Exercise Database

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.

Barbell Rear Military Press

Steps : 1.) Start by setting up a barbell with the weight that you would like to perform and stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. 2.) Extend the barbell above your head as this will be your starting position. 3.) Slowly lower the barbell behind your head and squeeze your shoulders. 4.) Hold for a count then return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Smith Machine Single-Leg Calf Raise

Steps : 1.) Start off setting up a smith machine with the amount of weight that you would like to perform for this exercise and placing either a step or block underneath the bar. 2.) Position yourself underneath the bar so that the bar is racked on the top of your back muscles. 3.) Step up on the block or step with your right foot that the ball of your foot is rested upon the platform and keep your other leg extended behind you. 4.) Release the bar from the rack and slowly lower your heel down towards the floor, then elevate your heel up towards the ceiling as far as possible squeezing your calf. 5.) Hold for a count then return back to the starting position. 6.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

World's Greatest Stretch

Steps : 1.) Start in a lunge position with your front foot flat in front of you with knee bent, and your back foot extend out with your knee almost touching the floor and toes on the floor. 2.) Hold onto this position for 15 to 30 seconds, then place the arm that is on the same side as the front leg on the ground with your elbow rested next to your front foot. 3.) Place the other hand on the ground parallel to the front leg to support your bodyweight during the stretch and hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. 4.) Follow this up with placing both hands next to your front foot and raise your toes off of the ground and straighten out your leg. 5.) Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds while still keeping the back leg extended and knee bent. 6.) Return to the starting position and repeat for as many reps, sets and however long you desire.

Dumbbell Incline Bench Press (Palms in)

Steps : 1.) Start by laying with your back flat on a incline bench with your feet rested on the floor and holding a dumbbell in each hand. 2.) Keep the dumbbells rested at your chest as you get yourself into position, holding onto them with a neutral grip. 3.) Extend your hands above your chest and squeeze so that you feel a stretch in your pecs, then hold for a count. 4.) Then slowly return the dumbbells at the sides of your chest. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Cable Shoulder Press

Steps : 1.) Start by standing in between a low pulley cable machines with two cables attached to the machine. 2.) Bend down, grab the cables and then bring them to your shoulders as this will be your starting position. 3.) Keeping your back straight, head up and chest up, extend through your elbows and push the handles up towards the ceiling over your head and feel the stretch in your shoulders. 4.) Hold for a count at the top then return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Boxing

Boxing is a combat sport in which two people fight one another with their fists, it is a great exercise that helps increase stamina, agility and strength while also helping you lose weight and tone your body.

Cable Reverse Grip Tricep Extension

Steps : 1.) Begin by attaching a bar to a low pulley cable machine and then lie with your back on an inline bench with your feet flat on the floor. 2.) Grab the bar and hold it just over your eyes with your arms extended and elbows bent. 3.) Begin to bend your elbows straight out and extend the bar out straight in front of you until you feel a stretch in your triceps. 4.) Hold this position for a count and return back to the start. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets desired.

Cable Drag Curl

Steps : 1.) Start by standing up straight in front of a low pulley cable machine with a straight bar attached to the machine, with your arms rested at your sides and feet flat on the floor. 2.) Grab the bar in an underhand grip then slowly, keeping the bar as close as possible to your body, raise it up towards your shoulders, isolating the bicep and hold for a count. 3.) Return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Cable One-Arm Tricep Extension

Steps : 1.) Start by setting up a low cable pulley machine with a handle, then grab the handle and extend it above your head while turning away from the machine. 2.) Keep your palm facing away from the machine and then lower the weight back behind your head, squeezing your tricep and hold for a count. 3.) Return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.