Exercise Database

Barbell Behind the Back Shrug

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off by placing a barbell behind your back resting it slightly against your quads with your palms facing backwards. 2.) With your shoulders, raise the barbell so that it reaches your glutes and hold onto the position for a few seconds. 3.) Return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed.

Dumbbell Seated Alternating Hammer Curl

Steps : 1.) Start off setting up an flat bench and then sit down on the bench, with a dumbbell in each hand and feet flat on the floor. 2.) Hold the dumbbells in an neutral grip with your palms facing inward, then slowly lift one dumbbell up towards your shoulder, isolating the bicep and hold for a count. 3.) Return back to the starting position and repeat with the opposite arm. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Dumbbell One-Arm Wrist Curl (Pronated)

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; take one dumbbell and sit down on the edge of a flat bench and keep your feet on the floor. 2.) Take the dumbbell, bring it up so that your forearm is up, rested on your knee and the palm of the hand is facing down. 3.) Curl the dumbbells up, through your wrist so that you feel a stretch in your forearm, and then lower them back down in a repeated motion. 4.) Keep your arm and knee still during the exercise. 5.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed. 6.) Switch arms and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Dumbbell Hammer Shoulder Press

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off by taking a dumbbell in each hand and keep your arms extended down with your palms facing inward. 2.) Take the dumbbells and slowly lift them until they are extended overhead. 3.) Hold onto this position for a few seconds then lower the weights down into a 90-degree push position. 4.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed

Dumbbell Supinated One-Arm Wrist Curl

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; take one dumbbell and sit down on the edge of a flat bench and keep your feet on the floor. 2.) Take the dumbbell and bring it up so that your forearm and arm are rested on your knee; and the palm of your hand is facing up. 3.) Curl the dumbbells up, through your wrists until you feel a stretch in the muscle. 4.) Hold this position for a count and then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired. Notes : 1.) Keep your forearms and legs still during the exercise. 2.) You want to make sure that you are isolating and targeting the forearm muscle

Wall Calf Stretch

Steps : 1.) Begin by standing in front of a wall, about a few feet away, placing one foot in front of your body as you lean towards the wall. 2.) As you lean closer with your body, rest your hands up against the wall keeping your heels, hips and head in a straight line as well as feet flat on the floor. 3.) Extend forward until you feel a stretch in your calves and then hold for 15 to 30 seconds. 4.) Return to the starting position and repeat for as many reps, sets and however long you desire.

Barbell Single-Leg Squat

The barbell single-leg squat isolates, builds and strengthens the leg muscles. Steps : 1.) Start off by placing a bench or box 12-18 inches tall behind you. 2.) Then lift a barbell off of a weight rack and position it on your shoulders. 3.) Place one foot up on the bench, and your other foot firmly on the floor 2-3 feet in front you. 4.) Drawing your abs in, descend slowly by bending your front knee and hip in a squatting motion. 5.) Squat down as far as you can control without letting your body shift towards your toe. 6.) Pause in the downward position, hold for a count and slowly return upright to the starting position. 7.) Switch legs and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired. Tips : 1.) You can use a pad on the bar or towel on your shoulders to help improve your grip and reduce the discomfort of the bar against your back. 2.) By using a taller box, you are increasing the difficulty of the exercise.

Barbell Kneeling Wrist Curl (Palms Up)

Steps : 1.) Start by picking up a barbell while kneeling over a bench. 2.) With your palms facing upwards, flex each forearm by lifting and lowering the barbell with only your wrist. 3.) Exhale while raising your wrist. 4.) Inhale while lowering your wrist. 5.) Repeat for the desired amount of reps and sets.

Cable Decline Chest Fly

Steps : 1.) Start by setting up handles on two low pulley cable machines and placing a decline bench in between both machines. 2.) Grab onto both handles with an overhand grip and lay down on the decline bench, keeping your back flat on the bench and feet underneath the foot rests. 3.) Raise the handles above your head as this will be your starting position. 4.) Slowly lower and extend your arms out to your sides, feeling a stretch in your chest and hold for a count. 5.) Return back to the starting position and squeeze your chest. 6.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Dumbbell 3 Way Shoulder Raise

This dumbbell exercise works all three heads of the deltoid muscle. Begin in a standing position with feet hip-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand. Perform a side lateral raise for desired repetitions or time. Next, perform a front raise. Lastly, perform a hip hinge and hold the position, then execute the final movement, a rear raise, also known as a reverse fly. Focus on keeping the core engaged throughout the entire exercise. Make sure in the first two phases you do not lean back or use momentum to raise the dumbbells. Perform for a desired number of repetitions. When the total repetitions become easy, increase the weight of the dumbbells by 5 percent.

Band Cross-Over

The exercise band cross-over, often referred to as the resistance band crossover, is a great exercise for targeting the chest muscles. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform it: Setup: Attach the resistance bands to a sturdy anchor point at chest height. Ensure the bands are securely fastened to prevent any accidents. Starting Position: Stand facing away from the anchor point with a handle in each hand. Step forward to create tension in the bands. Your arms should be outstretched to the sides with a slight bend in your elbows. This is your starting position. Body Position: Position your feet shoulder-width apart. You can place one foot slightly forward for better balance. Engage your core muscles to keep your body stable and maintain a straight posture. The Movement: Exhale as you bring the handles together in front of you in a hugging motion, keeping a slight bend in your elbows. Your hands should meet in front of your chest, with palms facing each other or slightly downward. Hold the position for a brief moment, squeezing your chest muscles. Return to Start: Inhale as you slowly return your arms to the starting position, maintaining control and tension in the bands throughout the movement.

Side-Lying Hip Abduction

Side-lying hip abduction is a simple yet effective exercise for targeting the muscles of the outer thighs (abductors), including the gluteus medius and minimus. Begin by lying on your side on a mat or other comfortable surface. Ensure your body is in a straight line from head to heels. Prop yourself up on your bottom elbow, which should be directly beneath your shoulder. Your forearm should be perpendicular to your body, with your hand resting on the mat for support. Stack your legs on top of each other, keeping them straight. Your top hand can rest on your hip or the floor in front of you for added support and stability. Activate your core muscles by drawing your navel toward your spine. This helps stabilize your torso throughout the exercise. Keeping your leg straight, slowly lift your top leg upward as high as you comfortably can without rotating your hips backward or leaning backward. Focus on using the muscles on the side of your hip (abductors) to lift your leg, rather than using momentum or swinging motions. Lift your leg in a slow, controlled manner, feeling the muscles on the side of your hip working to raise the leg. Avoid lifting your leg too high, as this can compromise your form and lead to strain on your lower back. At the top of the movement, pause briefly and squeeze the muscles on the side of your hip to maximize muscle engagement. Slowly lower your leg back down to the starting position, returning to the side-lying position with both legs stacked on top of each other. Keep the movement controlled, and avoid letting your leg drop too quickly or bounce off the mat. Perform the side-lying hip abduction for the desired number of repetitions on one side before switching to the other side.

Smith Machine Stiff-Leg Deadlift

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off by setting the bar on the smith machine so that it is parallel with your thighs and hold on with a palms forward grip. 2.) Take the bar off of the machine, while keeping your knees straight, lower the barbell down right above your feet and squeeze tightly upon your hamstrings. 3.) Then start lifting your chest and body back up when you feel your hamstrings stretch. 4.) Return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed.

Donkey Calf Raise

This is and old school gym exercise which requires the assistance of another person. This is an advanced exercise and not recommended for beginners. The donkey calf raise exercise is an old school gym exercise that requires (at times) the assistance of another person and is an advanced exercise that targets the calf muscle. Steps : 1.) Start by bending at your waist and lean your arms against a weight rack or bench that is waist height. 2.) Have a partner sit on top of your lower back or place a weight plate on your back for resistance. 3.) Raise up on your toes leaning slightly forward until you feel a stretch in your calve muscles. 4.) Pause at the top and then lower your heels to the floor. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Dragon Flag

Steps : 1.) Start by laying on a decline or flat bench and grabbing the end of it behind your head with both hands. 2.) Squeeze and create tension throughout your body so that you are able to feel your muscles and abdominals tighten 3.) Then from the starting position swing your feet upward so that your body is almost vertical or completely vertical. 4.) Keep your abdominals tight and your entire body as straight as possible as you are pointed up in the air. 5.) Hold this position for as long as possible, squeezing your muscles and abs as much as you can. 6.) Once you complete your rep, slowly lower your feet towards the floor in a controlled manner. 7.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Weight Plate Wall Sit

The weight plate wall sit is a variation of the traditional wall sit exercise that adds resistance to increase the challenge for your lower body muscles, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Stand with your back pressed firmly against the wall. Walk your feet out and slide your back down the wall until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, or as close to 90 degrees as possible. Your feet should be positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and your knees should be aligned with your ankles. With your hands gripping the weight plate in front of your chest, keep your elbows bent and close to your body. Ensure that the weight plate is held securely and does not slip during the exercise. Brace your core muscles to stabilize your spine and maintain proper posture throughout the exercise. Hold the wall sit position with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and your back pressed against the wall. Keep your chest lifted, shoulders back, and gaze straight ahead. Ensure that your weight is distributed evenly through your feet, with the majority of the pressure on your heels. Hold the wall sit position for a predetermined amount of time, such as 20-30 seconds, or longer if you're more advanced. Focus on breathing steadily throughout the hold, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. After completing the hold, slowly push through your heels and straighten your legs to return to the standing position against the wall. Keep your back pressed against the wall as you rise up. Take a short rest period before repeating the exercise for additional sets or hold times. Aim to perform 2-3 sets of wall sits, holding each position for the desired duration.

Bicep Stretch

Steps : 1.) Start by standing up straight, extending your arms behind you and grabbing your hands together behind your back. 2.) Slowly raise your arms, turn your hands so that your palms are facing outward, and feel a stretch in your bicep. 3.) Hold for 15 to 30 seconds then return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and duration as desired.

Barbell Seated Calf Raise

The barbell seated calf raise is a version of the standard calf raise that uses a block and barbell. Steps : 1.) Start by placing a block on the floor about one foot in front of a bench. 2.) Rest a barbell across your upper thighs and then sit on the bench with the balls of your feet placed upon the block. 3.) While keeping the barbell rested across your thighs, slowly raise and lower your heels up as high as possible without lifting your foot off of the block. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.