench
Main Muscle Worked: Forearms Equipment: Dumbbell
Start out by placing two dumbbells on one side of a flat bench.
Kneel down on both of your knees so that your body is facing the flat bench.
Use your arms to grab both of the dumbbells with a pronated grip (palms facing down) and bring them up so that your forearms are resting against the flat bench. Your wrists should be hanging over the edge.
Start out by curling your wrist upwards and exhaling.
Slowly lower your wrists back down to the starting position while inhaling.
Your forearms should be stationary as your wrist is the only movement needed to perform this exercise.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations:
This exercise can also be performed sitting down by using your thighs as a resting position for your forearms. Your wrist can hang over your knees and the same movements as mentioned above can be performed.
You can also use a barbell instead of a dumbbell.
Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl Over A Bench
Main Muscle Worked: Forearms Equipment: Dumbbell
Start out by placing two dumbbells on one side of a flat bench.
Kneel down on both of your knees so that your body is facing the flat bench.
Use your arms to grab both of the dumbbells with a supinated grip (palms up) and bring them up so that your forearms are resting against the flat bench. Your wrists should be hanging over the edge.
Start out by curling your wrist upwards and exhaling.
Slowly lower your wrists back down to the starting position while inhaling. Make sure to inhale during this part of the exercise.
Your forearms should be stationary as your wrist is the only movement needed to perform this exercise.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations:
This exercise can also be performed sitting down by using your thighs as a resting position for your forearms. Your wrist can hang over your knees and the same movements as mentioned above can be performed.
You can also use a barbell instead of a dumbbell.
Plate Pinch
Main Muscle Worked: Forearms Equipment: Other
Grab two wide-rimmed plates and put them together with the smooth sides facing outward
Use your fingers to grip the outside part of the plate and your thumb for the other side thus holding both plates together. This is the starting position.
Squeeze the plate with your fingers and thumb. Hold this position for as long as you can.
Repeat for the recommended amount of sets prescribed in your program.
Switch arms and repeat the movements.
Caution
Attempting to hold the weighted plate for too long can cause you to drop the plate. As a result, it may land on your feet or other areas which may cause an injury. So if you feel like the weight is about to slip out of your hand, slowly bend your knees while keeping your back straight and put the plates on the floor.
Standing Olympic Plate Hand Squeeze
Main Muscle Worked: Forearms Other Muscles: Biceps Equipment: Other
To begin, stand straight while holding a weight plate by the ridge at arm's length in each hand using a neutral grip (palms facing in). You feet should be shoulder width apart from each other. This will be your starting position.
Lower the plates until the fingers are nearly extended but can still hold weights. Inhale as you lower the plates.
Now raise the plates back to the starting position as you exhale by closing your hands.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions prescribed in your program.
Variations
You can do both hands at the same time, alternate, or do one hand at a time.
Wrist Roller
Main Muscle Worked: Forearms Other Muscles: Shoulders Equipment: Other
To begin, stand straight up grabbing a wrist roller using a pronated grip (palms facing down). Your feet should be shoulder width apart.
Slowly lift both arms until they are fully extended and parallel to the floor in front of you. Note: Make sure the rope is not wrapped around the roller. Your entire body should be stationary except for the forearms. This is the starting position.
Rotate one wrist at a time in an upward motion to bring the weight up to the bar by rolling the rope around the roller.
Once the weight has reached the bar, slowly begin to lower the weight back down by rotating the wrist in a downward motion until the weight reaches the starting position.
Repeat for the prescribed amount of repetitions in your program.
Take these exercises, along with those from the previous articles and the ones that will follow in the next few articles, and combine them to create your own total body work out routine. In addition, put in place a healthy diet, and you will be well on your way to being healthy and fit.
Always remember to warm up for at least 5 - 10 minutes before beginning a work out routine.
Want some ideas for your abs? Give the Truth About Abs program a try.
Take a look at The Gabriel Method weight loss program, this guy lost over 200 pounds!
Continuing in the series of articles, which I will provide you with a few exercises in each article, that will be specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well. When this series of articles is complete, you will have an arsenal of exercises that will target every muscle group in your entire body.
Note: I do not recommend that you only target (or isolate) a single muscle group for a complete work out. When you attempt to "isolate" muscles by performing single-joint exercises, you are actually creating a body that is non-functional and will be more prone to injury. Essentially, you are creating a body that is a compilation of body parts, instead of a powerful, functional unit that works together.
Part Nine: Lower Back Exercises
Barbell Deadlift
Main Muscle Worked: Lower Back Other Muscles: Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lats, Middle Back, Quadriceps, Traps Equipment: Barbell or Dumbbells
Stand in front of a loaded barbell.
While keeping the back as straight as possible, bend your knees, bend forward and grasp the bar using a medium (shoulder width) overhand grip. This will be the starting position of the exercise. Tip: If it is difficult to hold on to the bar with this grip, alternate your grip or use wrist straps.
While holding the bar, start the lift by pushing with your legs while simultaneously getting your torso to the upright position as you breathe out. In the upright position, stick your chest out and contract the back by bringing the shoulder blades back. Think of how the soldiers in the military look when they are in standing in attention.
Go back to the starting position by bending at the knees while simultaneously leaning the torso forward at the waist while keeping the back straight. When the weights on the bar touch the floor you are back at the starting position and ready to perform another repetition.
Perform the amount of repetitions prescribed in the program.
Caution:
This is not an exercise to be taken lightly. If you have back issues, substitute it for a rowing motion instead.
If you have a healthy back, ensure perfect form and never round the back as this can cause back injury. Be cautious as well with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.
Crossover Reverse Lunge
Main Muscle Worked: Lower Back Other Muscles: Abdominals, Abductors, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps Equipment: None or Dumbbells
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
Perform a rear lunge by stepping back with one foot and flexing the hips and front knee. As you do so, rotate your torso across the front leg.
After a brief pause, return to the starting position and repeat on the other side, continuing in an alternating fashion.
Hyperextensions (Back Extensions)
Main Muscle Worked: Lower Back Other Muscles: Glutes, Hamstrings Equipment: Other
Lie face down on a hyperextension bench, tucking your ankles securely under the footpads.
Adjust the upper pad if possible so your upper thighs lie flat across the wide pad, leaving enough room for you to bend at the waist without any restriction.
With your body straight, cross your arms in front of you (my preference) or behind your head. This will be your starting position. Tip: You can also hold a weight plate for extra resistance in front of you under your crossed arms.
Start bending forward slowly at the waist as far as you can while keeping your back flat. Inhale as you perform this movement. Keep moving forward until you feel a nice stretch on the hamstrings and you can no longer keep going without a rounding of the back. Tip: Never round the back as you perform this exercise. Also, some people can go farther than others. The key thing is that you go as far as your body allows you to without rounding the back.
Slowly raise your torso back to the initial position as you inhale. Tip: Avoid the temptation to arch your back past a straight line. Also, do not swing the torso at any time in order to protect the back from injury.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Hyperextensions With No Hyperextension Bench
Main Muscle Worked: Lower Back Other Muscles: Glutes, Hamstrings Equipment: Body Only
With someone holding down your legs, slide yourself down to the edge a flat bench until your hips hang off the end of the bench. Tip: Your entire upper body should be hanging down towards the floor. Also, you will be in the same position as if you were on a hyperextension bench but the range of motion will be shorter due to the height of the flat bench vs. that of the hyperextension bench.
With your body straight, cross your arms in front of you (my preference) or behind your head. This will be your starting position. Tip: You can also hold a weight plate for extra resistance in front of you under your crossed arms.
Start bending forward slowly at the waist as far as you can while keeping your back flat. Inhale as you perform this movement. Keep moving forward until you almost touch the floor or you feel a nice stretch on the hamstrings (whichever comes first). Tip: Never round the back as you perform this exercise.
Slowly raise your torso back to the initial position as you inhale. Tip: Avoid the temptation to arch your back past a straight line. Also, do not swing the torso at any time in order to protect the back from injury.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Pelvic Tilt Into Bridge
Main Muscle Worked: Lower Back Equipment: None
Lie down with your feet on the floor, heels directly under your knees.
Lift only your tailbone to the ceiling to stretch your lower back. (Don't lift the entire spine yet.) Pull in your stomach.
To go into a bridge, lift the entire spine except the neck.
Take these exercises, along with those from the previous articles and the ones that will follow in the next few articles, and combine them to create your own total body work out routine. In addition, put in place a healthy diet, and you will be well on your way to being healthy and fit.
Always remember to warm up for at least 5 - 10 minutes before beginning a work out routine.
Want some ideas for your abs? Give the Truth About Abs program a try.
Take a look at The Gabriel Method weight loss program, this guy lost over 200 pounds!
Continuing in the series of articles, which I will provide you with a few exercises in each article, that will be specific for one main muscle group. However, most of these exercises will also work additional muscles as well. When this series of articles is complete, you will have an arsenal of exercises that will target every muscle group in your entire body.
Note: I do not recommend that you only target (or isolate) a single muscle group for a complete work out. When you attempt to "isolate" muscles by performing single-joint exercises, you are actually creating a body that is non-functional and will be more prone to injury. Essentially, you are creating a body that is a compilation of body parts, instead of a powerful, functional unit that works together.
Part Eight: Middle Back Exercises
Alternating Kettlebell Row
Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back Other Muscles: Biceps, Lats Equipment: Kettlebells
Place two kettlebells in front of your feet. Bend your knees slightly and push your butt out as much as possible. As you bend over to get into the starting position grab both kettlebells by the handles.
Pull one kettlebell off of the floor while holding on to the other kettlebell. Retract the shoulder blade of the working side, as you flex the elbow, drawing the kettlebell towards your stomach or rib cage.
Lower the kettlebell in the working arm and repeat with your other arm.
Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row
Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back Other Muscles: Biceps, Lats, Shoulders Equipment: Dumbbell
With a dumbbell in each hand (palms facing your torso), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward by bending at the waist; as you bend make sure to keep your back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep the head up. The weights should hang directly in front of you as your arms hang perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your starting position.
While keeping the torso stationary, lift the dumbbells to your side (as you breathe out), keeping the elbows close to the body (do not exert any force with the forearm other than holding the weights). On the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a second.
Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Caution:
This exercise is not recommended for people with back problems. A Low Pulley Row is a better choice for people with back issues.
Ensure perfect form and never round the back as this can promote back injury.
Be cautious with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.
Dumbbell Incline Row
Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back Other Muscles: Biceps, Forearms, Lats, Shoulders Equipment: Dumbbell
Using a neutral grip, lean into an incline bench.
Take a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip, beginning with the arms straight. This will be your starting position.
Retract the shoulder blades and flex the elbows to row the dumbbells to your side.
Pause at the top of the motion, and then return to the starting position.
Incline Bench Pull
Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back Other Muscles: Lats, Shoulders Equipment: Barbell
Grab a dumbbell in each hand and lie face down on an incline bench that is set to an incline that is approximately 30 degrees.
Let the arms hang to your sides fully extended as they point to the floor.
Turn the wrists until your hands have a pronated (palms down) grip.
Now flare the elbows out. This will be your starting position.
As you breathe out, start to pull the dumbbells up as if you are doing a reverse bench press. You will do this by bending at the elbows and bringing the upper arms up as you let the forearms hang. Continue this motion until the upper arms are at the same level as your back. Tip: The elbows will come out to the side and your upper arms and torso should make the letter "T" at the top of the movement. Hold the contraction at the top for a second.
Slowly go back down to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Inverted Row
Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back Other Muscles: Lats Equipment: Barbell
Position a bar in a rack to about waist height. You can also use a smith machine.
Take a wider than shoulder width grip on the bar and position yourself hanging underneath the bar. Your body should be straight with your heels on the ground with your arms fully extended. This will be your starting position.
Begin by flexing the elbow, pulling your chest towards the bar. Retract your shoulder blades as you perform the movement.
Pause at the top of the motion, and return yourself to the start position.
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Take these exercises, along with those from the previous articles and the ones that will follow in the next few articles, and combine them to create your own total body work out routine. In addition, put in place a healthy diet, and you will be well on your way to being healthy and fit.
Always remember to warm up for at least 5 - 10 minutes before beginning a work out routine.
Want some ideas for your abs? Give the Truth About Abs program a try.
Take a look at The Gabriel Method weight loss program, this guy lost over 200 pounds!
