Bent Arm Barbell Pullover
Saturday 31 August 2013
Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance
Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance
Lie face up with your whole body straight on a flat bench while holding a weight plate on top of your forehead. Tip:
You will need to position yourself so that your shoulders are slightly
above the end of a flat bench in order for the traps, neck and head to
be off the bench. This will be your starting position.While keeping the plate secure on your forehead slowly lower your head back in a semi-circular motion as you breathe in.
Raise your head back up to the starting position in a semi-circular motion as you breathe out. Hold the contraction for a second.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Caution: As with all exercises, refrain from using any sort of sudden or jerking motions.
Variation: You can opt to use no resistance at first.
Lying Face Down Plate Neck Resistance
Lie face down with your whole body straight on a flat bench while holding a weight plate behind your head. Tip:
You will need to position yourself so that your shoulders are slightly
above the end of a flat bench in order for the upper chest, neck and
face to be off the bench. This will be your starting position.While keeping the plate secure on the back of your head slowly lower your head (as in saying "yes") as you breathe in.
Raise your head back up to the starting position in a semi-circular motion as you breathe out. Hold the contraction for a second.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Caution: As with all exercises, refrain from using any sort of sudden or jerking motions.
Variation: You can opt to use no resistance at first.
Isometric Neck Excercise
Isometric Neck Excercise
With your head and neck in a neutral position (normal position
with head erect facing forward), place both of your hands on the front
side of your head.
Now gently push forward as you contract the neck muscles but resisting any movement of your head. Start with slow tension and increase slowly. Keep breathing normally as you execute this contraction.
Hold for the recommended number of seconds.
Now release the tension slowly.
Rest for the recommended amount of time and repeat with your hands placed on the back side of your head.
Variations: You can also do this exercise by placing your hands on the sides of your head. First do one side and then the next.
Now gently push forward as you contract the neck muscles but resisting any movement of your head. Start with slow tension and increase slowly. Keep breathing normally as you execute this contraction.
Hold for the recommended number of seconds.
Now release the tension slowly.
Rest for the recommended amount of time and repeat with your hands placed on the back side of your head.
Variations: You can also do this exercise by placing your hands on the sides of your head. First do one side and then the next.
Saturday 24 August 2013
.Incline Bench Pull
Incline Bench Pull
Grab a dumbbell in each hand and lie face down on an incline bench that is set to an incline that is approximately 30 degrees.
Let the arms hang to your sides fully extended as they point to the floor.
Turn the wrists until your hands have a pronated (palms down) grip.
Now flare the elbows out. This will be your starting position.
As you breathe out, start to pull the dumbbells up as if you are doing a reverse bench press. You will do this by bending at the elbows and bringing the upper arms up as you let the forearms hang. Continue this motion until the upper arms are at the same level as your back. Tip: The elbows will come out to the side and your upper arms and torso should make the letter "T" at the top of the movement. Hold the contraction at the top for a second.
Slowly go back down to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: You can perform this same movement but with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). You can also use a barbell.
Let the arms hang to your sides fully extended as they point to the floor.
Turn the wrists until your hands have a pronated (palms down) grip.
Now flare the elbows out. This will be your starting position.
As you breathe out, start to pull the dumbbells up as if you are doing a reverse bench press. You will do this by bending at the elbows and bringing the upper arms up as you let the forearms hang. Continue this motion until the upper arms are at the same level as your back. Tip: The elbows will come out to the side and your upper arms and torso should make the letter "T" at the top of the movement. Hold the contraction at the top for a second.
Slowly go back down to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: You can perform this same movement but with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). You can also use a barbell.
.Bent Over Two Dumbbell Row
Bent Over Two Dumbbell Row
With a dumbbell in each hand (palms facing your torso), bend your
knees slightly and bring your torso forward by bending at the waist; as
you bend make sure to keep your back straight until it is almost
parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep
the head up. The weights should hang directly in front of you as your
arms hang perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your
starting position.
While keeping the torso stationary, lift the dumbbells to your side (as you breathe out), keeping the elbows close to the body (do not exert any force with the forearm other than holding the weights). On the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a second.
Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Caution:
This exercise is not recommended for people with back problems. A Low Pulley Row is a better choice for people with back issues.
Ensure perfect form and never round the back as this can promote back injury.
Be cautious with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.
Variations: You can perform the same exercise using a low pulley instead with a v-bar or with a barbell. This exercise can also be performed with supinated or neutral grips.
While keeping the torso stationary, lift the dumbbells to your side (as you breathe out), keeping the elbows close to the body (do not exert any force with the forearm other than holding the weights). On the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a second.
Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Caution:
This exercise is not recommended for people with back problems. A Low Pulley Row is a better choice for people with back issues.
Ensure perfect form and never round the back as this can promote back injury.
Be cautious with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.
Variations: You can perform the same exercise using a low pulley instead with a v-bar or with a barbell. This exercise can also be performed with supinated or neutral grips.
Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row
Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row
Put weight on one of the ends of an Olympic barbell. Make sure that
you either place the other end of the barbell in the corner of two
walls; or put a heavy object on the ground so the barbell cannot slide
backward.
Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
Now grab the bar with one arm just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
Pull the bar straight up with your elbow in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Do not allow for any swinging of the torso. Only the arm should move.
Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and switch arms.
Variations: You can perform this exercise using a low pulley.
Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
Now grab the bar with one arm just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
Pull the bar straight up with your elbow in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Do not allow for any swinging of the torso. Only the arm should move.
Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and switch arms.
Variations: You can perform this exercise using a low pulley.
Friday 16 August 2013
Flat Bench Lying Leg Raise
Flat Bench Lying Leg Raise
Lie with your back flat on a bench and your legs extended in front of you off the end.Place your hands either under your glutes with your palms down or by the sides holding on to the bench. This will be your starting position.
As you keep your legs extended, straight as possible with your knees slightly bent but locked raise your legs until they make a 90-degree angle with the floor. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement and hold the contraction at the top for a second.
Now, as you inhale, slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position.
Variations: You can also perform this exercise on the floor on top of an exercise mat. You can also add weight by holding a dumbbell in between your feet as you get more advanced.
Decline Crunch
Decline Crunch
Secure your legs at the end of the decline bench and lie down.Now place your hands lightly on either side of your head keeping your elbows in. Tip: Don't lock your fingers behind your head.
While pushing the small of your back down in the bench to better isolate your abdominal muscles, begin to roll your shoulders off it.
Continue to push down as hard as you can with your lower back as you contract your abdominals and exhale. Your shoulders should come up off the bench only about four inches, and your lower back should remain on the bench. At the top of the movement, contract your abdominals hard and keep the contraction for a second. Tip: Focus on slow, controlled movement - don't cheat yourself by using momentum.
After the one second contraction, begin to come down slowly again to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: There are many variations for the crunch. You can perform the exercise with weights, or on top of an exercise ball or on a flat bench.
Cable Crunch
Cable Crunch
Kneel below a high pulley that contains a rope attachment.Grasp cable rope attachment and lower the rope until your hands are placed next to your face.
Flex your hips slightly and allow the weight to hyperextend the lower back. This will be your starting position.
With the hips stationary, flex the waist as you contract the abs so that the elbows travel towards the middle of the thighs. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement and hold the contraction for a second.
Slowly return to the starting position as you inhale. Tip: Make sure that you keep constant tension on the abs throughout the movement. Also, do not choose a weight so heavy that the lower back handles the brunt of the work.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: You can perform this exercise with a handle instead so that you can concentrate on each side of the abs separately by performing the exercise to the side.
Wednesday 14 August 2013
.Butt Ups
Butt Ups
Begin a pushup position but with your elbows on the ground and
resting on your forearms. Your arms should be bent at a 90 degree angle.Arch your back slightly out rather than keeping your back completely straight.
Raise your glutes toward the ceiling, squeezing your abs tightly to close the distance between your ribcage and hips. The end result will be that you’ll end up in a high bridge position. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
Lower back down slowly to your starting position as you breathe in. Tip: Don't let your back sag downwards.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Bent Knee Hip Raise
Bent Knee Hip Raise
Lay flat on the floor with your arms next to your sides.Now bend your knees at around a 75 degree angle and lift your feet off the floor by around 2 inches.
Using your lower abs, bring your knees in towards you as you maintain the 75 degree angle bend in your legs. Continue this movement until you raise your hips off of the floor by rolling your pelvis backward. Breathe out as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: At the end of the movement your knees will be over your chest.
Squeeze your abs at the top of the movement for a second and then return to the starting position slowly as you breathe in. Tip: Maintain a controlled motion at all times.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: You can straighten your legs to make it harder or wear ankle weights.
Barbell Side Bend
Barbell Side Bend
Stand up straight while holding a barbell placed on the back of your
shoulders (slightly below the neck). Your feet should be shoulder
width apart. This will be your starting position.While keeping your back straight and your head up, bend only at the waist to the right as far as possible. Breathe in as you bend to the side. Then hold for a second and come back up to the starting position as you exhale. Tip: Keep the rest of the body stationary.
Now repeat the movement but bending to the left instead. Hold for a second and come back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Caution: Use caution if you have lower back problems, or avoid this exerise altogether.
Variations: You can also do this exercise while seating on a bench or with dumbbells in your hands.
Barbell Rollout
Barbell Rollout
Place a loaded barbell on the ground, near the end of a bench. Kneel
with both legs on the bench, and take a medium to narrow grip on the
barbell. This will be your starting position.
To begin, extend through the hips to slowly roll the bar forward. As you roll out, flex the shoulder to roll the bar above your head. Ensure that your arms remain extended throughout the movement.
When the bar has been moved as far forward as possible, return to the starting position.
Friday 9 August 2013
Air Bike Excercise
Air Bike Excercise
Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground.
For this exercise, you will need to put your hands beside your head. Be
careful however to not strain with the neck as you perform it. Now lift
your shoulders into the crunch position.
Bring knees up to where they are perpendicular to the floor, with your lower legs parallel to the floor. This will be your starting position.
Now simultaneously, slowly go through a cycle pedal motion kicking forward with the right leg and bringing in the knee of the left leg. Bring your right elbow close to your left knee by crunching to the side, as you breathe out.
Go back to the initial position as you breathe in.
Crunch to the opposite side as you cycle your legs and bring closer your left elbow to your right knee and exhale.
Continue alternating in this manner until all of the recommended repetitions for each side have been completed.
Notes: While you cannot add resistance to this exercise you can concentrate on perfect execution and slow speed.
Bring knees up to where they are perpendicular to the floor, with your lower legs parallel to the floor. This will be your starting position.
Now simultaneously, slowly go through a cycle pedal motion kicking forward with the right leg and bringing in the knee of the left leg. Bring your right elbow close to your left knee by crunching to the side, as you breathe out.
Go back to the initial position as you breathe in.
Crunch to the opposite side as you cycle your legs and bring closer your left elbow to your right knee and exhale.
Continue alternating in this manner until all of the recommended repetitions for each side have been completed.
Notes: While you cannot add resistance to this exercise you can concentrate on perfect execution and slow speed.
Ab Crunch Excercise
Ab Crunch Excercise
Select a light resistance and sit down on the ab machine placing
your feet under the pads provided and grabbing the top handles. Your
arms should be bent at a 90 degree angle as you rest the triceps on the
pads provided. This will be your starting position.
At the same time, begin to lift the legs up as you crunch your upper torso. Breathe out as you perform this movement. Tip: Be sure to use a slow and controlled motion. Concentrate on using your abs to move the weight while relaxing your legs and feet.
After a second pause, slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Caution:
For this exercise, always select a weight that you can easily handle as using too much weight can easily lead to injury.
At the same time, begin to lift the legs up as you crunch your upper torso. Breathe out as you perform this movement. Tip: Be sure to use a slow and controlled motion. Concentrate on using your abs to move the weight while relaxing your legs and feet.
After a second pause, slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Caution:
For this exercise, always select a weight that you can easily handle as using too much weight can easily lead to injury.
Sit Up Excecise
Sit Up Excecise
Lie down on the floor and secure your feet. Your legs should be bent at the knees.
Place your hands behind or to the side of your head. You will begin with your back on the ground. This will be your starting position.
Flex your hips and spine to raise your torso toward your knees.
At the top of the contraction your torso should be perpendicular to the ground. Reverse the motion, going only ¾ of the way down.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Place your hands behind or to the side of your head. You will begin with your back on the ground. This will be your starting position.
Flex your hips and spine to raise your torso toward your knees.
At the top of the contraction your torso should be perpendicular to the ground. Reverse the motion, going only ¾ of the way down.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Saturday 3 August 2013
Rope Jumping Excercise
Rope Jumping Excercise
Hold an end of the rope in each hand. Position the rope behind you
on the ground. Raise your arms up and turn the rope over your head
bringing it down in front of you. When it reaches the ground, jump over
it. Find a good turning pace that can be maintained. Different speeds
and techniques can be used to introduce variation. Rope jumping is exciting, challenges your coordination, and requires a lot of energy. A 150 lb person will burn about 350 calories jumping rope for 30 minutes, compared to over 450 calories running.
Barbell Full Squat Excercise (Quardriceps)
Barbell Full Squat Excercise (Quardriceps)
This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety
purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack just above shoulder
level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step
under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the
neck) across it.Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder-width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times and maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position.
Begin to slowly lower the bar by bending the knees and sitting back with your hips as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until your hamstrings are on your calves. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel or middle of your foot as you straighten the legs and extend the hips to go back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
This type of squat allows a greater range of motion, and allows the trunk to maintain a more vertical position than other types of squats, due to foot position and the higher bar position.
Chair Squat Excercise(Quardriceps)
Chair Squat Excercise(Quardriceps)
To begin, first set the bar to a position that best matches your
height. Once the bar is loaded, step under it and position it across the
back of your shoulders.
Take the bar with your hands facing forward, unlock it and lift it off the rack by extending your legs.
Move your feet forward about 18 inches in front of the bar. Position your legs using a shoulder width stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Look forward at all times and maintain a neutral or slightly arched spine. This will be your starting position.
Slowly lower the bar by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until the angle between the upper and lower leg breaks 90 degrees.
Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heels of your feet, extending the knees and returning to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Take the bar with your hands facing forward, unlock it and lift it off the rack by extending your legs.
Move your feet forward about 18 inches in front of the bar. Position your legs using a shoulder width stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Look forward at all times and maintain a neutral or slightly arched spine. This will be your starting position.
Slowly lower the bar by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until the angle between the upper and lower leg breaks 90 degrees.
Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heels of your feet, extending the knees and returning to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Eagle Legs Press Excercise
Eagle Legs Press Excercise
Using a leg press machine, sit down on the machine and place your
legs on the platform directly in front of you at a medium (shoulder
width) foot stance. (Note: For the purposes of this
discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets
overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances
described in the foot positioning section).
Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform in place and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you. Tip: Make sure that you do not lock your knees. Your torso and the legs should make a perfect 90-degree angle. This will be your starting position.
As you inhale, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs make a 90-degree angle.
Pushing mainly with the heels of your feet and using the quadriceps go back to the starting position as you exhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and ensure to lock the safety pins properly once you are done. You do not want that platform falling on you fully loaded.
Caution: Always check to make sure that when you re-rack the weight the platform is securely locked.
Variations: All foot stance variations described in the foot stance section.
Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform in place and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you. Tip: Make sure that you do not lock your knees. Your torso and the legs should make a perfect 90-degree angle. This will be your starting position.
As you inhale, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs make a 90-degree angle.
Pushing mainly with the heels of your feet and using the quadriceps go back to the starting position as you exhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and ensure to lock the safety pins properly once you are done. You do not want that platform falling on you fully loaded.
Caution: Always check to make sure that when you re-rack the weight the platform is securely locked.
Variations: All foot stance variations described in the foot stance section.
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