Exercise Database

Trap Bar Lunges

The trap bar lunge is a variation of the traditional lunge exercise that targets the muscles of the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, while also engaging the core muscles for stability. Begin by loading the trap bar with an appropriate amount of weight on each side. Grasp the handles of the trap bar with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). 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. Take a large step forward with one foot, ensuring that your knee is aligned with your ankle and your thigh is parallel to the ground. Lower your body down towards the ground by bending both knees until your back knee is just above the floor. Keep your front knee tracking in line with your toes and avoid allowing it to collapse inward. Your back knee should be hovering just above the ground, with your weight evenly distributed between your front and back legs. Press through your front heel to drive yourself back up to the starting position. Focus on engaging the muscles of your front leg as you push back up to standing. Keep your chest up and your back straight throughout the movement to maintain proper alignment. After completing the desired number of repetitions on one side, switch legs and perform the exercise on the opposite side.

Upper Body Chair Stretch

Steps : 1.) Start by sitting on a chair with your feet planted on the floor and your arms rested upon your thighs. 2.) Reach back with your hands, keeping your arms straight, and grip the back of the chair. 3.) Slowly lower your upper body forward, still keeping your arms straight, until your head is between your knees and you can feel a stretch within your shoulders. 4.) Hold onto this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and then return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and however long as desired.

Dumbbell Lunge Tricep Extension

Steps : 1.) Start by standing up straight with your feet shoulder width apart holding dumbbells behind your head. 2.) Lunge forward with one leg by bending at your hips and keeping the other leg straight. 3.) Keep most of the weight and focus positioning the dumbbells on the lunging leg and do an overhead tricep extension, feeling a stretch in your muscles. 4.) Lower the weights slowly back down and then return back to the starting position, repeating in the opposite direction on the other leg. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets desired.

Smith Machine Wrist Curl

Steps : 1.) Start by sitting down at the end of a flat bench positioned behind a weighted smith machine, grabbing it with an underhand shoulder width grip. 2.) Keep your elbows at your side and slowly lower the weight below your legs, squeezing your forearms, and hold for a count. 3.) Return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Stability Ball Jack Knife Push-Up

Steps : 1.) Begin by rolling onto an exercise ball until you're in a prone push-up position with your shins positioned on the ball and your hands directly underneath your shoulders. 2.) Then bring your knees towards your chest with the exercise ball. 3.) Hold this position for a count then returning back to the starting position. 4.) On the return of the exercise ball to the starting position, bring your chest down to the floor in a push-up motion. 5.) Return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets desired.

Seated Box Jumps

Seated box jumps are an advanced plyometric exercise that requires explosive power and strength. They're particularly effective for athletes and individuals looking to improve their vertical jump and lower body explosiveness. Sit up tall with your chest lifted, shoulders back, and core engaged. Keep your arms relaxed by your sides or bent at the elbows for balance, whichever feels more comfortable for you. From the seated position, quickly swing your arms back behind you. Explosively drive through your legs, pushing off the ground to jump upwards. As you jump, swing your arms forward and upward to generate momentum. Aim to land softly on top of the box with both feet, ensuring your entire foot is on the box and your knees are slightly bent to absorb the impact. Focus on landing with control and stability, keeping your balance as you land on the box. Use your arms for balance as needed. Carefully step down from the box one foot at a time or both feet simultaneously, depending on your preference and comfort level. Ensure that you land softly and maintain control as you return to the starting seated position. Start with a manageable number of repetitions and sets based on your fitness level. As you become more proficient, you can increase the number of repetitions and sets.

Stability Ball Dip

Steps : 1.) Start by sitting on an exercise ball and placing your hands on each side of the ball. 2.) Slowly, while maintaining your balance, lift your buttocks off of the ball, keeping your elbows tight at your sides. 3.) Bend at your elbows and perform a tricep dip, feeling a stretch and pull in your muscle. 4.) Return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets desired.

Dumbbell Reverse Preacher Curl

Steps : 1.) Start oby sitting on a preacher bench with your upper arms resting upon the padding and holding a dumbbell in each hand with a reverse grip. 2.) Slowly raise the dumbbells up towards your shoulders, squeezing in your forearms and hold for a count. 3.) Return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Weighted Box Jump

Performing weighted box jumps adds an extra challenge to the exercise, increasing the resistance and intensity of the movement. In regard to using weight, the following can be used to perform the movement: a weighted vest, weight plates or dumbbells. Stand facing the box with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes pointed forward. Hold the weight securely in your hands, either in front of your body or at your sides. Keep your chest up, shoulders back, and core engaged throughout the movement. Bend your knees and lower your hips into a partial squat position. Explosively push off the ground with both feet, jumping upward onto the top of the box while holding or wearing the weight. Swing your arms to generate momentum and propel yourself upward. Land softly on the box with both feet, ensuring your entire foot is on the box and your knees are slightly bent to absorb the impact. Focus on maintaining balance and stability upon landing. Engage your core and stabilizing muscles to control the movement. Carefully step down from the box with control, returning to the starting position while still holding the weight.

Z Pose

Steps : 1.) Begin by kneeling on the floor on a mat, with knees shoulder-width apart. 2.) Take your arms and stretch them forward parallel to the floor. 3.) Lean backwards with your hips so that your glutes are underneath the heels of your feet forming the "Z" shape. 4.) Hold this position for a few seconds and return back to the starting position.

Dumbbell Rear Row (Stability Ball)

Steps : 1.) Start by laying prone with your hips on an exercise ball with each hand gripping a dumbbell and arms at the sides of the ball. 2.) Once in position, pull the weights upwards, keeping your elbows wide, and retract your shoulders to reach their peak until you feel a stretch. 3.) Slowly return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets desired.

Bent Knee Side Angle Pose

Steps : 1.) Start by laying on your back with hands by your sides and your knees up. 2.) Lift your pelvis up off of the floor so that your glutes are completely up and back/spine are elevated as well. 3.) With your body is elevated, move your chest closer towards your chin and your tailbone shifts close towards your knees which move in opposite direction away from your body. 4.) Keep your knees tight together and don't let them split apart. 5.) Hold this position for up to 10 seconds and return back to the starting position. 6.) After returning back to the starting position, hug your knees towards your chest and rock to help release any tension in your back. 7.) Repeat steps again if continuing with pose

Stability Ball Single-Leg Crunch

Steps : 1.) Begin by lying on an exercise ball with the small of your back, crossing your arms across your chest and slowly lifting one leg off of the floor. 2.) As soon as you find your balance, curl your torso up and draw in your belly button towards your spine. 3.) Squeeze with your abdominals and then slowly return back to the starting position repeating for as many reps and sets as possible.

Medicine Ball Throw (Stability Ball)

Steps : 1.) Start by taking a medicine ball and holding it against your chest. 2.) Sit down on a stability ball ball, while keeping the medicine ball against your chest, then walk your feet forward so that only your low to mid back is resting on the stability ball. 3.) Extend your arms behind your head and behind the ball. 4.) Then lift up through your abs and extend your arms forward throwing the medicine ball out high and in front of you. 5.) Continue to extend forward until you feel a stretch in your core and your shoulders. 6.) Either receive the ball from your partner or on the bounce back from the wall. 7.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired. Tips : 1.) For this exercise you will use either a partner to receive the ball during the throw or throw the ball up against a wall where you will be able to catch and receive the bounce back.

Dumbbell Incline Fly (Stability Ball)

Steps : 1.) Start off by laying on an exercise ball in an incline position, with your feet flat on the floor, both hands holding a dumbbells and arms extended over your chest. 2.) Keeping your elbow slightly bent, lower the weights down until they are about chest level and hold. 3.) Return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Barbell Hang Clean Below the Knees

Steps : 1.) Start by standing in front of a barbell with your feet shoulder width apart and gripping the bar with a double overhand shoulder width grip. 2.) Lift the bar up so that it is slightly below your knees, keeping your back straight, then extend through your hips and knees forcefully driving the weight upward and shrugging your shoulders to your ears at the same time. 3.) After performing this motion, flex your elbows up and out bringing your body down and the barbell up towards your shoulders. 4.) You will have the bar positioned in a front squat position with your elbows pointing out securing the barbell in place. 5.) Once in position lower your body to a bottom squat position to ease the tension and recovery process of the previous motion. 6.) Keep your knees bent and torso upright to help support the weight. 7.) Slowly and safely lower the weight back down to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Walking Quadricep Stretch

The walking quadriceps stretch is an effective dynamic stretch that targets the quadriceps muscles, located at the front of the thigh. Stand tall with your feet together and your arms hanging naturally by your sides. Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your torso and maintain good posture throughout the exercise. Take a step forward with your right foot, extending it in front of you. As you step forward, bend your left knee and lift your left foot towards your buttocks. Reach back with your left hand and grasp your left ankle or shin, gently pulling your heel towards your buttocks. Keep your knees close together and your thighs aligned to ensure an effective stretch. Maintain your balance as you hold the stretch, keeping your torso upright and your standing leg stable. Engage your core muscles to help stabilize your body. Release the stretch and take another step forward with your left foot. As you step forward, bend your right knee and lift your right foot towards your buttocks. Reach back with your right hand to grasp your right ankle or shin, gently pulling your heel towards your buttocks to stretch the quadriceps of your right leg. Continue walking forward in this manner, alternating between stretching each leg with each step. Aim to take smooth and controlled steps, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout the exercise. Breathe deeply and evenly throughout the exercise, inhaling as you step forward and exhaling as you stretch. Avoid holding your breath, as this can increase tension and reduce flexibility. Perform the walking quadriceps stretch for a set distance or duration, depending on your fitness level and goals. Alternatively, you can perform a certain number of repetitions on each leg before continuing with your workout or cool down.

Depth Jumps

Depth jumps are an advanced plyometric exercise that can significantly enhance athletic performance when performed correctly. Start with a low platform to minimize the impact on your joints. As you become more proficient and conditioned, you can gradually increase the height of the platform. Stand on top of the platform with your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider. Ensure that you're in a stable position with good posture and alignment. Engage your core muscles to stabilize your torso. Bend your knees slightly to prepare for the jump. Keep your arms by your sides or slightly behind you for balance. Step off the platform with both feet simultaneously. As soon as you make contact with the ground, focus on quickly absorbing the impact by bending your knees and hips. Land softly on the balls of your feet, aiming to minimize ground contact time. Maintain an athletic stance with your knees slightly bent and your chest up. Without pausing, immediately spring upward with maximal force. Focus on exploding off the ground as quickly and powerfully as possible. Extend your hips, knees, and ankles simultaneously to generate vertical height. As you reach the peak of your jump, prepare to absorb the impact of landing. Bend your knees and hips to cushion the landing, aiming for a soft and controlled touchdown. Land with both feet simultaneously, ensuring that your weight is evenly distributed. After landing, quickly reset your position and return to the starting position on top of the platform. Repeat the depth jump for the desired number of repetitions or as prescribed in your training program.