Exercise Database

Cable Cross-Over

The cable cross-over is an excellent exercise for targeting the chest muscles, particularly the pectoralis major. It also engages the shoulders and triceps. Here’s how to perform it correctly: Setup: Set the pulleys to the highest position on the cable crossover machine. Attach handles to the cables. Select an appropriate weight for each side. Starting Position: Stand in the center of the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart. Grab the handles with an overhand grip (palms facing down) and take a step forward into a staggered stance (one foot slightly in front of the other) for better balance. Your arms should be extended out to your sides with a slight bend in your elbows. Your elbows should remain in this slightly bent position throughout the movement. Executing the Cross-Over: Inhale and engage your core. Pull the handles down and across your body in a wide arc, bringing your hands together in front of you at around chest level or slightly lower. Your arms should move in a controlled manner, mimicking a hugging motion. Focus on squeezing your chest muscles as your hands meet in front of your body. You can cross your hands over each other for a greater contraction. Returning to Starting Position: Exhale and slowly reverse the motion, allowing your arms to move back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Maintain the slight bend in your elbows and control the resistance on the way back to prevent the weights from pulling your arms too far back.

Machine Lat Pulldown

Steps : 1.) Start by sitting on a lat pull down machine, grabbing the handles with an overhand grip, keeping your knees positioned underneath the padding and feet flat on the floor. 2.) Once in position, slowly pull down on the handles and bring them down towards your sides, and squeeze with your lat and back muscles. 3.) Hold for a count then return back up to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Calf Press On Leg Press

The calf press on a leg press exercise uses a leg press machine to help work and strengthen your calf muscles. Steps : 1.) Sit down on a Leg Press Machine and press the plate up as if you were performing a leg press. 2.) Slide your feet down so that the balls of your feet are pressing against the rack (with your heels hanging free), 3.) Keeping the handles locked, press up and flex your toes and then slowly bring your toes back towards your body (dorsiflex). 4.) Perform these movements slowly for maximum benefit. Tips : 1.) Use lighter weight on this exercise than you are able to lift with a leg press until you are familiar with the movements.

Cable Shoulder Extension

The cable shoulder extension exercise is another great way to work the back, specifically the latissiumus dorsi muscle. Steps : 1.) Begin by standing in front of a cable machine and attach a short bar to a high pulley. 2.) Take hold of the handle with an overhand grip. 3.) Keeping your arms straight and elbows at your side as you push the handle down towards your thighs. 4.) Pause for a moment and then return to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Dumbbell Concentration Curl

The dumbbell concentration curl exercise limits you range of motion and concentrates on isolating the bicep muscle. Steps : 1.) Start by sitting on the end of a flat bench with your feet flat and your legs spread in a V position. 2.) Grab a dumbbell in one of your hands with a palms up grip, placing this arm in between your legs and up against your inner thigh just above your knee. 3.) Slowly curl the weight up towards your chest, squeezing your bicep on the motion upward and once you reach the top, hold the position for a count. 4.) Return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired. 5.) Switch arms and repeat the same steps.

Machine Incline Chest Press

The machine incline bench press is an exercise that focuses upon the upper portion of the pectoral muscles and is preferred by most people as it offers more stability for people new to the exercise. Steps : 1.) Start off by adjusting the seat of the bench so that the handles are aligned with the upper portion of your chest, keeping your back flat on the back padding and grabbing the handles with an overhand grip, as this will be your starting position. 2.) Slowly press the handles forward until your hands are fully extended and you feel a stretch in your chest muscles. 3.) Hold this position for a count then slowly return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired. Tips : 1.) Keep your shoulders and lower back against the bench at all times during this exercise. 2.) Refrain from bouncing the handles back on the machine.

Dumbbell Incline Fly

The dumbbell incline fly exercise is a chest sculpting exercise that helps build a bigger and stronger chest. Steps : 1.) Start by lying on an incline bench set to 45-degrees and holding a dumbbell in each hand. 2.) Lift the dumbbells up and over your chest, extending your arms fully as this will be your starting position. 3.) While keeping a slight bend in your elbows, slowly bring the dumbbells towards each other in an arc motion, squeezing your chest muscles in the process. 4.) Hold this position for a count then slowly return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Elliptical Training

The elliptical is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate walking, running or stair climbing. You are able to burn a significant amount of calories, tone up, increase endurance and strength and build power calf and abdominal muscles through the use of an elliptical

Barbell Shoulder Press

The barbell shoulder press is an effective exercise for building shoulder strength and mass, targeting the deltoid muscles, triceps, and upper chest. Here's how to perform it correctly: Setup: Load the barbell with the desired weight. If using a squat rack or power rack, set the barbell at about chest height. Starting Position: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Approach the barbell and grip it with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, using an overhand grip (palms facing forward). Unrack the barbell by pushing up with your legs and stepping back from the rack. Alternatively, if lifting from the floor, clean the barbell to shoulder height. Hold the barbell at shoulder height with your elbows slightly in front of the bar, not flared out to the sides. Pressing the Barbell: Inhale and brace your core, keeping a slight bend in your knees for stability. Press the barbell upward in a straight line until your arms are fully extended above your head. Ensure your head moves slightly back to allow the bar to pass, then bring your head back to neutral as the barbell reaches the top. Keep your wrists straight and aligned with your forearms. Lowering the Barbell: Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position at shoulder height. Control the movement and avoid letting the barbell drop too quickly.

Leg Raise

The leg raise is a core exercise that primarily targets the lower abdominal muscles. Here’s how to perform it correctly: Starting Position: Lie flat on your back on the floor, a bench or an exercise mat. Place your arms straight down by your sides, palms facing down. You can also tuck your hands slightly under your glutes for added support if needed. Keep your legs straight and together. Engage Your Core: Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your torso throughout the exercise. Press your lower back into the floor to avoid arching. Raise Your Legs: Slowly lift your legs up towards the ceiling, keeping them straight and together. Continue lifting until your legs are perpendicular to the floor or as high as you can comfortably go without lifting your lower back off the floor. Pause: Briefly pause at the top of the movement, maintaining tension in your core. Lower Your Legs: Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position in a controlled manner, keeping them straight and together. Make sure your lower back stays in contact with the floor throughout the movement.

Barbell Preacher Curl

The preacher curl exercise uses a special bench to help support the triceps and isolate the biceps to build bigger arms. Steps : 1.) Start off by adjusting the seat of a preacher bench so that your arms are level with the top of the bench. 2.) Grab onto a bicep curl bar with an underhand (palms up) grip, keeping your arms shoulder-width apart, resting them against the bench, and extending them fully. 3.) While keeping your arms on the bench, slowly curl the bar up towards your head, isolating the bicep and squeezing the muscles. 4.) Hold for a count and then return back to the starting position. Tips 1.) Perform this exercise in a slow manner to attain the best results.

Dumbbell Lunge

The dumbbell lunge exercise helps strengthen and build the legs through the use of dumbbells. Steps : 1.) Start by grabbing a dumbbell in each hand with your feet about hip-width apart and toes facing forward as this will be your starting position. 2.) Once in position, take a step forward (about 2 to 3 feet), keeping your abs tightly drawn and and your upper body straight. Avoid letting the knee ride beyond the toes. 3.) Continue forward and slowly lower one knee down towards the ground and keeping the other knee bent at a 90 degree angle, not letting the back knee touch the ground. 4.) Slowly lower one knee down as if kneeling while keeping your other knee bent at a 90 degree angle, do not let your knee touch the ground. 5.) Hold the position for a count then return back up to the starting position. Tips : 1.) Refrain from putting the pressure of your body on one knee as this can cause imbalance and incorrectly performing this exercise. 2.) The knee you are leaning forward on should not move beyond the toe of this foot.

Cable Front Lat Pulldown (Close Grip)

The close-grip font lat pulldown is a classic bodybuilder exercise use to target the back muscles, specifically the lower lats. Steps : 1.) Start by sitting down at a pull-down machine and place your knees underneath the padding on the machine. 2.) Grab onto the bar with a close overhand grip and pull the bar down straight until it is even with your upper chest. 3.) Once in the final position hold for a count while squeezing the lat muscles and then slowly return back to the starting position.

Dumbbell Front Raise

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off standing up straight holding dumbbells in each hand resting at your pelvis. 2.) Lift the dumbbells up and out so that they are extended in front of your shoulders, at your shoulder level, holding onto this position for a few seconds. 3.) Return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed

Dumbbell Seated Bicep Curl

The dumbbell bicep curl uses both arms at the same time to build stronger arms. Steps : 1.) Begin by sitting up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, abs tight, knees slightly bent and a dumbbell in each hand with a palms up grip. 2.) While holding the dumbbells, extend your arms at the side of your body, then slowly lift your arms up towards your chest until your forearms touch your biceps. 3.) Isolate the bicep and hold this position for a count. 4.) Return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired. Tips : 1.) Refrain from swinging your arms during this exercise.

Hack Squat

The hack squat exercise is a variation of the squat workout which uses a machine in place of squat rack and may be preferred by beginners. Steps : 1.) Start off lying face up on a hack squat machine with your shoulders up against the pad, placing your feet forward at a slightly less than shoulder-width apart and toes pointed slightly outward as this will be your starting position. 2.) Once in position, release the dock levers, place your hands on the grips, keep your abs tightly drawn in and extend your body so that you are standing upright. 3.) Slowly lower your body down into a squatting position so that your knees are bent and you feel a stretch in your quad and hamstring muscles. 4.) Hold for a count and then return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Hanging Leg Raise

The Hanging Leg Raise is a core exercise that targets the abdominal muscles, particularly the lower abs, and also engages the hip flexors, grip, and shoulders. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform the exercise correctly: Starting Position: Find a pull-up bar or a secure overhead bar that can support your weight. Grip the bar with an overhand (pronated) grip, hands shoulder-width apart. Let your body hang freely with your arms fully extended and legs straight. Keep your core engaged to avoid swinging. Execution: Tighten your core muscles before you start the movement. Keeping your legs straight, lift them up towards your torso. Aim to bring your feet as high as possible, ideally reaching the level of the bar or higher if your flexibility allows. Exhale as you lift your legs up. Top Position: Pause briefly at the top of the movement, ensuring that your core is fully engaged and your legs are controlled. Your body should form an L-shape if you can lift your legs to a 90-degree angle with your torso. Lowering Phase: Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Avoid swinging or using momentum. Inhale as you lower your legs.

Cable Kneeling Crunch (Rope)

Steps : 1.) Kneel below a high pulley that contains a rope attachment. 2.) Grasp cable rope attachment and lower the rope until your hands are near your cheeks. 3.) Crunch down with your abs so that your face gets very close to the ground. 4.) Kneel back up slowly and inhale. 5.) Repeat for the desired amount of reps. Tips : 1.) For a more intense work out go at a slower pace.