Exercise Database

Trap Bar Squat

The trap bar squat is an effective exercise for building lower body strength and muscle mass, and it can be a good alternative for individuals who have difficulty performing traditional back squats due to mobility restrictions or discomfort. Position the trap bar on the ground in an open area with the handles parallel to each other. Step into the center of the trap bar so that it's aligned with your feet. Stand with your feet hip-width apart or slightly wider, toes pointed slightly outward. Bend at the hips and knees to grasp the handles of the trap bar with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). Ensure your grip is firm and secure on the handles. Engage your core muscles by drawing your navel in towards your spine. Keep your chest up and your shoulders back to maintain proper posture throughout the movement. Initiate the squat movement by bending at your hips and knees simultaneously, as if you were sitting back into a chair. Lower your body down until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as low as you can comfortably go while maintaining proper form. Keep your knees tracking in line with your toes and avoid allowing them to collapse inward. Press through your heels and drive your hips forward as you straighten your legs and return to the starting position. Keep your chest up and your back straight throughout the movement to maintain a neutral spine alignment.

Thoracic Spine Extension (Foam Roller)

Thoracic spine extension using a foam roller is an effective way to improve mobility and flexibility in the upper back, specifically targeting the thoracic spine. Begin by sitting on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place a foam roller horizontally on the ground behind you, perpendicular to your body. Slowly lie back onto the foam roller, positioning it underneath your upper back, just below your shoulder blades. Support your head with your hands, interlacing your fingers and placing them behind your head. Avoid putting too much weight on your neck. Engage your core muscles to stabilize your spine and maintain a neutral position throughout the exercise. Extend your arms straight out to the sides, palms facing up. This helps to open up the chest and shoulders. Using your legs, gently push against the ground to roll the foam roller up and down your upper back, focusing on the thoracic spine. Move slowly and deliberately, allowing the foam roller to apply pressure to different areas of your upper back. Pay attention to any areas of tightness or tension, and spend extra time rolling over those areas to help release muscle tension. Once you find a tender spot or area of restriction, pause and focus on extending your upper back over the foam roller. Slowly arch your back over the foam roller, allowing your chest to open up and your shoulder blades to move apart. Hold this extended position for a few seconds, focusing on breathing deeply into your chest to facilitate the stretch. Continue rolling and extending your upper back over the foam roller for 1-2 minutes, gradually working your way up and down the thoracic spine. Remember to maintain a slow and controlled pace, and listen to your body's feedback to determine how much pressure to apply. Breathe deeply and slowly throughout the exercise, inhaling as you extend your spine over the foam roller and exhaling as you release the stretch.

Child's Pose

Steps : 1.) Begin this workout by sitting on your knees, keeping them tightly together and fold your body over your thighs. 2.) Take your forehead and rest it to the floor and let your hands stretch back towards your feet, staying relaxed in through the motion. 3.) Close your eyes and relax, inhale and exhale for about 10-20 seconds letting your stomach press down on your thighs with each inhale. 4.) Hold this position for as long as you are able to and then return back to the starting position. Tips : 1.) For those who have high blood pressure or feel lightheaded during this pose, rest your head on blankets, a pillow or on your folded fists.

Cable Crunch Kneeling Rotation

Steps : 1.) Start by connecting a rope attachment to a high pulley cable machine, grabbing the rope with both hands and move into a kneeling position on the floor. 2.) Position the rope behind your head with your hands by your ears, then contract your abs as you pull downward on the rope in a crunch movement until your elbows touch your knees. 3.) Hold this position for a count and then return back up to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Barbell Drag Curl

The barbell drag curl is a great exercise that blasts and targets the bicep muscles and even works out the forearms. Steps : 1.) Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent and your abs drawn in. 2.) Grab the bar with a shoulder-width overhand grip (palms down) and extend your arms fully so they are against your thighs. 3.) Slowly raise your arms, palms down, to touch your chest. 4.) Return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Plank with Alternating Knee Drive

The plank with alternating knee drive is a challenging core exercise that also engages the muscles of the hips and shoulders. Begin in a traditional plank position, with your forearms on the ground and elbows directly under your shoulders. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels, with your core engaged to maintain stability. Place your hands flat on the ground, fingers spread wide for better stability and weight distribution. Ensure that your elbows are positioned directly under your shoulders, forming a stable base of support. Engage your core muscles to prevent your lower back from sagging or arching excessively. Squeeze your glutes to keep your hips level with the rest of your body. Your legs should be fully extended behind you, with your weight evenly distributed between your forearms and toes. Keep your feet hip-width apart for better balance and stability. While maintaining the plank position, lift your right knee towards your chest, bending it as you bring it forward. Aim to bring your knee as close to your chest as possible without compromising your form or stability. Hold the knee in this position briefly, feeling the contraction in your abdominal muscles. Return to Plank: Slowly lower your right leg back to the starting position, returning to the plank position with both feet on the ground. Repeat the movement with your left leg, driving your left knee towards your chest while keeping the rest of your body stable. Continue alternating between legs, performing controlled knee drives while maintaining proper plank form.

Weight Plate Reverse Curl

The reverse plate curl exercise uses free weight plates to isolate the bicep and build bigger arms. Steps : 1.) Start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart, your knees slightly bent and your abs drawn in. 2.) Grab a plate in your hands with an overhand (palms down) grip at the 11:00 and 1:00 o'clock position. 3.) Keeping your elbows and arms at your side, curl the slowly up towards your head, squeezing and isolating the bicep muscle. 4.) Slowly return to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Smith Machine Front Squat

Steps : 1.) Set up a smith machine for the front squat exercise by placing the amount of weight that you would like to perform for this exercise. 2.) Position your shoulders underneath the bar so that the weight is rested upon your collar bone. 3.) Cross your arms and place your hands on top of the barbell as this will be your starting position. 4.) Push up with your heels and remove the bar from the rack, then slowly lower your body down towards the floor so that your thighs are parallel with the ground and hold for a count. 5.) Return back to the starting position. 6.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Side Plank Hip Abduction

The side plank with leg lift is an advanced variation of the traditional side plank exercise that targets the obliques, shoulders, hips, and glutes while also engaging the outer thigh muscles. Begin by lying on your side on a mat or soft surface. Align your body so that your elbow is directly beneath your shoulder. Stack your feet on top of each other and lift your hips off the ground, creating a straight line from your head to your heels. Engage your core muscles to maintain stability throughout the exercise. Place your bottom hand (the one closest to the ground) flat on the mat, with your fingers spread wide for stability. Keep your elbow directly under your shoulder to support your upper body. Lift your top leg (the one not in contact with the ground) upward while keeping it straight. Lift your leg as high as you can comfortably, focusing on using the muscles on the side of your hip (abductors) to perform the movement. Keep your foot flexed and your toes pointing forward throughout the exercise. Once you reach the top position of the leg lift, hold it for a brief moment, squeezing your glutes and outer thigh muscles to maximize engagement. Focus on maintaining stability in your core and not allowing your hips to sag or rotate backward. Slowly lower your top leg back down to meet your bottom leg, returning to the starting position of the side plank. Keep the movement controlled and avoid letting your leg drop too quickly or bounce off the ground. Perform the leg lift movement for the desired number of repetitions on one side before switching to the other side.

Knees to Chest Hug

Steps : 1.) Start by laying with your back on a mat and knees pulled up towards your chest. 2.) Then place your arms underneath your knees and pull them towards your shoulders, feeling a stretch in your lower back and glutes. 3.) Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds then return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and duration as desired.

Leg Raise with Hip Thrust

Steps : 1.) Start by laying with your back flat on a bench, head rested upon the one end and holding onto the bench below your head to stabilize your body. 2.) Keeping your feet and knees together, point your legs straight out in front of you in a plank position, then slowly pull both legs up towards the ceiling as high as possible and lift your hips up off of the bench until you feel a stretch in your abs. 3.) Then return your legs back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Dumbbell One-Arm Tricep Kickback

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off with a dumbbell in one hand, bend your knees and bring your upper body down and forward. 2.) Keep the arm with the dumbbell at your waist and the other on your thigh for support. 3.) Extend the arm with the dumbbell and lift the weight up and behind your back squeezing your triceps tightly. 4.) Hold the position for a few seconds then return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed and alternate arms.

Trap Bar Overhead Press

Performing a trap bar overhead press is an effective way to build shoulder strength and stability, as well as engage the triceps and upper chest muscles. Begin by standing inside the trap bar with your feet shoulder-width apart. Position the handles of the trap bar so that they're in line with your shoulders. Grip the handles firmly with an overhand grip, palms facing forward. Engage your core muscles to stabilize your torso. Bend your knees slightly and push through your heels to lift the trap bar off the ground. Keep your back straight and chest up as you lift the trap bar to the starting position, just above your shoulders. Your elbows should be bent and pointing forward, with your upper arms parallel to the ground. Once you're in the starting position, exhale and press the trap bar directly overhead by extending your arms. Keep your core tight and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement. As you press the trap bar overhead, avoid leaning back excessively or arching your lower back. Fully extend your arms at the top of the movement, but avoid locking out your elbows. Keep your head in a neutral position, looking straight ahead or slightly upward. Inhale and slowly lower the trap bar back down to the starting position, controlling the descent. Keep your elbows slightly bent as you lower the trap bar to maintain tension in your muscles. Lower the trap bar until your elbows are at about 90 degrees, or slightly below shoulder level. Aim to perform 8-12 repetitions per set, depending on your strength and fitness level. Start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form and gradually increase the weight as you become stronger. Inhale as you lower the trap bar. Exhale as you press the trap bar overhead.

Barbell Hack Squat

The barbell hack squat exercise is a variation of the basic squat that focuses more on strengthening and building the quad muscles Steps : 1.) Start by placing a barbell on the floor just behind your legs, standing with your feet shoulder width apart and your toes pointing forward 2.) With your feet firmly placed on the floor reach down and grasp the barbell from behind with and overhand grip. 3.) Lift the barbell by extending your hips and knees, be careful not to lock your knees. 4.) Squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor and hold the position for a count. 5.) Slowly raise yourself up to starting position. 6.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Dumbbell Seated Single-Leg Calf Raise

The seated single-leg calf raise exercise is a version of the calf raise that targets each leg individually and helps strengthen the calf muscles. Steps : 1.) Start by placing a block on the floor about one foot in front of a bench. 2.) Sit on the bench with a dumbbell resting in a vertical position on top of the knee. Keep the ball of one foot on the block. 3.) Slowly raise and lower your heel up as high as possible without lifting your foot off the block, feeling a stretch in your calf muscles. 4.) Switch feet and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Barbell Landmine One-Arm Row

The barbell landmine one-arm row is an effective exercise for targeting the muscles of the back, including the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and traps, as well as the biceps. Place one end of the barbell into the landmine attachment or secure it in a corner. Load weight plates onto the other end of the barbell according to your strength and fitness level. Stand beside the landmine with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your torso leaning slightly forward. Reach across your body with one hand and grasp the end of the barbell that's loaded with weights. Keep your back straight, core engaged, and chest up. Your arm should be fully extended, and the barbell should be hanging straight down in front of you. This will be your starting position. Initiate the rowing motion by pulling the barbell upward towards your ribcage, bending your elbow and keeping it close to your body. Squeeze your shoulder blade toward your spine as you pull, engaging the muscles of your back. Aim to bring the barbell up until it touches your ribcage or until your elbow is fully bent. Slowly lower the barbell back down to the starting position, fully extending your arm and allowing the weight to hang straight down.

Hanging Knee Raise Rotation

Steps : 1.) Start by grabbing onto a hanging grip or pull up bar, with a comfortable distance between your hands and a strong grip. 2.) Then slowly lift your knees in towards your chest in a diagonal direction rotating your legs from side to side until you feel tension on your lower abs. 3.) Hold this position for a few seconds then return back to the starting position and repeat for the desired reps and sets.

Dumbbell Incline Spider Curl

The dumbbell incline spider curl exercise uses an incline bench to target the bicep muscles and build bigger arms. Steps : 1.) Start by adjusting an incline bench to a 45-degree angle. 2.) Grasp dumbbells in each hand and lean face down against the bench, with your feet resting on the floor for support. 3.) Allow your arms to hang down at your sides. 4.) Keeping your elbow straight, raise the dumbbells up towards your head, contracting your biceps. 5.) In a controlled manner lower the weight and repeat.